The Ultimate Refrigerator Fails to Impress: Four Users Share Their Disappointing Experiences with the Overpriced Appliance.

The High-End Refrigerator: A Blend of Style and Functionality

When it comes to essential home appliances and electronics in modern households, refrigerators undoubtedly top the list. Especially during the scorching summer days, refrigerators help ensure the proper storage and preservation of food, drinks, and perishables.

Today’s market offers a diverse range of refrigerator options catering to various price segments, from affordable to high-end choices. Some refrigerators even prioritize aesthetic appeal over functionality, serving as decorative pieces in interior design. The following story illustrates this with a refrigerator priced at up to $100 million VND.

A $100 Million VND Refrigerator with Outdated Technology

A user named H.Minh from Ho Chi Minh City shared his experience with a high-priced yet disappointing appliance: the refrigerator.

The refrigerator in question belongs to the Retro series from the Italian luxury home appliance brand Smeg, established in 1948. According to the brand’s website, Smeg’s unique Italian character is defined by a blend of professional expertise, creativity, and style.

Market research reveals that Smeg refrigerators are currently priced from around $50 million VND and above. H.Minh shared that he had paid over $80 million VND for his Smeg refrigerator. However, if he were to resell it now, the price could exceed $90 million VND. In fact, even at this higher price point, it would be challenging to purchase this exclusive refrigerator, as the user added.

Despite its premium price tag, even experienced users like H.Minh acknowledge certain limitations regarding the functionality of Smeg refrigerators when compared to contemporary models.

The most notable drawback is the freezer compartment. “I spent $80 million VND, but I ended up with a freezer compartment full of ice,” H.Minh exclaimed as he opened the freezer of his Smeg refrigerator to illustrate his point.

The freezer compartment occupies approximately one-fifth of the refrigerator’s total volume and is often covered in a thick layer of ice, causing inconvenience when storing food items.

H.Minh also pointed out additional shortcomings of the Smeg refrigerator, including its overall compact size and limited storage capacity, as well as the handle’s tendency to show signs of wear over time. “If you have a family of four, this refrigerator might not accommodate all your food items,” he added.

A Refrigerator that Emphasizes Aesthetic Appeal

Despite his reservations about its functionality, H.Minh couldn’t help but admire the refrigerator’s unique design. Unlike conventional refrigerators, the Smeg refrigerator features rounded edges, creating a classic and elegant appearance, complemented by subtle and refined color options.

Thus, this appliance not only serves its functional purpose but also doubles as a decorative piece in the home. “From its shape to its color, it exudes sophistication,” the user remarked.

Several viewers shared similar sentiments in the comments section of H.Minh’s video. One user, L.T.Anh, noted that the technology employed in this nearly $100 million VND refrigerator resembled that of older models, lacking an automatic defrost function, which they considered a significant drawback. Another commenter, Ikkie Ng, likened the refrigerator to an antique, stating, “This refrigerator resembles an old-fashioned model, both in appearance and how its freezer operates.”

In reality, the accumulation of ice in the freezer compartment of Smeg refrigerators is a common occurrence during their use. This issue primarily arises from the product’s unique design and cooling technology.

Firstly, the freezer compartment of Smeg refrigerators is relatively small and narrow compared to many modern alternatives, which restricts storage space and facilitates the buildup of moisture, leading to faster ice formation.

More importantly, Smeg’s cooling technology draws inspiration from the classic style of the 1950s, as many users have observed. Indeed, Smeg refrigerators employ a traditional cooling mechanism without the modern No Frost system found in contemporary models. Consequently, moisture in the freezer is not entirely eliminated and accumulates over time, resulting in ice or frost buildup on the compartment walls and food items.

As a result, users must manually defrost and clean the refrigerator periodically to maintain optimal cooling performance and prevent excessive ice buildup, which could hinder the appliance’s functionality. This limitation stands out when compared to refrigerators equipped with the advanced No Frost technology, which automatically prevents ice buildup, offering a more convenient and hassle-free experience.

In summary, Smeg refrigerators embody a classic aesthetic, prioritizing unique design and retro style. They appeal to individuals who appreciate distinctiveness and artistic value in their living spaces. However, this emphasis on style comes at the cost of technological advancements in cooling efficiency and frost prevention when compared to modern refrigerators.

Therefore, for those who prioritize cutting-edge technology, ease of maintenance, and cooling performance, Smeg refrigerators may not be the first choice. On the other hand, for those captivated by vintage charm and willing to accept certain technological trade-offs, Smeg refrigerators offer a unique blend of functionality and decorative appeal, making them a distinctive addition to any home.