What to look for when making a purchase

Most importantly, before shopping for a refrigerator, measure the space you wish the fridge to fit into - whether it will be in a built - in cavity or free standing, knowing how much space you have will ensure your purchase is one you will be happy with.

The following guide to features will also assist you with what to look for when purchasing a fridge.

1. More energy tars means you save money and energy

Potential running costs are considered part of the cost of having a fridge. The best fridges in the market place have the highest energy rating which is 5 stars. The more stars on the energy label, the less energy the fridge uses, the more you save on your bills - and because youre using less energy, youre helping save the environment.

2. Type of Cooling System

• Frost Free

  Frost Free fridges provide a sophisticated refrigeration system without building up ice in the freezer. This means they use less energy to keep your fridges contents cool and you never have to go through the messy process of defrosting the freezer. The frost free system works on removing moisture from the fridge, so that it doesnt form ice. To ensure your vegetables remain firm and hard in a frost free environment, it is necessary for them to be placed in the crisper.

• Cyclic

  Cyclic fridges are a more traditional fridge which cool by using a cycle/cooling plate situated inside and at the back of the fridge. Referred to as a "moist cold refrigerator system compartment", the freezer on this type of unit requires defrosting on a regular basis to ensure efficient running

• Hybrid Frost Free

  Some fridges are a combination of Frost Free and Cyclic technology, comprising a Frost Free Freezer attached to a cyclic fridge. The freezer compartment on this unit does not require defrosting, however, the cyclic/cooling plate situated inside the fridge can freeze items which come in contact with it.

3. Configuration

• Top Mount

  Top Mount refrigerators refer to the traditional configuration with a freezer on top of the fresh food section.

• Upside down Upside down refrigerators are a recent innovation where the fresh food compartment is on top and the freezer is on the bottom. The advantage of this design is that the area you use most is at eye level, making it easier to access and the freezer section provides more space than a conventional top mounted model.

• Side by Side

  The side by side configuration offers the benefit of a large capacity vertical fridge and freezer combination which can meet all the needs of a family and those who entertain frequently. Some side by side fridges are equipped with an ice dispenser and a water chiller - a great idea for entertaining as well as everyday use. The side by side configuration is generally more energy efficient than having a separate matching fridge and freezer and takes up less space in the kitchen.

Many fridges are the same on the outside but they dont have the same capacity on the inside. The following is a general guide for choosing the right size fridge to best suit your household:

• 200-299 Litre - 1 person
  
• 300-399 Litre - 2 people
  
• 400-499 Litre - 3 people
  
• 500-599 Litre - 4 people
  
• 600 Litre + - Larger families and those who entertain regularly

5. Adjustable shelves

Look for shelves which are easily adjustable to suit the needs of your household. All shelves should slide easily and adjust to different heights. Other parts of the fridge should also be movable such as the dairy conditioner and egg holder to enable the parts to be affixed or removed as required.