Bay of Plenty buyers are the least likely in the country to take energy efficiency into account when purchasing a new fridge, according to a recent Canstar Blue survey.

Photo: file.

Less than a quarter of the region's residents bother with energy ratings when shopping for the cooling appliances.

Seventeen per cent know the rating of their current cooler.

They are also least likely to know where things should go inside their fridge to maximise its efficiency, with about one in 10 survey respondents claiming such knowledge.

On the other hand, Bay of Plenty shoppers are less inclined than any other region to buy a refrigerator just because it's the cheapest on offer.

Forty per cent say they would, compared to the almost 70 per cent of Auckland respondents.

Nationally, three quarters of New Zealand fridge owners purchased their fridge based on its ability to match the colour, brand or general appearance of their other kitchen appliances, and roughly a third considered the energy rating.