Old fridge died? Here's what to look for in your new one

If it’s lights out for your old fridge, but you’re not sure what features and functionality to look for in a new one, you’re in the right place. Your fridge is the silent (hopefully) workhorse of your kitchen appliances, steadily working away 24/7 for years on end, so when the time comes to replace it, you want to choose well.

Here, we explore some of the key considerations when buying a new fridge freezer, look at the four main styles available, and share some pointers on which might best suit you and your household.

The main, non-negotiable consideration when buying a new fridge is its size and capacity. You probably have a dedicated space in your kitchen that your new fridge needs to fit into, and can’t do much to change it. So, get your tape measure out and make a note of the space you have to work with.

The fridge you pick will need to not just fit into this space, though, but do so comfortably. What does this mean? Well, your fridge sucks hot air out of its interior and expels it, so you should allow at least 5 cm room around the sides and 10 cm or more around the top and back to enable good airflow. This allows for the ventilation needed to prevent the fridge from overheating, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.

The configuration of the fridge refers to the arrangement of compartments and storage spaces. There are four main types of fridge freezer available, each with their own advantages and considerations (if you want a fridge without any freezer space, check out upright fridges, aka 'all fridge' and 'fridge only').

French door refrigerators have become more popular in recent years, their larger capacity reflecting the increasing size of modern Australian kitchens. With two doors on top and a bottom freezer drawer, they have ample storage space and adjustable shelving, housed inside stylish and often fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exteriors. Many models also have in-door water and ice dispensers, either plumbed or non-plumbed.

Best for: Families and larger households that need plenty of fresh food storage space, along with advanced features and a contemporary look.

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Side-by-side models feature a vertical split with the refrigerator on one side and the freezer on the other. They typically have more freezer space than French door fridges, with much of this being accessible without needing to bend down. Consider models with features such as smart controls, coolers for drinks, and door-in-door access for easy organisation.

Best for: Families and larger households who value more freezer space and easy access to both the refrigerator and freezer sections.

Shop side by side fridges

Top mount refrigerators are single door fridges with a freezer compartment located at eye level. Generally the most energy efficient and lowest priced fridges you can buy, they are suitable for smaller kitchens. Look for models with features like humidity-controlled crisper drawers and frost-free operation.

Best for: Smaller households, couples, or individuals with lower fresh food storage needs. If you prefer a classic fridge layout, this is the style for you.

Shop top mount fridges

Best for: Mid-sized families or households that want easy access to the refrigerator section and need slightly more fridge and freezer space than top mount fridges provide.

Shop bottom mount fridges

Need more insights on these four types of refrigerator? Read Should you buy a Top Mount, Bottom Mount, French Door, or Side by Side fridge?

With rising electricity costs and environmental consciousness, energy efficiency is a crucial consideration. Look for fridges with high energy star ratings of 4 and above if possible, to reduce electricity consumption, your carbon footprint and your utility bills.

Look for frost-free functionality, which eliminates the need for manual defrosting, and consider advanced smart features like app connectivity that allow you to monitor and control energy use.

Evaluate the storage features offered by different fridge models. Consider the number and layout of shelves, compartments, and drawers. Adjustable shelves can accommodate taller items and provide flexibility for organising groceries. Look for fridges with humidity-controlled crispers to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer. Door storage options, such as bins and racks, can provide easy access to frequently used items like milk, orange juice and condiments.

You’ll happily have your shiny new fridge be the topic of conversation, but you don’t really want it to join in - so consider the noise level. Look for models with lower decibel ratings to ensure minimal disturbance, especially if the fridge will be placed in or near open plan living areas. In general, a decibel rating between 35 dB and 45 dB is considered quiet enough. Some fridges may occasionally be a bit noisier when the compressor kicks in or the ice maker goes to work.

A fridge is a long-term investment, so try to choose a model from a brand known for its durability and reliability. Check out customer reviews and star ratings, as well as warranty terms. Most fridges have at least two year warranties, but a lot offer five years and handful of higher end models even go up to 10 years. Appliances Online sells a huge range of fridges from brands with reputations for building reliable appliances, including Samsung, Smeg, Fisher & Paykel, Westinghouse, Haier, Electrolux and LG.

Temperature control is crucial to maintaining the freshness and quality of your food. Look for fridges with easy-to-use temperature controls and the technology to maintain a consistent temperature range throughout the compartments. Some advanced models even have separate temperature zones for specific food items.

Compare prices across different brands and models to find a fridge that both meets your requirements and fits your budget. Remember that additional features, advanced technology, and larger capacities will probably come with a higher price tag. Think about whether you will actually use the features that you’ll be paying for. If you’ll use the ice and water dispenser, those inclusions are good value - if you won’t, they aren’t. Find a happy balance between cost, functionality and aesthetics.

When buying a new fridge, you need to first determine the configuration that aligns with both your kitchen space and your lifestyle. Once you’ve done this, you can refine your search by energy efficiency, temperature controls, freezer space, noise level, durability and smart features - as well, of course, as by price.

By working your way through these considerations, you can narrow down your search and confidently choose the best new fridge for your home.