Space-saving fridge ideas for smaller kitchens

Cool hacks that don’t involve a chilly bin!

Small kitchens can pose big challenges, like how to fit in essential appliances like your fridge. But with some thoughtful choices and food storage solutions, you can maximise your kitchen’s functionality while keeping things tidy and efficient. Let’s look at some practical fridge ideas.

Compact fridges: a solution for narrow spaces

When people talk about compact fridges, they’re usually referring to the width rather than the height. Most kitchen designs have a designated fridge space, typically framed by kitchen cabinets, which can limit how wide your fridge can be. If your available space is under 75cm, you’ll likely need to opt for a top-mount or bottom-mount fridge, typically the narrowest options. Sometimes, though, width isn’t an issue, but you may be restricted by overhead cabinetry or depth.

Whichever style you choose, you should leave at least 5cm around the back and sides of your fridge for good ventilation. Don’t forget to check that the fridge doors will be able to open fully without hitting a wall, cabinet doors or adjacent benchtops – especially in kitchens with tight counter space.

Top-mount fridges: narrow and practical

Top-mount fridges, with the freezer compartment located at the top, are often the most space-efficient choice for compact kitchens. They tend to be narrower than other types, making them ideal for tight kitchens where every centimetre counts. However, keep in mind that the fridge section is located beneath the freezer, so you may need to bend down to reach your fresh food – something to consider if easy access is a priority.

Bottom-mount fridges: flexible and user-friendly

Bottom-mount fridges have the freezer at the base and fridge section at eye level, so you can easily see and grab your most-used fresh items without bending down. Unlike in top mounts, the freezer sections of bottom mount fridges have compartmentalised drawers, which can make for more efficient food storage.

Vertical fridges: great if you don’t do frozen

If you don’t often use frozen foods or have a separate freezer elsewhere, a vertical fridge (sometimes called an all-fridge) could be perfect. Unlike standard fridge-freezers, verticals dedicate all their storage space to fresh food. Tall and slim, they make the most of vertical space if you have a tiny kitchen.

Bar fridges: go mini for ultra-compact spaces

If the designated fridge space is limited in terms of height as well as floor space, and there’s just one or two of you, you might want to opt for a bar fridge. With capacities ranging from around 40 litres to 130 litres or more, they are designed to fit under countertops, creating a tidy, tucked away look.

They may be intended for keeping drinks cool, but as long as they maintain a consistent temperature of 4°C or below they can safely store meat, dairy and other perishables. Look for compressor-based models with good airflow, reliable thermostats and compliance with New Zealand standards to ensure food safety.

French door fridges: shallow door opening

If you have 80cm width or more to work with, you might be able to fit a smaller capacity French door fridge, giving you that luxurious wide-door design even in a relatively small space. Because French door fridges have two narrower doors that are half the width of the fridge, they can be good options for narrow kitchens. Whereas a full-width fridge door would open too far into the room, making it awkward to navigate, the half-width French doors have a much shallower opening depth, allowing easier access to the fridge contents without obstructing the flow in compact kitchens.

Built-in water dispensers: save space inside the fridge

If you have space for a French door or bottom-mount fridge, a model with a built-in water dispenser can be a great addition. This clever design saves storage space inside the fridge by eliminating the need for bulky water jugs or manual water filters, which can often take up valuable shelf space. Some models feature slimline ice dispensers that maximise freezer storage without hogging interior room.

Keep it streamlined with a flat door design

A simple but effective way to optimise kitchen space is to choose a fridge with a flat door design. Unlike traditional fridges with protruding handles that jut out into your workspace (and can create bump or scratch hazards), flat door fridges with recessed or pocket handles sit flush with surrounding cabinetry for a more streamlined kitchen look.

Small kitchen ideas that work

Whether you’re working with limited space or simply want to optimise your kitchen storage, thinking vertically and selecting fridges with space-saving design features, both inside and out, can make your kitchen feel cool, calm and collected.

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