Share this article
Whether you live in a small one person household or a big three-generational family, a refrigerator is one of the essential appliances at home. It is also a big ticket item which you will use for the next few years, so it can be difficult to decide which brand and type of fridge is the best to purchase. Here are some things to look out for when choosing a fridge:
1. Size & Capacity
You should set aside a space for your fridge and include it in your floor plan. Check the height, width and depth, with extra allowance for ventilation.
For single or two-person households, a fridge of around 200 to 300 litres would be sufficient, while small households of three to four people would typically require an average capacity of around 300 to 500 litres. The capacity needed also depends on your lifestyle and demands. For example, if you are living in a single household but cook often or enjoy hosting people at home, you may need a bigger fridge.
2. Five common types of fridges
- Top Freezer: Conventional design, budget-friendly.
- Bottom Freezer: More convenient, easier access to fresh food.
- Side-by-Side: Good for narrow kitchens, but smaller freezer space.
- French Door: Spacious, stylish, but more costly.
- Mini Fridge: Ideal for small spaces or offices.
3. Energy Efficiency
Take note of the number of ticks on the energy rating. The more number of ticks means the higher the efficiency, which will lower electricity bills. The maximum number of ticks is five.
4. Cooling Technology
- Frost-free: More convenient but uses more energy.
- Manual defrost: Requires you to physically remove ice build-up but doesn’t dry out food.
- Multi-airflow system: evenly distributes cold air throughout the fridge and freezer.
5. Warranty
Refrigerators are troublesome to repair and replace, hence you would want to ensure that you buy from a reliable brand and your purchase can last for at least a few years with no issues. It is important to look out for at least 1 to 2 years warranty on the fridge, and 5 to 10 years on the compressor.
We have curated the top 10 best refrigerators in Singapore based on reviews, functions and price so you can make a more informed choice of your new fridge.
1. Smeg Fridge, 207 litres ($3,248)
If you are a fan of the vintage retro look, this fridge might be the perfect fit for your home. The biggest selling point of Smeg’s fridges would be the 1950s European retro design. Made in Italy, the Smeg FAB28RPB5UK is a single door fridge that is available in 8 different colours and 1 special edition Jack Union design.
The specifications are rather basic with a multi-flow cooling system that distributes cold air evenly throughout the fridge, and a Life plus 0°C drawer that is a controlled temperature zone for longer preservation of fresh food. Even though the functions are pretty simple, most users reviewed that the fridge is high quality and quiet, with very well designed finishing and materials.
If you prioritise aesthetics and how the appliance fits into your overall interior design, this fridge offers both quality and design.
- Functions: Multi-flow cooling system, Life plus 0°C drawer, electronic temperature control, LED lighting, door alarm.
- Reviews: Nice design, quiet, compartments are spacious, expensive.
- Capacity: 270 litres
- Size: 1530 (H) x 601 (W) x 728mm (D)
- Price: $3,248
Smeg Fridge FAB28RPB5UK can be purchased on their website.
2. Hitachi Fridge, 407 litres ($1,089)
Hitachi is the brand that is highly recommended on Reddit and won the most number of votes in a Telegram group poll on “the best fridge brands that can last for more than 10 years”. The Japanese brand is highly raved for its longevity, reliability, and minimalist design.
Compared to the Smeg fridge, the Hitachi R-VX480PMS9 has almost double the capacity, with 109 litres for the freezer and 298 litres for the refrigerator, making it ideal for an average family of three to four people.
Special features of the fridge include the selectable zone at the top of the refrigerator where you can customise the temperature of that compartment to suit different storage needs such as storage of drinks, diary, meat or fish. There is also a separate compartment for storage of vegetables at the bottom of the fridge. In the freezer, the ice tray has a big capacity of 5.3 litres. Unlike typical freezers where the ice trays are built-in, this Hitachi ice tray is portable, making it easier for you to serve during parties or even remove it when you need more storage space.
- Functions: Duo fan cooling that is energy saving, Eco Thermo-Sensor in each compartment that detects any temperature change separately, Triple Power Filter that catches and removes 7 odour components such as smells from garlic, fish and vinegar.
- Reviews: Reliable, spacious, affordable, takes up alot of physical space in the house.
- Capacity: 407 litres
- Size: 1770 (H) x 680 (W) x 720mm (D)
- Price: $1,089
Hitachi Fridge R-VX480PMS9 can be purchased on their website.
3. Panasonic Fridge, 402 litres ($3,339)
The next brand that comes close to Hitachi is Panasonic. The brand’s “Made in Japan” range is highly recommended online for its quality and functionalities.
The strongest feature of the NR-F503GT would be its Prime Fresh -3°C soft freezing which makes cooking preparation easy as no defrosting is needed. Another technology featured will be the nanoe™ X which prevents bacteria growth, reduces odour and breaks down pesticide.
If you are a chef at home and use the fridge often for your cooking needs, this fridge may be the one for you as most of its functions are designed to keep food fresher and last longer. For example, the filters are double moisture control which automatically detects and maintains the humidity at 90%, and the airflow is set at -32°C which allows 4 times quicker freezing than usual freezers so as to preserve the best flavours and freshness.
- Functions: Automatic ice maker, fully extendable drawers, Electrostatic Touch Panel that comes on only with contact, seven kinds of ECONAVI sensors to monitor daily usage and energy consumption.
- Reviews: Premium design, two freezer compartments which is convenient for separating out ice cream and raw meat, slim build.
- Capacity: 402 litres
- Size: 1828 (H) x 650 (W) x 699mm (D)
- Price: $3,339
Panasonic Fridge NR-F503GT can be purchased on their website.
4. Samsung Fridge, 290 litres ($580)
Samsung fridges may not have the best reputation on forum discussions but this budget friendly model has more than 150 five-star ratings on Shopee. If you are not very big on kitchen appliances and just looking to get a practical and fuss-free model, this may be the one to consider.
Rated highly for its compact and slim design, the fridge is 290 litres and sufficient for a small family or those with less cooking demands. Budget doesn’t mean functionality is compromised. Similar to other models, this Samsung fridge has an optimal fresh zone that leaves a separated zone that has the ideal environment for keeping meat and fish fresh for a longer period of time.
It is also powered with an All-around Cooling system that automatically monitors temperature changes and cools the fridge evenly from corner to corner. There is also a 20-year warranty available for the fridge compressor.
- Functions: Optimal fresh zone, Activated Carbon filter, flat door design
- Reviews: Value-for-money, suitable for small spaces, quite noisy, only 2 ticks energy saving.
- Capacity: 290 litres
- Size: 1700 (H) x 595 (W) x 663mm (D)
- Price: $580
Samsung Fridge RB30N4050B1/SS can be purchased on their website.
5. LG Fridge, 647 litres ($2,099)
The LG fridge GS-B6472MC is a double door side-by-side fridge with an amazing capacity of 647 litres that is suitable for large families or those with heavy kitchen needs. The doors open up to four spacious compartments, giving you plenty of space to store and compartmentalise your items.
The issue of a fridge with multiple doors is the temperature fluctuations when opening and closing the doors, affecting the fresh food stored inside. However, this model is equipped with Linear Cooling™ which reduces temperature fluctuations, locking in the flavor of fresh for up to 7 days. In addition, the Door Cooling+™ technology cools the interior from the door to aid even cooling, keeping food fresh and drinks cold.
- Functions: Linear Cooling™, Door Cooling+™, UltraSleek Door, Inverter Linear Compressor
- Reviews: Spacious, quiet, tempered glass shelves can withstand weight.
- Capacity: 647 litres
- Size: 1790 (H) x 913 (W) x 735mm (D)
- Price: $2,099
LG Fridge GS-B6472MC can be purchased from Lazada.
6. MIDEA Fridge, 548L ($1,139)
Another large capacity double door side-by-side fridge, the MIDEA MDRS710FIE61SG is a 3 ticks inverter refrigerator with a white glass door finishing. The fridge is equipped with the latest Inverter Quattro Platinum technology which ensures precise temperature control, keeping food fresher for a longer period of time.
The most interesting feature that sets this fridge apart from the rest would be the smart Wifi control. You can control the temperature, humidity and even set reminders for food expiration dates through your smartphone. You can also monitor the energy consumption at any time through the smart control.
- Functions: Inverter Quattro which ensures lower energy consumption, Anti-bacteria, odour-free, multi-airflow.
- Reviews: Spacious, value-for-money, door handle can be quite difficult to open at the start.
- Capacity: 548 litres
- Size: 1788 (H) x 895 (W) x 745mm (D)
- Price: $1,139
MIDEA Fridge MDRS710FIE61SG can be purchased from Lazada.
7. Mitsubishi Electric Fridge, 461 litres, $3,300
The Mitsubishi Electric MR-WX47LG is a six door bottom freezer glass refrigerator. It has advanced cooling technologies such as the Vitamin Factory that is powered with LED lights to stimulate photosynthesis in fruits and vegetables, keeping them fresh for longer.
Another technology is the Supercool chilling function that is ideal for storing meat, fish and other perishable food without freezing, so that they are ready to cook without needing to defrost. The fridge is three ticks energy rated which helps to reduce utility bills while being environmentally friendly.
- Functions: Supercool chilling, automatic ice maker, multi-airflow.
- Reviews: Big vegetable compartment, quiet, many drawers and compartments.
- Capacity: 470 litres
- Size: 1698 (H) x 650 (W) x 699mm (D)
- Price: $3,300
Mitsubishi Electric Fridge MR-WX47LG Can be purchased from Shopee.
8. TOSHIBA Fridge, 233 litres ($699)
If you are living alone or in a small family, this budget friendly fridge may be an option. The Toshiba GR-RT303WE-PMX(52) is a basic top mount freezer refrigerator that is the bestseller among Toshiba fridges sold on Lazada.
It is equipped with an inverter compressor and fan that detects changes automatically and cools the fridge down quickly. It has a multi-airflow system that keeps internal temperature steady and PureBIO technology that absorbs smell and reduces odour.
It is a basic functional fridge from a reliable brand. If you are not looking for something over-the-top or just a fridge for your office pantry or rental unit, this would be a value-for-money model to consider.
- Functions: Japanese weave design, adjustable shelves, anti-bacteria, top freezer.
- Reviews: Ideal for small spaces, compact and sleek design, only 2 ticks energy rating.
- Capacity: 233 litres
- Size: 1535 (H) x 545 (W) x 623mm (D)
- Price: $699
Toshiba Fridge is available online at the Mega Discount Store.
9. Bosch Fridge, 275 litres ($1,599)
If you are looking for a smaller capacity fridge of around 200 to 300 litres and have more budget to spare, this Bosch fridge is one to look at. Featuring a bottom freezer and stainless steel design, the Bosch KGN33NL30O has earned 4.8 stars ratings on Lazada.
Key features of the fridge include the Vital Fresh XXL which is a large sized climate-controlled drawer where food are kept at near 0°C, FreshSense system that automatically senses and controls temperature of both fridge and freezer, SuperCool and SuperFreeze functions that activates when you open the fridge and freezer to load new groceries to keep the new and existing load at the optimal temperature.
- Functions: No frost, extra large drawers, multi-airflow system.
- Reviews: Ample storage space, quiet, the sides of the fridge can get quite hot.
- Capacity: 275 litres
- Size: 1760 (H) x 600 (W) x 660mm (D)
- Price: $1,599
Bosch Fridge KGN33NL30O can be purchased from Lazada.
10. SHARP Fridge, 521 litres ($1,049)
The SHARP SJ-SS52ES2-SL is a side-by -side fridge that is suitable for an average 4 person household. It has a metallic door finishing that comes with an LED touch screen control panel.
Key features of the fridge include a smart mode for automatic temperature adjustment, express freezing function and extra cool function. The shelves are adjustable and made of tempered glass which could hold more weight with greater stability.
- Functions: Inverter compressor, Smart mode, express freeze and cool, door alarm.
- Reviews: Many compartments, quick to cool, doors can be quite difficult to open.
- Capacity: 521 litres
- Size: 1770 (H) x 910 (W) x 670mm (D)
- Price: $1,049
SHARP Fridge SJ-SS52ES2-SL can be purchased from Shopee.