I'm needing to buy a new fridge. I am of the opinion that they just aren't of the same quality as fridges built years ago. I'd like to get the most energy efficient as I can so have narrowed it down to Hisense HRBM503E and Haier HRF420BEC
Would like to hear opinions on either of these options?
Have horror stories on all brands of fridges so not even considering LG or Samsung.
they just aren't of the same quality as fridges built years ago
did Hisense and Haier fridges exist "years ago"
More saying you can't get fridges of the same quality of what was built years ago by anyone. Fridges I bought in the 90s and 2000s that just lasted and lasted, nowadays, they don't. Not any brand. Is anyone actually happy with what they have got?
you're looking at budget brands and complaining about quality
Coming from more expensive and just don't see the value. Nothing is built to last any more and the fridge/freezer market is a prime example. Thats why I'm replacing my considerably more expensive fridge now. Rather pay less and replace in another 5 than pay more than double to hopefully get an additional year or 2.
You probably can, but not many want to pay $5,000+ for a fridge.
I'm very happy with my $850 LG GT-442SDC from 2018. Rock solid quiet cooling.
Mitsubishi Electric have a good reputation, but I doubt you're willing to spend $3k on a fridge.
Fridges back in the 90s aren't very energy efficient, insulation has come a long way since then.
What has changed to give the largest energy efficiency improvement is inverter compressors and led lighting.
Very happy with my Japanese made Mitsubishi. 5 year warranty standard.
$4k but I think is well worth it.
Set your sights on getting something that is as simple as possible. No “smart” BS, no features, not linked to the home wifi, no ice machine, no touch control, no screens.
Just get a fridge. And a freezer if you need it. Basic is best
After all, it just needs to keep your food cool. It doesn’t need to tell you when your car needs refuelling, your kids have to submit their homework and your wife has a hair appointment.
Just chill the food man.
the "smart" age where every basic product now comes with fries, a large coke, cookies and a soft serve… but you only wanted a burger
No “smart” BS, no features, not linked to the home wifi, no ice machine, no touch control, no screens.
Just get a fridge.
Yep, that's all I want. Would simply like it to keep my food cold, but not too cold. The last two fridges I have had have developed issues with freezing food.
These fridges look very basic for the price. If style matters you could get any fridge and then have it properly painted or wrapped or something to match your kitchen, might actually look cooler than the fridges you linked to. I bet wrapping panels on a fridge is the easiest thing in the world or someone who usually does it to cars.
Does the Hisense have a door open warning beep? I have the 483L version and it does NOT have the beep warning. It is rather annoying especially given that the door seems to catch most times on closing rather than "fall" closed. Been caught quite a few times where I've come back to the kitchen and found the fridge open.
Otherwise it's a nice looking unit, whisper quiet. But doesn't feel as solid as the 10yo Fisher & Paykel unit it replaced.
Can you not extend the front feet a bit to assist the door closing?
Tried that, helped a little but it still does it. I see you didn't answer my question!
Find the cheapest with longest warranty. Might end up costing you if you don't https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/877582
For a little bit more you can get a 450l fridge from Mitsubishi. It has separate veggie drawer and a manual icemaker function. It is basically the same as the Mitsubishi Fridge we have had going strong since early 2000's although I not they use half the electricity they used to. The separate Veggie Drawer does eat into main fridge space so it depends a little on your household usage.
Mitsubishi was mentioned earlier so I did have a look, however the only local retailer I could find was Harvey Norman. Not a fan! Will keep looking though. I tend to prefer JBHifi and The good guys as they seem to have excellent after sales service. At least in my experience.
E&S, Betta Electrical and a few other small stores sell them, plus a there's some online retailers. Check it at Harvey Norman and if they won't cut you a deal shop online.
Get a Mitsubishi if you want quality stuff.
I have a Samsung, 4 years going strong. Very reliable temperatures.
I have a Samsung now. Do not want another one.
Dads Samsung is a couple of months old and the digital display has elements not working already. Fridge repair guy said stay clear of Samsung fridges.
I’m looking for a fridge right now as well.
Had our, close to! 30 year old Whirlpool repair a month ago (first time needing a fix). It would defrost automatically…that was fixed. Now it’s start having water in the bottom of the fridge … all searches say it’s a blocked drain … can’t seem to unblock it myself (I’m handy and heaps of YouTube points to the problem but still no fix) and don’t want to pay for a repair again.
Anyway, spoke to the repair guy about what brands and he said none really, says Samsung are really poor… and I probably agree as my Dad got one 3 months ago and already the digital display has segments not working …same happened to a friend LG fridge.
My issue is size for the hole it’s to fit, none are as big (litre capacity wise) as what is now available, I need to buy around 50l -100l less capacity.
Fyi they changed the way they state the capacities now.
I went from a 522L to 483L but the new one is actually bigger.
That Hisense has 8 star energy, pretty good. But delivery is after Dec 8th.
Maybe I’m spoilt with our old fridge but Doesn’t it even have an ice cube tray or area for ice cubes, or shelves on the freezer doors … is all that not part of fridges anymore?
I clicked Haier in the poll, meant to click Hisense. The Haier is a lot smaller size btw.
The Haier is a lot smaller size btw.
Fridge sizes are 354L (Hisense) or 321L (Haier). Not a huge difference.
It is for me. I’m replacing one that’s 408l fridge and 145l freezer.
Seems the Hisense you’ve linked is the biggest that will fit in our fridge area now. I can choose basically Hisense or smaller fridges.
Also Hisense has the same fridge but 4.5 stars and it’s about $750 cheaper , that pays for a lot of electricity the difference.
I hate looking for items like this, just frustrates me.
I hate looking for items like this, just frustrates me.
Tell me about it.
That Hisense has 8 star energy, pretty good. But delivery is after Dec 8th
Yeah, I am likely leaning this way, delivery is showing as Dec 5th here (SA). Just looking at what happens with prices as Black Friday gets closer. Currently has plenty of room for discount.
Most places are normal rrp of $1599, so hoping some deals pop up.
We ended up buying a Panasonic fridge for $1749. Not much more than that Hisense and seems better (it at least has ice cube trays).
Ordered the Hisense HRBM503E today from JB. Got them down to $1240. ETA of "soon" but hopefully first week of December
I just couldn’t talk myself into the Hisense. Something I didn’t like about it, not sure. Wife didn’t like it either.
Maybe it was fear of a Chinese brand, no idea. A Japanese made fridge, is that any better… who knows.
Good price on the Hisense, I did see a store that had them ticketed at $1439.
Panasonic rrp is $2899, no way would I pay that.
Our last fridge was made in the USA and lasted 30 years … I’m sure I won’t get anywhere near that with this one. (I’m sure a fridge mechanic could have fixed the old one, was just the drain pipe blocked somehow so defrost water would go in the fridge instead of outside … but back was sealed and no way I could figure to get to it …. Didn’t want to pay for repair if it would only work for a short time.
Option 3 - Neither of the above