Miele vs Smeg Fridges

Miele runs from the K4003D undercounter larder with DailyFresh and DynaCool to the 399-litre KS 4383 DD WH at £999 and the KS 4383 DD EL at £1,169. Smeg offers the UKFS18EV2HB in black and the UKFS18EV2HX in stainless steel, both 390-litre tall larders at £929. For a like-for-like tall larder the price gap is £70 on the white Miele, or £240 on the stainless-look version. Across the tall models, capacity, finish and budget are the deciding factors.

Miele's distinctive features are DailyFresh, DynaCool air circulation and the PerfectFresh Pro system, which adjusts between 0°C and 3°C and suits meat, fish and dairy. Its models also add seven shelves and FlexiLight lighting. Smeg's features are more about design and build, with fingerproof stainless finish on the HX, a C-rated 40dB noise figure and the 1950s-inspired look that comes in pastel blue, cream and ruby red. Smeg's two tall larders differ mainly in finish, so the choice is largely a matter of taste.

Miele suits a buyer who wants fine food-preservation control and a model with more shelving, for a larger household that buys in bulk. It also suits people who want their fridge to run quietly in an open-plan room. Smeg suits the buyer who wants a statement appliance, the sort of fridge that anchors a retro kitchen, and who is happy with a more traditional feature set centred on capacity and finish. Miele's 399-litre models suit a large family, while its undercounter option suits a flat with limited space.

Bottom line: choose Miele if you want DynaCool and PerfectFresh Pro with seven shelves and a stainless-look finish at £1,169. Choose Smeg if you want a 390-litre larder with retro design at a lower price of £929.