Side by Side Fridges Buying Guide

Ranging in capacity from 550L to around 800L, side by side fridges are, to put it simply, big. Available in a range of stylish finishes, these giants feature a freezer section on the left beside a refrigerator section on the right.

Aside from the huge capacity, the great advantage of this style of fridge is that it makes it equally easy to access your fresh and frozen food. You most frequently used items can be stored at eye level, while food and drinks for long term storage can be kept on the lower shelves.

On the downside, since the compartments are relatively narrow, it’s more difficult to store wide items such as platters and pizzas. And depending on the layout of your kitchen, they can be a tricky fit. When measuring your kitchen cavity you'll need to make sure you make sure there's enough room for the doors to open properly before you make a purchase.

Another thing to bear in mind is the larger the fridge, the more energy it will use. Thus it's important to consider the energy star rating when making your choice.

Choosing the right size:

Our side by side fridges range in size from 560L to over 800L. 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.

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.

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. Our side by side fridges have energy ratings which 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.

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 design aesthetic.

However, the stainless steel look isn't to everyone's taste, which is why selected side by side door fridge

models are also available in white, Metro Silver, Inox, Pacific Silver, Satina, 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 side by side 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.