If you have a large family or have ever hosted a dinner party, you’re probably well acquainted with the uphill battle that is navigating a full fridge. You need to get to the olive jar at the back of the fridge for the salad but it’s blocked by the fruit platter that is balancing atop the salmon that is marinating in the casserole dish…
Sometimes, just getting in and out of the fridge can feel like your own hellish game of Jenga or Tetris. Queue: the French door fridge.
What are the advantages of a French door fridge?
With easy access and ample space, the French door fridge has two convenient refrigeration sections on the top, and usually a large freezer section below.
Additionally, a French door fridge can have four doors. Two at the top for the fridge and two at the bottom for the freezer.
“French food fridges have more room with their larger capacity, volume and wide shelving,” says Winning Appliances product expert Bruce Cranston, “they make storing large platters and food items easier, so they are great options for large families or for those who like to entertain.”
“These fridges are also great as the door swing takes up less space, creating extra space in your kitchen for a passageway.”
What to look for in a French door fridge?
“When looking to purchase a French door fridge, the first thing to consider is how much space you have in your kitchen…” Bruce says.
“On average, a French door fridge can be 900mm wide, meaning that each door swings out about 450mm… Take note of the passageways and cabinetry in your kitchen to ensure that the configuration of a French door fridge is convenient in your kitchen.”
While Bruce highlights that it is usually larger families who gravitate towards French door fridges for their ample storage space, they’re really ideal for anyone – especially those who cook often.
“Consider what features you and your household needs,” Bruce says, “French door fridges come in many different styles with convenient features like ice and water dispensers, adjustable shelving and smart cooling.”
“And with any fridge, also consider its energy rating. The higher the rating, the more energy efficient your fridge will be…”
8 best French door fridges to shop in Australia
So, to help you host your next barbecue or soiree with ease, we’ve rounded up some of the best French door fridges currently available that are stylish, energy-efficient and budget-friendly.
Most energy-efficient French door fridges
Westinghouse 624L side by side refrigerator, $1699, The Good Guys
Energy rating: 4.5 stars
If you’re looking for a reliable and stylish refrigerator to elevate your kitchen, this Westinghouse model that boasts a side-by-side French door-esque design is an ideal choice. With a FreshSeal crisper, SpillSafe glass shelves, Fast chill and freeze functions, energy-saving holiday mode and more functional features, this fridge is a practical and eco-minded investment for the kitchen.
“Depth of shelves for storage, freezer has well planned door bins, the ice twist serve bin at the freezer door is convenient and the control panel at the fridge door is a great idea for easy viewing and accessibility,” wrote a five-star reviewer, “have faith in Westinghouse products”.
Key features:
- Generous 624L total capacity
- Efficient 4.5-star energy rating
- Convenient side-by-side configuration
- Spacious 407L fridge capacity
- Handy dual door hinge for flexible opening
Also available at:
- $1353 (usually 1999) from Appliances Online
- $1569 from Bing Lee
Haier 492L French door frost-free refrigerator with water dispenser, $1411 (usually $1799), Appliances Online
Energy rating: 4 stars
With spill-proof glass shelves, a water dispenser and external controls for temperature, this French door fridge from Haier puts convenience within the kitchen front and centre. Also featuring a Super-Freeze freezer function to lock in freshness of groceries, as well as a MyZone adjustable temperature drawer for seafood to beverages, you’ll be all set for any hosting occasion.
“We had previously had a side by side door fridge and this new Haier was in theory the same size, but with the wing doors it opens up what seems twice as much space as we had before,” wrote a five-star reviewer, “such a great design, you can get to every area so easily.”
Key features:
- Total capacity: 489L
- Energy rating: 4.5 Stars
- MyZone adjustable temperature drawer for flexible storage options
- Multi-Zone Air ensures even cooling throughout the fridge
- Water dispenser with internal tank for easy access to chilled water
Also available at:
- $1397 from The Good Guys
Mitsubishi Electric 564L French black door fridge, $3799, Betta Home Living
Energy rating: 4 stars
Featuring tempered glass shelves and a vegetable case for fresh produce storage, this sleek black fridge makes a stylish and practical edition to any kitchen. With an automatic ice maker as well as Multi Airflow evenly distributing cold air throughout each compartment, keeping your food and drinks perfectly chilled is no drama at all.
Key features:
- Total capacity: 564L
- Tempered glass shelves for durability and easy cleaning
- Multi Airflow system ensures even distribution of cold air
- Automatic ice maker for convenient access to ice
- Stylish black finish with LED control panel
Also available at:
- $3799 from Designer Appliances
- $3564 (usually $4249) from Appliances Online
LG 530L French door refrigerator, $1999, The Good Guys
Energy rating: 4 stars
If you want all the benefits of a French door fridge but don’t quite have the space for one, this LG four door fridge might just be a crisp solution. With wide shelves and an air deodorisation system…everyday essentials, food platters, fresh produce and drinks are stored without fuss or malodour. Plus, with built-in wifi that allows you to remotely adjust its settings from your smartphone, this fridge will easily accommodate for a bulk grocery shop.
“Very quiet linear inverter keeps food fresh for a long time,” wrote a reviewer who left five stars, adding: “veggies are fresh much longer.”
Key features:
- Total capacity: 530L
- Energy rating: 5 Stars
- Dual hinged doors for convenient access
- Multi Air Flow Cooling system ensures even temperature distribution
- 2x Big Fresh Zone Crispers for optimal storage of fruits and vegetables
- Four door fridge
Also available at:
- $1999 from LG
- $1895 (usually $1999) from Designer Appliances
- $2018 (usually 2399) from Appliances Online
Best French door fridges under $3000
Samsung 655L side by side frost-free fridge, $2066 (usually $2199), Appliances Online
Energy rating: 3.5 stars
The Side by Side fridge by Samsung offers reliable and spacious storage ideal for busy families who are not opposed to a dinner party or two. With cooling technology that ensures optimal temperature, a deodorising carbon filter to prevent flavour transfer and rapid cooling to lock in freshness of food, this model is a practical addition to contemporary entertaining spaces.
“I just love my new side by side fridge/freezer. Very roomy on both sides and offers excellent shelf space and crisper drawers,” wrote a reviewer who left five stars, “I’m finding it easy to keep organised and the specialty wine rack is a bonus.”
Key features:
- Total capacity: 676L
- SpaceMax technology maximizes storage space
- All-around cooling technology ensures consistent temperatures
- Power cool and power freeze functions for quick cooling
- Sleek stainless steel design with flat door and recessed handles
Also available at:
- $1648 from The Good Guys
Fisher & Paykel 487L ActiveSmart French door fridge, $2299, Appliances Online
Energy rating: 3.5 stars
Emulating functionality and flexibility, this Fisher & Paykel fridge features sleek designer detailing ideal for the modern home. With regulated airflow, adjustable shelving, humidity-controlled bins and more, this fridge will help you level up your appliance game.
“I got this fridge mainly for the auto ice maker and plumbed water dispenser; have not been disappointed,” wrote a reviewer who left five stars.
Key features:
- Total capacity: 487L
- Seamless design with concealed hinges and long brushed metal handles
- Slimline water dispenser integrated into the front door
- Automatic ice maker in the freezer for convenient access to ice
- Adjustable spillsafe shelving and easy slide crisper drawers for flexible storage
- Active smart cooling system maintains optimal temperature, airflow, and humidity for longer food freshness
Also available at:
- $2099 from The Good Guys
LG 506L slim matte black steel French door fridge, $2299 (usually $2699), LG
Energy rating: 2 stars
With a streamlined black design, this slim fit four door fridge suits any home décor, especially monochrome and industrial ones. Featuring wide shelves, plenty of baskets, and an ice maker within the door, this model allows ample space for fresh food storage – from platters to fruit to bottles. With such useful features, it’s easy to see why CHOICE has recommended this fridge as one of the best in 2022.
“Technology, function, style are excellent,” wrote a five-star reviewer. “I have this fridge and it fits our family’s needs – plus advance features that make it easier.”
Key features:
- Total capacity: 506L
- Premium slim design with matte black stainless steel finish
- Space-saving 835mm width
- Handy compartments and retractable shelf for flexible storage
- SpacePlus Ice system for convenient ice storage without sacrificing space
- Reliable performance and long-lasting durability
Also available at:
- $2299 from Designer Appliances
Best French door fringe under $4000
Electrolux 609L French door fridge, $3199, Bing Lee
Energy rating: 3.5 stars
Versatile and reliable, this Electrolux model sets itself apart from others on the market with its fully convertible fridge to freezer drawer. Also featuring sliding and flippable shelves, filtered ice and water, and a TasteLock crisper with humidity control…hosting is easy as pie.
“With a house full of five adults that need more fridge space than freezer, having the ability to switch the top drawer from freezer to fridge and utilise as a drinks drawer or extra fridge space is a godsend!” wrote a five-star reviewer.
Key features:
- Total capacity: 609L
- Slide-back and flip-up shelving for flexible organization
- SmartSplit door design for easy access to items
- SnackZone compartment for convenient storage of smaller items
- TasteLock crisper ensures freshness of produce
- Water and crushed ice dispenser for quick refreshment
Also available at:
- $3699 from The Good Guys
- $3523 (usually $4649) from Appliances Online
Looking to save money on your kitchen makeover? Check out our coupon codes for The Good Guys, House and more.
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