Fridge reviews : compare types and brands

Are you about to buy a fridge? Grab some measurements and a latte, as there are plenty of options to ponder. Here are some refrigerator reviews to get you started.

Buying a fridge can be a mind-boggling experience if you're not prepared for an abundance of options. We talked to director of E&S Trading in Ashburton, Victoria, Rob Sinclair, for a review of the four main types.   

Top-mount fridges

The traditional freezer-on-top, fridge-on-bottom configuration offers one quarter freezer space and three quarters fridge space. If you only store the odd loaf of bread and ice-cream in your freezer, this could be the right type for you.

Read refrigerator reviews online and listen to the experts: Rob's picks are Electrolux and Fisher & Paykel. "These are stable brands that offer great performance, with minor variations in layout and cosmetic appeal," he says. "A popular model is the Westinghouse WTM5200WBR – it has 520 litres capacity and is around $1298," he says. When shopping for a new fridge, one of the most expensive kitchen appliances, it pays to compare prices, fridge brands and types of refrigerator.

Bottom-mount fridges

This 'upside-down' layout has the freezer below the fridge, with the ergonomic benefit of having most items at chest height. "Generally, people access the fridge 10 times more than the freezer," Rob says. "So, a bottom-mount fridge means you don't have to bend 90% of the time." For this reason, this type of fridge scores well in fridge reviews and is a favourite with shoppers. Because this layout gives a ratio of one third freezer to two thirds fridge, you wouldn't opt for one if fridge space is a priority. Rob's pick in bottom-mount fridges is the Westinghouse WBM5100WBR – it has 520 litres capacity and costs around $1699.

Side-by-side fridges 

This type is currently the most popular, says Rob, as they offer more space. They may be receiving good refrigerator reviews because their design makes them ideal for kitchen cabinets that are 600 millimetres deep (being wider, taller, but not as deep as other fridge types), providing a streamlined look to the kitchen.

Side-by-side fridges can accommodate ice and water dispensers, which will cost an extra $500-1000. Rob recommends the reliable Westinghouse models. "The Westinghouse 610 litre model is around $1397," he says.

French-door fridges

This popular, attractive style has a fridge on top with two wide doors and a freezer underneath. "Open the doors and you've almost doubled the width of a normal fridge," Rob says. "They're ergonomically great, too, offering a convenient reach level."

Fisher & Paykel lead the pack with French-door fridges, says Rob. "Our best-selling model is the Fisher & Paykel RF610ADUX – it has 610 litres capacity and costs around $3000." The downside of this type is that there's limited brand choice and they cost upwards of $2000.

If a streamlined look is a top priority, an integrated fridge is worth considering. "An integration kit is available for top- and bottom-mount fridges," Rob explains. "These aren't suitable for retro-fitting, however, and the joinery will need adjusting."

Finally, keep in mind that with any fridge type, stainless steel models (while popular in fridge reviews) are likely to be around $400 more expensive than white.

To begin your fridge hunting, find a white goods supplier in your area and compare fridges with guidance from the experts: