So you are getting ready to buy. You have created a shortlist of fridges and are about to go face to face with a salesperson to get the best deal. Here are our top tips for finally buying a fridge. 

Thank you to all the Comparison.com.au users who contributed to this list!

1. Model Number

Ensure you check the actual model number of the unit on display or in the catalogue. There are a large number of Fridge product models with slightly different features. It is always worthwhile checking that the model you are looking at is the exact model number you have reviewed online. Fridge model numbers are particularly complex because they can specify colour and door hinge side.

Have a look at similar models and when they were launched. You may be offered a ‘run out deal' on a previous model of the same size and same manufacturer! That may get you a better price, but you want to know what features you are missing out on with the new model.

Starting with over 800 fridge models you can filter your search to look at all Westinghouse Top Mount fridges with a capacity between 300 and 399 Litres or look at current Side by Side fridges with a capacity of 500 to 599 Litres. This is where Comparison.com.au enables an "apples for apples" comparison, allowing you to compare features side by side.

2.  Energy Efficiency

Selecting the most energy efficient fridge will save you running costs over time. You can start your review with the most energy efficient fridges on the market today here, or sort any shortlist of fridges by energy efficiency, just select "Energy Efficiency" in the drop down list in the Sort By box.

3.  Tested by Choice

Choice, the Australian Consumer Association, have tested over 50 fridges and provided their recommendations. Review Choice's fridge buying guide and browse all the fridges tested by Choice on Comparison.com.au. 

Read the Choice fridge test summary here and consider subscribing to Choice* from as little as $21.50 to get the results of this test and access to all their reports.

4.  Protect your purchase

The high profile failure of appliance retailer, Kleenmaid, is a timely reminder that in tough economic times that there is always a risk of retailers taking your money and then failing to provide the goods.

Protect yourself by paying by credit card or only paying upon receipt of the goods. Check with your credit card provider however most credit cards offer insurance against merchants who do not provide the goods and some credit cards offer extended warranties for goods purchased on the credit card.

5.  Old Fridge Removal

Some retailers offer a very convenient service of removing your old fridge for no or little cost.

The only downside is that the old fridge has to be turned off and cleaned prior to the arrival of your new fridge; and your new fridge usually needs to be in place for a few hours prior to turning on. So you have to make alternative arrangements for the contents of your fridge for a day or two!

Alternatively check with your local council who may offer whitegoods disposal. Remember for safety reasons you are required to remove the fridge door prior to putting out for collection.

You may be tempted to keep your old fridge however consider that it may be better to buy a larger (and therefore even more efficient fridge) than incur the costs of running the second, older (and probably very inefficient) fridge.

6.  Installation

Refrigerators are large and fragile so retailers often offer delivery and installation. So it is best to negotiate the delivery and installation fees as part of the deal, rather than be suprised by excessive fees.

Confirm that the retailer will deliver, unpack and put the fridge in place ready to be turned on. Be very clear if there are any challenges for the delivery staff eg stairs or steep driveways. Notify them upfront or you might find your new fridge delivered to your front doorstep only.

7. Warranty

Exactly what is the manufacturer's warranty policy and over what term? Does the warranty cover onsite service? Who provides the warranty service?

Retailers usually offer extended warranty terms. Consider exactly what is being covered during the extended warranty. This can often be negotiated as part of the final deal.

8. Price

Finally, most retailers will happily negotiate terms (installation, warranty, credit, delivery) and price. Get great deals by buying stock off the floor, paying cash, negotiating terms, buying in volume and shopping around. Recommended Retail Price (RRP) is usually a guide, rarely paid unless you are bidding for one of the latest releases.

Compare over 800 fridge models >>

What did we miss?  

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