How to choose a refrigerator that fits your kitchen and budget
A refrigerator is one of the few appliances that runs every hour of every day, so a smart choice pays off for a decade or more. Before you compare brands, start with the three things that actually shape daily use: size, layout and efficiency.
1. Measure before you fall in love
Measure the alcove width, depth and height — then subtract a few centimetres for ventilation and door swing. A fridge that technically fits but can't open fully is a daily frustration.
2. Match capacity to your household
- 1–2 people: 250–350 L is usually plenty
- 3–4 people: 350–480 L gives comfortable headroom
- 5+ or bulk shoppers: 480 L and up, ideally French-door
3. Pick the layout for how you cook
Top-mount models are affordable and reliable. French-door layouts keep fresh food at eye level and suit wide platters. Side-by-side gives easy freezer access but narrower shelves.
4. Don't ignore the energy label
An A+++ model can cost noticeably less to run than an A+ one over its lifetime. Inverter compressors also run quieter and handle door openings more gracefully.
