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About SMEG
SMEG is the maker of major and small home appliances known for its retro aesthetic. Throughout the years, the company has collaborated with designers and brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Supreme, and FIAT.
Over the years, the brand has remained under family ownership, evolving from an Italy-based enamelware company to a major appliance line that is sold around the world. Still located in Italy, SMEG’s team of dedicated engineers, architects, designers, work tirelessly to create functional, intelligent works of art to be enjoyed in the home.
Owned by celebrities and featured in home magazines, the chic kitchenware brand has become the Rolls Royce of appliances. If you’ve heard about the company and want to know more, you’ve come to the right place.
My SMEG fridges review will be zeroing in on a selection of the brand’s smart and aesthetically pleasing fridges, including modern, retro, and collaboration designs. I’ll also take a look at customer feedback, FAQs, promotions, and more to help you determine if these products will suit your home, needs, and budget.
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Pros and Cons
While they have their unique appeal, like any other product, SMEG fridges come with their own set of advantages and drawbacks.
Pros
- Stylish design: SMEG fridges are renowned for their retro aesthetic and sleek design, which adds a touch of elegance and personality to any kitchen. They are available in a wide range of colors, allowing homeowners to match their fridge with their kitchen decor.
- Excellent build quality: SMEG is known for its attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship. Their fridges are built to last, using durable materials that can withstand daily use.
- Energy-efficient: SMEG fridges are designed with energy efficiency in mind. They often feature advanced technologies such as LED lighting and smart temperature control, helping to reduce energy consumption and lower electricity bills.
- Versatile storage options: SMEG fridges offer well-designed storage compartments and adjustable shelves, allowing for flexible storage arrangements. Some models include special compartments for fruits, vegetables, and deli items, helping to keep food organized and fresh.
- Quiet operation: SMEG fridges are generally known for their quiet operation. The noise level is kept to a minimum, ensuring a peaceful environment in the kitchen.
Cons
- High price point: SMEG fridges are considered premium appliances, which means they often come with a higher price tag compared to other refrigerator brands. This can be a deterrent for budget-conscious consumers.
- Limited interior space: Due to their retro design, SMEG fridges may have slightly less interior space compared to more modern refrigerator models. This can be a drawback for those who require larger storage capacity.
- Temperature variations: Some users have reported temperature variations within different areas of the fridge. This can potentially affect the freshness and longevity of certain food items if not monitored closely.
Features
While the specific features can vary depending on the model and series, here are some common highlights of SMEG fridges:
- Adjustable shelves: SMEG fridges typically have adjustable shelves, allowing users to customize the storage space to accommodate different sizes of food items.
- Temperature control: Most SMEG fridges offer temperature control options, enabling users to adjust the cooling settings to suit their specific needs. This helps in maintaining optimal temperature levels for preserving the freshness of various food items.
- Multi-zone compartments: Some SMEG fridge models come with multi-zone compartments, allowing users to set different temperature levels for specific sections of the fridge. This feature is useful for storing different types of food at their ideal temperatures.
- Crisper drawers: SMEG fridges often include crisper drawers designed to maintain humidity levels, keeping fruits and vegetables fresh for longer periods. These drawers help in preserving the quality and flavor of produce.
- LED lighting: SMEG fridges are typically equipped with LED lighting, which provides bright and efficient illumination inside the refrigerator while consuming less energy compared to traditional lighting.
- Frost-free technology: Many SMEG fridges feature frost-free technology, preventing the build-up of frost and ice inside the freezer compartment. This eliminates the need for manual defrosting, making maintenance easier.
- Door storage: SMEG fridges typically have spacious door storage compartments to accommodate bottles, jars, and condiments, making them easily accessible and organized.
- Fast cooling/freezing: Some SMEG models offer fast cooling or freezing options, allowing users to quickly chill or freeze their groceries, reducing the time required to cool down food items.
- Alarm systems: Certain SMEG fridges are equipped with alarm systems that notify users if the door is left open or if the internal temperature exceeds the desired range. This feature helps in maintaining food safety and energy efficiency.
- Antibacterial protection: SMEG incorporates antibacterial protection in some fridge models, utilizing special coatings or materials that inhibit the growth of bacteria and microorganisms, ensuring food hygiene and freshness.
Known for its rich history of excellence, SMEG appliances feature soothing colors, mixed materials, and inspired designs. Take a peek through its expansive selection of ovens, fridges, mixers, and more, and you’ll find beautiful, quality pieces.
Since this is a SMEG fridges review, I’ll be focusing on the brand’s refrigerators only. But, I’ll be sure to include regular and mini-size fridges with a few fun surprises thrown in.
5 Bestselling SMEG Fridges
Fridges are a basic necessity, but SMEG Fridges are anything but basic. Offered in modern, retro, and fun styles, the brand’s refrigerators incorporate classy detailing, smart features, and inclusive storage options.
I’ll be covering a few different styles of its bestsellers below, let’s begin with an ultra-polished one, the Portofino.
SMEG Refrigerator Portofino
Sleek and thin, the Refrigerator Portofino stands at 76” high. In an anthracite color, this alluring fridge shows off clean lines and eye-catching silver contrasts.
The handle is linear, running from top to bottom, breaking only to separate the fridge from the freezer. LED display and lighting make this fridge shine, showcasing its glass shelves with shining silver profiles.
The SMEG Refrigerator Portofino gives you the option to fast-freeze, save some money on eco-mode, and alert you of any temperature changes. Now, let’s get to the specs.
Inside this SMEG fridge freezer option, you’ll be able to stock three adjustable shelves and one produce drawer. And, in the freezer, there are two drawers and two shelves.
Though thin, this fridge is a big one, weighing 280 lbs.
SMEG Refrigerator Retro-style
Totally classic, the SMEG Refrigerator Retro-style is a true beauty. A glossy black color with rounded edges and a chromed handle, this fridge makes the perfect contrasting piece to a primarily white kitchen. Bonus points if you have chrome accents to match.
With steel siding and chromed inner shelves, this cool and classy fridge harkens back to yesteryear.
The seven-segment display unit lets you scan through settings like door alarms, holiday, and eco. And, when you open the door, you’ll discover two adjustable shelves, one drawer, two adjustable door shelves, an egg tray, and a bottle shelf.
It’s about 77” high, but just 23” across and weighs 228 lbs.
SMEG CB300U Refrigerator
Steel has a clean and expensive look. The CB300U Refrigerator happens to be made of a mix of metal with steel siding, giving it an ultra-cool image.
Measuring 70” in height, the fridge’s door is right-hinged, while the handle is a long panel that extends from the base all the way to the top.
With the freezer located on the bottom, you’ll find three drawers with a fast-freezing compartment. Advanced features include a door alarm, antibacterial gasket, and temperature alarm for both the fridge and freezer. The fridge showcases three adjustable shelves, two drawers, an egg tray, and a bottle shelf.
With a seven-segment display, you can scan through the settings for things like holidays, fast-cooling, fast-freezing, and child lock.
SMEG FAB28URDIT3
Represent your country, team, or homeland with the FAB28URDIT3. With old-school rounded edges, steel siding, and a fresh, glossy Italian flag print, this patriotic fridge is a real conversation piece. It’s perfect for a game room.
It measures about 60” high and weighs in at 165 lbs, so while it’s not the size of an ordinary fridge, it still has some meat to it. With one single handle, the fridge’s door swings open showcasing three adjustable shelves, one crisper, a bottle shelf, and a freezer compartment.
To keep things clean inside, it has a built-in antibacterial gasket. And, just in case you need it, a visual and acoustic fridge alarm.
SMEG Zoom Zoom SMEG500GRUS
Themed fridges… why not? Thanks to SMEG’s collab with FIAT, the Zoom Zoom SMEG500GRUS looks like the front of a freshly-lacquered car. It’s a gorgeous green color with showstopping shine and intricate, car-like detailing.
The fridge pulls open like a chest with the help of two vintage-style handles. Inside, you’ll find three bottle shelves and a handy LED light.
Totally free-standing, Zoom Zoom is about 34” high and 50” wide. It is a fun idea for a garage or backyard BBQ area.
SMEG Mini-Fridge
The perfect addition to any hangout room, mini-fridges are all about convenience. In this SMEG Fridges review, I will feature the brand’s best-selling mini ideal for man caves, pool rooms, and small offices.
SMEG Retro-style
With a throw-back style, this jet black SMEG mini fridge has a tricky, glossy coat for a look of luxury. Pull the single chrome handle to reveal two adjustable glass shelves, a door shelf, and a bottle shelf.
LED bulbs brighten things up, helping you track down that last beer hiding in the back. At just 30” high, and 55 lbs, this compact Retro-style cutie runs on 110V and is relatively easy to move if you need to.
Do SMEG Fridges Have A Water Dispenser?
It looks like most SMEG fridges do not have a water dispenser. When searching, it appears as if some models do, but for the life of us, I just can’t seem to track down a model that has one. This might have been a discontinued feature.
Are SMEG Fridges Energy Efficient?
Some SMEG fridges have an eco setting as well as one for holidays (for when you’ll be away). These settings will help you to save energy overall and cut down on costs.
Who Is SMEG For?
Your home is your little piece of this planet, one you can decorate and outfit as you please. SMEG is for the homemaker who wants to put a little extra love into their space. Someone who wants more than the average white, clunky fridge.
SMEG kitchen appliances are higher in cost. While appliances of any type are usually pricey, there’s something extra special about this brand, perhaps the attention to detail, jaw-dropping designs, or glossy finishes.
With built-in programs like eco, child-lock, alarms, or fast-freeze, SMEG fridges are also more advanced than your average fridge. These features can be extremely helpful for those who want to save energy or keep children (or themselves) away from constant trips to the fridge.
Comparison: SMEG vs. Chambers
Some people are into fashion, others are into appliances, and then you have those who are into both. Beautifully designed appliances have the lines of a work of art, made of high-quality materials that mold them into masterpieces.
A home is a place we make our own. Bringing in bits and bobs that reflect our personal style or creating a certain aesthetic and going out in search of the perfect piece. Designer appliances come in all shapes and sizes, but often, lines blur between one and the other, borrowing inspiration from the past or painting them with color palettes to match the seasons.
In this section of my SMEG fridges review, I’ll be comparing this featured brand to Chambers, a home appliance company that has some seriously similar-looking items, especially in the Retro Fridge department.
Chambers’ collection includes fridges, cooktops, hood fans, and a few other bits and bobs, but I’ll be zeroing in on its fridges specifically. Just like SMEG, you can’t view the competitor’s pricing online, you’ll need to go through a dealer.
When looking at the SMEG Refrigerator Retro-style and the Chambers Retro Refrigerators side-by-side, they look a lot alike. But, SMEG certainly seems to pop more in terms of gloss, and I prefer its more rounded edges, believing it gives the appliance a more expensive look.
SMEG also has many more options when it comes to color, offering bright orange, blush pink, and even the American flag to name a few. Chambers’ comes in off-white, red, and black only.
Both fridges offer the same in terms of interior design, housing the same number of shelves, LED display, alarms, and energy efficiency. From what I can see from the brand’s dealers, Chambers fridges are a little less expensive, but they might not be as stunning.
SMEG Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
A picture is worth a thousand words, but customer experience is pure gold. There’s no doubt SMEG appliances are drop-dead gorgeous, but how well do they perform? Are they noisy? Are there any flaws?
To help solve these questions, and more, I sought out comments from customers left on various review sites across the web. In this section of my SMEG fridges review, I’ll fill you in on just what those comments said, outlining any commonalities in both pro and con areas. So let’s get started.
From what I’ve read, SMEG does have a customer service team, but if you’re calling about an issue, they’ll direct you to your local dealer and it’s up to them to provide great service. With that in mind, any mentions of great customer service have to do with individual stores, not necessarily SMEG itself.
On the hunt for ratings, I came across the website Product Review that showed a 2.4/5 star score for the SMEG Retro 50s Style FAB32 Fridge and 18 customer comments. That’s a low number, so the experts shown below may not be typical of the fridge’s performance.
Nevertheless, the best comment left of this site was about the “spacious” nature of the SMEG vintage fridge. Another speaks of “excellent customer service” but this may not be the brand, but rather a dealer.
I headed over to a SMEG fridges review on Liz Marie Blog in search of a little more in-depth information about the FAB32.
Overall, the reviewer, Liz, loved how the fridge looks. And like I said, there’s no denying it’s pretty. So how did she like using it? She said it’s “super easy to clean,” that it’s “shallow enough to not stick out past the cabinets,” and works well in small kitchens.
Similarly, the author behind Bronni loves the appearance of their FAB28. Though this SMEG retro fridge doesn’t have as many features as other options on the market, the writer argues that the aesthetic makes it worth it:
“I love my Smeg! There’s nothing fun about 99% of kitchen appliances, so I think the extra expense is worth it to bring a splash of colour to my kitchen. I don’t miss having an ice or a cold water dispenser, I keep a carafe of water in the fridge and the world’s best ice cube tray in the freezer.”
Before I sum things up, I quickly checked the brand’s profile on the Better Business Bureau. It has an A+ rating and just 5 complaints made in the past 3 years, all of which have been resolved.
In terms of quality, it looks like the exterior of SMEG vintage refrigerators is where the appliances shine. Despite some cons about missing features, the brand’s fridges are still extremely popular and super chic.
Is SMEG Worth It?
Though the SMEG website doesn’t list prices, from what I’ve found online, it’s safe to say the brand’s prices are high. Why are they so high? Because they’re designer fridges.
The outside of the fridges are spectacular looking, but I can’t help but admit the insides of some weren’t what I was expecting—perhaps they’re truly going for the all-retro theme.
In terms of SMEG fridges reviews, online comments were surprisingly sparse, despite the brand being around for so long. Though some people found flaws with the machines, the majority of customers were buying these products for their appearance, rather than the technology. Still, most agreed that the fridges did what they were meant to—keep food cold.
Now and then, you can’t help but give in to how something looks, and SMEG fridges look good. I think they’re worth the buy. It’s a fun investment that makes you feel good and makes your home look good.
Alternatives
If you’re considering alternatives to Smeg fridges, there are several other reputable brands that offer a wide range of options to suit your needs and preferences. Here are a few worth exploring:
- Bosch is a well-known brand that offers a variety of stylish and functional refrigerators. They are known for their reliable performance, energy efficiency, and innovative features.
- LG is another popular brand that offers a diverse range of refrigerators. They provide options for different budgets and lifestyles, including models with smart technology, flexible storage solutions, and energy-saving features.
- KitchenAid is recognized for its high-quality appliances, including refrigerators. They offer stylish and durable refrigerators with features like precise temperature control, customizable storage, and attractive design options.
- Haier: Haier is a global brand that offers compact and full-size refrigerators with innovative features. They focus on space-saving designs, energy efficiency, and user-friendly functionality.
SMEG Promotions & Discounts
SMEG does not currently offer any deals on its website, but individual dealers may.
Where To Buy SMEG
Not sold through its website, you must visit a dealer or SMEG showroom to inquire about pricing or make a purchase. Use the Dealer Locator tool on the brand’s website’s home page by entering your zip code.
FAQ
Where are SMEG fridges made?
SMEG fridges are made where they’ve always been made, in Italy.
What is SMEG’s Shipping Policy?
The brand does not ship from its website. To buy one, you will need to locate a SMEG dealer or showroom and visit the corresponding website or location. From there, you will learn what their unique shipping policy is.
SMEG is available all over the world, be sure to search for dealers in your area.
What is SMEG’s Return Policy?
Because you cannot purchase a SMEG Italian refrigerator through the brand’s website, you will need to refer to the return policy of the company from which you purchased your fridge.
How to Contact SMEG
If you need any other information that was not included in my SMEG fridges review, please use any of the below contact methods to get in touch with the brand:
- Phone: 1-212-265-5378
- Email: [email protected]
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