Appliances
Fridge Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Buy
A fridge isn't a purchase you make often, but it's one you live with every day for the next 10–15 years. Get the size, star rating and features right up front and you'll save money twice — once on the purchase, and again every quarter on your power bill.
1. Get the size right first
Before you look at a single feature, measure your space. Three numbers matter:
- Footprint — width and depth of the space, plus door swing clearance either side
- Height — don't forget clearance above for ventilation; most manufacturers recommend at least 25mm on top and sides
- Doorway width — measure the narrowest point the fridge has to travel through to reach the kitchen, including hallway corners. This trips more people up than the kitchen space itself
As a rough guide for household size:
- 1–2 people: 200–350L
- 3–4 people: 350–500L
- 5+ people: 500L+
2. Understand the energy star rating
Every fridge sold in Australia carries an energy rating label with a star score and an estimated annual energy consumption in kWh. More stars means better efficiency for that size category — but ratings only compare fridges of a similar size, so a 4-star large fridge can still use more power than a 3-star small one.
Two fridges with the same price tag can differ by $50–100 a year in running costs. Over a 10-year life, that's a genuine difference — worth weighing against the sticker price, not just glancing past.
3. Pick the configuration that suits how you cook
- Top mount — freezer on top, most affordable, efficient use of space
- Bottom mount — fridge at eye level, freezer below; easier everyday access since you use the fridge section far more often
- French door — twin doors up top, freezer drawer below; wide shelves suit large trays and platters, popular for families
- Side-by-side — narrower doors either side, good for tight kitchens, but shelves are narrower too
4. Features worth paying for
Worth it for most households:
- Adjustable/spill-proof shelving — genuinely useful day to day
- Humidity-controlled crisper drawers — extends produce life noticeably
- Water and ice dispenser — convenient if you'll actually use it (check plumbing requirements first)
Nice-to-have, not essential:
- Wi-Fi connectivity and smart displays
- Dual compressors (mainly relevant if you want independent temperature zones)
5. Check the total cost, not just the sticker price
Delivery, installation, plumbing for the water line, and removal of your old fridge all add to the final number — and they vary a lot between retailers. When you compare quotes, ask for the delivered and installed price so you're comparing like for like.
6. Time it if you can
Fridges are discounted hardest around end of financial year, Black Friday, and Boxing Day. If your old fridge has some life left, it's worth waiting for one of those windows. If it's on its last legs, don't risk it — a quote takes minutes any time of year.
Frequently asked questions
What size fridge do I need?
As a rough guide, 200–350L suits 1–2 people, 350–500L suits a family of 3–4, and 500L+ suits larger households. Always measure your space and doorway clearance before choosing.
Does a higher star rating always mean cheaper to run?
Only within the same size category. Star ratings compare fridges of similar size, so a large 4-star fridge can still use more power overall than a smaller 3-star one.
French door or side-by-side — which is better?
French door models tend to offer wider shelves and better use of space for families; side-by-side suits tighter kitchens but has narrower shelving. It comes down to your kitchen layout and how you use the fridge day to day.
When's the best time to buy a fridge in WA?
End of financial year, Black Friday and Boxing Day tend to bring the deepest discounts. If your fridge is still going, it's worth waiting — but a ShopRite quote is worth requesting any time of year.
Ready to save on your next fridge?
Send us the make and model — and the best price you've found — and let ShopRite's buying power do the rest.
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