Hisense vs Smeg Fridges

Hisense and Smeg sit at opposite ends of the fridge market. Hisense spans the RL170D4BCE 133-litre under-counter larder at £169 through to the RL5K370GSFC 372-litre freestanding model at £1,199. Smeg's UKFS18EV2HB and UKFS18EV2HX both cost £929 and offer 390 litres of net capacity in a tall larder format, with the HB in black and the HX in stainless steel.

Hisense leans on practical features: Total No Frost on the larger RL5K370GSFC, Metal-tech cooling, a humidity control crisper and, on the RL415N4ACE at £350, multi-air flow with interior LED lighting. Smeg's emphasis is on finish and build. The fingerproof stainless steel of the UKFS18EV2HX and its C-rated 40dB noise figure are the main specification points. Smeg also offers a distinctive retro design with pastel blue, cream and ruby red finishes, which is the main reason many buyers choose it over a standard larder.

Hisense works well for a rental, a utility room or a budget kitchen refit, where the under-counter models slot neatly under a worktop. Smeg suits a kitchen where the fridge is a design feature, the sort of piece that anchors a retro or statement scheme, and where a 390-litre capacity is needed for a family. Its 2-year parts and labour warranty, extendable to five years, is the standard cover for the brand in the UK, which makes the higher price easier to justify for long-term ownership. The brand's distinctive styling also means the fridge will be noticed, which suits buyers who want their kitchen to look coordinated rather than purely functional.

Bottom line: choose Hisense if you want the lowest entry price, starting at £169, or a range of capacities from under-counter to freestanding. Choose Smeg if you want a 390-litre larder in a finish that stands out, and you are happy to pay £929 for it.