Fridge Buying Guide

While a lot of the decision between top-mount and bottom-mount fridge comes down to personal preference, there are pros and cons to each. For example, a top-mount refrigerator is the more traditional model and therefore is often cheaper to purchase. Bottom mount fridges have gained popularity with consumers in recent years due to the practicality factor - most people use their fridge more often than their freezer and thus appreciate the convenience of having it at an ergonomic height. Conversely, they are less energy-efficient than their top-mounted relatives, due to the fact that they feature the coolest section of the appliance on the bottom, and based on the principle that hot air rises and cool air falls, this requires additional energy.

Regardless of which model fridge you think you’d like, the most crucial factor is whether it fits inside your kitchen space because unless you’re building or renovating, this is the most limiting factor. Considerations to keep in mind are not just the dimensions of your fridge, but the need to allow space for ventilation, and an awareness of how existing cabinetry will impact the door of your fridge opening. For example, it may fit nicely in the space, but the door may only be able to open partially, making it difficult to maximise the storage.

When it comes to choosing which size fridge you need, consider the requirements of your household. While the refrigeration needs of each household will vary, the following is a helpful guide. Bear in mind that if you’re wondering whether to choose a bigger or smaller size, we recommend choosing a larger option, as holidays, having house guests and storing leftovers often leave you wishing for a little extra.

Kindly refer our suggested fridge capacity per house hold size

Household size (number of people)	Fridge capacity/volume (litres)
1-2 people	200-380 litres
3-4 people	350-530 litres
5+ people	440+ litres

The New Zealand Energy Star-Rating scheme allows consumers to compare their products with similar models to understand how much energy they consume. The more stars, the more energy efficient a product is. Purchasing an energy efficient fridge can reduce your power bills in the long run, meaning it should factor into your cost considerations when deciding.

As well as our chic and efficient fridges, we have a range of fridge accessories to complement your purchase. A trim kit is a perfect finish to your refrigerator, letting it blend seamlessly into the space and tying it in with your existing cabinetry. With built-in ventilation, a trim kit elevates the design of your kitchen. Alternatively, keep your water fresh and odour-free with our replacement water filters. These can and should be replaced every six months.

Purchasing a fridge that keeps food fresh for longer means cutting down on food wastage and grocery bills - and there are a few tips and tricks you can employ to maximise that freshness.

Cleaning your crispers

Produce crisper drawers notoriously get a little smelly from time to time as they tend to catch food debris in the bottom. The best way to keep these clean and fresh is to remove the drawers entirely, rinse them in hot soapy water and wipe them out. Make sure they are fully dry before placing a layer of paper towel inside to place fresh produce on.

Cleaning shelves

A regular wipe down of your fridge shelves is essential for preventing odours and keeping things neat and tidy, but it is also a good idea to remove the shelves periodically and give the entire thing a wash in hot, soapy water. This removes any food build-up at the edges. Ensure you also take the opportunity to wipe down the grooves where the shelves sit. The same goes for the beverage and condiment holders inside your fridge doors - simply lift these up and out of their grooves to give them a good clean every month or so.