Before purchasing a bar fridge and freezer in New Zealand, you must consider several factors. A bar fridge is a multifunctional device with storage for food, drinks, and beverages – similar to larger refrigerators, but on a smaller scale. This sort of fridge is more practical and energy-efficient than the others. It may be compact, yet it stands out because of its incredible features.

A bar fridge is a great addition to creating the ideal atmosphere at home, and it greatly simplifies your life by providing you with cold drinks close at hand. Learn more about the advantages of buying a bar fridge.

Why Purchase a Bar Fridge and Freezer in New Zealand

1. CONVENIENCE

The ease of use of a bar fridge is one of its most significant advantages. Nothing compares to having a properly cold drink without getting it from the kitchen. You can grab some drinks and refreshments from a well-positioned bar fridge in your kitchen without ever leaving the space.

2. COMPACT SIZE

Bar fridges are distinguished by their diminutive size and often stand 800 millimetres or so tall. You can save more floor and room space by using this device, which is designed to be neatly tucked under or over the counter or table.

3. QUICK TO MOVE

Bar refrigerators are portable due to their compact size, and they are easily moved from one location to another. You can transfer it to the living room if you want to hold larger gatherings with more guests. You might even carry it to your patio or outdoor space for a barbecue or grill party.

4. IMPORTANT FEATURES

Although a bar fridge's freezer may not be huge, it can serve as an ice cooler. Making ice for drinks and other liquids is a good use for it. Bar refrigerators are also more approachable as they make the content visible – thanks to the glass doors. It informs the host of the number of beverages or snacks in the refrigerator.

Considering purchasing a new refrigerator or freezer? Continue reading our in-depth selection guide to choose the ideal model for you.

Things to Consider When Buying a Bar Fridge and Freezer

1. Horizontally or vertically?

Large, side-by-side refrigerators and freezers with chilled water and ice dispensers use less electricity than older, larger models. They don't compete with vertical models for valuable areas, which is the problem.

The beneficial ice and water dispenser often takes up to 30% less room in the freezer. It indicates that while a 540-litre vertical refrigerator-freezer is around the same size as a 600-litre side-by-side one, the latter costs at least $1200 more. You can find a decent 520-litre steep for $2100, but an ice-making, side-by-side type would run you $3000 or even more, depending on the brand and finish.

Compared to vertically stacked refrigerators, side-by-side models have thinner and deeper refrigerators and freezer compartments. Anyone who has problems finding stuff in the rear will have a problem with this. The freezers are particularly small, where a huge pizza couldn't be laid flat.

It would be best if you also thought about whether a side-by-side fit in your kitchen or even through the house's doorways. Will the doors be able to open all the way?

Keep in mind to provide space for airflow on the sides, back, and top. If you want the precise measurements, ask the dealer; it's typically around 5 centimetres, and up to 30 centimetres of clearance may be needed at the top! And if you want any through-the-door icemakers and water dispensers, you need a plumber to install one.

2. Freezer: top or bottom?

In general, it is more practical to place the refrigerator higher. It makes sense to put the fridge on the top, which is more accessible because people open the fridge door more frequently than the freezer door. The freezer at the bottom will make it simpler for people in wheelchairs to load and unload food from both compartments.

Although some models feature a small heater under the crispers to combat this, bottom-freezer refrigerators tend to have cold vegetable crispers due to the crisper's placement on top of the freezer.

In the end, it depends on your needs and preferences.

3. Size and location

A typical household of four would require 400 to 500 litres of total storage if they only made their primary grocery run once per week. While some refrigerators and freezers are as small as 170 litres, they are only practical for small apartments or cottages and generally do worse than their larger counterparts. Some side-by-side fridge-freezers with a capacity of 600 litres to 800 litres and alike can be vertically stacked up to 600 litres. The price of side-by-side variants is about $1000 higher.

Choose the biggest bar fridge and freezer in New Zealand that you can afford, provided it fits in your kitchen. Keeping your old fridge around to accommodate increased demand is a waste of money. Older refrigerators use a lot more energy, so a new, large one with some extra capacity will surely use less energy than an older, smaller one. If you want to keep the old one, turn it on only when necessary.

Whatever size you choose, be sure it will fit by comparing it to the actual items you typically store. Where will pizzas go if you like to put them in the refrigerator? Can you fill the door shelves with your regular 2-litre milk and huge juice bottles? Is there enough shelf space if you like the whole watermelon in the summer? Remember to double-check the specifications when buying a fridge to fit a space that already exists.

4. Interior Design

The majority of refrigerators let you choose which side the door opens when you purchase them or let you adjust it later. The side on which the doors open is not a choice in side-by-side vehicles. Additionally, if the entries on this type of fridge-freezer cannot open to an angle considerably beyond 90 degrees, using the drawers and shelves may be difficult.

You should be able to replace shelves in various positions on most models; however, they must be removed entirely before being reinserted. Many require the door to be opened well beyond 90 degrees to be taken out. Being able to remove all the trays and baskets without having to open the doors wider than 90 degrees is convenient. The doors of many people's refrigerators are hard against the wall when they are opened 90 degrees.

Check if you can also replace wire grill shelves with solid frames to prevent spills from running through the refrigerator. They reduce the likelihood of spills because they offer a firmer surface and are simpler to clean.

Drawers are simpler to load, but locating small objects at the bottom can be challenging. You might be unable to pull the drawer out far enough to reach the rear if the door can only open to a maximum of 90 degrees.

5. Multi-drawers

Multi-drawers are distinct compartments that maintain humidity like a crisper but have more consistent temperatures. They are frequently found between the refrigerator and freezer. The humidity can be managed more precisely because it is isolated from the main fridge compartment, which slows the ripening process and prolongs the freshness of products. Additionally, some multi-drawers include individual temperature controllers. Due to this, you may now store a greater variety of items or, if it becomes cold enough, use it as a freezer.

6. Exterior Appearance

Whiteware now comes in various colours and finishes, including stainless steel. To minimise repeated cleaning, it can be beneficial to seek a matte or stainless-steel coating because it is prone to fingerprints and markings. The colour range doesn't end there; variants in red and black are also available, but they often cost more.

Find the best Bar Fridge and Freezer in New Zealand at TSB Living!

You can choose from several bar fridge alternatives at TSB Living. We developed a solid reputation as a reliable furniture merchant that may enhance your haven. Check our website today and browse for more house improvement options at https://www.tsbliving.co.nz/.