The best fridge freezer in NZ overall is the Samsung 655L Smart Side By Side, thanks to its 5-star energy rating, AI Energy Mode and huge 655L capacity in a standard-width cabinet. On a budget, the Imprasio 247L Top Mount is the most affordable compact pick, while big families after a French-style look should look at the Midea 474L Cross Door.
Choosing a fridge freezer in New Zealand comes down to capacity for your household, the configuration that suits your kitchen, how efficient it is to run, and the features you will actually use. Every pick below was checked on a live retailer page, then researched against owner reviews on New Zealand and Australian sites. If you also want a beverage or overflow unit, see our guide to the bar fridges.
Picks are listed in the order supplied, each with a clear “best for” angle. Prices move often at NZ retailers, so they are not listed here; check the live product link under each review for the current deal.
Quick comparison
| Fridge | Best for | Capacity | Configuration | Energy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Midea 338L Top Mount | Best mid-size top mount | 338 L | Top mount | 4-star |
| 2. Imprasio 247L Top Mount | Best compact budget | 247 L | Top mount | 3.5-star |
| 3. Imprasio 592L Side by Side | Best value side-by-side | 592 L | Side-by-side | 4-star |
| 4. Samsung 655L Side by Side | Best smart fridge (overall) | 655 L | Side-by-side | 5-star |
| 5. Samsung 236L Top Mount | Best compact brand-name | 236 L | Top mount | 3.5-star |
| 6. Toshiba 325L Bottom Mount | Best quiet bottom mount | 325 L | Bottom mount | 4-star |
| 7. Samsung 427L Bottom Mount | Best energy-efficient bottom mount | 427 L | Bottom mount | 5-star |
| 8. Imprasio 513L Side by Side | Best big-capacity budget | 513 L | Side-by-side | 3-star |
| 9. Novello 221L Top Mount | Best second fridge | 221 L | Top mount | Not stated |
| 10. Midea 474L Cross Door | Best cross-door for families | 470 L | Cross door | 3.5-star |
1. MideaTop Mount Fridge Freezer – Best Mid-Size Top Mount
Best for small families and couples who want a roomy fridge in a standard cabinet, the Midea 338L Top Mount sits in the practical middle of the range. At 595mm wide and 1724mm tall it slots into a normal 60cm space, while the 338L total gives day-to-day room without dominating a small kitchen. The top-mount layout keeps the freezer up top and the fridge below, the cheapest and usually most efficient configuration.
It carries a 4-star energy rating and an auto-defrost system, and Midea markets it with an inverter compressor for quieter, more efficient running. One thing to verify in store: TSB’s own spec table does not confirm the inverter or frost-free claims, and the fridge/freezer split is not published, so check those if they matter to you. A further quirk is that the listing photo is an AI-generated render rather than a real product shot.
Owner feedback on sibling Midea top-mounts is generally positive on quietness but includes occasional water-leak complaints, and Midea acknowledges some compressor hum as normal. It is delivery-only and South Island stock has been thin. As a mid-size, mid-price top mount from a value brand, it is a sensible everyday fridge rather than a feature showcase.
Pros
- Standard 60cm-wide fit with a roomy 338L
- 4-star energy rating with auto-defrost
- Three-year warranty (24 months plus 12 months extended)
Cons
- Inverter and frost-free not confirmed on the retailer spec
- Fridge/freezer split not published
- Listing uses an AI-generated image, South Island stock thin
Key specs: 338L total, top mount, 595 x 695 x 1724mm, 4-star energy, auto-defrost, about 54.7kg, model MDRT490MTF45AP, TSB code PR14589.
2. Imprasio Top Mount – Best Compact Budget Fridge
Best for apartments, flats and second-fridge duty, the Imprasio 247L Top Mount is the most compact and affordable pick here. It measures just 545mm wide and 560mm deep, a genuinely small footprint that suits tight kitchens, and splits its 247L into a 195L fridge and a 52L freezer. The stainless finish, recessed handle and adjustable legs give it a tidy look, with adjustable glass shelves for taller items.
The honest, defining trade-off is that it is not frost-free: it uses manual defrost, so you will need to empty and de-ice the freezer occasionally, and the energy rating is the lowest here at 3.5 stars. Door reversal is a technician job at extra cost, so decide your hinge side before delivery.
There were no direct owner reviews, but the unit is cross-stocked at several NZ retailers, which suggests a mainstream, supported model rather than a one-off import. For a renter, a studio kitchen or a garage backup fridge where price and footprint matter more than features, it is the easy budget choice, as long as you are comfortable with occasional manual defrosting.
Pros
- Very compact 545mm-wide footprint
- Tidy stainless finish; cheapest pick here
- Three-year warranty and widely stocked in NZ
Cons
- Manual defrost, not frost-free
- Lowest 3.5-star energy rating
- Door reversal is a paid technician job
Key specs: 247L total (195L fridge / 52L freezer), top mount, 545 x 560 x 1670mm, 3.5-star energy, manual defrost, stainless steel, about 44kg, model IMTMF247SS, TSB code PR14588.
3. Imprasio Side By Side w/ Water Dispenser – Best Value Side-by-Side
Best for big families who want side-by-side space and a water dispenser without a premium price, the Imprasio 592L is the value large-format pick. It splits 592L into a 334L fridge and a 225L freezer, carries a 4-star energy rating, and adds a water dispenser, child lock, multi-airflow cooling and modes like Super Cooling, Super Freezer, Smart and Eco.
At 910mm wide it needs close to a metre of space, wider than a standard slot, so measure carefully including ventilation clearance. The dispenser appears to be a non-plumbed tank-fill type, so you refill it by hand rather than connecting it to your water supply, which is simpler to install but less convenient. One thing to verify: the capacity is listed as 592L here but 559L at some other NZ retailers, so confirm the exact figure if it matters.
There were no direct NZ owner reviews for this exact unit; reviews of related side-by-sides from the same parent group average around four stars, with the most common gripe being a plastic taste from the dispenser water for a while after install. For households that want a lot of side-by-side storage and a dispenser on a budget, it delivers the space, with the usual value-brand caveats.
Pros
- Large 592L side-by-side with water dispenser
- 4-star energy with multiple cooling modes
- Child lock and multi-airflow cooling
Cons
- 910mm wide, needs close to a metre of space
- Dispenser is manual tank-fill, not plumbed
- Capacity listed inconsistently (592L here, 559L elsewhere)
Key specs: 592L total (334L fridge / 225L freezer), side-by-side, 910 x 730 x 1770mm, 4-star energy, water dispenser (tank-fill), stainless steel, about 85kg, model IMSBS592, TSB code PR14586.
4. Samsung Smart Side By Side Refrigerator – Best Smart Fridge
Best overall and the smartest fridge here, the Samsung 655L Side By Side pairs a huge 655L capacity (418L fridge, 237L freezer) with a 5-star energy rating, the best efficiency in this guide. Samsung’s SpaceMax thinner-wall insulation is the clever bit: it fits all that volume into a 912mm-wide cabinet, the same footprint as smaller units.
It runs a Digital Inverter Compressor, connects to Wi-Fi via SmartThings and Bixby, and an AI Energy Mode can trim up to about 10 percent off energy use by learning your habits. The matt finish has recessed handles, and a Twist Ice Maker sits inside the freezer. The trade-offs are worth knowing: the ice supply is a manual twist tray rather than an automatic or through-door dispenser, and there is no external water dispenser at all, so this is not the pick if you want chilled water on tap.
It is also the priciest TSB unit. Owners rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 26 reviews at Harvey Norman NZ, praising the space and efficiency, though Samsung side-by-sides in general attract some ice-maker and water-circulation noise complaints. The headline 20-year warranty covers the compressor part only, not labour or other components. For a big, efficient, genuinely smart fridge, it is the standout.
Pros
- Huge 655L capacity in a standard-width cabinet
- 5-star energy rating with AI Energy Mode
- Wi-Fi and SmartThings smart control
Cons
- No external water dispenser
- Ice is a manual twist tray
- 20-year warranty covers the compressor part only
Key specs: 655L total (418L fridge / 237L freezer), side-by-side, 912 x 1780 x 716mm, 5-star energy (385 kWh/yr), digital inverter, Wi-Fi/SmartThings, twist ice maker, model RS70F65Q5TSA, TSB code PR7686.
5. Samsung Top Mount Refrigerator – Best Compact Brand-Name Pick
Best for flats and first homes that still want a known brand, the Samsung 236L Top Mount brings inverter technology to a compact body. It splits 236L into a 183L fridge and a 53L freezer, measures 555mm wide and 1545mm tall, and wears Samsung’s Ez Clean Steel finish with a recessed handle.
The standout under the skin is a Digital Inverter Compressor with a 20-year compressor warranty, which is unusual at this size and helps with quiet, efficient running and All-Around Cooling for even temperatures. A Twist Ice Maker provides ice via a manual tray rather than a plumbed dispenser. The trade-offs: it carries only a 3.5-star energy rating, the lowest tier here, and it skips the smart and Wi-Fi features found on Samsung’s larger models.
Model-specific reviews are scarce, and Samsung fridges broadly draw mixed reliability feedback, though the simple twist tray sidesteps the auto-ice-maker faults that affect fancier units. Auckland stock has been tight with the other branches out at the time of writing. For a compact, brand-name top mount with a strong compressor warranty, it is a reassuring small-kitchen choice, provided the modest energy rating does not bother you.
Pros
- Brand-name compact with a digital inverter compressor
- 20-year compressor warranty and All-Around Cooling
- Tidy Ez Clean Steel finish
Cons
- Only 3.5-star energy rating
- No smart or Wi-Fi features
- Ice is a manual twist tray; tight stock
Key specs: 236L total (183L fridge / 53L freezer), top mount, 555 x 637 x 1545mm, 3.5-star energy (258 kWh/yr), digital inverter, twist ice maker, model RT22FARACSL/SA, TSB code PR7683.
6. Toshiba Bottom Mount Fridge Freezer – Best Quiet Bottom Mount
Best for buyers who want a quiet bottom-mount fridge with a long warranty, the Toshiba 325L puts the fridge at eye level and the freezer below, so you bend less for everyday items. It splits 325L into a 235L fridge and a 90L freezer, carries a 4-star energy rating and is Total No-Frost, so there is no manual defrosting.
The headline detail is noise: Toshiba quotes a low 43 dB, among the quieter fridges here, helped by a multi-airflow system and LED interior lighting, with two flex zones for flexible storage. It also has the longest warranty in this guide at 36 months.
The trade-offs are that an inverter compressor is not explicitly confirmed on the listing, there is no water or ice dispenser or smart features, and the finish is not stated on the TSB page, although other NZ retailers list this model in Morandi Grey. Door reversal must be done by a technician at extra cost. There were no substantial owner reviews for this exact model, only spec listings across NZ retailers. For a quiet, frost-free bottom mount with a reassuring three-year warranty and an ergonomic layout, it is a strong mid-size pick.
Pros
- Quiet 43 dB operation
- Frost-free with an eye-level fridge
- Longest 36-month warranty here
Cons
- Inverter compressor not confirmed on the listing
- No dispenser or smart features
- Finish not listed; door reversal is a paid job
Key specs: 325L total (235L fridge / 90L freezer), bottom mount, 595 x 687 x 1724mm, 4-star energy, Total No-Frost, 43 dB, 36-month warranty, model GR-RB410WE, TSB code PR65844.
7. Samsung Bottom Mount – Best Energy-Efficient Bottom Mount
Best for couples and growing families who want efficiency and smarts in a bottom mount, the Samsung 427L is the most energy-efficient fridge here alongside its big sibling, with a 5-star rating and 285 kWh a year. It splits 427L into a 302L fridge and a 125L freezer, the latter using three pull-out drawers plus a two-step foldable shelf to fit tall items.
At 700mm wide and 1700mm tall in a Refined Inox stainless finish, it suits most kitchens. It is No-Frost, runs a Digital Inverter Compressor with a 20-year compressor warranty, and adds Wi-Fi with the SmartThings app for remote temperature control and real-time fault alerts, plus All-Around Cooling for even temperatures.
The trade-off is that, despite the smart features, ice still comes from a manual twist tray rather than an automatic or plumbed dispenser, and it is one of the pricier picks. It is the best-reviewed unit in this group, rated 4.3 out of 5 from 64 ratings on Samsung NZ and 4.5 from 155 on Samsung AU, with owners praising even cooling and the app alerts. For an efficient, smart, ergonomic bottom mount, it is the pick of the configuration.
Pros
- 5-star energy with a digital inverter compressor
- Wi-Fi/SmartThings control and fault alerts
- Roomy three-drawer freezer; best-reviewed here
Cons
- Ice is a manual twist tray, no dispenser
- Pricier than the budget picks
- Smart features need the app set up
Key specs: 427L total (302L fridge / 125L freezer), bottom mount, 700 x 705 x 1700mm, 5-star energy (285 kWh/yr), digital inverter, Wi-Fi/SmartThings, model RB43DG6005S9SA, TSB code PR7682.
8. Imprasio Side By Side – Best Big-Capacity Budget
Best for households that want maximum space for the lowest outlay, the Imprasio 513L Side By Side is a large, wide fridge at a budget price. It offers 513L total with a water dispenser, auto defrost, multi-airflow cooling, a child safety lock and the usual Super Cooling, Super Freezer, Smart and Eco modes.
At 910mm wide and 92kg it is a big, heavy unit that needs a wide alcove and ventilation space, so measure before buying. The water dispenser, like the other Imprasio, is a manual tank-fill design rather than plumbed.
The clear trade-off is efficiency: it carries only a 3-star energy rating, the lowest here, which means higher running costs over its life on a cabinet this large, and TSB does not publish the fridge/freezer split, making capacity planning harder. There were no detailed NZ owner reviews available, though it is cross-stocked widely at NZ retailers, which points to a mainstream, supported model. For a big side-by-side with a dispenser at the lowest price, it does the job, as long as you accept the higher running cost that comes with a 3-star rating.
Pros
- Large 513L side-by-side with water dispenser
- Low price for the capacity
- Multiple cooling modes; widely stocked in NZ
Cons
- Only 3-star energy, higher running cost
- Fridge/freezer split not published
- 910mm wide and heavy at 92kg
Key specs: 513L total, side-by-side, 910 x 670 x 1775mm, 3-star energy, water dispenser (tank-fill), stainless steel, about 92kg, model IMSBS513.
9. Novello 221L Top Mount Fridge – Best Second Fridge
Best as a second fridge or for the smallest kitchens, the Novello 221L Top Mount is the most compact and cheapest unit here. It splits 221L gross into a 144L fridge and a 54L freezer, and measures just 550mm wide and 1420mm tall, short enough to tuck into a garage corner, a sleepout or a tight apartment kitchen.
Despite the budget billing it uses a Total No-Frost design with a finned evaporator, so there is no manual defrosting, and a multi-airflow system pushes chilled air to each shelf.
The trade-offs are real at this size: the 54L freezer is small, the energy rating is not published on the listing, and there are no extras like a dispenser or smart features. Stock is also geographically limited, effectively Christchurch only at the time of writing, so North Island buyers face freight charges. There were no third-party owner reviews; it appears to be a house-brand budget model. For a garage overflow fridge, an entertaining backup, or a studio kitchen where space and price beat capacity, it is a practical, frost-free little unit.
Pros
- Very compact 550mm-wide body
- Frost-free despite the budget price
- Multi-airflow cooling to each shelf
Cons
- Small 54L freezer
- No published energy rating
- Limited stock with freight to the North Island
Key specs: 221L gross (144L fridge / 54L freezer), top mount, 550 x 600 x 1420mm, Total No-Frost, silver, model Novello, TSB code PR6248.
10. Midea Cross Door Fridg – Best Cross-Door for Families
Best for big families who want a French-style cross-door look without a premium price, the Midea 474L is the most feature-rich pick here. Its four-door cross-door layout puts two fridge doors up top over a split freezer below, with 470L net divided into a 305L fridge and a 165L freezer, in an 833mm-wide stainless cabinet.
The standout engineering is Inverter Quattro, which puts inverters on both the compressor and the fan for steadier temperatures, lower noise and better efficiency, alongside No-Frost multi-airflow cooling. It piles on the extras too: a nano-platinum deodorising module, plasma sterilisation, a wide-temperature variable compartment, an externally controllable left crisper, an LED display and a 36kg load-rated glass shelf.
The trade-off is efficiency versus size: it sits at a mid-tier 3.5-star rating on a large 470L box, so running costs are higher than the 5-star Samsungs, and stock has been Auckland-only with the highest inter-island delivery costs here. No model-specific owner reviews surfaced, though Midea fridges broadly draw some compressor-hum comments that the Inverter Quattro is designed to reduce. For families wanting a premium-looking cross-door with lots of features on a budget, it is the most generous pick.
Pros
- Spacious cross-door layout with lots of features
- Inverter Quattro for quieter, steadier cooling
- Sterilisation and deodorising tech; three-year warranty
Cons
- Mid-tier 3.5-star energy on a large cabinet
- Auckland-only stock with high inter-island freight
- No model-specific reviews yet
Key specs: 470L net (305L fridge / 165L freezer), cross door, 833 x 653 x 1775mm, 3.5-star energy, Inverter Quattro, No-Frost, stainless steel, model MDRF632FGF46APD.
How to choose a fridge freezer in NZ
Start with capacity. A rough guide is 100 to 150 litres per person, so couples are fine around 250 to 350L, while a family of four wants 400 to 500L or more. Size up if you entertain or batch-cook. A compact second unit, like one of the bar fridges, can take the overflow at peak times.
Pick the configuration for your kitchen. Top mount is cheapest and most efficient; bottom mount puts the fridge at eye level so you bend less; side-by-side and cross-door suit big families and entertainers but are wider and pricier. Measure the gap, including 8 to 10cm of ventilation clearance, and confirm the door hinge side before you buy.
Weigh energy rating and running cost. Each extra star saves roughly 18 percent in energy. Multiply the kWh-per-year figure by your tariff (about NZ$0.25 to $0.30 per kWh): a 5-star fridge near 285 kWh costs roughly NZ$70 to $85 a year, while a 3-star unit on a large cabinet costs noticeably more over a decade of running.
Decide on features. Frost-free saves you ever defrosting; an inverter compressor runs quieter and is usually backed by a long warranty. Water and ice dispensers are convenient but add cost and maintenance: plumbed versions need a line and a replaceable filter (see the water filters guide), while tank-fill versions are refilled by hand.
Check reliability, warranty and NZ servicing. Brands with established local service and parts are easier to live with long term. Compare warranty length (and note when a long compressor warranty covers the part only), and favour models supported by NZ retailers. While upgrading the kitchen and laundry, it is worth checking guides to front loader washing machines and clothes dryers too.
Verdict
For the best all-round fridge, the Samsung 655L Smart Side By Side leads on efficiency, capacity and smarts, with the Samsung 427L Bottom Mount the pick for a smaller, equally efficient kitchen. Budget shoppers are well served by the compact Imprasio 247L or, for maximum space, the Imprasio 513L Side By Side. The Toshiba 325L Bottom Mount is the quiet, long-warranty middle ground, and the Midea 474L Cross Door brings a premium French-style look on a budget. Match capacity, configuration and energy rating to your household, and check the live product link for current stock and pricing. To round out the kitchen, see our guide to the food processors.
FAQs
What size fridge freezer do I need for a family of four?
A rough rule is 100 to 150 litres per person, so a family of four is well served by a 400 to 500 litre fridge. Size up if you batch-cook, entertain or shop weekly, and down for couples or small flats. Allow for ventilation space too, not just the cabinet width, when you choose a capacity.
Top mount, bottom mount, side-by-side or cross-door: which is best?
Top mount is cheapest and usually most efficient, with the freezer up high. Bottom mount puts the fridge at eye level so you bend less. Side-by-side and cross-door (French-style) suit big families and entertainers and often add dispensers, but they are wider and pricier. Choose by household size, kitchen layout and budget.
How much does it cost to run a fridge per year in NZ?
Running cost depends on the energy star rating and your power price. As a guide, multiply the fridge’s kWh-per-year figure by your tariff (around NZ$0.25 to $0.30 per kWh). A 5-star model rated near 285 kWh costs roughly NZ$70 to $85 a year, while a thirsty 3-star unit on a large cabinet can cost noticeably more.
What does the energy star rating mean and is it worth paying for?
More stars means more efficiency for the same size, and each extra star saves roughly 18 percent in energy. On a fridge that runs 24 hours a day for over a decade, a higher rating usually repays its higher purchase price through lower power bills, especially on large side-by-side and cross-door models that use more energy overall.
What is the most reliable fridge brand in New Zealand?
Independent NZ and Australian surveys tend to rate Fisher & Paykel, LG and Mitsubishi well for reliability, with LG often topping customer satisfaction. Samsung and Haier are popular and good value but draw more mixed reliability feedback. Check the warranty length and local servicing as well as the brand name before buying.
Is a water and ice dispenser worth it on a fridge?
A dispenser is convenient but adds cost and potential maintenance. Plumbed dispensers need a water line and a filter you replace periodically; tank-fill dispensers must be refilled by hand. Through-door ice makers are the part most likely to fault over time. If you rarely use chilled water, a simple twist ice tray is cheaper and more reliable.
What is frost-free and do I need it?
Frost-free (or No-Frost) fridges circulate air and run brief defrost cycles automatically, so ice never builds up and you never have to manually defrost the freezer. Manual-defrost models are cheaper but need emptying and de-icing occasionally. For most households the convenience of frost-free is worth it, especially on freezers used regularly.
What is an inverter compressor and is it worth more?
An inverter compressor varies its speed to match cooling demand rather than switching fully on and off, which means quieter running, steadier temperatures and lower power use. It usually carries a long compressor warranty, often up to 20 years. On a fridge you keep for a decade or more, an inverter is generally worth the small premium.
How long do fridges last in NZ?
A modern fridge freezer typically lasts around 11 years. If a major part such as the compressor fails after roughly a decade, replacing the fridge is usually more economical than repairing it, especially as newer models are far more energy efficient. Before then, most faults are worth repairing, particularly while under warranty.
How do I measure my space and what clearance does a fridge need?
Measure the width, height and depth of the gap, then check the doors can open fully. Leave clearance for ventilation, around 8 to 10cm at the rear and sides and above, so the fridge can shed heat efficiently. Also confirm the door hinge side suits your kitchen, as reversing it is often a paid technician job.