Best fridge 2024: top picks of all sizes, styles and budgets

Looking for the best fridge for your space? We've got chillers from compact under-counter models to tall, full size refrigerators

Best fridge 2022, image shows fridge drawer with fruit in

The best fridges are pretty straightforward: they keep your food, drinks and leftovers at a perfectly cold temperature so it stays fresh for longer. Whether your old fridge has seen its last days or you’re simply looking to upgrade, you’ll want to invest in one of the best fridges available, if you want your replacement to be good value for money. 

This is also the case if you're moving from one of the best fridge freezers to separate fridge and freezer units to suit your kitchen space. Anyway, whatever the reason, if you’re looking for the best fridge then you’ve come to the right place.

With so many different fridge types on the market, it can often seem tricky to know which one would suit your space (and style). From tall and full-sized to the space-saving, under-counter fridge, there is a design for every need.

In addition, how much capacity do you need? You need to ensure your chosen fridge is spacious enough to hold your weekly grocery shopping, and efficient. The good news is, we’ve done all the research, and rounded up a great selection of the best fridges out there, that have the cool factor. But be sure you don't fall prey to these common mistakes everyone makes with fridges

Best fridges ranking

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SIEMENS IQ300 KS36VVIEPG on white backgroundT3 Best Buy badge

(Image credit: SIEMENS)

1. Siemens IQ300 KS36VVIEPG Freestanding Fridge

The best fridge overall

Specifications

Type: Freestanding
Energy rating: A++
Capacity: 346 litres
Height: 186 cm

Reasons to buy

+
Sleek slimline design
+
Spacious with bottle rack
+
Frost free function
+
Handy LED light

Reasons to avoid

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Too tall for small kitchens
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Quite pricey

If you run a large household or simply need plenty of space for your fresh groceries and chilled items, the Siemens IQ300 KS36VVIEPG is a great option. The sizeable fridge has ample storage for all the family, and comes with seven fridge shelves, three door compartments, salad crisper and a wavy bottle rack, which frees up space for unpacking more fresh foods.

What’s more, the Super Cooling technology reduces the temperature of the fridge to +2 °C, so that the fridge will always stay at a constant temperature. No more having under or over-chilled food!

Design-wise, the Siemens IQ300 KS36VVIEPG is attractive in a sleek, stainless steel effect, with handle bar. It also has a convenient, LED light and the door is coated in an anti-fingerprint coating, which is ideal when having small children around. 

If you lack kitchen space though, this will not be suitable. But if you have 186cm of height (and no overhead cupboards), this stylish fridge will look the part in any contemporary kitchen. Granted, this is not the cheapest freestanding fridge around, but the quality, features and clever storage space is a winner.

HISENSE RR220D4ABF RETRO FRIDGE on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: HISENSE)

2. Hisense RR220D4ABF Retro Fridge

The best value freestanding fridge

Specifications

Type: Freestanding
Energy rating: A+
Capacity: 149 litres
Height: 128 cm

Reasons to buy

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Available in three modern colours
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Has Freeze Zone to keep items cooler
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Plenty of storage compartments
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Good price

Reasons to avoid

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Not ideal for small kitchens

For those after a stylish, retro fridge that won’t break the bank, this Hisense RR220D4ABF is a great option. More importantly, it comes with plenty of space and convenient features to keep your food fresh and drinks chilled.

Perhaps the most impressive feature is the Freeze Zone compartment at the top, to store frozen items or even make impromptu ice cubes. This is also handy for when you want to quickly chill room-temperature drinks for hot days. In addition, it comes with three shelves, salad crisper, four door compartments, and a chrome wine bottle rack so you can find your favorite red with ease. It also has Auto Defrost, LED lighting, and an adjustable thermostat to adjust the temperature settings where necessary. 

Available in red, silver and black, the Hisense RR220D4ABF will add a splash of retro colour to any dull kitchen – and all for an affordable price.

KENWOOD KULL55X20 UNDERCOUNTER FRIDGE on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: KENWOOD)

3. Kenwood KUL55X20 Undercounter Fridge

The best under-counter fridge

Specifications

Type: Freestanding
Energy rating: A++
Capacity: 133 litres
Height: 84.5 cm

Reasons to buy

+
Great for compact spaces
+
Affordable price
+
Stylish design

Reasons to avoid

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Not suitable for big families
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No freezer compartment

If you have a compact kitchen but need a spacious fridge, this undercounter fridge could be your answer. With its 133-litre capacity, this is sufficient enough to accommodate all your fresh grocery needs. It comes with three shelves, a salad crisper and three door compartments for your fresh items and bottles. You also have the option to store your eggs in the top rack. Despite its small stature, it doesn’t compromise in quality and style. Its silver, stainless steel design with chrome handle bar will make a modern addition to any kitchen. The door is also reversible to suit your space and preference.

While it may not be ideal for large households, it’s a real space saver for compact kitchens or offices. Priced at an affordable £200, it offer top quality without breaking the bank.

SMEG FAB10LRD5 FRIDGE on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Smeg)

4. Smeg FAB10LRD5

The best small fridge with style

Specifications

Type: Freestanding
Energy rating: A++
Capacity: 122 litres
Height: 105 cm

Reasons to buy

+
Attractive 50s style
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Ideal for compact spaces
+
Sturdy

Reasons to avoid

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Expensive
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No advanced features

When it comes to style and substance, Smeg are the cool cats (no pun) of the appliance world. If you have a compact space, this small, Smeg FAB10LRD5 fridge will add character to your kitchen with its 50’s, retro appeal. More importantly, it comes with sufficient space for all your fresh groceries, with a convenient ice box to store your essential frozen goods. Inside, it has three shelves, salad crisper and three door compartments for bottles and cans.

As with most Smeg appliances, expect to pay a premium price, which at just under £1,000 is eye-watering. What’s more, if you have a large family, you’d probably need something with a bigger capacity. However, if you want to make a statement in your kitchen, this certainly does the job.

BOSCH SERIE 2 KIR24NSFOG INTEGRATED FRIDGE on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Bosch)

5. Bosch Serie 2 KIR24NSF0G Integrated Fridge

The best integrated fridge

Specifications

Type: Integrated
Energy rating: A++
Capacity: 221 litres
Height: 125 cm

Reasons to buy

+
Plenty of storage space
+
LED lighting
+
Auto defrost

Reasons to avoid

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No smart capabilities
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No freezer compartment

If you’re after a reliable, integrated fridge to suit your decor style, this Bosch Serie 2 KIR24NSF0G is a great choice. It comes with six adjustable shelves, a salad crisper, and useful rack features. These include a wine rack, bottle rack and egg rack to help keep your groceries organised. In addition, it has bright LED lighting to make it easier to see when you’re rummaging for those midnight snacks! Although it’s integrated, you also have the option to change the hinge on the reversible door, allowing more flexibility. 

The only downside is It doesn’t have an ice or freezer compartment, but this isn't a major issue in the grand scheme of things. The key features here are the savvy storage and capacity which is more than ideal for a large household. Overall, the Bosch Serie 2 KIR24NSF0G offers great value for money, and plenty of room.

How to buy the best fridge for you 

Before you buy the best fridge, there are a few things you’d need to consider. Firstly, what size do you need? It’s always best to measure up the space it’s going in to make sure it will fit. If you have a compact kitchen, it might be worthwhile looking at under-counter fridges rather than a tall fridge if you lack room. 

Also, how much storage capacity does it have? Most freestanding fridges have plenty of shelves and door compartments to accommodate all your fresh groceries. You can even find some models with freezer compartments to store frozen items, or bottle and wine racks. 

Finally, how much do you want to spend? The best fridges can start from as little as £100 right up to £1,000 with advanced features. In any case, you’ll need to find one to suit your lifestyle, needs and budget. 

Derek Adams

Derek (aka Delbert, Delvis, Delphinium, Delboy etc) specialises in home and outdoor wares, from coffee machines, white appliances and vacs to drones, garden gear and BBQs. He has been writing for more years than anyone can remember, starting at the legendary Time Out magazine – the original, London version – on a typewriter! He now writes for T3 between playing drums with his bandmates in Red Box (redboxmusic). 

With contributions from