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Haier had the highest rating for performance, helping it win this year's french door fridge award. It's recommended by 91% of Australians and it also received high scores for its design, features and value for money.
A french door fridge has a fridge on top and a freezer down the bottom. The refrigerator can be accessed via two french doors, while the freezer can have a few different door configurations.
With capacities ranging from 450 up to 900 litres, french door fridges offer a huge amount of storage space and are suitable for large families. They allow you to access frequently used fridge items without bending over, and often boast flexible storage features as well as water and ice dispensers. And because the two fridge doors are narrow, they don't take up a whole lot of space in your kitchen when open.
However, french door fridges do have a couple of downsides. Not only are they expensive to purchase, but they also take up a large amount of floor space and won't fit in all kitchens.
French door fridges are becoming increasingly popular in Australia, a fact reflected by the increasing range of models on offer.
Aside from storage capacity, the other way to distinguish between the many different models is based on the storage layout. While all french door fridges feature a top-mounted fridge with two doors, the bottom-mounted freezer could feature:
You'll need to consider the following factors when comparing french door fridges:
French door fridges range in size from 450 litres up to 900 litres, so they're typically suitable for families of four or more. Make sure it'll fit in your kitchen with room for ventilation around the fridge and ensure that the doors can open fully. Also, don't forget to check if your doors and entryways at home will be large enough for the fridge to be delivered and installed.
Next, consider how functional the space in the fridge is and how easy it will be to use. Can shelves be moved around and adjusted to accommodate larger items? Is it easy to access items in the freezer? Do the shelves have raised edges to contain any spills?
French door fridge prices start at around the $1,000 mark and go all the way up to $9,000. However, most models are priced in the $1,000-$4,000 range. The more you pay, the greater the capacity of the fridge and the more advanced features you can expect.
Check the Energy Rating Label to find out how much power the fridge consumes. The more stars on the label, the more energy-efficient the fridge is.
Check whether the fridge is well lit inside so you can clearly see all shelves and compartments. LED lighting is also more energy-efficient than other options.
There are several finish options including traditional white, stainless steel and black. If you decide to opt for durable stainless steel, a "fingerprint-resistant" finish should help it stay as clean as possible.
Many french door fridges have ice and water dispensers so you can access crushed ice or cold, filtered water without having to open the fridge. However, they may require additional plumbing work at an additional cost.
Some high-end models also feature Wi-Fi connectivity and compatible smartphone apps to help you manage your fridge. This may include features like sending an alert to your phone when the fridge door has been left open and built-in cameras to check what's in the fridge..
Check the manufacturer's warranty, how long it lasts and exactly what it covers before you buy.
Other features and inclusions that some french door fridges offer are:
Are you unsure whether a french door fridge is the right choice for you? Make sure you consider these other options before you buy:
You can also check out our refrigerator buying guide for tips and advice on how to find the best fridge for your home.
Keep the following factors in mind when choosing a french door fridge:
| Total Score | Overall rating | Value for Money | Features | Internal/External Design | Performance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haier | 8.04 | 4.43 | 4.23 | 4.29 | 4.2 | 4.37 |
| Westinghouse | 7.99 | 4.4 | 4.27 | 4.29 | 4.29 | 4.29 |
| Electrolux | 7.92 | 4.36 | 4.36 | 4.12 | 4.3 | 4.33 |
| LG | 7.9 | 4.27 | 4.27 | 4.33 | 4.39 | 4.33 |
| Samsung | 7.88 | 4.38 | 4.22 | 4.18 | 4.34 | 4.08 |
| Fisher & Paykel | 7.88 | 4.3 | 4.08 | 4.2 | 4.22 | 4.26 |
| Mitsubishi Electric | 7.73 | 4.22 | 4.26 | 4.3 | 4.11 | 4.33 |
| Hisense | 7.7 | 4.26 | 4.08 | 4.08 | 4.18 | 4.2 |
| Other | 7.69 | 4.2 | 3.93 | 4.27 | 4.4 | 4.33 |
These are the 6 best French door fridges you can buy right now in Australia.
