Haier vs Smeg Fridge Freezers

Haier and Smeg sit at opposite ends of the price range. Haier's models here run from the Haier HDW1620CNPKUK at £499 to the Haier HDPW5620ANPD at £999. Smeg starts at the 522-litre Smeg FQI60KD American fridge freezer at £1,999 and reaches £2,579 for the 572-litre Smeg FQ60BDE in white. The FQ60BDE's 376-litre fridge and 196-litre freezer give a balanced split, while Haier's HDW1620CNPKUK splits 258 litres and 119 litres.

Smeg's signature is its retro-modern styling, with curved edges and chrome handles. The brand says its Life Plus 0°C drawer keeps fresh food for longer, and its fridge is held between 0°C and 4°C. The FQI60KD adds MultiZone storage and fast freezing, while the FQ60BDE is total no frost. Haier's technology centres on Switch Room convertible compartments and a humidity zone that extends freshness by up to eight days, with Haier Artificial Intelligence on the HDW1620CNPKUK and HDPW5620ANPD. The HDPW5620ANPD adds Haier Air Surround, and the HTW5618DWMG offers WiFi connectivity.

Haier suits buyers who want frost-free storage on a budget with app control, such as the 377-litre HDW1620CNPKUK at £499. Smeg suits those who want a statement kitchen piece, with the FQI60KD's 179-litre freezer suiting batch cooks and the FQ60BDE's 376 litres of fridge space suiting larger households. The 600mm Haier HTW5618DWMG at £699 suits a standard housing, while Smeg's American-style models are considerably larger. Smeg's range runs from 220 to 610 litres, so both American models here sit in the larger part of it.

Bottom line: choose Haier if you want the lowest price, from £499, with hOn app control. Choose Smeg if you want retro styling and a large American fridge freezer, from £1,999 for the FQI60KD or £2,579 for the FQ60BDE.