SMEG refrigerator review: lineup analysis, reviews + TOP-5 of the best models on the market

The exclusive Smeg refrigerator can hardly be called truly popular among popular brands. But nobody would refuse to get such a car in the kitchen.

A favorite tool of fashion designers and creative personalities, it combines an unusual style with classic high technologies that make every consumer feel like a real inhabitant of civilization.

What are the features of the Italian brand refrigerators? Which model is better to choose? Does the build quality and functionality of Smeg units justify their high cost? We will deal with these questions in order.

In the article, we described in detail the equipment and technical and operational parameters of refrigerators of different series, gave a decoding of their markings. To narrow the search for a suitable model, we have prepared a review of the five most popular Italian units with the optimal balance of selection parameters: price and quality.

Features of equipment from Smeg

The multinational company SMEG, which now supplies the best home appliances to the modern market. Basically, these are kitchen items, original washing machines, gas stoves, built-in appliances.

Smeg company supplies the world market with a wide range of domestic refrigeration units. The most popular models decided in retro style

It's about real Italian quality, where fakes are impossible. The company positions itself as an elitist producer of expensive products, when the price is fully consistent with the content and means exceptional quality factor.

The range of refrigerators is conveniently marked and not overblown in quantity.Therefore, to study its features in order to choose the best option, it will not be difficult, and even it will become a pleasant process.

Among the models offered by the Italian manufacturer there are one-, two- and three-chamber units, there is a full-size refrigeration equipment and mini-options

Any refrigerator manufactured under the Smeg trademark, regardless of the series, will definitely please:

• energy saving class A + and A ++ - it's 25 and 40 percent less electricity consumption, in comparison with the usual form A;
• self-freezing or no-frost - automatic elimination of the causes of ice or snow deposits inside the equipment;
• ergonomic interior - shelves are made of tempered glass, their position can be changed;
• both door and handle options - for lefties and traditional righties;
• sophisticated, original design - the company prefers a warm, vintage style in the appearance of technology, which distinguishes it from other brands.

SMEG is the only manufacturer of its kind in the world to successfully produce designer refrigerators that perform by no means a decorative function.

Smeg brand refrigeration equipment is equipped with all kinds of innovative achievements in the field of refrigerator production. Cooling is carried out according to No Frost technology, there are functions of superfreezing and supercooling, freshness zones are organized, antibacterial coatings are applied

The company has mastered the latest technologies, and successfully implements them in its products.

Therefore, among models, options with functions are available to those who wish:

• superfast freezing, including an ice generator;
• protection of glossy surfaces from fingerprints, which greatly facilitates refrigerator washing;
• additional ventilation inside;
• battery life from 8 to 23 hours with force majeure power outages;
• touch control and information through the LCD screen;
• blocking settings from children's access.

And also it’s worth separately to highlight a special program "Vacation"preserving equipment in days of prolonged absence near a person.

The doors of advanced models from SMEG of the middle and highest price category, for example, FA55PCIL, are equipped with special dispensers that are able to quickly generate different fractions of ice, instantly cool the water and feed them directly into the glass

In total, the Italian advanced giant produces four types of refrigeration equipment: refrigerators, freezers, minibars, wine racks.

Marking - a tip to customers

SMEG refrigerators have a simple marking that is easy to navigate.

The lineup is usually divided into 4 categories, based on the design:

1. "Victoria".
2. Colonial style.
3. 50s style.
4. Recessed.

The first two categories are devoted exclusively to high-tech, expensive, large models in an aristocratic style.

The third category is the famous designer exclusives in the form of color prototypes of the nostalgic 50s.

The most popular offer from Smeg recognized one- and two-chamber models, solved in a vintage style. The design of refrigerators uses a variety of colors

"Victoria"And Colonial recognizable by first letters Sbs and Fqfollowed by a series number. Everything below 900 will be “colonial,” the 960th series begins the “Victorian” line. In addition, the Colonial category also includes FA at the beginning of the name.

All these are abbreviations from Side-by-side (SBS), which means a double module, Frigorifero (F), in Italian - refrigerator, letters "AND", "B", Q - define 1-2-4 door versions.

Any vintage models in the image of the 50s are marked with letters Fab.

The classic Side-by-side is a dual combined module, on one side of which is a standard cooling cabinet, on the other - a large freezer. The components are not always interconnected and can be used separately. In the photo - beige Smeg SBS963P, Victoria

After the series number in Victoria and Colonial, as a rule, there is a color mark.There are few options here, since both lines imply restraint and classicism.

The following designations are possible:

• P - cream, in combination with other letters - pastel (pastello);
• N, NE - black (nero);
• BL, AZ - blue (blu, azzuro);
• B - bianco, white;
• CR - crema, cream;
• A - antracite, anthracite.

Last letter ABOUT most often means brass fittings, N - nickel-plated (silver), X - chrome plated.

For model range Fab after the number series is an indicator R or L.

It recognizes the side of the door handle:

• R - right, right;
• L - left, left.

Then the color mark and the color mark of the fittings (sometimes absent). From here, for example, FAB28RCRN will mean the 28th series of cream color with a right-hand door, silver finish.

Among the offers from Smeg there are built-in options for refrigerators designed for installation in modules of cabinet kitchen furniture

Embedded analogues stand apart. Their labeling does not have a clear systematization and traditionally begins with letters or combinations: C, CD, FI, Ri, S, SD, U (the latter is for mini versions). Then comes the serial number with a color marker or number of cameras.

In some countries, the model grid may contain the form Classicwhere private developments of regional branches of Smeg are presented. But as a rule, they do not go beyond the borders of their native territories, and are used infrequently in the CIS.

Premium Series Victoria

If you need a roomy refrigerator or unit with a decent freezing area, then these are two refrigerators Smeg Victoria SBS / 963 and FQ / 960. Such types are well suited for restaurateurs, catering establishments and holders of reputable cafes.

The large-sized Smeg chiller is affordable for very wealthy customers. But, according to reviews, the expenses quickly pay off if you make stocks in large batches, which fully allows the size of the cameras

They are also convenient for home use, for example, when the house has a large family, bulk purchases are accepted, or often called receptions.

Combined equipment models SBS / 963

Anyone who wants to purchase this assembly should know that the power of the unit is designed only for the energy class A +. As a result, 471 kW will run for standard use during the year.

What is included in the possibilities of the combination / 963:

• more than 600 liters of total volume;
• full electronic control and LCD panel;
• external ice generator that can be connected to the water supply;
• technology No frost;
• fresh zone;
• fan;
• photosynthesis mode to preserve the freshness of greens, fruits, vegetables;
• 6 glass shelves and 2 glass drawers in each section;
• figured metal shelf for bottles;
• egg tray.

The software contains a function for blocking child manipulations, a mode "Vacation"depressurization warning.

Active fresh bluelight is a personal innovation from SMEG engineers. The blue-light storage area of ​​plant foods supports the natural course of photosynthesis, allowing you to preserve vitamins, freshness and useful elements for a long time

Series Victoria Side-by-Side It has only two basic shades - cream and black. Size according to the standard combination (height / width / depth) - 1.84 m / 91 cm / 74 cm (without handles 69 cm). The module is able to maintain the set temperature for 8 hours after an unplanned power outage.

Series of multi-leaf models FQ / 960

Four-door FQ960 It is also a combination of a refrigerator and a freezer, but the latter is located at the bottom, not the side. The compartment doors open in two directions, like cabinet doors.

The main characteristics almost coincide with the first sample, including Active fresh bluelightbut FQ has a more modest manual ice machine, the size of the freezer is smaller and the period of maintaining the cold in emergency situations is 2 times longer - up to 15 hours.

The size of the 4-door version is slightly larger with the same 600-liter volume.It is 187 cm high, 92.2 cm wide, 76.5 cm deep. The line is available in 3 colors: black, cream, light blue.

In multi-door refrigerator models, the freezer compartment is separated from the refrigeration sector, so the use of one of the chambers does not affect the microclimate in the other

Popular opinion about this line

According to the owners, the main advantages of the Victoria line, along with standard features:

• very quiet noise level, the operation of the machine is almost inaudible;
• greater energy savings while maintaining functions and bulk;
• almost complete absence of losses during storage of products in the normal mode and the “Vacation” mode;
• excellent elimination of odors.

Disadvantage: the price is too high. In official SMEG stores, these models cost about 5-5.5 thousand dollars, or more than 300 thousand rubles for 2018.

The main disadvantage of Italian Smeg brand refrigerators is the unnecessarily high price, many times higher than the cost of similar equipment from competitors

Features of the Colonial line

Colonial ruler consists of one monolithic Side-by-Side SBS8004one four-door model Fq60 and two good FA860, FA8003.

There is no fundamental difference between large-sized analogues with the same versions of “Victoria”. The difference can only be in accessories - for some Colonial brands brass is provided instead of nickel, and for some you need to buy it separately.

The two-door freestanding refrigerators of this generation are classic designs with a standard set of the latest features. The difference between them is visible in the comparison table.

Comparative parameters of FA860 and FA8003. Both samples also have LED-backlit internal zones, quiet operation, no higher than 40 dB, and energy class A +

In the reviews, the owners named the following characteristic advantages:

• lack of polymer smell;
• strong shelves;
• optimally designed space for a variety of volumes and combinations of reserves;
• very high-quality super-cooling and super-freezing mode;
• high level of climate class, even perishable foods are preserved in any heat;
• long-term storage of food does not change its initial taste and freshness;
• Stylish, aristocratic design.

The disadvantages were:

• the inability to independently hang the door - therefore, you should be careful when buying the moment, the left-side or right-hand version is on sale;
• the need to keep food closedBased on the device, you cannot get some of the necessary ingredients in one go.

Rulers Colonial and Victoria are the latest developments of the company's engineers, so they are constantly updated with new products that are easy to track on the official website.

The FQ60BPE model contains 610 liters of products, of which almost 400 are in the main compartment. When marking this brand, only color is used (here B - bianco, white) and surface type (here PE - glossy). Released new fingerprint protection will be marked X

Products of this sign are always made with an impeccable design. It is for the expensive appearance that many users, according to them, choose the Smeg-brand technique.

But if only high quality is needed from the manufacturer, and the shell is planned to be hidden behind a single ensemble, the company has developed a high-class line of mounted kitchen refrigerators.

Built-in appliances of the “single style”

To date, SMEG presents about twenty options for built-in refrigeration technology. The series is divided into overall, medium, mini options. Inside the series, samples are distinguished by composition combined with a freezer, without a freezer, single-door, two-door.

The most expensive picking for brands Ri, the price for such equipment can reach up to 800 thousand p. (series 96, 76). The most popular are swatches C, SDmini fridges U, their cost ranges from 42 to 90 thousand p.

The difference between the expensive and affordable assortment is due to the fact that expensive analogues are packed with high technology, as they say, “to the eyeballs”.

Built-in models are designed to work flawlessly in close proximity to airtight surfaces. However, it should be remembered that between the walls of the refrigerator and furniture, as well as the wall, a gap of 1-2 cm should remain

What you can get from the elite generation of embedded RI:

1. The volume of useful space is from 425 to 524 liters.
2. Large dimensions up to 2 meters high.
3. Stainless steel surfaces.
4. A complete set of modern functions: No-Frost, auto-freezing, quick cooling, fan, LED-light, multi- and fresh-zone, Vacation mode, Shabbat mode, electronic climate control, security system, information via the display.
5. Maintaining the set temperature inside for up to 15 hours during an emergency power outage.
6. Silent mode of operation.

It’s practically impossible to buy such a blank a day, it is necessary to make a preliminary order. You can refer to the more affordable 177-cm option in warehouses RI360RX without a freezer and some features, but with fingerprint processing. Its price is the most affordable in this line, only about 100 thousand rubles.

The Shabbat regime was developed by manufacturers as a tribute to the Jewish religion. Religious Jews should not use household appliances that produce light at specific times. Shabbat mode allows you to tactfully solve this problem by turning off the backlight and sounds on appointed days

Standard class C, SD, U It has an average volume of chambers up to 300 liters, a classic set of functions for comfortable use, compact dimensions not higher than 177 cm.

For mini under the countertop, these figures are 135 liters and 81 centimeters. A strong distinguishing feature is a record low noise background of up to 34 dB and a very high threshold for autonomous operation during energy failures - up to 23 hours.

The advantages of this direction are consistent high quality. Cons - in some analogues uncomfortable egg trays are noted.

Conquering the world of retro-refrigerators

What many people turn to the Smeg brand for is vintage, colorful units reminiscent of the 50s of the past century.

Unique rounded modifications with non-standard color design - a completely copyright concept-solution of the Italian label.

Standard FAB in the interior. The basis for this form was the mid-20th century fashion for rounded objects, ranging from radios to cars. In the USSR, the famous ZIL refrigerator served as such an example.

Among other smegovskih frigo they are marked Fab.

Decoding of the FAB marking

The design is based on five serial variations under the numbers 10, 28, 30, 32, 50. Their designation comes immediately after the first three letters of the marking. Then there is information about the side of the door hinges (R, L, right or left), the color scheme, sometimes - the shade of the fittings.

The color sector has the form:

• AZ, BL - azzuro, blu, blue;
• B, w - bianco, white, white;
• C, CR - crema, cream;
• G - giallo, yellow, gold;
• NE - nero, black;
• R - rosso, red;
• P - pastello, cream, in combination with another shade - pastel;
• V - verde, green.

And so on, by the first letters of the color in Italian. There are 11 basic color schemes, but they are constantly expanding.

In addition, there are exclusive colors in the image of the flags of countries (usually where Smeg branches operate), striped and geometric multi-color themes, and other individual forms.

Unusual surfaces in the form of a full-featured slate or the aforementioned natural denim finish are of particular interest to fans.

A special group in the range of Smeg refrigerators is occupied by models with state symbols of different countries, including those with the symbols of the collapsed USSR

Designer fridge hood

Another feature of the retro family - copies that repeat the front of old Fiat cars.In fact, these are small freezers, but often they are declared as mini-refrigerators.

Such a valid toy can be ordered separately from the company’s representative for half a million rubles, choosing one of the 5 colors offered. The order will be ready in at least 2 months.

Exclusive SMEG500 is designed to store bottles or cans, the total volume of its compartment is 100 liters. The machine has a function of automatic defrosting, thermostat, temperature range from +8 to +14 degrees, you can light the headlights. Energy Class - A +

Colors are available - white, green, yellow, red, blue. In general, the FAB line is replete with the brightest, catchy shades from acid-lemon to defiant lilac. However, the choice was left to lovers of restrained pastel colors.

Internal equipment for FAB models

Serious content is attached to the catchy appearance. Different FABs have different technical indicators.

Model FAB28. Single door. The total capacity is about 20 liters, of which 220 - the main compartment, 30 - freezer. Height - 1.51 meters, width - 60 cm, in depth - 68.2 cm. Electronic control, automatic defrosting, manual temperature control.

There is a separate fan, classic shelves including a bottle compartment and an egg stand. Container for fruits and vegetables. There is superfrost, ice molds. The battery life, if necessary, without power is 12 hours.

In single-door models, the low-temperature compartment is separated from the main volume by a hermetically sealed plastic shutter

Model FAB30. The two-door. Volume - 295 liters, including 64 liters of freezer. Dimensions - 1.69 m by 60 cm, depth - 71 cm. A set of features repeats the previous version, but the freezer must be defrosted manually. Added LED lighting, optimized space. Maintenance time without a network is 15 hours.

Model FAB32. Two-door, large. Size - 330 liters inside, 1.93 centimeters of height outside. Width - 60 cm, depth - 72 cm. To the equipment of the 30 series, an audio notification of leaks and a full-fledged No-Frost have been added.

However, there is a more affordable model without this feature. It features a set of noble colors. Without electricity, it works properly for 18 hours.

The average price for a popular FAB28 is $ 1,500. But if we are talking about design decoration, such as coloring with the symbols of the USSR, the British flag, the tone of chocolate, the cost increases by 1.5 times

These prototypes are most in demand among retro lovers. The most fashionable and famous among them is FAB28. The most comfortably optimized one is FAB32.

Model FAB50. Another FAB-series, 50, differs from the previous bias in modernity. This model is a prestigious, two-chamber unit for large stocks. The dimensions of the chambers are 370 and 110 liters, a total of 480 liters. Dimensions - 1.86 m up, 80 cm in width, about 80 cm in depth.

The assembly includes electronic control, fully No-Frost, 2 freshness zones, 2 egg containers, 4 shelves inside, 4 on the door. The freezer compartment is equipped with super freeze mode, has 2 shelves inside, 2 on the door, an ice mold. A small drawback is a short period of action without a network, only 8 hours.

Model FAB10. And finally, a separate topic - mini-refrigerators FAB series-10. They completely repeat in style and properties of their full-sized brothers, only in miniature form.

This means that they have a separate freezer, and automation, areas for vegetables, fruits, bottles, eggs. In a year, such a baby eats only 169 kW, its volume is 120 liters, and the rounded size in centimeters is 96x55x64.

A special topic in the product line with the Smeg logo is miniature refrigerators designed for offices, hotels, country houses

Novelties and related products

One of the new hobbies of the company is projects with stainless steel, self-cleaning from stains and French doors. Such products are created as a premium line and combines all of the above characteristics along with updated developments.

So far these are just three modification models: FQ55FXE1, RF376SIX, RF396SIX.

French doors in Side-by-side are distinguished by the fact that they are large drawers. Fashion was introduced mainly by television. In practice, to have such an innovation, you need to have a good kitchen space

In addition, many of the Colonial and Victoria samples are shipped without handles; So the creators want to give customers more choice.

The company produces all the hardware itself, using various combinations of materials. Nickel, brass, chrome, gold plated handles are considered classics. Exclusive - Black Sticks soft touch.

TOP 5 of the best models on the market

Consider the most popular models of refrigeration equipment from Smeg, presented on the domestic market. The information we offer is based on data on the sale of equipment through networks operating on the Internet.

In the list of models that have received the approval of repairmen, confirming their quality indicators and reliability.

Model # 1 - Smeg SMEG500G

Stylish mini fridge, made in the form of a retro car Fiat 500, offers future owners one camera with a capacity of 100 liters. The height of the model is 83 cm, the width of the case is 125 cm, the depth is 80 cm. There is no freezer compartment as such.

Cooling is carried out in a static way, involving periodic activation and shutdown of the compressor. The circulation of air within the chambers occurs naturally, i.e. the cooled air stream pushes warm upward, where it is cooled in the same way.

The operation of the unit is accompanied by the release of condensate, droplets flowing down the wall into a special receiver.

Static systems are also called drip systems, need regular defrost to remove frosty or icy condensate. But in their refrigerated compartments greens do not fade for a long time, fruits and vegetables do not lose their elasticity.

The miniature refrigerator is controlled by an electromechanical device. According to the characteristics of energy saving, the model is assigned to the class A +. It works quite quietly, only 42 dB.

Model # 2 - Smeg FAB28RG

Single chamber unit The FAB28RG is 151 cm high and has a freezer compartment located on top. The width of the case is 60 cm, its depth is 67 cm.

The model offers potential owners a total useful volume of 271 liters, of which 21 liters are allocated to the freezer.

Static type cooling means defrosting will have to be done manually at the frequency specified by the manufacturer. After turning off the power supply, the model retains the necessary cold products for another 12 hours. Up to 2 kg can be frozen in it per day.

It is controlled by an electromechanical system. According to tests in the laboratories for electricity consumption, the refrigerator is assigned a class A +.

Model # 3 - Smeg FAB28RDB

Assembly FAB28RDB blue, textured denim, and around the perimeter of the door there is even an imitation of branded stitching with a yellow thread. Externally, the refrigerator looks as if it is covered in cloth. The freezer compartment is located on top.

The height of the spectacular case is 153 cm, its width is 60.1 cm, the depth of the refrigerator is 72.8 cm. The usable space is 249 liters, of which 26 liters are occupied by the freezer.

Cooling is carried out by the drip method, both cameras will have to be defrosted manually. After turning off the power, the refrigerator will maintain the operating temperature for another 12 hours. It can freeze up to 2 kg per day, there is a super-freeze function.

Electromechanical control, i.e. extremely simple and extremely reliable, not sensitive to condensate and temperature extremes. In terms of energy saving, the model received a class A +++, which will save a lot on electricity bills. The unit is quiet, noise is only 38 dB.

Model # 4 - Smeg FQ55FXE

Three-compartment refrigerator Smeg FQ55FXE is made in an elegant silver-gray tone.The height of its body is 182.5 cm, the unit is 84 cm wide and 74.5 cm deep. Two doors are installed to use the refrigerator compartment.

Bottom organized two retractable chests, there is a freshness zone. Useful space is 505 liters, 154 liters are occupied by the freezer.

The cooling of the freezer, freshness zone and refrigerator compartment is carried out according to the system No frost. Therefore, manual defrosting is not necessary. Condensation is removed by a built-in fan, there is no frost or snow coats inside the chambers.

Such refrigerators are thawed only for sanitary-hygienic measures.

Electronic control there is a displayshowing unit operating data. Before a long absence of owners, it is not necessary to turn off the refrigerator, it is enough to turn it into an economical one holiday mode. Surfaces are covered antibacterial membrane. The model has a class of energy saving A +.

Model # 5 - Smeg FAB32RBLN1

Two-chamber refrigerator from Smeg with the nomenclature FAB32RBLN1 is equipped with two separate doors, eliminating the loss of temperature in one of the chambers when using the second.

The height of the bright case is 192.6 cm, the model takes 60 cm in width and 72 cm in depth. With the indicated dimensions, the total volume is 304 l, the freezer compartment is occupied by 75 l.

The freezer compartment is cooled by technology No frost, which means that it is not necessary to defrost it forcibly. The refrigerator compartment is cooled according to drip principles, which means that it needs periodic manual defrosting.

The unit is controlled by electronics, capable of performing superfreezing and supercooling. It can freeze up to 10 kg per day. When the current supply is turned off, the model will retain the temperature of the working medium for another 18 hours. It makes a noise of only 41 dB. In terms of energy conservation, the model received a class A ++.

In online stores, products from Smeg are represented by an extensive assortment that allows you to choose equipment with priority characteristics, technical capabilities and design. The only question is price.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

What should I look for when choosing a refrigerator? More on this in the next video:

A selection of Smeg-retro in interiors with a demonstration of internal components:

How different modifications of Smeg refrigerators in combination with other elements of the kitchen may look like:

In Russia, Smeg household appliances are acquired mainly by well-off people. This is the policy of the company - piece, elitism of goods.

Each brand of equipment of the Bertazzoni family is served as a masterpiece, and to buy a copy of it means to get a certain status. This makes the company stay at the highest level of excellence and correct any negative situations.

Have experience using a refrigerator from the Italian manufacturer Smeg? Tell readers about the features of placing an order for such equipment, share the general impression of the operation of the unit. Leave comments, ask questions, add product reviews and tips for buyers - the contact form is located below.