Renovating Your Kitchen? You Shouldn’t Buy Your Fridge Last Minute

Plan ahead.

You may think that appliances are something you buy after your renovation is done. But for refrigerators, that’s not the case – because something this big will affect your cabinetry measurements more than you realise.

While you don’t need to buy one before your renovation process even begins, it’s helpful to know some models you’re looking at, or what size you’re working with. That way, your kitchen can be planned around it from the start, instead of forcing the appliance into whatever space is left over.

P.S. Read till the end to find some sweet deals!

Decide on the refrigerator you want to buy before finalising your kitchen carpentry

While you may think the fridge is something you get later (as in, after your renovation is complete), it’s actually not the case.

By then, your carpentry dimensions are already fixed – and if the fridge you want turns out to be wider or deeper than expected, you may be forced to compromise on the model instead.

There’s also the visual side of things. A fridge that’s too small for the allocated space can leave awkward (read: unsightly) gaps around the cabinetry, while one that’s too large can end up looking cramped.

So, before you confirm your carpentry decisions, it pays to shortlist a few fridge models – or at least, have a rough size in mind. This way, it gives your interior designer something concrete to work around.

Don’t look at width alone when measuring your refrigerator space

A fridge’s width seems to be the most important measurement, which makes sense… until the model arrives and turns out to be too tall or too deep for the cabinetry around it.

So, be sure to check all three dimensions: width, height, and depth. Keep in mind that you’ll also want to leave sufficient clearance around the refrigerator for proper ventilation, rather than planning for a fit that’s a little too snug.

While you’re at it, don’t forget about the doors. You’ll want to ensure that there’s enough room for them to swing open comfortably without knocking into nearby cabinets or counters.

Find a refrigerator that suits both your kitchen and your lifestyle

The biggest fridge that fits isn’t always the best choice. What matters more is finding one that works with the space you have and the way your household actually uses it. Think about how many people you’re storing food for, how often you cook, and how much fresh produce/drinks you usually keep on hand.

That’s where having more size options helps. For example, Hitachi’s Made-in-Japan refrigerator range comes in multiple widths, giving homeowners more flexibility to find a model that fits their kitchen without sacrificing too much storage.

The newest 750mm model sits nicely in the middle — a good option if you want more capacity than a compact fridge, but don’t quite have the space for one of the wider models.

Consider what the refrigerator offers inside, too

Of course, a fridge that fits seamlessly into your kitchen is only half the story. Once you start using it everyday, it’s probably what it has inside that you’ll start appreciating more.

What do we mean by this, you ask? Take Hitachi’s Made-in-Japan refrigerators that come with numerous features designed around different types of groceries. The Vacuum Compartment keeps ingredients fresher, while the Aero Care Vegetable Compartment is designed specifically for fresh produce – perfect if your grocery haul tends to involve lots of fruits and vegetables.

Additionally, they also come with thoughtful features for upkeep purposes. The Triple Power Deodorisation helps keep strong food smells from lingering, while the Mould Proof Gasket makes it easier to keep an often-overlooked part clean over time.

Sure, these may not be things you immediately notice in a showroom, but they’ll definitely be something you’ll greatly appreciate in the long term.

Look at quality and design for long-term peace of mind

A fridge is one of those things that are expected to last for years, so you’ll definitely need to look beyond just whether it fits the space.

Things like build quality, engineering, and how well the appliance is put together will matter in the long term — especially for something that’s running around the clock and used multiple times a day.

That’s where Hitachi’s Made-in-Japan range stands out. With an emphasis on Japanese craftsmanship, engineering, and premium build quality, these refrigerators are designed to feel like a long-term investment rather than just another kitchen purchase.

And because they’re likely to remain a visible part of your kitchen for years to come, the design matters too. Coming in sleek, sophisticated builds, they’re designed to sit comfortably within a modern kitchen without feeling bulky or out of place.

Explore Hitachi’s Made in Japan refrigerator range

If you’re looking for a refrigerator that combines thoughtful features with refined design, Hitachi’s Made-in-Japan range is definitely something you should be checking out.

And from now to 31 October 2026, here are a few special treats, just for you:

• 10% discount off the Made-in-Japan range when purchasing using a DBS card
• Free WMF kitchenware worth $178 – simply indicate in the remarks ‘Qanvast’ when purchasing online
• Free 12-month instalment plan

Click the link below to find out more!

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