3 & 4 Door Fridge Buying Guide

Ideal for large families, 3 & 4 door fridges provide around 500L to 800L of storage capacity. Also known as 'French Door' refrigerators, these units feature a refrigerator section on top with two doors which open outwards. 

The fridge section is located at the base of the unit and will either feature two outwards-opening doors or 1-2 freezer drawers which slide out horizontally.

It's the extra width which is these fridges best asset, allowing you to store wide platters, cakes, pizzas, and more. This makes them the perfect choice for anyone who loves cooking and entertaining. Plus the large amount of storage space makes it possible to take advantage of bulk buys while grocery shopping.

However because these fridges are so wide, you need to measure carefully before purchasing to make sure they will fit in your kitchen. You will need to allow extra room for the doors to open, also ensuring that there's a gap between the fridge and the wall for safe ventilation.

Highly ergonomic, this style of fridge places the refrigerator section at eye level. Because we tend to use the fridge more often than we use the freezer, this means you don't have to bend down as often to access your food.

It also makes it easier to find what you're looking for.

Here are a few tips to make sure you get the right 3 or 4 door fridge for your needs:

Our 3 & 4 door fridges range in size from 510L to around 750L. Generally speaking, any fridge with a capacity over 500L should be adequate for households with around 4 adults. 

Adjustable shelving is a good feature to look out for because you can remove the shelves if needed to maximise the storage capacity of your fridge. And if necessary, you could supplement the freezer space by also investing in a chest freezer.

Keep in mind that the larger the fridge the more energy it will use. So choose carefully and make sure that you are purchasing the most appropriate size fridge for your household. Although if you're tossing up between two sizes, we always recommend that you go for the larger one because there's nothing quite as frustrating as not being able to fit everything inside the fridge. Plus having a bit of extra space is a bonus if you are expecting guests.

And as with any major appliance purchase, make sure you measure your kitchen before making a decision. Don't forget to take into consideration access points as well; will it need to fit through a door or travel up to a flight of stairs? You don't want to buy a new fridge only to discover you can't actually get it into your kitchen.

Energy Rating: All fridges sold in Australia come with an energy star rating. The more stars, the more energy-efficient the appliance. Our selection of 3 & 4 door fridges have energy ratings which range from 1.5 to 2 stars. 

Common sense dictates that the larger the fridge capacity, the more energy it is going to use; which is why it's important to choose the right size fridge to suit your needs.

Another thing to look out for is fridges which feature Eco or Holiday modes which help to conserve energy during periods when the fridge is not being used as frequently.

Stainless steel doors: The stainless steel look has become popular in recent years because it

is sleek, clean and professional. However one of the drawbacks of stainless steel is it's prone to collecting

fingerprints and smudges. Some brands counter this problem with 'fingerprint-resistant' stainless steel or brushed stainless steel. Other models come with a special stainless steel cleaning kit to keep your fridge looking shiny and beautiful.

Please note that models with high-grade stainless steel finishes are non-magnetic; so you won't be able to stick magnets to the fridge door. Most fridge doors are slightly curved, however, some higher-end models have perfectly flat fronts to create a designer aesthetic.

However, the stainless steel look isn't to everyone's taste, which is why selected 3 & 4 door fridge models are also available in white, Inox, and black.

Ventilation: Fridges and freezers produce quite a bit of heat. If you squeeze your fridge into a space that's too small, this heat will have nowhere to go and you will risk overheating the appliance.

The amount of ventilation space required for a fridge or freezer varies depending on the model and the manufacturer, but 2cm either side and 3cm at the top and back is a good rule of thumb.

Temperature/Humidity Controls: Most models of 3 and 4 door fridges feature electronic temperature controls which enable excellent temperature precision. These are generally easy to operate using an LED display.

The more advanced models allow you to set different temperatures within certain areas of the fridge. For example, some fridges offer a 'chill' compartment which is ideal for keeping meat and other perishables fresher for longer. Some fridges also provide a 'drinks chill' option to quickly bring champagne and other drinks down to ideal serving temperature. Similarly, some freezers provide a 'turbo freeze' option to quickly freeze food that has been recently added to the freezer.

Humidity levels affect the freshness of your fruit and vegetables. Most fridge models supply a crisper bin to prevent your veggies from drying out, but the more advanced fridge models allow you to exactly control the humidity levels to best suit whatever it is you're storing. For example, leafy greens require high humidity levels (otherwise they will wilt), while low humidity levels are better for things like pumpkin, onions, and garlic.

Lighting: We all know the frustration of trying to find a missing item inside a poorly lit fridge. Some refrigerators feature interior lighting right down the back panel of the fridge which lights the shelves more effectively than a roof light. 

The LED lighting is more energy-efficient than traditional lighting, and it also emits less heat. This is an advantage because even slight temperature fluctuations can affect the lifespan of your food. Some models also offer a freezer light, which makes an incredibly convenient addition.

Adjustable glass shelves: Recommended; they offer flexible storage options and are easy to clean. Glass is sturdier than plastic and it also helps to retain the cold air.

Look out for shelving with spill proofing; some brands can prevent spills of up to 1 liter from dripping to the shelves below.

Water and ice dispensers: A filtered water and ice dispenser in the front of the fridge door is very convenient, but it can increase the price of the fridge and take up storage space. Please note that water dispensers must be plumbed in by a licensed tradesman.

Another option is to buy a fridge with a twisting ice cube tray that is located above an ice storage box. (Some models even come with a stylish bucket and scoop!) This is a handy addition for anyone who entertains frequently. 

Air deodorisers: They keep your fridge smelling fresh by using an active carbon filter to absorb unpleasant odours