Pigeon Pair/Upright Fridges & Freezers Buying Guide

A 'pigeon pair' refers to a single-door refrigerator beside a separate but matching single-door upright freezer. So instead of combining a fridge and a freezer in the one appliance (as most of us are used to seeing), a pigeon pair separates the two. Not only is this configuration visually appealing, but it also provides a vast amount of fridge and freezer space, making it an excellent investment for large households.

Capacity wise, a pigeon pair can provide around 250L to 790L (combined total) of storage space. While most average-sized top mount fridges only provide around 150L of freezer space, a single-door freezer can provide between 175L and 300L. This extra space makes it possible to buy your groceries in bulk which can save you money and time.

Pigeon pairs also provide a practical and convenient way to store your fresh and frozen food. The items you use most frequently (such as margarine, milk, juice, and ice cubes) can be placed at eye level so you don't have to bend down as often. Plus the simple layout of these fridges makes it easy to spot what you're searching for at a glance.

If space is an issue, you don't necessarily need to store your fridge and freezer beside each other.

Instead, you could possibly position your fridge and freezer at opposite sides of the kitchen. And if you've got a big family, you could even buy a single refrigerator or freezer in addition to your main fridge, and place it in the rumpus room or garage.

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 such as doorways and stairs. 

Other Features to Consider:

Energy Rating: All fridges sold in Australia come with an energy star rating. The more stars, the more energy-efficient the appliance. The energy ratings for our selection of Pigeon Pair fridges and freezers range from 1 to 3 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 and clean. 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.

However, the stainless steel look isn't to everyone's taste. The classic white look is the most cost-effective option, and it's easy to keep clean using a damp soapy cloth.

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:

Selected models feature electronic temperature controls which provide greater precision than manual dials. 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.

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.

Door opening direction: When buying a Pigeon Pair make sure you know in advance which way you want the doors open. Some brands provide the option of manually reconfiguring the door to open a different way (using a special kit) however it's easier to simply buy a fridge that suits your requirements from day one.

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