The best new high-tech fridges with features you’ll actually use

Best for: latest technological innovation

The smart fridge of all smart fridges, the Samsung 636L AI Family Hub has everything you need to look after a large family – from the beverage centre to the triple cooling technology that independently supplies cool air to all three compartments. But now for the fun stuff:

Considered a smarter way to store and use food, this fridge uses an internal camera and AI Vision to help you identify what’s in your fridge, which can then be curated into a food list or recipe suggestions. You can even manually set the expiry date of certain items, so you know exactly when they need to be consumed.

Not only that, but the AI Family Hub is the ultimate organisational buddy – giving you a space to share photos and messages, play your favourite music, and connect with compatible smart apps such as Alexa and Ring Doorbell, among others. If you’re looking for high-tech, look no further.

Capacity: 636L

Size: 1830 x 912 x 723 mm

Type and configuration: French door fridge with internal beverage centre

Key features:

• AI Vision and internal camera can identify up to 33 fresh food items to help you manage food lists and set ‘use by dates’
• AI Family Hub screen lets you share photos and messages, create recipes and more
• Dual auto ice maker and beverage centre
• Bottom right freezer can be independently controlled with five temperature modes
• 3-star energy rating

Also available at:

• $4816 (usually $5099) at Appliances Online
• $4993 at Bing Lee

Best for: ultimate entertaining

This refrigerator by LG is the entertainers dream: featuring a plumbed water dispenser for a consistent water supply without the need to refill, a Craft Ice Maker for cocktail-ready evenings, slow-melting round ice, and a see-through window that lets you peek at all the goodies with just two knocks. Its easy and practical design makes for a perfectly curated fridge.

You can also remotely adjust your fridge temperature settings from the comfort of your phone, so no matter if you need a cooler fridge for warm drinks, or if you’re prepping your weekly grocery haul, everything you need is at the comfort of your smart fridge.

Capacity: 642L

Size: 1792 x 914 x 729 mm

Type and configuration: French door fridge with InstaView

Key features:

• Knock twice on InstaView window to see inside of your refrigerator
• Craft Ice Maker crafts slow-melting round ice for entertaining purposes
• Plumbed water dispenser available on left door with built-in UV LED light
• SurroundCooling means the fridge cools from the front and back, while LG’s advanced cooking technology also helps you keep produce fresh for longer
• ThinQ app allows you to remotely adjust your fridge settings
• Functional design with retractable and hidden storage space
• 3-star energy rating

Also available at:

• $3988 (usually $4599), The Good Guys
• $4028 (usually $5519), Appliances Online

Best for: an energy-efficient option

While not as technologically flashy as the other smart fridges listed above, the Hisense 640L fridge still offers all the essential smart tech capabilities, including app connectivity to your phone for curated temperature control. With a 4.5-star energy rating, it sits on the more energy-efficient side of the spectrum and can help you save money in the long run.

Customisable features include adjustable compartments and a bottom-right door that can be converted into either a fridge or freezer, easily meeting all your weekly shopping needs.

Capacity: 646L

Size: 1830 x 912 x 723 mm

Type and configuration: French door fridge

Key features:

• Non-plumbed ice and water dispenser
• Customisable compartments
• Bottom right door can be converted from fridge to freezer
• ConnectLife-compatibility enables control of temperature settings from anywhere
• Fridge comes with a dual ice maker with cubed and nugget shapes
• 4.5-star energy rating

Also available at:

• $2499, Bing Lee
• $2499, The Good Guys

Best for: a traditional fridge with intelligent features

While not a traditional smart refrigerator in the sense that it can be controlled from your phone, this model by Fisher & Paykel still offers a range of intelligent features, including a SmartTouch control panel for easy setting adjustments and ActiveSmart technology to help maintain the ideal temperature, airflow, and humidity. With spill-safe shelves, flexible storage options, and quiet operation, this fridge has everything you need in a reliable and thoughtfully designed appliance.

Capacity: 494L

Size: 1720 x 790 x 695 mm

Type and configuration: Bottom mount

Key features:

• Four glass SpillSafe shelves that can contain spilled liquid
• Two humidity-controled crispers
• ActiveSmart technology ensures efficient cooling and temperature control
• SmartTouch control panel to manually control and customise temperatures

Also available at:

• $2199, The Good Guys
• $2199, Bing Lee
• $2499, Winnings Appliances

Best for: Large and versatile family kitchens

Sleek and stylish, this French Door refrigerator from Electrolux has everything you need to keep food fresh, with the added bonus of smart technology. To fully utilise its temperature adjustment functions from your phone, you’ll need to install the Electrolux Life app. Not only is it a smart fridge, but it’s smart on storage too. The SmartSplit Door Design allows you to open one side of the fridge at a time, enhancing energy efficiency, while the FlexFresh Convertible Drawer can be adjusted to function as either a fridge or freezer. It offers five preset temperature settings to accommodate various storage needs, from deli items to beverages.

Capacity: 609L

Size: 1720 x 790 x 695 mm

Type and configuration: French door fridge

Key features:

• Dark stainless steel finish
• Adjustable shelving and slide-back doors
• Ice and water dispenser
• Wi-fi connectivity
• 3.5-star energy rating

Also available at:

• $2850 (usually $4649), Appliances Online
• $2693, Bing Lee
• $2799 (usually $3499), Designer Appliances