If you have a large family or have ever hosted a dinner party, you're probably well acquainted with the uphill battle that is navigating a full fridge. You need to get to the olive jar at the back of the fridge for the salad but it's blocked by the fruit platter that is balancing atop the salmon that is marinating in the casserole dish...

Sometimes, just getting in and out of the fridge can feel like your own hellish game of Jenga or Tetris. Queue: the French door fridge.

With easy access and ample space, the French door fridge has two convenient refrigeration sections on the top, and usually a large freezer section below.

"French food fridges have more room with their larger capacity, volume and wide shelving,” says Winning Appliances product expert Bruce Cranston, “they make storing large platters and food items easier, so they are great options for large families or for those who like to entertain."

"These fridges are also great as the door swing takes up less space, creating extra space in your kitchen for a passageway."

"When looking to purchase a French door fridge, the first thing to consider is how much space you have in your kitchen..." Bruce says.

"On average, a French door fridge can be 900mm wide, meaning that each door swings out about 450mm...  Take note of the passageways and cabinetry in your kitchen to ensure that the configuration of a French door fridge is convenient in your kitchen."

While Bruce highlights that it is usually larger families who gravitate towards French door fridges for their ample storage space, they're really ideal for anyone - especially those who cook often.

"Consider what features you and your household needs," Bruce says, "French door fridges come in many different styles with convenient features like ice and water dispensers, adjustable shelving and smart cooling."

"And with any fridge, also consider its energy rating. The higher the rating, the more energy efficient your fridge will be..."

So, to help you host your next barbecue or soiree with ease, we've rounded up some of the best French door fridges currently available that are stylish, energy-efficient and budget-friendly.

Shop now at Appliances Online

With spill-proof glass shelves, a water dispenser and external controls for temperature, this French door fridge from Haier puts convenience within the kitchen front and centre. Also featuring a Super-Freeze freezer function to lock in freshness of groceries, as well as a MyZone adjustable temperature drawer for seafood to beverages, you'll be all set for any hosting occasion.

"We had previously had a side by side door fridge and this new Haier was in theory the same size, but with the wing doors it opens up what seems twice as much space as we had before," wrote a five-star reviewer, "such a great design, you can get to every area so easily."

Shop now at Betta Home Living

Featuring tempered glass shelves and a vegetable case for fresh produce storage, this sleek black fridge makes a stylish and practical edition to any kitchen. With an automatic ice maker as well as Multi Airflow evenly distributing cold air throughout each compartment, keeping your food and drinks perfectly chilled is no drama at all.

Shop now at The Good Guys

If you want all the benefits of a French door fridge but don't quite have the space for one, this LG model might just be a crisp solution. With wide shelves and an air deodorisation system...everyday essentials, food platters, fresh produce and drinks are stored without fuss or malodour. Plus, with built-in wifi that allows you to remotely adjust its settings from your smartphone, this fridge will easily accommodate for a bulk grocery shop.

"Very quiet linear inverter keeps food fresh for a long time," wrote a reviewer who left five stars "veggies are fresh much longer."

If you're not after all the bells and whistles in a French door fridge, this simple and sleek model from Kogan is a mighty fine choice. Featuring ample space, LED display controls, interior lights, a dual cycle and cooling system, as well as a super-freezing function, you can organise your household's groceries with ease.

"Great value for money. Highly recommended. Great service and fast delivery as promised," wrote a five-star reviewer.

Shop now at Appliances Online

The Side by Side fridge by Samsung offers reliable and spacious storage ideal for busy families who are not opposed to a dinner party or two. With cooling technology that ensures optimal temperature, a deodorising carbon filter to prevent flavour transfer and rapid cooling to lock in freshness of food, this model is a practical addition to contemporary entertaining spaces.

"I just love my new side by side fridge/freezer. Very roomy on both sides and offers excellent shelf space and crisper drawers," wrote a reviewer who left five stars, " I'm finding it easy to keep organised and the specialty wine rack is a bonus."

Shop now at Winning Appliances

Emulating functionality and flexibility, this Fisher & Paykel fridge features sleek designer detailing ideal for the modern home. With regulated airflow, adjustable shelving, humidity-controlled bins and more, this fridge will help you level up your appliance game.

"I got this fridge mainly for the auto ice maker and plumbed water dispenser; have not been disappointed," wrote a reviewer who left five stars.

Shop now at David Jones

With a streamlined black design, this slim fit fridge suits any home décor, especially monochrome and industrial ones. Featuring wide shelves, plenty of baskets, and an ice maker within the door, this model allows ample space for fresh food storage - from platters to fruit to bottles.

"Technology, function, style are excellent," wrote a five-star reviewer, "I have this fridge and it fits our family's needs - plus advance features that make it easier."

Shop now at Bing Lee

Versatile and reliable, this Electrolux model sets itself apart from others on the market with its fully convertible fridge to freezer drawer. Also featuring sliding and flippable shelves, filtered ice and water, and a TasteLock crisper with humidity control...hosting is easy as pie.

"With a house full of five adults that need more fridge space than freezer, having the ability to switch the top drawer from freezer to fridge and utilise as a drinks drawer or extra fridge space is a godsend!" wrote a five-star reviewer.

The best electric, stove and temperature variable kettles for making a cuppa

The best blenders to shop that are worth all the buzz

How to choose the best juicer for making cafe-quality juice at home

Plus, your chance to win

Plus, your chance to win

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%