Refrigerator Buying Guide

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Fridge freezers. With so many types, sizes, features…it’s easy to get overwhelmed. No worries, we’re here to take you through what you need. Let’s dive deeper into what types of fridge freezers there are and which type of fridge freezer you should be looking for in your kitchen.

What types of fridge freezers are there?

Type by door style / configuration

From the left, right, top, bottom… fridge freezer doors can be swung open from various configurations. Here are some of the most common fridge freezer types by door style as well as their pros and cons.

French style fridge freezers

French door fridge freezers, or multi-door fridge freezers, usually come in larger capacities and with advanced features, so we recommend them for larger households. Two narrow doors on top and a freezer below with a drawer or more sometimes in between. Their narrow swing doors save you space, but they also save energy by opening only half the fridge as needed. French door models come in 3-door types, 4-door types with a mid-drawer, 4-door types with two-door setups at the top and bottom, and more, so try each of them out and see which setup feels comfortable to you.

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Side-by-Side fridge freezers

Two, long narrow doors that split the fridge freezer at the center into a fridge and a freezer. American style fridge freezers (also called Side-by-side fridge freezers or double door fridge freezers) let you organise your items based on your consumption with shelves designed for vertical storage, which help you better organise and locate frozen items for households that consume frozen goods more often.

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Bottom Mount Freezers

As the traditional fridge freezer with a freezer at the bottom, Bottom Mount freezers are the most common type in South Africa. They generally pack the most storage space in fridge freezer types, usually come in more reasonable price ranges, and allow easier access to fresh items with a top fridge compartment. Classic fridge freezers come in different height options, so double-check the dimensions based on your space requirements and storage needs, before purchasing.

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One-door fridges / One-door freezers

One-door fridges (also called larder fridges or single door fridges) are tall, single-door units that offer plenty of storage even with less interior space, making them suitable for larger households or for cooking in batches. These types do not have both fridge and freezer compartments inside, however, be advised that you could purchase either one door fridges or one door freezers separately, or that you could even put two or three one-door fridge/freezer units together according to your needs.

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BESPOKE fridge freezers with customisable configurations

Samsung Bespoke refrigeration comes in different types of fridge options to meet any kitchen needs. Simply integrate multiple modules and create your perfect setup by customising the colour and finish. This modular build means your fridge freezer can become whatever you need it to be by adding extra fridge or freezer components onto your setup at any time.

Gray colored tiles are flipping around with the text Customize just the way you want and white, sky blue, peach and cream vanilla colored tiles appear to indicate the different color panels of the Bespoke refrigerator. The text available in different types is on the top. Below the text, there are different types of Bespoke refrigerators: a Glam Navy one with the text 1-door fridge, a Satin Beige one with the text 1-door freezer, a Clean Black one with the text slim 1-door. A refrigerator with Sky Blue top and white bottom with a number 1.8m on the right to indicate its height, and a refrigerator with a Glam Lavender top and Clean White bottom with a number 2m on the right to indicate its height. The text bottom mount freezer is below the two refrigerators. The screen transitions to a modern kitchen. The text Endless combination is on the top, and below is a Satin Sky Blue Bespoke 1-door refrigerator. A bespoke refrigerator with Clean White top and a Satin Beige bottom appears next to it. Then a Cotta Lavender Bespoke 1-door refrigerator appears between two products. They quickly change to 2 Bespoke 2-door refrigerators: one with Clean White top and Glam Navy bottom, another one with Clean White top and Satin Beige bottom. They quickly change to Glam Navy Bespoke 1-door refrigerator and a Satin Sky Blue Bespoke1-door refrigerator. Then they change to 2 Bespoke 2-door refrigerators: both have Satin Beige top and Glam Navy bottom. And change to a Satin Beige Bespoke 1-door refrigerator and 2 Bespoke 2-door refrigerators: both have pink top and white bottom. Then change to 3 Bespoke refrigerators: a 2-door refrigerator with Clean White top and Cotta Lavender bottom, a Satin Beige Bespoke 1-door refrigerator, and a Glam Navy Bespoke 1-door refrigerator. A disclaimer is on the bottom stating Availability of colors and types may vary by region. It quickly transitions to a modern kitchen. There are 3 Bespoke refrigerators built into the black cabinet: Bespoke 1-door refrigerator which is opened, a Glam Navy Bespoke 1-door refrigerator, and a Silver 2-door refrigerator. The text Easy-open door appears on the left. A disclaimer is on the bottom stating 1-Door and BMF models only. The screen transitions to a white colored stylish kitchen. There’s a Satin Beige Bespoke freezer built into a cabinet and its door is opened. The door closed and its handle is on the right side, and the handle’s location changes to left and the text reversible door appears on the right. Its door opens again. A disclaimer is on the bottom stating Door panels require professional installation. The text Designed for you, by you appears and changes to Samsung’s logo. Gray colored tiles are flipping around with the text Customize just the way you want and white, sky blue, peach and cream vanilla colored tiles appear to indicate the different color panels of the Bespoke refrigerator. The text available in different types is on the top. Below the text, there are different types of Bespoke refrigerators: a Glam Navy one with the text 1-door fridge, a Satin Beige one with the text 1-door freezer, a Clean Black one with the text slim 1-door. A refrigerator with Sky Blue top and white bottom with a number 1.8m on the right to indicate its height, and a refrigerator with a Glam Lavender top and Clean White bottom with a number 2m on the right to indicate its height. The text bottom mount freezer is below the two refrigerators. The screen transitions to a modern kitchen. The text Endless combination is on the top, and below is a Satin Sky Blue Bespoke 1-door refrigerator. A bespoke refrigerator with Clean White top and a Satin Beige bottom appears next to it. Then a Cotta Lavender Bespoke 1-door refrigerator appears between two products. They quickly change to 2 Bespoke 2-door refrigerators: one with Clean White top and Glam Navy bottom, another one with Clean White top and Satin Beige bottom. They quickly change to Glam Navy Bespoke 1-door refrigerator and a Satin Sky Blue Bespoke1-door refrigerator. Then they change to 2 Bespoke 2-door refrigerators: both have Satin Beige top and Glam Navy bottom. And change to a Satin Beige Bespoke 1-door refrigerator and 2 Bespoke 2-door refrigerators: both have pink top and white bottom. Then change to 3 Bespoke refrigerators: a 2-door refrigerator with Clean White top and Cotta Lavender bottom, a Satin Beige Bespoke 1-door refrigerator, and a Glam Navy Bespoke 1-door refrigerator. A disclaimer is on the bottom stating Availability of colors and types may vary by region. It quickly transitions to a modern kitchen. There are 3 Bespoke refrigerators built into the black cabinet: Bespoke 1-door refrigerator which is opened, a Glam Navy Bespoke 1-door refrigerator, and a Silver 2-door refrigerator. The text Easy-open door appears on the left. A disclaimer is on the bottom stating 1-Door and BMF models only. The screen transitions to a white colored stylish kitchen. There’s a Satin Beige Bespoke freezer built into a cabinet and its door is opened. The door closed and its handle is on the right side, and the handle’s location changes to left and the text reversible door appears on the right. Its door opens again. A disclaimer is on the bottom stating Door panels require professional installation. The text Designed for you, by you appears and changes to Samsung’s logo.

What are the pros and cons of each type?

We’ve got it down to a table for you, so take a look and choose the one for you.

  • Number of doors / Configuration

  • Pros

  • Cons

  • Recommended for

Four Door Four Door
Four Door
  • Two doors on top; Two doors on bottom. Bottom left is FlexZone
  • Largest capacity, compartment advanced features
  • Relatively expensive and requires larger installation space
  • Large families and households with a spacious kitchen
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French Door French Door
French Door
  • Two doors on top; freezer drawer on bottom, mid-drawer on selected models
  • Larger capacity, wider compartments, advanced features
  • Relatively expensive and requires larger installation space
  • Large families and households with a spacious kitchen
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Side by Side Side by Side
Side by Side
  • Two doors; fridge and freezer compartments split at center
  • Larger capacity at reasonable price, fresh/frozen items both at eye level
  • Harder to store larger items
  • Households that need a larger fridge freezer in a tight kitchen space
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Bottom Mount Freezer Bottom Mount Freezer
Bottom Mount Freezer
  • Two doors; fridge on top and freezer below
  • A streamlined set of features at an entry price-point
  • Relatively smaller storage space
  • Single or couple households or families with limited kitchen space
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One-door One-door
One-door
  • One door with a single, large fridge or freezer compartment
  • Customisable combination
  • No freezer compartment
  • Households needing either only a fridge or a freezer, or looking for flexible modularity
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What are the top 4 checkpoints?

Now that you know which type of fridge freezer is the best for you, let’s look at some other considerations you should check before purchasing your next fridge freezer.

Point 1.

Budget

For big purchases, budget is always the first consideration. If your budget is high, look into French or American style 4Door fridge freezers for larger storage space and advanced features. If your budget is tight, look for the more affordable classic bottom mount freezer or one-door models. To save more on your purchase, look for our home appliances bundle offers.
Point 2.

Size and fitting

Fridge freezer size is another factor you need to double-check before purchasing. Check your kitchen and installation path to measure how much space you have. If you’re not sure, check out our guide on fridge freezer size and capacity. For maximum space and efficient storing, look for Samsung’s SpaceMax™ models.
Point 3.

Finishes and look

If seamless looks and sleek design are a must, take a closer look into materials, such as fingerprint resistant finish, as well as colourways. For a fridge freezer that checks all your boxes, look for Samsung’s Bespoke series for a chance to customise the fridge freezer of your dreams.
Point 4.

Features

Essential features all depend on your family’s needs. Ice and water dispensers, No Frost, and freshness settings are some of the most popular features today. You’ll find many more that you might also need, such as Beverage centre, Smart fridge freezer operated by WIFI SmartThings™, Twin Cooling Plus™, Metal cooling and FlexZone™.

FAQ

  • What types of fridge freezers are there?

    Bottom mount Freezer, One Door Fridge / Freezer, Side by Side Fridge, 4 Door Fridge & French Style.

  • 1. Budget - For bigger budgets look into French or American style fridge freezers for larger storage space and advanced features. For tighter budgets,
    look for classic fridge freezers or one-door models.
    2. Size & Fitting - Check your kitchen and installation path to measure how much space you have.
    3. Finishes & Look - If you're interested in seamless looks and sleek design, take a closer look into materials, such as fingerprint resistant finish, as well as colours.
    4. Features - It all depends on your family’s needs. Ice and water dispensers, No Frost, and freshness settings are some of the most popular features today.

Read and Discover more

What size fridge freezer is right for me and how do I measure?