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Keep your cool: Upgrade your grocery storage with these 5 top-rated fridges

Nothing but fresh, fresh days ahead.

Long gone are the days of spoiling foods, ice trucks and ice buckets – thank the gods of domestic convenience for the early 20th century invention of the refrigerator.

The waiting room – if you will – of ingredients before they are made into hearty meals and then leftovers, the noble fridge is a true MVP in the realm of kitchen appliances. Though, fridge freezers have come a long way since early models and we’re now spoiled for choice.

Before making the considerable (albeit necessary) splurge, consider the size and layout of the fridge, energy efficiency rating, adjustable shelves and door bins, separate temperature controls for the fridge and freezer compartments, frost-free feature – as well as additional features such as water dispensers, ice makers and smart technology.

5 best fridge freezers to shop in Australia

With options for French door fridges, top mount fridges, energy-efficient fridges and bottom mount fridges, we’ve rounded up some of the best fridge freezers currently on the Aussie market to invest in to make your decision that bit easier.

The best French door fridge freezer

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LG 530L Slim French door refrigerator, $1988, The Good Guys

Energy rating: 4 stars

With a 530-litre capacity, wide shelves and baskets, and freezer baskets, this fridge offers all the storage benefits of a French door fridge but in a more compact form. It also features a Pure-N-Fresh air deodorisation system, an inverter linear compressor and built-in Wi-Fi so you can adjust settings remotely with the Smart ThinQ app. Say goodbye to food storage woes and hello to convenience with the LG Slim.

“It’s quiet, works efficiently and has adequate space,” wrote a five-star reviewer, “I like the bottom doors which allow easy access to freezer items. I chose this model because it fitted into the area set aside for the fridge comfortably”.

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The best top mount fridge freezer

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Hisense 496L silver top mount fridge, $1199, Bing Lee

Energy rating: 4.5 stars

Featuring a 496-litre capacity, non-plumbed water dispenser, and adjustable glass shelves, this Hisense fridge is a reliable kitchen staple that is perfect for families that need just a bit more fridge space. The inverter motor ensures a quieter fridge and better cooling, while the soft LED light and multi-function touch control panel add convenience.

“Overall this is a great fridge freezer. The spaciousness is an instant wow factor. I really like that there is good lighting in both sections. I am not a home owner so I love that the water dispenser is not plumbed in,” wrote a five-star reviewer.

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The best side by side fridge freezer

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Samsung 655L side by side frost-free fridge, $1854, Appliances Online

Energy rating: 3.5 stars

Ideal for busy families and entertaining, the Samsung side-by-side fridge features cooling technology for optimal temperature, a deodorising carbon filter to prevent flavour transfer, and rapid cooling to lock in freshness. A practical and spacious addition to any contemporary home.

“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”.

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The best bottom mount fridge freezer

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LG 420L bottom mount refrigerator, $1299, The Good Guys

Energy rating: 5 stars

Awarded the Best Brand for fridges in 2022 by Choice, LG know a thing or two about effective appliances. This bottom mount fridge freezer boasts an impressive five-star energy rating, Surround Cooling to cool from front and back, door cooling, a two-step folding shelf for tall items and a sleek stainless steel finish.

“This product works exactly as described,” wrote a five-star reviewer, “the compact size fits my small kitchen perfectly and the doors are able to be reversed for left or right opening”.

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The best affordable fridge freezer

Hisense 205L top mount refrigerator

Hisense 205L top mount refrigerator, $549, The Good Guys

Energy rating: 3 stars

Maximise your storage and keep your groceries fresh for longer with this budget-friendly fridge from Hisense. With its all-around cooling function, LED lighting and frost-free feature, it’s easy to keep everything organised.

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How long should a fridge freezer last?

The lifespan of a fridge freezer can vary depending on the brand, model, usage, and maintenance. On average, a well-maintained fridge freezer can last for around 10 to 15 years.

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the coils, replacing worn-out parts and defrosting the freezer when necessary, can help to prolong its lifespan. It’s also important to avoid overloading the unit and to keep the temperature settings within the recommended range to prevent the compressor from overworking.

When should I replace my fridge?

If your fridge freezer is showing signs of wear and tear (including unusual noises, inconsistent cooling or leaks), it may be time to consider replacing it. Upgrading to a newer and more energy-efficient model can not only improve the performance and reliability, but can also help you save money on your energy bills in the long run.

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