The Best Brand awards by CHOICE are given to the top-performing brands based on their reliability, customer satisfaction, and overall performance. CHOICE experts rate over 50 popular fridge models based on various criteria, including food freshness, temperature stability, 10-year running costs, and reliability.
Our award-winning refrigerators are designed with you in mind, offering a variety of models to suit your unique needs. Whether you prefer a Multi-Drawer, French Door, Top Mount, or Bottom Mount freezer, we have a design and capacity that will complement your kitchen perfectly.
How to choose your next fridge
Despite the excitement that comes with buying a new fridge, we know many of you can’t help but ask “Where do I even start?”, “How do I even begin?”
Given a new fridge is a significant investment for most individuals and families, you must make the right purchasing decision, and we want to help arm you with the knowledge necessary to make a good choice.
Our Fridge Buying Guide provides everything you need to know when selecting your next fridge. While you can access the full guide for in-depth insights, we’ve also summarised the key points in this article to help you make the best choice.
1. Determine your space and capacity requirements
How do I know what size fridge I need?
- Measure the space your fridge will take up. Can you imagine getting your brand-new fridge only to discover it won’t fit in your kitchen?
- When measuring, consider the width, height, and depth of the area where the refrigerator will be placed to ensure a proper fit.
- Add a clearance allowance to the dimensions of each side, top, and back of the fridge. This will help ensure it has enough space around it to fit in the area, and will also help allow for the right airflow.
- To simplify the selection process, Mitsubishi Electric has developed the user-friendly ‘Fridge Finder’ app. By simply entering the width and height of your cavity, the app will provide a list the best refrigerator models from Mitsubishi Electric that will fit your space. You can even take a photo of your kitchen to see how different models will look. Download the Fridge Finder app from the App Store.
- When in doubt, ask yourself the following questions to help determine the right fridge capacity for your storage needs:
2. Decide on the type of fridge that works for you
Refrigerators come in different styles to suit individual preferences and kitchen layouts, and like any other appliance, there are pros and cons for each.
Top Mount Fridge
This classic style features a freezer compartment on the top and a refrigerator below. It is one of the most affordable designs and is usually suitable for limited spaces or smaller households.
Pros
- Affordability: One of the most cost-effective fridge options, making it an accessible option for anyone.
- Space efficiency: The compact design is ideal for smaller spaces, including apartments or homes with limited kitchen area.
Cons
- Limited access: Since the fridge door is at the bottom, it may be inconvenient for some people to reach items in the freezer compartment, especially those with mobility issues.
- Fewer features: It doesn’t have some features found in more advanced refrigerators.
- Accessibility: If you have a bad back or knees, you may need to bend down regularly to access everyday items in the fridge compartment.
- Smaller Freezer space
Bottom Mount Fridge 
The freezer is at the bottom, making accessing the more frequently used refrigerator compartment easier. These refrigerators can offer a good balance of convenience, features, and affordability and are ideally sized for apartment living.
Pros
- Convenience: Ergonomically designed to provide easier access to the refrigerator section, which is used more frequently, reducing the need to bend over.
- Versatile design: Suitable for a range of living situations, from singles to families, thanks to a good balance of features and size.
- Improved freezer organisation: Features pull-out drawers in the freezer compartment, which can help organise frozen goods more efficiently.
Cons
- Freezer accessibility: Items in the bottom freezer may be harder to reach for people who have trouble bending down.
French Door Fridge 
These models have a double-door refrigerator on top and a freezer section below. They offer a spacious and stylish design with wide shelving, perfect for those who frequently entertain or have large families.
Pros
- Large capacity: Offers ample space, making it ideal for families or those who entertain often. It also allows for easy storage of large items.
- Aesthetic appeal: The upscale design can serve as a focal point in modern kitchens.
- Easy access: Wide shelves, storage bins in the refrigerator section, and easy-access freezer doors provide convenient access to fresh and frozen food items.
Cons
- Higher price point: May be more expensive due to its generous size and advanced features.
- Space requirements: Usually require a larger kitchen space to accommodate the wider design.
Multi Drawer Fridge 
These versatile models offer separate compartments or drawers for different types of food. They can provide better organisation and easier access to stored items while keeping them at optimal temperatures.
Pros
- Optimal organisation: Multiple compartments and drawers allow for better organisation and separation of different types of food.
- Temperature management: Precise control over the different compartmental temperatures means you can store food the way you want to.
- Design and features: This sleek, modern design comes with high-tech features that cater to tech-savvy customers looking for convenience and style.
Cons
- Higher price point: May be more expensive due to its generous size and advanced design and additional features.
3. Make sure you keep these factors in mind
Must-have fridge features
What inclusions do you absolutely need in your new fridge? Knowing the difference between a need and a nice-to-have can help you narrow your search for the perfect fridge.
- Capacity and storage
- Energy efficiency
- Ice maker
- Advanced temperature controls
- Supercool chilling case
- Multi-function freezer
Finishes that suit your style
What finish and colour will you choose for your new fridge? To help get you inspired, here are a few options for you to consider:
- Steel Door
- Glass Door
- Classic white
- Black
Environmental factors
When choosing a new fridge, you should consider the Energy Star rating. This is a simple and easy way to assess an appliance’s energy efficiency. A higher star rating means that you’re not only reducing your household’s carbon footprint but potentially saving on electricity bills, too.
The Australian Government regulates this system, and you can find comprehensive information on energy ratings on the Energy Rating website.
What about your budget?
The price range for fridges varies depending on size, brand, style, and additional features. Set a realistic budget that aligns with your needs and explore options within that range.
The cost to run a fridge annually varies based on its energy efficiency, size, and local electricity rates. More efficient models with a 4.5 Energy Star rating are on the lower end, consuming less electricity, while older or larger models with lower efficiency ratings will most likely cost more.
Moving your fridge
So, you’ve made your fridge selection and it’s been delivered to your home, we know you can’t wait to get it up and running but the next important step is to move it inside with care.
Thankfully, we’ve pulled together the top 10 FAQs (asked by Aussie consumers) about moving fridges. Rest assured, our Mitsubishi Electric Refrigeration team are the experts on the matter and have answered these for you, ensuring you’re fully prepared for a smooth move.
You’ll find the full list in our blog, ‘Fridge Moving Made Easy!’ but to get you started, here are the top three tips to ensure your move is hassle-free.
- Can a fridge be moved lying down?
It’s not recommended to move a fridge lying down. Transporting a refrigerator in an upright position is the safest method as it helps prevent potential damage to the internal components. However, if it becomes absolutely necessary to move a fridge horizontally, ensure it is laid on its back. Do not lay a refrigerator on its side for transportation, as it may damage the compressor.
- How long should a fridge settle after moving it?
After installing a Mitsubishi Electric refrigerator in a new location, it is safe to turn it on immediately without causing any damage. This will help your fridge cool down faster, allowing you to store your food sooner. However, if it was necessary to move the fridge on its back (never transport a fridge on its side), it is best to wait for about 30 minutes before turning it on again. This is to ensure that the oil has returned to the compressor in case it migrated out during the move.
It is important to note that the recommended waiting period may differ from brand to brand, so it is advisable to consult your manufacturer’s user manual for their specific instructions. Some refrigerator models may require you to wait for a certain period of time, such as 2 to 3 hours or even up to 24 hours before plugging them in again. This waiting period allows the internal components, especially the refrigerant and oil in the compressor, to settle properly.
- When should a fridge be turned off before moving?
Turning off and unplugging the refrigerator at least 24 hours before moving is generally advisable. This allows ample time for the fridge to defrost (if necessary) and for the internal components to reach room temperature. Turning off the refrigerator in advance can also avoid potential water leaks during the move.
For more information on our full range of premium, award-winning fridge and freezer models, see the refrigeration section of our website. Or, find your nearest refrigerator stockist who can help recommend the right fridge for you.
