ARTICLE
Best cheap Fridges in Australia 2026
Published Mar 10, 2026 • Updated Aug 27, 2026 - 4 min read
Cheap fridges can still be a smart buy if you match the litres to your household size, the star rating to your running costs, and the features to your lifestyle. This roundup covers the best budget top mount, bottom mount, side by side and French door fridges for apartments, small homes and bigger families in 2026, plus the features worth paying for.
Key takeaways from this article
Value means a low purchase price plus a strong star rating and useful features, since running costs add up over a fridge's 10+ year life.
Top and bottom mount fridges suit tight spaces and smaller households best, typically 200 to 500 litres for one to four people.
Side by side fridges work well when you want more space and easy-clean shelves, typically 500 to 700 litres for bigger families.
French door fridges can be affordable, with fast cooling and water or ice options, typically from 480 litres up.
Check the Energy Rating Label on every model — an extra star can save $20 to $30 a year in running costs.
Fridge not working? Not cool. If your fridge is losing its chill or you’re looking to upgrade and fulfil your French-door fridge fantasies, then this is the guide for you. We’ve got your back with cheap fridges that tick all the boxes, as well as all the features and functionality you need to keep your groceries fresh, your cocktails iced and your kitchen on-trend.
Ready to go shopping? Keep reading to discover the best value fridges to buy.
Are cheap Fridges good?
Yes, cheap fridges are good value when they balance a low price with a solid star rating and the right capacity for your household, rather than cutting corners on efficiency.
Of course they are, as long as you buy right. “The best value fridge is one that costs you less but still serves up energy savings, the ideal capacity for your household, and smart features to suit your needs and lifestyle,” says Peter Simic, The Good Guys Buyer – Refrigeration. “If you do your homework, you can find an affordable fridge with next-gen tech that boosts the quality and longevity of your food and the appeal of your kitchen.”
“The best value fridge is one that costs you less but still serves up energy savings, the ideal capacity for your household, and smart features to suit your needs and lifestyle.”
Peter Simic, The Good Guys Buyer – Refrigeration
Every fridge in this guide was shortlisted on the same criteria: a strong Energy Rating Label for its size, the right capacity for common household sizes, and a genuine track record of customer reviews, not just the lowest sticker price.
Who makes the best cheap Top Mount or Bottom Mount Fridge?
The cheapest to buy and the cheapest to run, a top mount or bottom mount fridge is a smart buy for apartment living where space is tighter, or if you are kitting out your first place on a budget.
Living solo or as a perfect pair? “One to two people will only need a fridge with a capacity of 200 to 400 litres, and CHiQ are the masters at small but mighty. Even their entry-level fridge-freezer has an on-trend black finish, frost-free technology and a 4-star energy rating,” says Peter.
For families who need to fit more into their fridge, look for a model in the 350 to 400 litre range with a 4-star rating or higher — that's the sweet spot for keeping running costs down without sacrificing space. Hisense's budget range is a strong pick here, with adjustable glass shelving to accommodate every need. A water dispenser on the door means you can refuel while keeping the chill in, and inverter technology helps the fridge hold a consistent temperature for better freshness and energy efficiency.
Who makes the best cheap Side by Side Fridge?
Side by side fridges suit bigger households, typically 500 to 700 litres for families of four or more, and are worth the extra bench space if you shop and cook in bulk.
With a freezer on the left and a fridge on the right, space is the big plus here. “Because side by side fridges have a bigger internal cavity to keep cold, it’s wise to look for a model with surround cooling that chills from the front and back. More food often means more spills, so easy-clean glass shelving is another feature to look for,” says Peter.
Westinghouse is a strong choice in this range, delivering the above features at a budget-friendly price, plus a Quick Chill function, perfect for your farmers market-fresh fruit and veg. This feature cools food fast to keep it fresher longer.
And say goodbye to stinky fridges, thanks to LG and its Pure N Fresh technology. It reduces fridge odours with a fan-forced carbon deodoriser. Bring on seafood Sundays!
Who makes the best cheap French Door Fridge?
French door fridges are a good fit for families who entertain often, with most models starting around 480 litres and up.
Thought French door fridges were for cashed-up kitchens? Think again. Turn your sights to Haier for a high-spec fridge that won’t break the bank. For much less than you’d expect to pay, you’ll get a four-door fridge-freezer with six freezer drawers and humidity-controlled vegetable compartments to lock in moisture, preserving fresh fruit and veg for longer.
Samsung is renowned for its smart and stylish French door fridges, so you might be surprised to learn how affordable they really are. For much less than you’d expect, you can enjoy Power Cool and Power Freeze functions to chill (or freeze) foods faster; digital inverter technology; a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish; and fresh, filtered water and ice straight from the in-door dispenser!
Where can I buy a cheap Fridge?
At The Good Guys, of course! You’ll always get the best value on the latest cheap kitchen appliances at The Good Guys. Don’t forget to check out our clearance bargains page for hefty savings on household essentials. Alternatively, we offer interest-free finance options through Latitude, as well as PayPal In 4, Zip, and AfterPay.
Head in-store or online to find the biggest brands of fridges at the best prices. Don't forget ... The Good Guys offers Next Day Delivery on a range of fridges and freezers. Click to find out what is available for your purchase here: The Good Guys Delivery Options.
FAQs
Budget fridges in Australia typically sit between $500 and $1,500 and offer a reliable option without extra frills. Mid-range fridges, often considered the sweet spot for most households, generally cost between $1,500 and $1,800, while premium models with larger capacity and extra features can run well beyond that. Set your budget based on the size and features you need.
Yes, in most cases a more efficient Fridge pays for itself over time. The extra cost is typically recovered in time through lower power bills.
The size you need depends mainly on how many people you're feeding. As a rule of thumb, look for around 200 to 400 litres for one to two people, 400 to 600 litres for three to four, and 500 to 800 litres for five or more. This gives everyone enough room without wasted energy from an oversized fridge.
