Spring/summer is soon here, temperatures will rocket - and your fridge may curl up its toes. So what is there to know before you buy a new one?

The 3 basic types of fridge/freezers are:

Top mount You know this type of fridge well - cheap to buy, economical to run, feature-poor and they dominate the market. The freezer compartment takes up top third of the unit, and it can be hard for kids/short adults to reach items at the back.

Bottom mount Designed like the top mount except everyday fresh foods are at eye level. Less bending required and more models available as popularity increases. Cost more than top mount, less efficient to run, and the freezer can make the base of your fridge (usually the crisper) too cold for delicate veg like lettuce.           

Side-by-side Freezer and fresh food compartment get equal real estate. Large in capacity, even larger in footprint, they rob some benchtop space. However, great for galley kitchens where a large-opening door is not OK. Both compartments are tall and narrow, so wide containers like pizza boxes may not fit, plus temperature top to bottom will vary. Popular as many offer cold water in-door dispensers/ice cube makers, even TV screens - however these features take up internal cabinet space.   

Additionally, these further 3 types of fridge/freezer models are becoming increasingly popular.

French door  Brings together popular side-by-side with a bottom mount freezer. Fresh food  is on top, freezer drawer - sometimes double-decker drawers - is on the bottom. Energy use is good as you only open a small door to grab milk. Build-in options (front matches cabinets) are the norm.

Pigeon pair  Only a few manufacturers make these. Matched set of fridge and freezer with identical dimensions, designed to go next to each other. Really a side-by-side combo, but with full size separate units, generally over one metre wide. A joining kit makes a PP combo look like one single unit. Expensive option that gives massive storage for both fresh and frozen food on a large footprint.

Semi-commercial Cooking shows like MasterChef  promote the commercial kitchen look. Expensive option, and really `style over substance’ for the average family. Advantages are glass fronts to show food and professional-grade features like a meat cabinet.

Things to consider when you’re buying a fridge/freezer:

This time of year can truly wreak havoc on your skin, what with the change of seasons and all.

I always notice my skin gets much drier and begins to get that awful “tight” feeling. In fact, this is the perfect time of year to start using richer moisturisers and more intense treatment products on your face.

I was sent a couple of samples of new facial masques from A’kin and decided to give one of them a road test last night. The A’kin Instant Radiance Facial Masque contains multi-fruit AHA and willow bark BHA, both of which are designed to encourage surface skin renewal. Basically, AHAs and BHAs are chemical exfoliants (not as bad as it sounds), which remove dead skin cells to reveal the firm, plump skin underneath.

I already use fairly strong AHAs on a daily basis in the form of my Neostrata cleanser and moisturiser, so was keen to give this one a go. After cleansing I applied a generous layer to the skin, neck and chest and left it to sit for 10 minutes while I did the vacuuming. If you’re new to the world of AHA and BHA you might feel some tingling when you use this product, which means it’s working its magic. (I didn’t because I think my skin is fairly accustomed to these ingredients.)

After 10 minutes, I washed it off and applied moisturiser over the top. My skin instantly felt far softer than it has in the past few weeks and this morning it sill has a nice “fresh” feeling.

A’kin’s Instant Radiance Facial Masque is available now for $29.95 from David Jones, health food stores and pharmacies.

By Caroline Warnes