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Fridge Buying Guide

FRIDGE BUYING GUIDE

5 Important Things to Know Before Buying a New Fridge

The most used and appreciated appliance in the home is the fridge. It is almost impossible to function without one and, as it will be used for years to come, the challenge is to find a refrigerator that suits your changing lifestyle.

If you are upgrading to a newer model or you are buying for the first time, you will need to know these 5 important things.  

 

  1. Kitchen Space

How much room do you have?

With a tape measure, find the width, depth and height of the space where the fridge will be placed. Remember to leave 25 mm of free space around the top, back and sides to allow for the heat produced during refrigeration to escape.   

Be sure to also measure clearance (entryways, doorways etc.) to ensure that when your fridge is delivered it will fit safely into the home, and your old fridge can be safely removed. 

Hinges and reversible doors

You also need to take into account which way your fridge door will open as cabinetry and walls can stop the doors from properly opening.

               - For LEFT HINGED fridges, the hinges are on the left-hand side of the door when facing the unit, with the door opening from the right-hand side.

               - For RIGHT HINGED fridges, the hinges are on the right-hand side of the door when facing the unit, with the door opening from the left-hand side.

 

Some fridges come with REVERSIBLE DOORS meaning that the door can be hinged on either the right or the left, whichever suits your space best. Some models will require a special hinge-reversing kit so be sure to check the specifications. Reversible doors are particularly handy in kitchens with limited space.

 

  1. Fridge Size

What size fridge will you need?

Some kitchen layouts will restrict what size of fridge you get. There will be a fridge that meets your needs and provides enough space to fit everything. Even the smaller units have flexible interior designs to maximise capacity.

With size out of the way, think about what you typically store in your fridge: bottled beverages, vegetables, leftovers, frozen food, etc. This should factor into your decision.

The chart below outlines the average dimensions for each type of fridge. 

Fridge Types 

Standard Width (cm) 

Standard Height (cm)

Standard Depth (cm)

Four door 

92 cm - 96 cm 

170 cm - 180 cm

90 cm - 96 cm 

French door 

92 cm - 96 cm

170 cm - 180 cm

90 cm - 96 cm

Side by side 

76 cm - 91 cm

170 cm - 178 cm

85 cm - 94 cm 

Pigeon pair 

110 cm - 124 cm 

167 cm - 178 cm 

70 cm - 86 cm

Bottom mount 

54 cm - 80 cm

130 cm - 180 cm

59 cm - 75 cm

Top mount

54 cm - 80 cm

130 cm - 180 cm

59 cm - 75 cm

Wine fridges

50 cm - 120 cm

45 cm - 195 cm

47 cm - 75 cm

Bar fridges 

55 cm - 120 cm 

45 cm - 85 cm

49 cm - 55 cm 

Lifestyle

Now think about what you want out of your fridge. Would you like large freezer space, smart features or high energy efficiency? Your preferences will narrow down your choice. 

Household Size

The more people in your household, the greater the capacity required for your fridge. Match your household size with a fridge capacity to provide room for everyone.

If in doubt, we always advise customers to go for a bigger fridge. If a larger fridge is not possible with your kitchen space, fridges with adjustable layouts and retractable shelving are your best bet; these features can make a small fridge feel bigger.

Household size (number of people)

Fridge capacity/volume (litres)

Price range (AUD)

1 - 2 people 

200 - 380 litres

$430 - $2399

3 - 4 people

350 - 530 litres

$699 - $4799

5+ people

440+ litres

$1079 - $5499

 

 

  1. Fridge Types

Top Mount Fridges

Top mount fridges (freezer on top) are the most common layout in Zimbabwean homes. They are economical, reliable, generally more compact, and there is a wide range to choose from. The most popular one is the Capri 290L Fridge which is available with or without a water dispenser

Top mount fridges are ideal for small households with limited kitchen space. Remember from the table we shared above that this fridge is suitable for 1 to 2 people ONLY. Please don’t buy this if you are expecting to use it for a family. Many time customers have purchased this fridge from The Daily Sale Shop only to have buyer’s remorse a couple of weeks later as they realise they will quickly need to upgrade it.

 

Top Mount Fridge Benefits

Ideal For

- Familiar layout

- Small footprint

- Low cost to run

- Wide range to choose from

- Lots of price options

- Singles and couples

- Students 

-Office

 

  

Bottom Mount Fridges

Bottom mount fridges are the most purchased fridge type (freezer on bottom). Their waist-high design and convenient layout provide better access to frequently used items and remove a lot of bending down typically required with traditional top mount layouts.

Bottom Mount Fridge Benefits

Ideal For

- 200L - 500L capacity

- Most common fridge type

- Easy waist-high access

- Wide range to choose from

- Various price options

- Easy to fit, suiting most kitchens

- Sizes to suit singles to families

- Small to mid-sized households

 

 

Side by Side Fridges

Side by side fridges boast greater capacity with a smaller footprint. The layout provides easy access to both refrigerator and freezer with minimal effort. Smaller, centrally opening doors provide more space in the kitchen. Side by side fridges come with features like ice and water dispensers, door technology and touch control panels.

Side by side fridges are ideal for families wanting a good balance between fridge and freezer space.  

 

Side by Side Fridge Benefits

Ideal For

- Easy to organise freezer

- Easy access to fridge and freezer

- Ice and water dispenser

- Great storage capacity (550L - 800L)

- Good value for money

- Mid size footprint

- Families

- Medium sized households

 

 

French Door Fridges

French door fridges have wide shelving and plenty of storage boxes making them great for organisation. They have three sections - two refrigeration sections (at waist-height) and one large freezer section below. Some models also include a middle drawer for quick access to everyday items.

French doors come in many different styles with convenient features like ice and water dispensers, adjustable shelving, and smart cooling. They are ideal for big families with large grocery hauls. 

 

French Door Fridge Benefits

Ideal For

- Large capacity (500L - 800L)

- Wide shelves

- Ice and water dispenser

- Smaller fridge doors

- Easy waist-high access

- Wide freezer shelves

- Large freezer space

- Minimal cold air loss

- Families

- Big households

- Big kitchen space

- Big budget


Four Door Fridges

Four door fridges are by far the most convenient type of fridge popular because of their flexible storage space. This fridge comprises two waist-high central opening doors and a complementary pair of freezer doors; some models even allow for a customisable freezer space. They have ice and water dispensers, adjustable shelving and air purification. 

Four door fridges are ideal for growing families who love to entertain and have guests. 

 

Four Door Fridge Benefits

Ideal For

- Large capacity (500L - 800L)

- Wide shelves

- Ice and water dispenser

- Easy waist-high access

- Two door freezer for better organisation

- Minimal cold air loss

- Families

- Large households

- Busy households

- Big kitchen space

- Bigger budget

  

Wine Fridges

Wine fridges are designed to provide the perfect wine storage environment with special features like temperature and humidity control and vibration minimisation.

The two types of wine fridges are single-zone and multi-zone. Single-zone wine fridges only have one temperature setting. A multi-zone, however, allows you to set different temperatures in each zone to suit its specific contents - red or white wine.

 

Wine Fridge Benefits

Ideal For

- Temperature control

- Vibration control

- Humidity and UV protection

- Small to large size options

- Wine collectors

- Entertainers and regular di

 

 

Bar Fridges

 

Bar fridges are useful for storing everyday items. They are an affordable option with all the essential features; small freezer box, adjustable shelving, and temperature control.

Ideal for an office, dorm, or as an overflow fridge. For more information, click on the bar fridges buying guide below.  

Bar Fridge Benefits

Ideal For

- 50 - 150 Litres

- 1 - 2 door options

- Low-price option

- Small to large options

- Easy to move

- Overflow fridge

- Storing everyday items

- Beverage unit

- Adjustable shelving

- Range of price options

- Freezer space

- Single person

- Students

- Dorm rooms

- Offices

- Bedrooms

- Garages

- Overflow

- Guest rooms

 

 

Types of Fridges

Fridge Types

Capacity 

Description 

Features

Four door

500L to 800L

2x Refrigerator sections on top, 2x freezer sections below.

- Large capacity

- Ice and water dispenser

- 2 door freezer for easy organisation

- Easy waist-high access

French door

500 to 800L 

2x Refrigerator section on top, freezer section below.

- Easy waist-high access

- Wide shelf design

- Large freezer space

- Ice and water dispenser

Side by side

550L to 800L

Two door unit, Freezer located left, larger fridge section on right

- Easy to organise freezer

- Easy access to fridge and freezer

- Ice and water dispenser

- Great storage capacity

- Good value for money

Pigeon pair 

250L to 790L

Single-door refrigerator beside separate matching upright freezer

- Matching options

- Separate freezer and fridge

- Great storage capacity

Bottom mount

200L to 500L

Refrigerator located on top, freezer below

- Easy waist-high access

- Wide range to choose from

- Various price options

- Easy to fit, suit most kitchens

Top mount 

200L to 500L

Standard set-up, freezer on top, refrigerator located below

- Most popular type of fridge

- Cheap to run

- Wide range to choose from

- Various price options

Built-in

(Optional)

Designed to be flush with the kitchen cabinetry 

- Flush design

Integrated fridges

(Optional)

Blend in with your kitchen design, matching cabinet door to conceal

- Blends well with kitchen 

Bar fridges

50L to 250L

1-2 door refrigerators, usually with small ice box section

- 1 to 2 door options

- Small to large options

- Good overflow fridge

- Good for storing everyday items

- Good storage for beverages

- Adjustable shelving

- Various price options

Wine fridges 

For storing wine in a controlled temperature 

- Temperature regulation

- Vibration control

- Humidity and UV regulation

- Small to large capacity options

 

 

  1. Important Features

Adjustable shelves

Made from tempered glass or moulded plastic, shelving is removable and easy to clean. Raised plastic lips stop the spread of spilled liquids. 

Child Proof Features

Child proof settings on water and ice dispensers, draw compartments and temperature controls help keep kids safe.

Water & Ice Dispenser

Dispensers provide free-flowing water and ice with the push of a button. There are plumbed and non-plumbed options to suit your kitchen design.

Temperature and Humidity Controls

Separate settings for fridge and freezer compartments provide added control. Some models will have smart temperature sensors which adjust settings automatically.

Energy Star Rating

The star rating measures appliance efficiency. Ratings are from one to six, with six being the most energy efficient. Compare KWh usage as this is the real indicator of efficiency - as a recommendation the lower the Kilowatt usage the better.   

Sound

The majority of fridges run at around 42 decibels (same level as a quiet conversation). If the fridge is placed in the kitchen noise shouldn't be an issue.

Lighting

A well lit fridge will make finding items in the dark easier. LED lighting is more energy efficient and emits less heat than traditional lighting, meaning there is less chance of temperature fluctuation (which will effect food quality). 

Air Deodorisers

Fridges with active carbon filters remove unpleasant odors from the air and help keep items fresh and hygienic. Some units will feature anti-bacterial agents that prevent mould growth and harmful bacteria, for added cleanliness. 

  1. Style and Finish

Classic White Steel

Fridges with a white steel finish match well in most kitchens and are relatively easy to clean as marks and fingerprints rarely show.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel finishes look neat and professional with their symmetrical structure and sturdy look. Fingerprints are more noticeable yet easily solved by anti-fingerprint surfaces. 

Layered Steel

Layered steel fridges feature the stainless steel look with the added external layer which helps prevent marks and fingerprints.

Black Steel

Black steel fridges have a stand-out design making them a popular choice, with fingerprint resistant surfaces for added protection. 

Glass Finish

Colours are richer and more vibrant with glass finish. Glass fridges may scratch easier than other styles, but cleaning is effortless, a wipe with a cloth will solve most problems.  

Retro Colours

There are a range of vintage style fridges, these are often finished with bolder colours like red or yellow. They serve as great feature appliances with lots of colours to choose from.