How the fridge is configured – is the freezer on the top or the bottom? Is it a side-by-side model or a French door? Does it have a single door? Show Freezer on bottom Fridge size We've classified fridges into the following groupings: Extra small (<300L), Small (300-380L), Medium (381-450L), Large (451-525L) and Extra Large (>525L). Small (300-380L) Recommended We recommend currently available fridges which score at least 75% overall and at least 60% for all aspects of temperature performance except the recommended setting score. We exclude this because you can change the settings to get better performance. CHOICE Expert Rating This tells you how well your fridge performs, based on our uncompromising lab tests. Our experts take into account how stable the fridge's temperature is, how even the temperature is throughout the fridge (any warm spots?), and how well the fridge copes with changes in the outside temperature to arrive at a rating you can trust. Keep food fresh longer score This rating tells you how well your fridge will keep your food fresh and safe to eat, based on our lab tests. Temperature stability score How stable the fridge's temperature is. Higher scores mean a more stable temperature, so your ice cream won't melt and refreeze, for example. Temperature evenness score How even the temperature is throughout the fridge – are there any warm spots? Temperature range score How well the range of fridge and freezer temperature options suit the needs of most users. Response to outside temperature score How well the fridge adjusts to changes in the outside room temperature, like the change from winter to summer. Default setting score Whether the fridge's default setting (which most people don't change) is suitable for the Australian climate. Heat load processing score The heat load processing score is a measure of how efficiently the fridge cools a warm (32°C) load placed inside, the mass of which is determined by the size of the fridge as defined by the Australian Standard. Coldest and warmest sections of fridge This will give you an idea of coldest and warmest areas you can expect in this model of fridge. We put thermocouples throughout each fridge to determine where it's coldest and warmest. This criterion will be added as we test new fridges. You'll see it written as cold top, warm middle, cold bottom, etc. Testing Standard This indicates whether we tested a fridge to the current Australian Standard (AS/NZS 4474:2018) or the previous determination (AS/NZS 4474.2:2009). As our test methods changed slightly with the adoption of the latest standard, results between fridges tested to the new standard are not directly comparable with results from tests to the previous standard and should be considered separately. Noise level score The higher the score the quieter the fridge. Noise level (dBA) The noise level in dBA – the lower the number the quieter the fridge. Shop Ethical Rating Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company. F Energy star rating As claimed by the manufacturer. The higher the number, the more energy-efficient the fridge. 4 Claimed energy use (kWh/year) Energy use per year, as claimed by the manufacturer. 299 Reliability score A high score means the brand (not the model) is less likely to have faults over time, according to CHOICE members. Satisfaction score A high score means CHOICE members are satisfied with the brand (not the model). Service score A high score means CHOICE members were happy with the support they received from this brand when they had a problem with their fridge. Warranty (years) Stated warranty of the fridge. You're still covered by the Australian Consumer Law regardless of the manufacturer warranty. 2 Country of origin Where the fridge was manufactured, though parts may have been sourced from other places. Vietnam Availability 'Tested model' means you should be able to find this fridge in retailers. We check availability every time we test, which is 6-10 times a year. 'Identical model' means this fridge is exactly the same as one we've already tested, except for a cosmetic detail like colour or the handle. You can expect identical performance to the tested model. 'Similar model' means the fridge is identical to one we've tested, except for one or two details, such as an ice maker. Tested model Price Recommended retail price at the time of testing, but shop around for the best deal. $1499 10-year running cost This gives you a good idea of the effect your fridge will have on your energy bill over its lifetime. Calculated using an electricity price of 40c per kWh. Colour / Finish Almost all fridges are available in at least a stainless steel or (less expensive) white finish. Colour variations usually have the same model number with one character difference to denote the colour (e.g. W for white, X or S for stainless steel). Stainless steel Recommended installation depth (cm) The minimum recommended depth for your fridge. We recommend at least 5cm clearance at the rear of your fridge to allow for heat to dissipate. 75 Recommended installation height (cm) The recommended minimum height required for the efficient operation of your fridge. We recommend at least 10cm clearance to allow for heat dissipation. 173 Recommended installation width (cm) The recommended minimum width required for the efficient operation of your fridge. We recommend at least 5cm clearance on either side to allow for heat dissipation. 79 Total volume (L) Use this figure to calculate if a fridge is the right size for your household. As a rule of thumb we recommend: 250-380L for 1-2 people, 350-530L for 3-4 people, 440L+ for 5 or more people. Remember that ice makers take up around 30% of your freezer, and that gross volume includes all the nooks and crannies you can't fit food into. If in doubt, get the bigger fridge. 380 Fridge volume – claimed (L) The gross volume quoted by the manufacturer tells you approximately how much air space the fridge has to cool, and includes spaces you can't put food into. 268 Freezer volume – claimed (L) The gross volume quoted by the manufacturer tells you approximately how much air space the freezer has to cool, and includes spaces you can't put food into. 112 Height (cm) The claimed dimensions for the smallest box that will fit around the fridge, including hinges, door handles and any protrusions out the back. 168 Width (cm) The claimed dimensions for the smallest box that will fit around the fridge, including hinges, door handles and any protrusions out the back. 69 Depth (cm) The claimed dimensions for the smallest box that will fit around the fridge, including hinges, door handles and any protrusions out the back. 70 Number of crispers If you need to store lots of fruit and vegetables then look for more than one crisper. 1 Water dispenser No Ice dispenser No Needs plumbing for ice/water dispenser If it has a ice or water dispenser, will the fridge require plumbing? Your kitchen may require modification if you don't already have the necessary fittings installed. No Chiller Important if you often store meat, fish and poultry (fresh or cooked), to keep it at close to zero degrees. Yes Dairy compartment Convenient for keeping butter and hard cheeses slightly soft. No Self closing doors Yes Door alarm No Door hinge position This is the side of the fridge the door hinge is positioned on, or the direction that the door opens. Many models have both left or right variations, and some are reversible with an optional kit, which is useful if you move to a house with a different kitchen layout. Right Rollers Rollers (wheels) make it easy to move the fridge, for when you need to clean behind it. Yes Write a reviewExpert advice by Ashley IredaleTeam Leader, WhitegoodsI manage the testing of, and write articles about, the most essential appliances in your home. This includes washing machines, fridges, dishwashers, clothes dryers, air conditioners and heaters, as well as a range of cleaning products and detergents that can help you get the best out of your washer or dishwasher. I have degrees in Industrial Design and Marketing and Communications, and have many years' experience in a wide range of industries including power tools, manufacturing, legal publishing, retail, air conditioning and HVAC, IT and higher education. Read more about Ashley. Expert advice by Mostafa MohamedTest CoordinatorI test fridges in our NATA accredited thermal lab. Developing unusual, intuitive and creative tests and verification methods to test the performance of products has always intrigued me, and it speaks to my love of design and engineering. I hold a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Southern Queensland and am currently a PhD student at Western Sydney University. My background is in design and manufacturing of electricity meters and domestic refrigerators, and I've also managed a commercial refrigeration testing lab and worked as a compliance engineer. Read more about Mostafa. Is Panasonic a good brand for refrigerator?I can confidently say that my Panasonic ref is very reliable and exceptionally durable. Not to mention it has a 12-year warranty. It's a must have in any kitchen, as they say 'refrigerator is the heart of every kitchen' – and it's definitely worth the investment! What is the most dependable sideBest Overall: LG 27 cu. ... . Best Budget: Samsung 28 cu. ... . Best for Large Families: Whirlpool 36-inch Wide Side-By-Side Refrigerator ». Best for Small Spaces: Whirlpool 33-inch Wide Side-by-Side Refrigerator ». Best for Energy Efficiency: KitchenAid 24.8 cu ft. ... . Best for Smart Homes: Samsung 26.7 cu.. Which fridge is good side by side?Best 3 features of side by side refrigerator. What country is Panasonic refrigerator from?Panasonic Holdings Corporation is a Japanese multinational electronics company, headquartered in Kadoma, Osaka. It was founded in 1918 as Matsushita Electric Housewares Manufacturing Works in Fukushima, Osaka by Kōnosuke Matsushita. In 1935, it was incorporated and renamed Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. |
