Beko vs Smeg Fridges

Beko and Smeg sit at very different points on the price scale, and their designs reflect that gap. Beko's LSG4545W tall larder fridge offers 252 litres of capacity with reversible doors, and its BLS4682 built-in undercounter model costs £269. Smeg's UKFS18EV2HB 390L universal larder refrigerator in black and the UKFS18EV2HX in stainless steel both cost £929, with a height of 1860mm. For a buyer who wants an appliance that looks like part of the kitchen rather than a utility, Smeg is the obvious direction to look.

Beko's ProSmart Inverter compressor uses up to 60% less energy than standard models, its NeoFrost Dual Cooling separates the two circuits and EverFresh+ drawers keep produce fresh for up to 30 days. Its LED lighting and HarvestFresh technology round out the feature set. Smeg's distinguishing features are its 1950s-inspired curves, colours including pastel blue, cream and ruby red, high-grade stainless steel construction and multiple cooling zones that hold temperatures from 2°C to 8°C. The Smeg models have auto defrost, a C-rated 40 dB noise level and adjustable glass shelving with chrome wine racks.

Beko suits families and students who want reliable cold storage and energy efficiency at a low price. Its drawbacks are limited premium finish options and fewer smart features than premium brands. Smeg suits households who want the fridge to be a design feature in a fitted or open-plan kitchen and who are willing to spend more for build quality. Its drawbacks include a higher price point and larger models that need more space, although a 2-year parts and labour warranty and a comprehensive spare parts network give peace of mind.

Bottom line: choose Beko if you want a 252-litre larder fridge or a £269 built-in undercounter model for everyday use, choose Smeg if you want a 390-litre retro fridge with auto defrost and a black or stainless finish at £929.