Guide

What Size Fridge Do I Need?

A practical capacity guide for Australian households — from singles to large families.

The 100L Per Person Rule

The most commonly used guide for Australian fridge sizing is 100 litres per adult plus 50 litres per child. This accounts for a standard weekly shop, condiment storage, and some leftover space for meal prep. It's a starting point — adjust up if you bulk-buy, cook from scratch, or entertain regularly.

Quick formula

(Adults × 100L) + (Children × 50L) = Recommended minimum

Example: 2 adults + 2 kids = 300L minimum. Add 50–100L if you bulk-buy.

Capacity by Household Size

Household People Capacity
Single person 1 150–250L
Couple 2 250–380L
Small family 3–4 380–520L
Family 4–5 500–620L
Large family 5+ 600–800L+

Choosing a Fridge Type

Top Mount

200–450L
Pros: Most energy-efficient, lowest cost, smaller footprint.
Cons: Freezer at top can be inconvenient for regular access.
Best for: Singles, couples, budget buyers.

Bottom Mount

300–520L
Pros: Fridge section at eye level for easy access, good efficiency.
Cons: Bending required for freezer access.
Best for: Couples, small families, kitchen-focused households.

French Door

480–800L
Pros: Wide shelves for large items, double-door reduces cold air loss, stylish.
Cons: Wider footprint (900–912mm), higher cost.
Best for: Families, entertainers, large-kitchen owners.

Side-by-Side

500–800L
Pros: Equal fridge/freezer access at full height, great for tall items in freezer.
Cons: Narrow individual compartments, less energy-efficient.
Best for: Households needing large freezer access.

Other Things to Consider

Gross vs net capacity

Manufacturers quote gross capacity. Net (usable) capacity is 10–15% less. A "600L" fridge typically has around 510–540L of usable storage.

Energy efficiency

Larger fridges cost more to run. In Australia, top-mount fridges are typically the most energy-efficient per litre. Check the energy rating label for annual kWh.

Lifestyle and shopping habits

If you shop weekly and batch-cook, add 20–30% to the basic formula. If you order groceries online multiple times a week, you can often go smaller.

Water/ice dispenser

Built-in ice and water dispensers reduce interior storage by 30–50L and require a plumbed water connection.

Found the right size? Check if it fits.

Browse our model library and check any fridge against your cavity dimensions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many litres do I need per person in a fridge?
A common rule of thumb for Australian households is 100 litres per adult plus 50 litres per child. This accounts for a normal weekly shop with some meal-prep capacity. If you cook from scratch or bulk-buy, add 50–100L to the estimate.
What size fridge do I need for a family of 4?
For two adults and two children, aim for 350–500L gross capacity. A 430–480L bottom mount or a 500–560L French Door fridge is typically right-sized for a family of four in Australia.
Is a 600L fridge too big for 2 people?
For most couples, a 600L fridge is oversized unless you entertain frequently, bulk-cook, or have specific storage needs (e.g., large platters, drinks fridge). A 300–450L model is more energy-efficient and appropriately sized for two people.
What is the difference between gross and net fridge capacity?
Gross capacity is the total internal volume including all shelves and door storage. Net (or usable) capacity is the actual usable space after accounting for shelving, bins, and the evaporator housing. Net capacity can be 10–15% less than the gross figure shown in marketing materials.

Related Guides

Fridge Cavity Size Guide Standard Fridge Sizes in Australia How Much Clearance Does a Fridge Need? French Door vs Side-by-Side Dimensions