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Possible design alternatives:
* Upright 2 door with freezer above fridge.
* Upright single door with freezer in top of fridge.
* Upside-down 2 door with freezer below fridge.
-Bottom-mounted freezers tend to have slide-out baskets instead of shelves, making contents easy to get at. But there are disadvantages: fridges with bottom-mounted freezers tend to have crispers that tend are too cold.
*Matched pair with an upright freezer and fridge, side by side with separate doors.
-Side-by-side models tend to be narrow and deep. This can make them difficult to reach into, and can also restrict storage options - slide-out shelves can help. But the narrow doors can be less intrusive into passage space in the kitchen when open.
*Small bar fridge with single door - this may be set at a higher level to allow access.
*Portable chest refrigerator.

The fresh-food compartment is used more often than the freezer, so having it on top or on the side improves accessibility.

We are pleased to receive feedback on the information we provide.

For further information please see Assistive Technology Australia's website www.at-aust.org or phone our Infoline 1300 452 679 to talk to a health professional. You can also visit our centre at Blacktown - see Supplier details for address. Please note that Assistive Technology Australia's purpose is to provide impartial information. We do not buy or sell assistive technology but provide supplier details.

Considerations

* Location in the kitchen area and space available. The width and height of fridges vary considerably and space must also be allowed for air circulation around the unit. Check the manufacturers requirements and measure the space carefully.
* Sufficient space must be allowed to open the door fully, some to 180 degrees, this allows better access into the fridge and more room for manoeuvring to the bench.
* Doors can be right or left hinged, this will determine direct access to bench areas and to the shelves / baskets in the fridge.
* Capacity required is described in cubic litres. This determines the overall size of the refrigerator and the quantity it will hold.
* Door should be able to be opened easily. The handle size and shape, as well as its position vary. A vertical, open handle is easier than a horizontal or recessed handle. If space and access are appropriate to allow the door to be hinged on either side, it is preferable to hang the door to suit the user's hand dominance.
* The seal on the fridge / freezer will also affect how easily the door opens, as well as the ability to keep cold in.
* Self assist closing is a feature than can be helpful.
* Shelves / baskets / drawers should have good visibility. Adjustability varies, with slides rather than brackets making it easier to rearrange fittings. The shelves on the door are very accessible and can be quite useful if items can be stored there.
* Cleaning and defrosting - fittings should be easily removed to clean.
Defrosting features - manual defrost
- push button defrost
- cyclic defrost / automatic
- frost free.
While frost free fridges and freezers are more expensive, they reduce the effort required to maintain them considerably.
* Controls should be clearly visible and able to be reached and adjusted.
* Noise levels vary and may be significant.
* Energy efficiency is described with a star rating.
* Cost of purchase and installation.
* Length and conditions of warranty.
* Other available features:
- frost free
- chiller - with frost free a section in the top of the fridge is colder than the rest.
- rollers on the base to assist moving the fridge

For Wheelchair Users
* Shallower surfaces, for easier reach
* Control panels and door handles within easy reach from the wheelchair.
* Easily opened doors.
* There should be a maximum amount of space accessible in the users reach range. Make sure the user can reach a good portion of both parts in a combined fridge / freezer. Reach range varies between individuals, but between 230mm and 1350mm from ground height is recommended. Generally, a wheelchair user will find it easier to use an 'upside down' fridge, where the freezer compartment is on the bottom. Access to all of the fresh-food, and in some cases the chiller may be impossible with a large fridge.

For People with Upper Limb Impairments
* Look for doors that are not stiff, and thick handles providing a large grip. An easy-to-press button may be preferable to a knob. Any knobs should be large and easy to turn, with little resistance
* Products should be easy to maintain and clean. Components for example shelving or trays, should move easily and not be heavy. Two small crisper drawers are easier to use than a singe large one. Pull-out compartments should be stable. To avoid excessive reaching, a shallower space is better. Having the majority of space at around chest height will be most suitable. Avoid controls which are located at the back of a fridge or freezer. Frost-free freezers are easier to maintain.

For People with a Visual Impairment
* For enhanced visual access, components should be large, well contrasted and tactile.
* Labelling which is easiest to read is black or navy blue on a white background. A simple and well contrasted picture can be better than a word label. Other useful features include knobs, buttons and handles that are large and well contrasted to the background, and controls or labelling which are raised from the surface of the appliance. It is also useful if other components such as shelving or dispensers are well contrasted to the rest of the appliance.
* Auditory feedback can ensure that a control has been activated or that the cycle has finished. Generally fewer options are better, as choices are often clearer. Also look for good internal lighting. Some fridges sound a warning alarm if they are left open.

For People with Back Pain
* Minimise bending and reaching. An upside down fridge can facilitate easier access to the majority of the fridge: vegetable crispers are raised off the ground, with the less frequently used freezer section being at ground level. Alternatively, use a side-by-side fridge / freezer unit which maximises reachable space in both units.
* Avoid appliances with controls knobs at the back to avoid over reaching.
* Chest freezers are not recommended.

For People with a Cognitive Impairment
* Keep it simple. Labelling with a clear and simple picture may be more useful than a word, but this will vary for different people.
* Choose appliances with few control options and that are safe, eg doors which slam shut if not held open may cause injury. However, if the person has difficulty remembering to shut the door, a self-closing door may be useful.
* Choose shelving that will not easily slide right out if pulled too hard or quickly. Avoid appliances with auditory feedback if this will confuse the user. However, this can be useful if it successfully reminds the user to do something.

Standards

Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For more information about standards also see
http://at-aust.org/home/assistive_technology/standards.html

TGA
Many of the items on the Assistive Technology Australia website are categorised as a Medical Device. Medical devices that are approved for use in Australia have been entered into a national database called the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), which is maintained by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). You can ask the supplier for the ARTG number for the device you wish to purchase and search the ARTG for the entry. To access information on the ARTG visit www.tga.gov.au

When buying a medical device it is advisable to only choose a medical device that is recommended by a healthcare professional and has been included on the ARTG.