Review of SMEG refrigerators: analysis of the model range, reviews + TOP 5 best models on the market

The exclusive Smeg refrigerator can hardly be called truly popular among popular brands. But no one would refuse to have such a machine in their kitchen.

A favorite tool of fashion designers and creative individuals, it combines unusual style with classic high technology, allowing every consumer to feel like a real inhabitant of civilization.

What are the features of refrigerators of the Italian brand? Which model is better to choose? Does the build quality and functionality of Smeg units justify their high cost? Let's 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, and provided a breakdown of their markings. To narrow down the search for a suitable model, we have prepared a review of the five most popular Italian units with an optimal balance of selection parameters: price and quality.

Features of equipment from Smeg

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

The Smeg company supplies a wide range of household refrigeration units to the world market. The most popular models are those designed in retro style.

We are talking about real Italian quality, where fakes are impossible. The company positions itself as an elite manufacturer of expensive products, when the price fully corresponds to the content and indicates exceptional quality.

The company's range of refrigerators is conveniently labeled and not bloated in quantity. Therefore, studying its features in order to choose the best option will not be difficult, and it will also be an enjoyable process.

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

Any refrigerator produced under the Smeg trademark, regardless of the series, will certainly please:

• energy saving class A+ and A++ - this is 25 and 40 percent less electricity consumption, compared to the usual type A;
• Auto defrost or No-Frost — automatic elimination of the causes of ice or snow deposits inside the equipment;
• ergonomic interior space — the shelves are made of tempered glass, their position can be changed;
• both door and handle options - for left-handers and traditional right-handers;
• sophisticated, original design — the company prefers a warm, vintage style in the appearance of its equipment, which distinguishes it from other brands.

SMEG is the only manufacturer of its kind in the world that successfully produces designer refrigerators that do not serve a decorative function.

Smeg brand refrigeration appliances are equipped with all kinds of innovative advances in the field of refrigerator production.Cooling is carried out using No Frost technology, there are functions of super freezing and super cooling, freshness zones are organized, antibacterial coatings are used

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

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

• super-fast freezing, including ice generator;
• protects glossy surfaces from fingerprints, which makes it much easier washing the refrigerator;
• additional ventilation inside;
• battery life from 8 to 23 hours during force majeure power outages;
• touch control and information via LCD screen;
• blocking settings from access by children.

It is also worth highlighting a special program "Vacation", preserving equipment during days of prolonged absence of a person nearby.

The doors of advanced models from SMEG of the middle and highest price categories, for example, FA55PCIL, are equipped with special dispensers that are capable of quickly generating different fractions of ice, instantly cooling water and dispensing them directly into the glass

The Italian advanced giant produces four types of refrigeration equipment in total: refrigerators, freezers, minibars, and wine coolers.

Labeling is a hint to buyers

SMEG refrigerators have simple markings that are easy to navigate.

The model range is usually divided into 4 categories, based on design:

1. "Victoria".
2. Colonial style.
3. 50s style.
4. Built-in.

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

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

The most popular offerings from Smeg are single- and double-chamber models designed in a vintage style.The design of refrigerators uses a variety of colors

"Victoria" And Colonial recognizable by first letters SBS And FQ, followed by the series number. Anything below 900 will be “colonial”, the 960 series starts the “Victorian” line. In addition, the Colonial category also includes the designation F.A. at the beginning of the title.

These are all abbreviations for Side-by-side (SBS), which means double module, Frigorifero (F), in Italian - refrigerator, letters "A", "B", "Q" — define 1-2-4 door versions.

Any vintage models in the image of the 50s are marked with letters F.A.B..

Classic Side-by-side is a double combined module, on one side of which there is a standard refrigerated cabinet, on the other there is a large freezer. The components are not always connected to each other 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, creamy;
• A – anthracite, anthracite.

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

For model range F.A.B. after the number series there is an indicator R or L.

It identifies the side of the door handle:

• R – right, right;
• L – left, left.

Then the color brand and the hardware color brand (sometimes missing). From here, for example, FAB28RCRN would mean the 28th series, cream color with right-hand door, silver trim.

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

Built-in analogues stand apart. Their markings do not have a clear systematization and traditionally begin with letters or combinations: C, CD, FI, R.I., S, SD, U (the latter is for mini versions). This is followed by a serial number with a color marker or number of cameras.

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

Premium range "Victoria"

If you need a spacious refrigeration cabinet or a unit with a decent freezing area, then these are two refrigerators Smeg-Victoria SBS/963 And FQ/960. These types are well suited for restaurateurs, catering establishments and owners of reputable cafes.

A large Smeg refrigeration machine is affordable only for very wealthy buyers. But, according to reviews, the expenses quickly pay off if you stock up in large quantities, which the size of the chambers fully allows

They are also convenient for home use, for example, when there is a large family in the house, wholesale purchases are accepted, or parties are frequent.

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 consumption class A+. As a result, in a year with standard use, 471 kW will be generated.

What is included in the possibilities of combination/963:

• more than 600 liters of total volume;
• full electronic control and LCD panel;
• an external ice maker that can be connected to the water supply;
• technology No-Frost;
• fresh zone;
• fan;
• photosynthesis mode to preserve the freshness of greens, fruits, and 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 children's manipulations, a mode "Vacation", warning about depressurization.

Active fresh bluelight is a personal innovation from SMEG Corporation engineers. Illuminated by blue light, the plant food storage area supports the natural course of photosynthesis, allowing you to preserve vitamins, freshness and beneficial elements for a long time

Series Victoria Side-by-Side It has only two basic shades - cream and black. Standard size combination (height/width/depth) – 1.84 m/91 cm/74 cm (without handles 69 cm). The module is capable of maintaining the set temperature for 8 hours after an unplanned power outage.

Multi-leaf series FQ/960

Four door FQ960 is also a combination of a refrigerator and a freezer, but the latter is located at the bottom rather than on the side. The compartment doors open in two directions, like cabinet doors.

The main characteristics are almost the same as the first sample, including Active fresh bluelight, but the FQ has a more modest manual ice maker, a smaller freezer size and a 2 times longer period of maintaining cold in emergency situations - 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 that the use of one of the chambers does not affect the microclimate in the other

Popular opinion about this line

According to owner reviews, the main advantages of the Victoria line, along with standard characteristics:

• very quiet noise level, the operation of the machine is almost inaudible;
• greater energy savings while maintaining functions and volume;
• almost complete absence of losses when storing products in normal mode and “Vacation” mode;
• Excellent odor removal.

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

The main disadvantage of refrigerators of the Italian brand Smeg is the excessively high price, which is several times higher than the cost of similar equipped offers from competitors

Features of the Colonial line

The colonial line consists of one monolithic Side-by-Side SBS8004, one four-door model FQ60 and two good ones FA860, FA8003.

There is no fundamental difference between large-sized analogues and the same versions of Victoria. The only difference may be in the hardware—some Colonial brands come with brass instead of nickel, while others require you to buy it separately.

This generation of double door freestanding refrigerators 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 backlighting of internal zones, a quiet operating mode of no higher than 40 dB, and energy consumption class A+

In the reviews, owners named the following characteristic advantages:

• no polymer odor;
• durable shelves;
• optimally calculated space for a wide variety of volumes and combinations of inventory;
• very high-quality super-cooling and super-freezing modes;
• 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 included:

• inability to move the door on your own – therefore, when purchasing, you should be careful about whether the left- or right-hand version is on sale;
• need to keep food closed, based on the device, it is impossible to get some of the necessary ingredients in one movement.

The Colonial and Victoria lines are the latest developments by the company’s engineers, so they are constantly updated with new products that are easy to track on the official website.

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

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

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-quality line of mounted kitchen refrigerators.

Built-in appliances “one style”

Currently, SMEG presents about twenty options for built-in refrigeration equipment. The series range is divided into large, medium and mini variants. Within the series, the samples are divided into combinations with a freezer, without a freezer, single-door, and double-door based on their composition.

The most expensive packaging for brands R.I., the price for such equipment can reach up to 800 thousand rubles. (episode-96, 76).The most popular are samples C, SD, mini refrigerators U, their cost ranges from 42 to 90 thousand rubles.

The difference between an 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 there should be a gap of 1-2 cm between the walls of the refrigerator and the furniture, as well as the wall.

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

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

It is practically impossible to buy such a preparation on the same day; you must make a pre-order. You can turn to the 177 cm version, which is more available in warehouses RI360RX without a freezer and some functions, but with fingerprint protection. Its price is the most affordable in this line, only about 100 thousand rubles.

The Shabbat mode was developed by the manufacturers as a tribute to the Jewish religion. By religion, Jews are prohibited from using household appliances that produce light at certain times. Shabbat mode allows you to tactfully solve this problem by independently turning off the lights and sounds on designated days

Standard class C, SD, U has an average chamber volume of up to 300 liters, a classic set of functions for comfortable use, compact dimensions no higher than 177 cm.

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

The advantages of this direction are consistent high quality. Cons – some analogues have inconvenient egg trays.

Retro refrigerators that have conquered the world

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

Unique rounded modifications with non-standard colors are a completely original concept solution of the Italian label.

Standard FAB in the interior. The basis for this shape 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.

Along with other Smegov frigos, they are marked F.A.B..

Explanation of FAB marking

The design is based on five serial variations numbered 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), color scheme, and sometimes the shade of the fittings.

The color sector looks like:

• AZ, BL – azzuro, blu, blue;
• B, W – bianco, white, white;
• C, CR – crema, creamy;
• 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, according to the first letters of the color in Italian. There are 11 basic color schemes in total, but they are constantly expanding.

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

Of particular interest to fans are unusual surfaces in the form of a full slate board or the already mentioned natural denim finish.

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

Designer hood refrigerator

Another feature of the retro family are examples that replicate the front of old Fiat cars. These are essentially small freezers, but they are often marketed as mini-fridges.

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

The exclusive SMEG500 is designed for storing bottles or cans, the total volume of its compartment is 100 liters. The machine has an automatic defrost function, a thermostat, a temperature range from +8 to +14 degrees, you can turn on the headlights. Energy consumption class – A+

Available colors: white, green, yellow, red, blue. In general, the FAB line is replete with the brightest, catchiest shades from acidic lemon to defiant lilac. However, the choice is also left to lovers of discreet pastel colors.

Internal equipment of FAB models

The striking appearance comes with serious substance. Different FABs have different technical indicators.

Model FAB28. Single door. The total capacity is about 20 liters, of which 220 are the main compartment, 30 are the freezer. Height - 1.51 meters, width - 60 cm, 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 rack. Container for vegetables and fruits. There is a super freezer and ice trays. The period of autonomous operation, 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 curtain

Model FAB30. Two-door. Volume – 295 liters, including 64 liters of freezer. Dimensions – 1.69 m by 60 cm, depth – 71 cm. The set of features is the same as the previous version, but the freezer needs to be defrosted manually. LED lighting has been added and space has been optimized. The operating time without a network is 15 hours.

Model FAB32. Two-door, large. Size – 330 liters inside, 1.93 centimeters in height outside. Width – 60 cm, depth – 72 cm. The equipment of the 30 series includes an audio warning about leaks and a full-fledged No-Frost.

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

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

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

Model FAB50. Another FAB series, 50, differs from the previous ones in its focus on modernity. This model is a prestigious, two-chamber unit for large stocks. Chamber sizes are 370 and 110 l, total 480 l. Dimensions – 1.86 m up, 80 cm wide, about 80 cm deep.

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

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

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

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

New products and related products

One of the company's new passions is projects with stainless steel, self-cleaning stains and French doors. Such products are created as a premium line and combine all the listed characteristics along with updated developments.

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

Side-by-side French doors are distinguished by the fact that they are large drawers. The fashion for them was mainly introduced 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 supplied without handles, you are encouraged to select them yourself. So the creators want to give customers more choice.

The company produces all the fittings itself, using various combinations of materials.Handles made of nickel, brass, chrome, and gold are considered classics. Exclusive - black handles soft-touch.

TOP 5 best models on the market

Let's look at 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 existing Internet networks.

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

Model #1 - Smeg SMEG500G

Stylish miniature refrigerator, made in the form of a retro Fiat 500 car, offers future owners one chamber with a volume of 100 liters. The height of the model is 83 cm, the width of the body is 125 cm, the depth is 80 cm. It does not have a freezer compartment as such.

Cooling is carried out in a static way, which involves periodically activating and stopping the compressor. Air circulation within the chambers occurs naturally, i.e. the cooled air flow pushes the warm air upward, where it is cooled in the same way.

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

Static systems are also called drip systems and require regular defrosting to remove frosty or frozen condensate. But in their refrigerated compartments, greens do not wither for a long time, fruits and vegetables do not lose their elasticity.

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

Model #2 – Smeg FAB28RG

Single chamber unit The FAB28RG is 151cm high and has a top-mounted freezer compartment. 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 for the freezer.

The cooling is of a static type, which means that it will have to be defrosted manually at the frequency specified by the manufacturer. After turning off the power supply, the model retains the cold required for food for another 12 hours. You can freeze up to 2 kg in it per day.

Controlled by an electromechanical system. According to laboratory tests for energy consumption, the refrigerator was assigned a class A+.

Model #3 – Smeg FAB28RDB

Unit FAB28RDB blue, with textured pattern denim, and along the perimeter of the door there is even an imitation of the signature stitching with yellow thread. Externally, the refrigerator looks as if it is covered with fabric. The freezer compartment is located on top.

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

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

Electromechanical type control, i.e. extremely simple and extremely reliable, not sensitive to condensation and temperature changes. In terms of energy saving parameters, the model received a class A+++, which will allow you to save a lot on electricity bills. The unit operates quietly, noise is only 38 dB.

Model #4 – Smeg FQ55FXE

Three-compartment refrigerator The Smeg FQ55FXE comes in an elegant silver-gray tone. The height of its body is 182.5 cm, the width of the unit is 84 cm, and the depth is 74.5 cm.To use the refrigerator compartment, two doors are installed.

Below there are two retractable chests, there is a freshness zone. Usable space is 505 liters, 154 liters are occupied by the freezer.

Cooling of the freezer, freshness zone and refrigerator compartment is carried out using a system No Frost. Therefore, you won’t have to do manual defrosting. Condensation is removed by a built-in fan; there is no frost or snow coats inside the chambers.

Such refrigerators are defrosted only for sanitary and hygienic measures.

Electronic control, there is a display, demonstrating the operating data of the unit. Before the owners are absent for a long time, it is not necessary to turn off the refrigerator; it is enough to switch it to an economical mode. Vacation mode. Surfaces covered antibacterial coating. In terms of energy saving, the model has a class A+.

Model #5 – Smeg FAB32RBLN1

Double 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 is 60 cm wide, and 72 cm deep. With these dimensions, the total volume is 304 liters, the freezer compartment occupies 75 liters.

The freezer compartment is cooled using technology No Frost, which means that it does not need to be defrosted forcibly. The refrigeration compartment is cooled according to drip principles, which means it requires periodic forced defrosting, performed manually.

The unit is controlled electronically and is capable of performing super freezing and super cooling. It can freeze up to 10 kg per day. When the power supply is turned off, the model will maintain the temperature of the working environment for another 18 hours. The noise is only 41 dB.In terms of energy saving parameters, the model received the class A++.

In online stores, products from Smeg are presented in a wide range, allowing you to select equipment with priority characteristics, technical capabilities and design. The only question is the price.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

What should you look for when choosing a refrigerator? More about this in the following video:

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

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

In Russia, Smeg household appliances are purchased mainly only by well-off people. This is the company's policy - piecemeal, elitist goods.

Each brand of equipment from the Bertazzoni family is presented as a masterpiece, and buying a copy of it means receiving a certain status. This forces the company to maintain the highest level of excellence and correct any negative situations.

Do you have experience using a refrigerator from the Italian manufacturer Smeg? Tell readers about the features of placing an order for such equipment, share your 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.