A fridge runs 24 hours a day for ten years or more, so the right choice saves money every month. This guide covers the type, the size, the power questions that matter in Ghana, and what to check on delivery.
Choose the type
| Type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Single door | Students, single people, small rooms |
| Double door | Most families |
| Side by side | Big families and large kitchens |
| Chest freezer | Bulk storage of meat and fish, shops |
Many Ghanaian homes pair a double door fridge with a chest freezer: the fridge for daily use, the freezer for bulk buying.
Choose the size
| Household | Suggested fridge size |
|---|---|
| 1–2 people | 90–200 litres |
| 3–4 people | 200–300 litres |
| 5 or more | 300 litres and above |
Add a chest freezer if you buy meat and fish in bulk.
Inverter or standard compressor?
An inverter compressor changes speed to match what the fridge needs instead of switching fully on and off. It uses less electricity and runs more quietly, which adds up on a prepaid meter. If the price difference is small, choose inverter.
Look for the energy label
Check the Energy Commission star label on the fridge. More stars mean lower running costs for the same size.
Protect it from power problems
Low voltage and surges when power returns are the main reasons compressors fail early in Ghana.
- Use a fridge guard or stabilizer with a delay timer. See our voltage stabilizer guide.
- Never plug a fridge into an overloaded extension board.
Dumsor tips
- Keep the doors closed during power cuts: a full, closed freezer holds the cold for hours.
- Keep the freezer reasonably full; frozen food helps hold the temperature.
- A chest freezer holds cold longer than an upright freezer because cold air doesn't spill out when you open the lid.
On delivery day
- Check the doors seal firmly all round.
- Let the fridge stand upright for at least 4 hours before switching on, longer if it travelled lying down.
- Leave a gap behind and above for ventilation.
- Wait until it is cold before loading food.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I wait before switching on a new fridge? Moving it can disturb the compressor oil. Standing it upright lets the oil settle back before it starts.
Is a frost-free fridge better? Frost-free models never need defrosting and keep food better organised; manual defrost models are cheaper.
Can I connect my fridge to a power station or inverter? Larger units can run a fridge for several hours. Check the fridge's power draw first and ask our team.
Shop fridges and freezers in our home appliances store.
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Published October 10, 2026 · 3 min read