What is the Standard Fridge Size?
There is no actual standard fridge size, however there is a standard fridge cavity that should be allotted as the floor space occupied by the fridge. This makes the standard fridge size smaller than the the typical fridge cavity which is: 1800mm high, 900mm wide, and 600mm deep. This can be increased when building if needed.
This standard came about to accommodate the common size of top-loading fridges, which were the most popular at the time. However, other fridge types also exist.
Typical Fridge Dimensions
In Australia, the typical fridge has the following dimensions:
- Height: 1700mm to 1900mm
- Width: 470mm to 900mm
- Depth: 492mm to 900mm
These dimensions are for the top-loading fridge, which is the most common fridge type for residential areas or a fridge not in a combo with a freezer. Top-loading fridges are those where the freezer level is on top of the fridge level.
Bottom-mount Refrigerators
Another increasingly popular fridge combo is a bottom-mount freezer fridges, which are known for better ergonomics (since the fridge level is above the freezer, at eye-level) are also famous for those looking to upgrade their kitchen. These are slightly bigger, with the following average dimensions:
- Height: 1700mm to 2000mm
- Width: 700mm to 1200mm
- Depth: 600mm to 900mm
Side By Side Fridge & Freezer Size
For those with bigger families, or for those with galley kitchens, the side by side fridge may be a more common format. These fridges have two side by side doors (hence the name), with a tall freezer unit to the left of the fridge. While they don’t differ much in height, the form factor makes them wider, with the following dimensions:
- Height: 1700mm to 2000mm
- Width: 900mm to 1200mm
- Depth: 630mm to 900mm
French Door Fridge
If you want the ergonomic advantages of a bottom-mount freezer, but need a bigger space, the French door fridge would be perfect for you. This is even bigger than the previous fridge types we have discussed, with the following measurements:
- Height: 1698mm to 2039mm
- Width: 685mm to 1210mm
- Depth: 610mm to 924mm
Finally, here is the “pigeon pair” fridge, which is actually two units paired with each other. The units are the same size, with each one slightly bigger than a typical top-mount fridge.
- Height: 1420mm to 1852mm
- Width: 550mm to 1210mm
- Depth: 544mm to 720mm
Why is it important to know Fridge and Freezer Sizes?
Just as the bathtub and shower dominates the bathroom space, and the bed dominates the bedroom size, the fridge is usually the centrepiece of a modern kitchen. One can argue that a gas range occupies more floor space, but there are plenty of other options for cooking including a countertop electric stove. For the fridge, however, you’re pretty much limited to one of the options described above.
This means most of the kitchen is designed around the refrigerator. It’s the one place in the kitchen you will be frequenting every day, so it has to be easily accessible, not just from the entryway but also from the various kitchen appliances.
Another consideration will be the doors of the fridge, wherein the form factor will come into play. Some fridge types have doors that are wider than others, and they occupy more space when swung out. This should also be factored into the design of the floor space.