Fridges come in many shapes and sizes, and each design has its own strengths and its own common faults. Knowing which type you have helps you describe a problem, understand the repair and choose the right replacement when the time comes.
Types of Fridges: The Short Answer
The main types of household fridges are top mount, bottom mount, side by side, French door, built-in or integrated, bar fridges and wine fridges, plus chest and upright freezers. Commercial types include display fridges, under-bench units, prep tables, bar coolers and walk-in coolrooms. Most frost-free fridges share the same core parts, but access, features and common faults differ by type.
Household Fridge Types
Top mount
Freezer on top, fridge below. Simple, efficient and usually the easiest to repair. Common faults: fans, defrost parts, thermostats and seals.
Bottom mount
Freezer drawer below, fridge at eye level. Common faults: freezer drawer seals and runners, defrost and fan faults.
Side by side
Full-height freezer and fridge next to each other, often with a dispenser. Common faults: dispenser and ice maker issues, frozen water lines, defrost faults.
French door
Two fridge doors above a freezer drawer, often with an ice maker. Common faults: door alignment and seals, ice maker and dispenser faults, electronic controls. See our French door fridge repairs.
Built-in and integrated
Designed to sit flush with cabinetry. Common faults: ventilation-related overheating, door hinges and seals. Repairs often need careful access. See built-in fridge repairs.
Bar fridges
Compact fridges, often in entertainment areas or garages. Common faults: overheating in hot locations, thermostats, seals. See bar fridge repairs.
Wine fridges
Designed for stable, cellar-like temperatures. Common faults: fans, thermostats and seals. See wine fridge repairs.
Chest and upright freezers
Chest freezers are often manual defrost. Upright freezers may be frost-free. Common faults: seals, thermostats and ice build-up.
Not sure what type you have or what is wrong? Call Ace Fridge Repairs on 0452 462 556.
Commercial Refrigeration Types
- upright display fridges and glass door merchandisers
- under-bench and back bar fridges
- prep tables and pizza prep units
- open display cases with air curtains
- commercial freezers. See commercial freezer repairs
- walk-in coolrooms. See coolroom repairs
See how a commercial fridge works.
Which Type Is Most Reliable?
Simpler designs with fewer features, such as top mounts, generally have fewer parts that can fail. Fridges with ice makers, dispensers and complex electronics offer convenience but more potential faults. Good installation and maintenance matter more than type. See how long a fridge lasts.
Fridge Repairs for Every Type Across Sydney
Ace Fridge Repairs repairs every type of household and commercial fridge across Greater Sydney from 93B Pagoda Crescent, Quakers Hill NSW 2763, and works on most major brands. Repairs carry a 12-month warranty on parts and labour.
For residential or commercial fridge repairs, call 0452 462 556, 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of fridges?
Top mount, bottom mount, side by side, French door, built-in or integrated, bar fridges and wine fridges, plus chest and upright freezers.
Which type of fridge is easiest to repair?
Top mount fridges are generally the simplest, with easy access and fewer features.
Do you repair commercial fridges as well?
Yes. We repair display fridges, under-bench units, prep tables, commercial freezers and coolrooms.