Fisher & Paykel vs Smeg Fridge Freezers

Fisher & Paykel and Smeg both aim at the premium end of the market, and their prices sit close together. The Smeg FQI60KD 522-litre American fridge freezer is £1,999, while the Smeg FQ60BDE 572-litre white model is £2,579. Fisher & Paykel's range runs from the Fisher & Paykel RF610ADJX7 at £2,346 to the Fisher & Paykel RF540ANUX6 at £2,698, so the FQI60KD undercuts every Fisher & Paykel model here.

Smeg's signature is its retro-modern styling, with curved edges and chrome handles, while the brand says its Life Plus 0°C drawer keeps fresh food for longer. The FQ60BDE is total no frost, and the FQI60KD adds MultiZone storage. Fisher & Paykel relies on ActiveSmart, which adjusts temperature, airflow and humidity to use, plus humidity control drawers and a variable temperature zone from -23°C to +7°C. Smeg's own range runs from 220 to 610 litres, so the two American models here sit at the larger end. Its ice and water models add an ice maker and dispenser, and none of the Smeg models here include either.

Smeg suits buyers who want a statement kitchen appliance, with the FQI60KD's fast freezing and 179-litre freezer suiting families who batch cook, or the FQ60BDE's 376 litres of fridge space for larger households. Fisher & Paykel suits those who prefer stainless steel, ice and water dispensing and humidity-controlled drawers for produce. Both Smeg models split their capacity roughly two-thirds fridge to one-third freezer, which suits households that shop little and cook daily. Smeg's styling is the clearest difference, while Fisher & Paykel's functional extras are its main advantage.

Bottom line: choose Smeg if you want a retro-styled American fridge freezer from £1,999 to £2,579. Choose Fisher & Paykel if you want ice and water, ActiveSmart and a 569-litre capacity at £2,346 to £2,698.