Should you buy a Top Mount, Bottom Mount, French Door, or Side by Side fridge?

If you’re looking to buy a new fridge freezer, you’ll find there are the four main types available in terms of refrigeration/freezer space layout, each catering to different needs and preferences.

Here, we take a look at the storage space, layout, energy efficiency and features of French door, top mount, bottom mount, and side by side fridges to help you choose the best model for your home.

French door fridges have become increasingly popular in modern Aussie kitchens. With two equal-sized doors on top and a bottom freezer compartment, they have more storage space than top mount and bottom mount fridges, making them ideal for families or share houses.

In addition to the adjustable shelves that all new fridges have, French door models often include advanced features like multiple cooling zones, humidity control, and water dispensers with ice makers. The higher price of French door fridges reflects both the greater storage capacity and the premium design features.

A variant of the French door, 4-door fridges offer even more flexibility, with two side-by-side refrigerator doors on top, and two freezer compartments on the bottom, sometimes as shelved spaces and sometimes as freezer drawers. Some 4-door fridges, like the Quad models from Haier and Fisher & Paykel, allow you to switch one of the freezer compartments between fridge or freezer space.

Top mount fridges, also known as top freezer fridges, have been a traditional choice for many Australian homes. These fridges have the freezer compartment located at the top and the refrigerator section at the bottom.

With the smallest average fridge space and freezer space of the four types of refrigerator we’re looking at, top mounts generally cost less to buy and run, and use less energy than larger fridges. 

Suitable for smaller households or couples, they are also a good choice if you simply prefer a classic fridge design. However, it’s important to note that the layout means that you may find yourself bending down a lot to access everyday items, so if you have a bad back or knees, a different type of fridge could work better for you.

If you prefer a reversed configuration, a bottom mount fridge might be the way to go. These fridges have the freezer compartment located at the bottom and the refrigerator section on top, providing easy access to frequently used items at eye level. The design means that kids can easily access the freezer compartment and items in the lower section of the fridge, and that you can strategically keep other food and drink out of their reach on the higher shelves.

Bottom mount fridges are typically more spacious than top mounts, in terms of both fridge and freezer space. They also usually have more advanced features, particularly in the freezer section, which might have multiple draws or compartments. Bottom mount fridges are often very energy-efficient, though slightly less so than top mounts, on average. Their advanced features and more spacious freezers mean that they generally cost more than top mount fridges.

Another option to consider is a side by side fridge, which features two vertical doors that open from the centre, with the fridge on one side and the freezer on the other. The fridge section usually makes up 60-70% of the total storage space, and the freezer around 30-40%.

In terms of convenience, think about whether the fridge allows easy access to items, and has temperature control and defrosting mechanisms, as well as advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity. A lot of fridges have reversible door functionality, which lets you customise the direction to suit your kitchen layout.

It’s a good idea to check how long the Manufacturer’s Warranty is for: most fridges are for at least two years, while some go up to five years.

Of course, you also want your new fridge to look good in your kitchen. While most styles of fridge come in a stainless steel finish, some brands also have multiple colour options, from white and matte black, to vibrant reds and muted pastels.

When shopping for a new fridge you should consider how it will be used in your home. Size and storage space are key factors, but they are far from the only ones. You want a fridge that’s easy to access, keeps your fresh food and frozen items at their best, is energy efficient and looks good in your home. Appliances Online stocks a huge range of fridges from more than 30 leading brands, including Samsung, Smeg, Fisher & Paykel, Westinghouse, Hisense, Haier, and Electrolux. With models to suit all budgets, finding the right fridge is a breeze.