Buying a Fridge, Whats The Most Reliable Brand to Buy ?

glashalful on 30/05/2021 - 14:02
Last edited 31/05/2021 - 21:51

Happy Sunday fellow Oz bargainers, I'm about to buy a bottom mount fridge. I'd love to know your experiences with the long term reliability of major brands. Given now most of the refrigerators are made either China & Thailand, most probably in handful of factories, should the brand even matter? Thank you.

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. As mentioned by bamzero its hard to recommend a brand because each brand can have failed products. So I shortlisted my choices. It would be great if I can get the opinions of these fridges if you own any one of these:

Fisher & Paykel RF522BRPX6 519L $1899 3Star https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/fisher-and-paykel-519l-bottom… (I love fisher and paykel, this one got so many good reviews but the energy rating is quite low.

Hisense HR6BMFF519B 519L 6Star $1347 https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/hisense-hr6bmff519b-519l-…

Mitsubishi MRCX492EPBSTA2 492L $1999 4 Star https://www.harveynorman.com.au/mitsubishi-492l-3-door-botto… (this is as far as I'd spend on a fridge, love the practicality of the multidoor design)

Panasonic NRBY55BPSAU 551L $1499 3.5Star https://www.harveynorman.com.au/panasonic-551l-bottom-mount-…

Westinghouse WBE5304SC-R 528L 4.5Star $1749 https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/westinghouse-528l-bottom-moun…

TIA !

Poll Options expired

  • 15
    Doesn't matter
  • 5
    Electrolux
  • 13
    Fisher & Paykel
  • 1
    Haier
  • 4
    Hisense
  • 2
    Hitachi
  • 14
    LG
  • 22
    Mitsubishi Electric
  • 1
    Panasonic
  • 11
    Samsung
  • 11
    Westinghouse
Home & Garden Refrigerator

Comments

  • upended on 30/05/2021 - 14:18
    +5

    If I'm not mistaken, Electrolux and Westinghouse belong to the same parent company. We currently have Electrolux. While the fridge does what is expected and is quiet, it is very cumbersome to clean it from the inside as there are parts that interlock, so they don't just come off. In doing so, the actual size of the compartments is reduced, especially the one where we keep our vegetables.

    Never used other brands you have listed so cannot comment on them.

    Oh, by the way, slightly off-topic - don't make the mistake we did. We wanted a bigger 2-door fridge so we made sure we measured the cavity to ensure it fits. Guess what! We never measured the dimensions of our entrance door and so the fridge wouldn't come inside the house. We tried to bring it in different ways but it just wouldn't. Had to send it back and settle for a smaller fridge.

    • glashalful on 30/05/2021 - 15:09
      +1

      Thanks! do you mind letting me know what's the most annoying item inside to take out for cleaning? Because I'm looking at buying an Westinghouse or Electrolux as they seem to have fairly decent reviews.

      Door with is something I never considered. Luckily I have a sliding door at the back but need to make sure whether the delivery guys are willing to take it around the house.

      • upended on 30/05/2021 - 15:35

        The most annoying item to clean is the vegetable crisper.

        • AlienC on 30/05/2021 - 19:24
          +1

          Just pull it out and run hot water into it and scrub away then turn it over and rinse the bottom side with super hot running water.

          Or if you are more water conscious get a bucket and fill that with hot water and wipe away.

    • Phlume on 31/05/2021 - 09:06

      My parents had a Westing house fridge when we were little. Wasn't the most energy efficient but worked very well. Didn't have a single issue from when I was a child to the moment I finished highschool.

    • Lastchancetosee on 31/05/2021 - 09:38

      That's unfortunate. They had to take the doors off a friend's fridge to get theirs in.

    • mikekiwimike on 31/05/2021 - 16:41

      I purchased the large Samsung 4 door fridge and they are designed to be disassembled to fit through a standard 820mm x 2040mm door if you pull the doors off (which I did after they left it outside).

  • wallet72 on 30/05/2021 - 14:46
    +1

    we bought a Hisense french door fridge with water dispenser (non plumbed) about 6 months ago and it's been a pretty good buy. No complaints, and good value for money.

    • glashalful on 30/05/2021 - 15:11

      Thanks. Do you think French door is more practical than a bottom mount? Because most of the French door fridges I checked out generally have lower energy star rating to the bottom mount counterparts.

      • wallet72 on 30/05/2021 - 20:18

        The only thing french door is good for is access, I wouldn't be getting one if I was worried about efficiency.

  • Ryk on 30/05/2021 - 15:04
    +3

    Our Westinghouse double door has been going strong for 14 years.

    • glashalful on 30/05/2021 - 15:13

      Glad to here ! I wonder if it is made in Australia or Thailand ?

  • morse on 30/05/2021 - 15:22
    +3

    Happy with our bottom mount LG. Very quiet. Low energy consumption. Have had it for 5 years with no issues.

  • Indomietable on 30/05/2021 - 15:28
    +18

    Toyota Camry

    • Cheeper on 30/05/2021 - 15:51

      White goods that last forever.

  • Hybroid on 30/05/2021 - 15:30
    +9

    It's all anecdotal. You'll get positive and negative reviews for every brand. It's also dependent on models.

    I would say cannot go wrong with LG after decade of using many of their appliances. I'm sure someone else will have had a different experience.

    • djk on 31/05/2021 - 07:57

      Definitely different, nightmare experience.

  • Daniel Plainview on 30/05/2021 - 16:34
    +3

    Bought LG as they have done very well for the past decade in Choice magazine reviews in the area - but generalising by brand is kinda hard as it's model specific but LG would be my tip as they've been very consistent but well priced as well.

    PS. Concur with earlier poster, bottom mount inverter model is the energy saving pick

    • glashalful on 30/05/2021 - 18:36
      +1

      Thanks ! Yes I saw somwhere LG makes compressors for most of other brands. So LG must be pretty good.

      • djk on 31/05/2021 - 07:57
        +1

        Beware LG. It was a faulty compressor in ours. Never worked. They contract out service. First service guy lied to our face saying it wasn't working properly and put in a report saying we had too much food in the fridge. LG receive a no problem found report from the service company and they close t h e call and DO NOT contact the retailer about it. If you ever have anyone come out make sure they leave a copy of the service report with you, you are legally entitled to a copy. Even Fair Trading gave up on LG/The Good Guys as they wouldn't respond to them and advised us to contact a lawyer. Eventually they sent another service guy who told us compressor not working and with the service report The Good Guys contacted LG who provided a credit note. 14 months of torture, never buying LG again, imho lifes shit with LG.

  • Icecold Inc on 30/05/2021 - 18:19
    +2

    We've had a Westinghouse fridge for 11 years. It's survived 2 moves and still going strong.

  • Mistymoo on 30/05/2021 - 18:59
    +6

    Mitsubishi for sure. They're phenomenal.

    • glashalful on 30/05/2021 - 23:13

      I've seen several Mitsubishi's at HN before the lockdown. They look gorgeous as well. But I find their energy rating is quite low compared to other similar capacity fridges. Could you place share which model you are using ? And it's energy usage? Thanks

    • Wanton on 13/06/2021 - 15:20

      I want a Mitsubishi as well, but their dimension does not fit my space :-(

  • AlienC on 30/05/2021 - 19:09
    +1

    Our Simpson 430L fridge and freezer combo just died a few months ago.

    Well freezer still works but fridge stopped working.

    No idea how long it has been around for though it was here when I moved in about 5-6 years ago.

  • spackbace on 30/05/2021 - 19:18
    +2

    Had a Samsung and it died twice within around 7yrs (once inside warranty, once outside). Found it was a common fault too

    Have had a Hisense for about 4yrs, still fine

    • Chandler on 30/05/2021 - 21:26

      Have had a Samsung for 15 years, still going strong - no repairs at all (that I can remember)

      • glashalful on 30/05/2021 - 23:11

        I guess yours probably a one made in Korea with their tight quantity standards. Nowadays they are made in China. Although many say they have same quality standards, but I've seen many mixed reviews for recent Samsung fridges and washers compared to other brands. Despite having more features than other brands.

    • glashalful on 30/05/2021 - 23:07

      I hered that recent Samsung fridges and washing machines have a lot of electronics that tend to fail as well.

  • this is us on 30/05/2021 - 21:32
    +2

    Mitsubishi

  • whitelie on 30/05/2021 - 23:20
    +1

    Our Fischer and Paykel has been going a good 15 years, probably a lot more actually…
    Going to have to upgrade it when our house build is finished but don't think many made these days will last as long but would certainly be more energy efficient.

    Like the look of Samsungs but hear too many bad things :(

    • glashalful on 31/05/2021 - 17:10

      Yes, economics of getting a brand new one with better energy efficiency doesn't make sense if you already own a fridge that's working fine and suited for the capacity requirements. I bet, your old fridge must have much more better build than anything made recently. My parents 25yo Australian made Hoover bottom mount is still running great. Unfortunately there are no Hoover fridges anymore.

      Yeh, Samsung got so many features too. But reliabilitywise it's hard to comeby people recommend Samsung fridges or washers

  • hellrazorone on 31/05/2021 - 01:35
    +3

    Does anyone have access to the latest 2021 Choice fridge reviews that they could share please?
    The most recent one I could find was the Feb 2017 one, and most of those models are no longer for sale.

    Our fridge kicked the bucket on Saturday night and I'm awaiting to see whether its worth repairing.
    Panasonic NR-BY552XSAU both fridge and freezer no longer cooling, although the light comes on … winning
    (Our currently deceased fridge was rated poorly in the Feb 2017 review at 59%).

    • IIGnomeII on 31/05/2021 - 21:35
      +2

      This is the list unfiltered:
      1) LG GF-L570PL
      2) LG GB-335WL
      3) Westinghouse WHE6060SA
      4) LG GB-455WL
      5) Mitsubishi MR-CX402EJ-ST-A2
      6) Samsung SRF717CDBLS
      7) Electrolux EHE6899BA
      8) Fisher & Paykel RF522ADX5
      9) LG GB-455UPLE
      10) LG GF-L706PL

      • hellrazorone on 31/05/2021 - 21:39

        Thanks for sharing. Anything 500L (or bigger) thats 80cm wide (or less)?
        Couldnt find one on that list.
        Restrictions courtesy of our 1980's kitchen :)

        • IIGnomeII on 31/05/2021 - 21:41
          +2

          Top 5 with those conditions

          Fisher & Paykel RF522ADX5
          Fisher & Paykel RF522BRPW6
          Fisher & Paykel RF522ADUB5
          Sharp SJ-XP580G-SL
          Electrolux EBE5307SB

    • IIGnomeII on 31/05/2021 - 21:39
      +3

      Freezer on Bottom
      LG GB-335WL
      LG GB-455WL
      Mitsubishi MR-CX402EJ-ST-A2
      LG GB-455UPLE
      Fisher & Paykel RF522BRPW6

      Freezer on Top
      Sharp SJ-XP580G-SL
      LG GT-442SDC
      Samsung SR519LSTC
      Hitachi R-V410PT8BSL
      LG GT-L471PDC

      French Door
      LG GF-L570PL
      Westinghouse WHE6060SA
      Samsung SRF717CDBLS
      Electrolux EHE6899BA
      Fisher & Paykel RF522ADX5

      • glashalful on 31/05/2021 - 22:08

        Thank you so much ! Only Fisher & Paykel RF522BRPW6 apealing to me as I'm looking for a bottom mount over 500L, but 3 energy stars is off putting. But I guess its ok to pay a bit more in electricity for an overall better product specially if I'm going to use it for 10 Years.

      • OZcheepsk8 on 05/07/2021 - 20:55

        Wonder why LG 455 stainless steel ain't there (GB-455PL) exactly the same as white

      • berlindut on 22/08/2021 - 15:37
        -2

        Hi IIGnomeII, Thank you so much for sharing. Your list has helped me choose my fridge. Would you also be able to share the Choice review for washing machines? Cheers

  • Noire on 31/05/2021 - 02:54
    +1

    If you do intend to go for Samsung, for the love of god look at the reviews else you get the ice maker constantly jamming.

  • djk on 31/05/2021 - 07:47
    +2

    Bought a 4 star energy rating LG from The Good Guys. Four attempts before couriers actually delivered it, kept cancelling delivery. Didn't work from day 1, didn't keep food cold. Took 14 months to get LG to give us credit note at The Good Guys and take it away. Purchased Hisense, solid performer, more bottle space on the door, keeps food cold except when heatwave. Would be better with temperature dial to make a bit colder in summer. Bit of a challenge getting crisper in and out to clean and bit hard getting the ice tray in and out. The bottom mount makes most fridge shelves accessible for me and can use freezer part safely by sitting on a chair. Afterwards everyone told me use Appliances Online in this area, great customer service and easy delivery. General things I would check for are energy star rating, how adjustable is the shelving height for what items you keep in the fridge, air flow (you may need a bigger fridge as solid shelves restrict the air flow and you can safely keep less food in the fridge than my old fridge which had rack shelving), fridge door - height for tall bottles, height compartments are set at (top ones are too high for me to reach now), temperature control available.

    • kiitos on 31/05/2021 - 11:27
      +1

      That's an interesting point about solid shelves and air flow, hadn't thought about that. I've been going for solid shelves because with rack shelves, a spill can mess up things below it, and if I put any soft items on it it can get rack marks.

    • glashalful on 31/05/2021 - 17:19

      Thanks. Good point regarding solid shelving. I too haven't thought about it before same as kiito. However I doubt any of the fridges these days come with rack shelves unless for any commercial products.

  • kaleidoscope on 31/05/2021 - 08:00
    +1

    choice by brand is somewhat vague. how about you list few models instead?

  • gbarlett on 31/05/2021 - 08:19
    +1

    Not on the list, bought a Beko 5 years ago, one minor issue with it which was fixed under warranty other than that going strong. Recommended by the salesman at Binglee.
    Its the 4 door type (french door). really good wide layout except not much room to stand up tall bottles.

    • glashalful on 31/05/2021 - 21:27

      I'm leaning more towards LG or Westinghouse & Hisense atm. Thank you for sharing.

  • bamzero on 31/05/2021 - 09:11
    +3

    Got a Chiq bottom mount about 6 months ago, hard to say anything about long term but so far happy with it (commented a bit about it on another fridge post so rather than repeat, here it is)

    Also have a Whirlpool side by side that's been chugging along for 17 years. Mechanically has been good, has had a couple of issues though. Problem with the ice maker within warranty that got a control board replaced. Out of warranty some issues that turned out to be a common fault with these (bad capacitors, easy enough to fix) and a failed heater in the ice maker which was also easy enough to replace myself.

    Hard to say about any particular brand. You may find a model that is a lemon and has a high failure rate or design flaw of some sort, but that doesn't mean the entire brand is necessarily bad.

    You'll always hear stories from someone that had a bad experience with a brand and swears to write them off for good, but to be fair usually they've got a sample size of one.

    Compare warranty, power usage and effeciency, storage/usable volume vs gross and like first commenter said, physical size to make sure if fits

    • glashalful on 31/05/2021 - 21:17

      Seems like a good deal with 5 years warranty. I've only seen Mitsubishi offering 5years. But for me personally I'd stick to a mainstream brand. I am actually thinking about several models will update the post to get experiences of those models as well. Thank you.

  • kittymtd on 31/05/2021 - 09:44
    +1

    Mitsubishi. Had a Mitsubishi fridge I bought in 2014 only replaced a couple of months ago with another larger Mitsubishi. The original one still worked fine without any issues.

  • reactor-au on 31/05/2021 - 09:49
    +1

    Had a pair of Miele side by side fridges that lasted a good 25 years before I sold the house (they came with the house when I bought it - integrated). Were very quiet and had no issues whatsoever. Can't imagine much being more reliable than that.

    • Roney on 31/05/2021 - 23:56

      I have a 6 yo Miele pair, one of which failed. It took ages before the service dept agreed to send a repairman over. WTF

      • reactor-au on 01/06/2021 - 09:50

        Ah well, there you go. Dunno, guess there's always an element of luck.

  • Kazzamc on 31/05/2021 - 10:20

    My bottom mount Westinghouse is 23yo & it’s never missed a beat.

    My fathers bottom mount Westinghouse is 18 month old & died last week & is being replaced this week. The compressor carked it.

  • Euphemistic on 31/05/2021 - 11:03
    +3

    Have a couple of F&P fridges still going strong. But that’s bought 10-20years ago so I idea if they are still built OK.

    Fridges are something people don’t buy often so your question is a little difficult to answer based on personal experience - unless you get a fridge mechanic to answer. My experience is that fridges are pretty reliable if you pick a reputable brand. Specific models, as always may have design faults that make them unreliable but you’ll only find out by google search, or after you and everyone else has owned for 5 years.

    • glashalful on 31/05/2021 - 21:23

      True, I got an recommendation from a friend who know a person repairs fridges, to buy anything other than Samsung as most of the parts are not very generic.

  • Techie4066 on 31/05/2021 - 13:06
    +2

    Avoid Samsung like the plague, poor compliance with ACL. I've always gone with Whirlpool, they last a very long time, however they pulled out of our market.

  • askme69 on 31/05/2021 - 15:00
    +1

    Anything made 30+ years ago. Todays shit won't last.

    USA made ie: Americana GE, going on 40+ years old, still works like a charm.

  • jackspratt on 31/05/2021 - 15:40
    +2

    Mitsubishi (made in Thailand).

    12 years, and not a hiccup.

  • HeWhoKnows on 31/05/2021 - 18:38
    +1

    Any fridge NOT MADE IN CHINA

  • the4thzodiac on 31/05/2021 - 19:16
    +1

    I got an LG bottom mount - low electricity usage (4.5 Star rating), and generally good reviews. Was featured on Choice as well.

    • infraredshell on 17/06/2021 - 00:07

      How are you finding the noise level on it?

      • the4thzodiac on 17/06/2021 - 00:29

        if the house is dead quiet (no music/no TV), i can hear the compressor come on and stuff. only if you're in the area (open plan living). otherwise it isn't too bad, I think.

        my synology in the living room (the HDD rather), makes more noise :D

  • WaffleCrusader on 05/06/2021 - 08:17
    +6

    I manage returns for a major retailer/store and in my experience Mitsubishi are usually pretty flawless.
    If you can’t afford them, LG and Electrolux are the way to go.
    F&P doesn’t seem to have been affected by the Haier acquisition as of yet but they do suffer some minor issues from time to time.
    Samsung, Haier, and Hisense are all atrocious and I would never touch them. Serious quality control issues for all 3. I’d rather take a Haier or Hisense than a Samsung!

  • kaleidoscope on 20/06/2021 - 00:59
    +1

    OP I hope your purchase went well. If you are still considering, happened to see a new model from Hitachi at HN (4 door model and also sold at BingLee) and seems quite slick. Really spacious and no gimmicky features.
    Hitachi are the only ones to offer 5 years parts and labour warranty for the advertised price and I heard quality is very similar as Mitsubishi.

    • glashalful on 20/06/2021 - 20:51

      Thanks for your feedback actually I havent purchaded yet as I have to change moving in date thanks to VIC lockdowns. Yeah I agree Hitachi and Mitsubishi seem to be the premium standalone fridge brands. Unfortunately they are kinda over my budget. I'm looking at some thing around 500-600L under 2k. Anyhow please let me know the model if you could obtain it. I can have a look. Cheers.

      • kaleidoscope on 20/06/2021 - 21:00
        +1

        This is the one I mentioned above.
        https://www.harveynorman.com.au/hitachi-638l-4-door-french-d…

        Its more than 600L which was your range so check the dimension as well if it fits the space. If you are thinking of getting a fridge closer to 2k mark and pay for extended warranty, this might be a better deal given everything else is a fit.

        • glashalful on 20/06/2021 - 22:19
          +1

          Thanks nsuinteger, thats a good one but 2k is my upper limit. Besides not a big fan of french door fridges.

  • godofpizza on 21/06/2021 - 22:43

    avoid Samsung.
    We brought a cheap crappy looking Westinghouse after our 2nd Samsung fridge had icing issues.

    It's ugly cheap, looking but my food is cold.

  • lunartemis on 16/07/2021 - 08:09
    +1

    We bought a kelvinator about 20 years ago and still going strong (although we are about to replace it). We bought a floor stock and it survived 4 house moves (including a trip down from QLD to VIC). Never failed even during the heatwave in Melbourne.

  • iridiumstem on 16/07/2021 - 08:30
    +2

    My mom swears by LG appliances. Apparently they are really good and don't seem to die that easy.
    That was her experience with the fridge and the washing machine.

  • Bigbabo on 13/11/2021 - 18:18

    HI OP, just wondering what brand have you decided to go? and what is the reason? I am in the same boat as you but looking for something smaller like 440-500L. Have been doing my research but the result is a bit confusing. Currently looking at F&P bottom mount vs LG bottom mount which has a lot of good reviews. In my opinion, the LG provides an excellent energy rating however, it doesnt feel as durable as F&P. Also i am really interested in hitachi bottom mount. It seems like a good fridge made by a good company but there arent too many reviews for it. What do you guy think?

    • glashalful on 13/11/2021 - 21:57

      I got Mitsubishi Electric 492L MR-CGX492EP-GWH-A2. I have no complaints of it so far. Love the integrated ice maker, but i wish they had a bit larger capacity version with the same multi door configuration.
      Reason for my choice is it has 5 year warranty, the glass exterior, and last but not least mostly positive reviews feedback here on Oz bargain and elsewhere.

      • pepto on 28/11/2021 - 10:14

        I've been looking at this model but it seems like it's sold out everywhere and possibly discontinued. The replacement models have French doors at the top which isn't suitable for us because of our kitchen layout…plus they are made in Japan and so cost 3 grand!

        I'm back to square one again but thinking of going with the Fisher & Paykel RF522BRPX6…if I can find it for around the 1500 dollar mark.

        What are everyones opinions of buying from and outlet where you only get a 1vyear manufacturer warranty? I don't care if there is a scratch on the back of sides but if the compressor packs in after 2.5 years I'd still line to be able to get some help from the manufacturer under ACL.

        • glashalful on 28/11/2021 - 23:49
          +1

          Under ACL there is definitely a protection. But going that route probably won't be as straight forward as buying one from a reputable brick and mortar store or online seller. Those outlets has the chance of going out of business too. Even if the price is rediculously cheap, i think not it's worth taking a risk with a fridge as it's very hard to move around if some thing happens and any downtime of a fridge would be very frustrating.

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