Haier 700mm No Frost Fridge Freezer - Black vs Space-Fit American Style Fridge Freezer 60/40 No Frost - Platinum Inox — Comparison

The Haier HFR5719EWPB is a 700mm no-frost fridge freezer in black, priced at £669, with a 304-litre fridge and 140-litre freezer in a 60/40 split. The Haier HFKR5718DNMM is an American-style model in Platinum Inox at £799, with a 255-litre fridge and 147-litre freezer. The first is the larger-capacity standard layout, while the second is the American-style option with a shallower 594mm depth.

The differences lie in layout and running costs. The American-style model has two freezer drawers against one and a wine rack, but three fridge shelves against four. It also adds smart features with hOn app connection, an Active Fresh Zone and Air Fresh Tech. The HFR5719EWPB offers a bottled water dispenser, fast freeze and a door alarm, and is rated at 298kWh a year and energy class E, against 226kWh and class D for the American-style model. Both offer no-frost operation.

Buyers of the HFR5719EWPB praise its roomy fridge, drawers that hold more than expected, very quiet running and easy temperature control. Two complaints come up: the door makes a noticeable click when opened, and the freezer drawers are small for bulky items such as a whole chicken. Owners of the American-style model like the flush fit and the extra storage over an earlier fridge, but one reviewer found that door shelves cannot take a four-pint milk carton and noticed a loose base panel with insulation leaking at one side. Check build quality carefully if you go for that model.

Bottom line: choose the HFR5719EWPB if you want the cheaper, larger-capacity standard layout, and choose the HFKR5718DNMM if you want a shallower American-style layout with smart features and can accept the build-quality concerns.