Best-Rated Fridges

You’re viewing our 2023 ratings for Refrigerators. We don’t currently plan to update this rating in the future.

See Our Ratings Methodology.

cns-msc-refrigerators-2023-small

Most Satisfied Customers | Electrolux

Aussies have rated Electrolux as the top brand in Canstar Blue’s latest refrigerator ratings, with the brand rated five stars across all categories, including performance, value for money, internal layout, design, features & functionality and overall satisfaction.

Fact Checked Fact Checked

How we rate refrigerators

Our review compares refrigerators on customer satisfaction, so you can find out what other Aussies think about the compared brands before you go ahead with a purchase. Think of it as like asking hundreds of your closest mates which refrigerator they think is best!


Canstar Blue surveyed 1,343 Australians for their feedback on the new refrigerator(s) they’ve purchased and used in the last three years. Note: this does not include standalone freezers.

  • The outcomes reported in these ratings are measured via accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics.


Respondents rate their satisfaction with their refrigerator brand(s) from zero to ten, where zero is extremely dissatisfied and ten is extremely satisfied. Brand satisfaction was rated by respondents on the following criteria:
  • Overall satisfaction: measures consumer satisfaction with a refrigerator brand as an individual score NOT a combined total of all criteria.
  • Performance: the fridge provides effective and even cooling, and performs as described given the frequency of use.
  • Value for money: the cost is reasonable for the quality and performance of the fridge.
  • Internal layout: the fridge has a functional and versatile internal layout (i.e. shelves can be moved, etc.), and uses space effectively.
  • Design: the fridge has a functional and aesthetically pleasing design.
  • Features & functionality: the fridge has a variety of settings and features (i.e. automatic temperature control, etc.) to assist with storing foods or functionality (i.e. smart-home capabilities, etc.).

The winning brand is the one that receives the highest Overall satisfaction rating once all the scores from the Overall satisfaction criteria are combined and averaged.

  • Overall satisfaction is asked as a specific question and represents an individual measure, not a combined total of all criteria.
  • When we cannot determine a clear winner from the criteria for the Overall satisfaction rating, we will then look at the other criteria measured in the rating.
    • The brand with the highest number of five-star ratings within the supporting criteria will become the five-star recipient in overall satisfaction, and thus win the award. If a clear leader still cannot be determined from the supporting criteria, joint winners will be declared.

Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included, so not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The brands rated in this survey are listed below in order of best overall satisfaction.

  • Electrolux
  • Samsung
  • Kelvinator
  • ChiQ
  • LG
  • Hisense
  • Haier
  • Westinghouse
  • Fisher & Paykel
  • Bosch

Find more detailed information on our Most Satisfied Customer methodology.


Best refrigerator brands in Australia

  1. Electrolux
  2. Samsung
  3. Kelvinator
  4. ChiQ
  5. LG
  6. Hisense
  7. Haier
  8. Westinghouse
  9. Fisher & Paykel
  10. Bosch
  11. Other refrigerator brands

Not sure which refrigerator to buy? Check out our buying guide below.

1. Electrolux


Electrolux 466L Upright Frost Free All Fridge ERE5047SC-R hero image Electrolux 466L Upright Frost Free All Fridge ERE5047SC-R hero image Electrolux 466L Upright Frost Free All Fridge ERE5047SC-R hero image Electrolux 466L Upright Frost Free All Fridge ERE5047SC-R hero image Electrolux 466L Upright Frost Free All Fridge ERE5047SC-R hero image Electrolux 466L Upright Frost Free All Fridge ERE5047SC-R hero image Electrolux 466L Upright Frost Free All Fridge ERE5047SC-R hero image Electrolux 466L Upright Frost Free All Fridge ERE5047SC-R image 1 Electrolux 466L Upright Frost Free All Fridge ERE5047SC-R image 2 Electrolux 466L Upright Frost Free All Fridge ERE5047SC-R image 3 Electrolux 466L Upright Frost Free All Fridge ERE5047SC-R image 4 Electrolux 466L Upright Frost Free All Fridge ERE5047SC-R image 5 Electrolux 466L Upright Frost Free All Fridge ERE5047SC-R image 6 Electrolux 466L Upright Frost Free All Fridge ERE5047SC-R image 7 Electrolux 466L Upright Frost Free All Fridge ERE5047SC-R image 8 Electrolux 466L Upright Frost Free All Fridge ERE5047SC-R

Ratings result

Electrolux was rated five stars across all categories, including performance, value for money, internal layout, design, features & functionality and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

A Swedish brand, Electrolux is a big player within the appliances space, catering for the laundry, common room areas and kitchen with its range of products. For those after a new fridge, Electrolux offers French door, bottom mount and vertical fridges, but may not have the range as some other brands available.

Its 446L UltimateTaste 500 Single door vertical fridge includes a mark-resistant stainless steel finish, filtered water dispenser, MultiZone deli department and TasteLock crispers to help keep certain foods fresher, with holiday, eco and boost mode also available to help ensure that your fridge cools the interior as needed. The model also features touch controls, along with frost free cooling, bottle bins and a 3.5 energy star rating.

Shop online now

2. Samsung


Samsung 424L Bottom Mount Refrigerator

Ratings result

Samsung was rated four stars across all categories, including performance, value for money, internal layout, design, features & functionality and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Perhaps best known for its mobile phones, Samsung also has a strong presence in the home appliances market. The company covers a wide range of fridges to choose from, from the classic top mount model through to its BESPOKE range, which allows for additional customisation to help you make your kitchen look the way you want it to.

The 424L bottom mount fridge features a non-plumbed water dispenser, along with a Smart Sensor System to help optimise cooling over multiple areas of the layout, additionally analysing your use of the fridge to optimise against changes of temperature. It also features foldable shelves, LED internal lighting and an ice maker in the freezer.

Shop online now

3. Kelvinator


Kelvinator 496L Bottom Mount Frost Free Fridge Silver KBM5302AC-R

Ratings result

Kelvinator was rated four stars for performance, value for money, internal layout, design, features & functionality and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Well-known in the fridge space, Kelvinator offers a range of top and bottom mount fridges for shoppers to choose from, ideal for those looking for something that can get the job done without all the bells and whistles. Its top mount range varies in size between 210L and 520L, while the bottom mount range consists of models ranging between 420L and 530L capacities.

The Kelvinator 528L bottom mount fridge features multi-flow air delivery to ensure even cooling throughout the unit, Spillsafe glass shelves, flexible door storage, LED lighting to help you see what you’re doing, along with frost-free cooling, a fridge door alarm and separate temperature controls for the fridge and freezer to keep your food fresh.

Shop online now

4. ChiQ


ChiQ Fridge

Ratings result

ChiQ was rated five stars for value for money, with four stars for all other categories, including features & functionality, design, internal layout, performance and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

A Chinese brand that heavily focuses on fridges and freezers, ChiQ’s range of products includes French door, side by side, bottom mount, top mount and retro models, as well as single door full freezers and bar fridges for those after something a bit more specific.

The 396L bottom mount fridge includes an LED display unit on the outside of the fridge, with a reversible door design also included to help fit the model into your kitchen. With a multi-flow air system to circulate cool air to where it needs to be, along with frost-free operation, temperature control, holiday mode for energy saving and a 5-star energy rating, the ChiQ 396L model also includes recessed handles for a smooth design.

Shop online now

5. LG


LG Fridge

Ratings result

LG was rated four stars across all categories, including features & functionality, design, internal layout, value for money, performance and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

A well-known South Korean brand, LG offers plenty of appliances for households to purchase and use, with the kitchen no exception. Offering a range of fridges split into French door, side by side, top mount, bottom mount, door-in-door and additional speciality fridges, there’s no shortage of options from LG.

The LG 642L French door fridge includes the InstaView door-in-door functionality, where you can spy what’s inside your fridge by simply knocking twice. It also includes a plumbed ice and water dispenser, craft ice maker for when you want to get fancy with drinks, ThinQ compatibility to help you adjust your settings via your smartphone, as well as adjustable shelves, Wi-Fi connectivity and LED interior lighting.

Shop online now

6. Hisense


Hisense TOP MOUNT SILVER 496L

Ratings result

Hisense was rated four stars across all categories, including performance, value for money, internal layout, design, features & functionality and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Another Chinese brand, Hisense covers a wide variety of fridges within its range, including French door, bottom mount, top mount, side by side, bar fridges along with additional cooling appliances such as standalone freezers.

The 503L Pureflat bottom mount fridge features a Pureflat design to help fit seamlessly into your kitchen, with recessed handles ensuring that it fits snugly into the space available. Other features include a mark-resistant finish, Metal-Tech cooling to help ensure cool air is evenly distributed around the interior, reversible door hinges to fit into your kitchen, Super Freeze mode and a 4.5 energy star rating.

Shop online now

7. Haier


Haier 489L French Door Refrigerator

Ratings result

Haier was rated four stars for all categories, including features & functionality, design, internal layout, value for money, performance and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

A Chinese brand, Haier focuses on multiple areas of the house, from the laundry to the kitchen, and offers a wide range of fridges for households to choose from, including top and bottom mount, side by side and French door options. It also offers bar fridges for those who don’t need a full model, or just need something to keep the drinks cool.

The Haier 489L French Door model features a 4.5 energy star rating, along with an adjustable My Zone temperature functionality on the drawer section, allowing you to keep specific areas cooler than others. Additional features also include the Super Freeze function to freeze food quicker, along with a water dispenser for when you need a thirst-quenching glass of water.

Shop online now

8. Westinghouse


Westinghouse 431L Top Mount Refrigerator

Ratings result

Westinghouse was rated four stars for all categories, including performance, value for money, internal layout, design, features & functionality and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

An Australian brand that now operates under the Electrolux Group, Westinghouse’s range of fridges includes French door, side by side, vertical, bottom mount and top mount models, along with bar fridges for those who don’t need a lot of space.

The 612L side by side fridge model features a holiday energy efficient mode to help save you while you’re enjoying some time off, LED internal lighting, frost free operation, multi-flow air delivery to help cool various sections, along with a lockable FamilySafe compartment and a fingerprint resistant stainless steel finish to help keep the exterior of the fridge looking clean.

Shop online now

9. Fisher & Paykel


Fisher & Paykel 538L Recessed Handle Quad Door Fridge with Ice & Water Dispenser - Stainless Steel

Ratings result

Fisher & Paykel was rated four stars for performance, design and features & functionality, with three stars for internal layout, value for money and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

A New Zealand brand, Fisher & Paykel offers plenty of appliances, with a wide range of fridges available to choose from. Its range is split into Contemporary or Integrated models, with Contemporary fridges leaning more towards stainless steel designs, while the Integrated models are designed to match your cabinetry and blend in with the rest of your kitchen.

The Series 7 569L French door model features an ice and water dispenser, recessed handles for a sleek design, ActiveSmart technology to help keep food fresher through temperature maintenance, an ice maker that empties into a dedicated freezer bin – which can also be turned off if you need the extra space – along with humidity control in the crispers and adjustable shelving to fit your grocery shop.

Shop online now

10. Bosch


Bosch Fridge

Ratings result

Bosch was rated three stars across all categories, including features & functionality, design, internal layout, value for money, performance and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

A German brand, Bosch offers plenty of appliances to fill your home with, from the laundry to the kitchen, with its range of fridges including models such as French door, vertical fridges and bottom mount options.

The Serie 4 bottom mount model includes an anti-fingerprint steel finish to help keep your kitchen looking schmick, along with the VitaFresh feature to help keep your food fresh with climate and temperature controls. It also includes a NoFrost system to prevent ice from building up, LED interior lighting, adjustable shelving and reversible door hinge to help slot into your kitchen.

Shop online now

Other refrigerator brands

Not all brands in the market qualify for our ratings (based on minimum survey sample size), but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth considering. Here are several more brands to check out before making a purchase decision.

  • Beko
  • Esatto
  • Kogan

  • Mitsubishi Electric
  • Panasonic
  • Whirlpool

Fridge buying guide


Buying a new fridge is a significant investment – and before settling on the right brand for your kitchen, you first need to consider a few of the basics, such as which size and type of fridge you need, features that are non-negotiable for your household as well as energy efficiency and cost, just to name a few. We cover these and more below.

What size fridge do you need?

One of the first things you should consider when choosing a fridge is capacity; or the total volume of refrigerated space available. Fridge capacity is measured in litres, and shouldn’t be confused with the actual physical dimensions (such as the height and width) of the fridge itself. As a general rule, households with one or three persons should make do with 200L-400L of fridge space, but households of four people or more may need at least 500L-700L. Use the table below to size up what refrigerator size you need for your household.

Household size Fridge capacity
1-2 people 200L-400L
3-4 people 400L-600L
5+ people 500L-800L

General guide only


Read more: What size fridge do I need?


Please note: Fridge capacity refers to the total volume of refrigerated space available in the unit and is not to be confused with dimensions which refer to the external measurements of the fridge, typically displayed in centimetres.

Types of fridges explained

While they’ll all achieve the same goal, there’s a number of fridge types for you to consider, with the main point of difference being the functionality and layout of the fridge. Here are the main types of refrigerators:

  • Top mount: Top mount fridges are the most common type in Australia. They come with a single-door fridge and a smaller single-door freezer compartment at the top (hence the name ‘top mount’).
  • Bottom mount: Bottom mount fridges are in reverse, with the smaller freezer compartment at the bottom of the unit instead. These models are not as widely seen as top-mounted fridges, but they are still very popular.
  • Side-by-side: These fridge freezer units give more priority to the freezer, with side-by-side doors and two vertical compartments. Usually, the slightly smaller freezer compartment is on the left and the main fridge area is on the right.
  • French door: These fridges are effectively bottom mount and side-by-side fridges combined as they have a two-door fridge at the top and typically a pull-out freezer at the bottom. Some models may have two doors at the bottom.
  • Single door: Breaking from traditional fridge-freezer models, single door fridges simply dedicate all of their space to the fridge unit, with no freezer.
  • Pigeon pair: This is a single-door fridge beside a separate but matching single-door upright freezer. Instead of combining a fridge and a freezer in one unit, a pigeon pair separates the two.
  • Beer or wine fridge: A beer or wine fridge/cooler is a temperature-controlled appliance specifically designed to store wine, beer, and other alcohol in ideal conditions for them to properly mature and settle.

What type of fridge you need will come down to your household’s size and how much kitchen space you have. For example, top and bottom mount fridges are more suitable for smaller households of two or three people since they have a smaller capacity. By contrast, larger households and families will need a larger capacity fridge like a side-by-side fridge or French door model with ample space for fresh food, meat, snacks, and drinks.

Features to consider before buying a fridge

Fridges have come a long way in recent years, with many packed with additional features and functionality to help keep up with households. But what features should you consider before buying?

  • Flexible layout: Each household is different, so getting a fridge that has a changeable layout with movable shelves and door baskets can help ensure that each bit of your grocery shop fits without issue.
  • Internal lighting: When those late night cravings come through, internal lighting can be a blessing. Looking for fridges with efficient internal lighting can help you see what you’re doing without adding too much to the electricity bill.
  • Defrosting: Features like auto-defrost can help take the legwork out of the defrosting process, and help ensure that parts of your fridge and freezer don’t just fill up with ice.
  • Multi-zone cooling: Certain food groups may need to be cooled at a different temperature to the rest of the fridge, so having a fridge that can cool different areas at different temperatures (such as the veggie crisper) can help keep everything fresher for longer.
  • Ice maker: If you can’t have a drink without ice, then a fridge with an ice maker will be a sure thing. Some models even offer different types of ice, from crushed ice to ice cubes, helping you get the drink you want.
  • Door alert: You don’t want to be letting all the cool air out, so most modern fridges will come with a door alert that beeps to let you know that the door has been left open.
  • Installation: Most fridges only need to be plugged into an outlet to get it going, but fridges with plumbed ice and water dispensers must be fitted by a professional plumber, with some smart fridges also requiring a professional to help set up certain connection features. Most retailers will offer an installation service (at a cost), but it’s important to keep in mind before you fall in love with a certain model.

How much do fridges cost?

Everyone wants their money to go as far as it can, so a cheap fridge can be an alluring prospect. Our survey found that Aussie households spend an average of $1,118 on a new fridge. This is pretty much smack bang in the middle of the fridge price range. Fridges can range anywhere from about $400, all the way up to over $3,000 for the latest and greatest. However, cheap fridges can be the silent killer in your kitchen as far as your electricity bill is concerned, as cheaper models often go hand-in-hand with lower efficiency ratings, meaning it may cost you more to run down the line.

How much energy does a fridge use?

Considering the fridge is something that’s always on, the costs associated with a fridge aren’t just limited to the initial purchasing cost. How much energy a fridge uses is entirely dependent on how big the fridge is, the energy efficiency rating it has, and how much you’re using it, with a fridge that’s consistently being opened and closed having to work harder to keep the insides cool. Thankfully we’ve broken down the costs in our guide so you can see how much money your fridge may be costing you.

Can you lay a fridge down?

Getting a large fridge is all well and good, until it comes time to move it! But when it comes to moving your fridge, can you lay it down to potentially make more room in the moving van? You can lay a fridge down to transport it, but the general recommended practice is to move it while it’s standing upright, as laying it down may cause oil from the compressor to snake through the coolant lines, which can cause issues when you plug your fridge back after moving.

However, to avoid any issues after moving, you can simply stand your fridge upright for a number of hours – 24 hours is recommended after laying it down – to ensure that the coolant lines are cleared before you plug in the fridge and begin to use it.

Compare Freezers

About our consumer experts


Dean Heckscher: Site Editor

This report was written by Canstar Blue’s Site Editor, Dean Heckscher. He’s our resident expert on all things automotive, health & fitness, streaming and more. Dean is also one of Canstar Blue’s customer research report producers, helping to turn complicated subjects into easily-digestible information for our readers. He’s passionate about helping consumers make better-informed purchase decisions on all manner of consumer goods and services.

 

Meet the Editorial Team

 

Samantha Howse: Consumer Research Specialist

Sam Howse Research Specialist

Samantha Howse is Canstar Blue’s Consumer Research Specialist, coordinating the consumer research program behind our customer satisfaction awards across Canstar and Canstar Blue in Australia and New Zealand. Sam has earned a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from Griffith University and, with seven years in market research and 2 years in marketing, she is experienced in survey design, implementation and analysis, coupled with an understanding of marketing principles and best practice.

 

Meet the Research Team

Past ratings

Here are the past winners from Canstar Blue’s refrigerator ratings:

  • 2022: Kelvinator
  • 2021: Fisher & Paykel
  • 2020: LG & CHiQ
  • 2019: Fisher & Paykel
  • 2018: Mitsubishi Electric
  • 2017: Kelvinator
  • 2016: Hisense & LG
  • 2015: LG
  • 2014: Electrolux
  • 2013: Bosch
  • 2012: Kelvinator
  • 2011: Kelvinator
  • 2010: Electrolux

Latest Appliances Articles

Thermometer

Freezer and fridge temperature guide

Keeping your fridge and freezer at the right temperature ensures your food is safe to eat. Find out more with Canstar Blue.

– Read more
Fridge with ice maker

Fridges with water and ice dispensers

Refrigerators are an essential purchase for every household and in recent years, brands have looked to diversify their features and functionality in order to set themselves apart from the competition. In today’s market, most new …

– Read more
Retro Fridge Buying Guide

Retro Fridge Guide Australia

The 1950s Retro Style is back when it comes to refrigerators. Check out our guide for all the brands available in Australia.

– Read more
High-end Refrigeration

3 Most Expensive Fridges in Australia

Ever wondered what a luxury fridge looks like? We’ve got the answer for you. Compare the most expensive models in the world.

– Read more
Cheapest fridges to buy Australia prices review compared

Cheap Fridges in Australia

Buying a new fridge isn’t easy, especially on the budget, however cheap may not equal best. See what you’re really spending with Canstar Blue.

– Read more