Ask The Expert: What Is The Top Feature I Should Look For In My Next Fridge?

I think we can all agree that the fridge is one of the most essential household appliances. Breakfast, lunch and dinner would be non-events without one, and don’t get me started on life without an instant ice dispenser. That’s why, when it comes to matching our customers with the perfect appliance, there’s nothing more satisfying than finding them a fridge with all the right features. Now, the big question: Is there one fridge feature to rule them all?

The fact of the matter is, families and households come in all shapes and sizes with different priorities to keep their lives running smoothly. Some want ample freezer space for time-saving batch cooking, while others want a cavernous fridge-freezer with adjustable shelves for entertaining. There are even households that long for a smart fridge cum personal assistant to keep shopping lists, collate menus and remind them of 

appointments (there’s a Samsung fridge for that!). The Good Guys fridges tick these boxes (and more), but first you need to nail the basics:

• Fridge size

• Fridge type (French door fridge, side-by-side fridge, top or bottom mount fridge)

• Colour and finish

So, here’s everything you need to ace new fridge shopping.

What Size Fridge Do I Need?

The perfect first question. How many mouths do you have to feed? A couple in an apartment who often eat out are prime candidates for a compact 250L single door fridge. But if you have your own soccer team at home, a 569L French door Fisher & Paykel fridge is made to measure. Remember, go too big and your underfilled fridge will be using energy to cool food that’s not there. Too small and your stuffed fridge will struggle to circulate cool air.

Be guided by these general capacity requirements:

• 1–2 people will need 200 to 400L

• 3–4 people will need 520 to 600L, and

• 5+ people will need 700L

And please only fall in love with a fridge that fits. Imagine receiving your dream fridge to find you can’t get it through the front door or into your fridge alcove. Save future heartache and study up on how to measure for a fridge.

What Type Of Fridge Do I Need?

Which is better, a top mount or bottom mount fridge? Are French door fridges better? To help you decide which fridge design is best for you (and your budget), here are the key benefits of each:

French Door Fridges

Winning features: Large capacity, wide shelves for large platters, large fridge drawers for fresh produce, large door bins for tall bottles, easy access freezer drawer, reduced energy wastage with single door access. 

Shop French door fridges

Haier 489L French Door Refrigerator

LG 637L InstaView Refrigerator

Fisher & Paykel 569L French Door Refrigerator

“Please only fall in love with a fridge that fits. Imagine receiving your dream fridge to find you can’t get it through the front door or into your fridge alcove.” Peter Simic, The Good Guys Buyer – Refrigeration

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Side-By-Side Fridges

Winning features: Large capacity, often include ice and water dispensers, narrow doors for snug kitchens, big freezer space, vertical design for easy organisation.

Shop Side-By-Side Fridges

Hisense 578L Side By Side Refrigerator

Westinghouse 619L Side By Side Refrigerator

Samsung 616L Family Hub Refrigerator

Top Or Bottom Mount Fridges

Winning features: Budget-friendly, energy efficient, wide range of design options, option for reversible doors, top mount means less bending for freezer access, bottom mount means practical fridge access.

Shop Top And Bottom Mount Fridges

LG 420L Bottom Mount Refrigerator

Fisher & Paykel 494L Bottom Mount Refrigerator

Hisense 205L Top Mount Refrigerator

What Colour Fridge Is Best For My Kitchen?

The one you’ll love looking at every day. You’ve got more options than ever thanks to Samsung’s trailblazing custom fridges. These Bespoke beauties offer seven different colour panels in matte metal, high gloss glass or frosted satin finishes that can be switched to suit your style. Another modern option is a black fridge, while stainless steel is contemporary and complements most aesthetics. A classic white fridge is generally budget-friendly and works well in any space.

What Extra Features Should I Look For In A Fridge?

So you’ve found a fridge that fits, functions and looks fantastic. Great! Now you can consider which next-gen features will make mealtime magic in your kitchen. Look for:

• Inverter technology for quiet, energy-efficient operation

• Adjustable interior shelving

• Convertible cooling for flexible fridge-freezer space

• Quick-chill setting for cooling food fast

• Craft ice maker for entertaining

• Beverage centre for self-filling water jugs

• Wi-Fi connectivity for troubleshooting

Where Can I Save On Fridges?

The Good Guys is your one stop shop for great value fridges for seriously cool kitchens. Our in-store experts love nothing more than guiding you to the best kitchen appliances to meet your budget – talk to them about how you can get the premium feel and features you want. Plus, check out these 10 ways to Pay Less with The Good Guys so you can start saving today.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Peter Simic is The Good Guys Refrigeration Buyer. He is a product specialist with more than 8 years of experience in home appliances.

Ready to go shopping for your dream fridge? Head in-store or online to find the fabulous French door, spectacular side-by-side or beautiful bottom mount fridge to complete your kitchen.