Could do better: new isn't always better--some first-time tested brands were disappointing.(TEST: Fridges)(Product/service evaluation)

Publication: Choice (Chippendale, Australia)

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COPYRIGHT 2006 Australian Consumers' Association

Electric fridges for the home have been around for almost a century, during which time there've been many improvements--and not just in style. So you'd think that by now manufacturers would have managed to get a fridge/freezer's basic function right--maintaining a good range of temperatures consistently and uniformly in both compartments all through the year.

However, many fridges nowadays still don't provide anywhere near ideal temperature control. More than half the 12 fridges in our latest test had problems in the all-important temperature management department.

NEW ON TEST

Among the fridges tested for this updated report were two brands we hadn't tested before (BOSCH and COMA). Unfortunately, all three models from these brands were disappointing.

Like the other smaller fridges in the test, the CONIA CF330 had problems with temperature management. It also used much more energy than claimed (see right).

The two BOSCH fridges (Intelligent Frost Free 40 and 44) were let down on many fronts. These comparatively cheap fridges (for their respective sizes) scored lowest of all models tested in each size bracket (the table, page 38, has details). In particular, both had problems with large temperature fluctuations, and the larger of the two also used much more energy than claimed.

TEMPERATURE TROUBLES

A fridge should maintain relatively steady temperatures in both its flesh-food and freezer compartments when the compressor cycles on and off. While fluctuations of a few degrees are acceptable in a freezer colder than -18[degrees]C, larger fluctuations, especially in a warmer freezer, can affect the quality of sensitive foods such as ice cream. More than half the 12 fridges in this test had problems with large temperature fluctuations, with four scoring just 20% or even less in this important test: the CONIA CF330, FISHER & PAYKEL E249T, WHIRLPOOL 6WRI27N and BOSCH Intelligent Frost Free 40.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The new Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS 2005) that all fridges sold in Australia must meet have now been in effect for more than a year. And according to their energy labels, all the newly tested fridges comply with the requirements.

However, on the basis of our measured energy consumption, some fridges used much more energy than claimed, notably the CONIA CF330 (36% more), the BOSCH Intelligent Frost Free 44 (20% more) and WHIRLPOOL 6WRI27N (16% more). BOSCH and WHIRLPOOL are looking into this.

In contrast, more than half the new fridges tested scored particularly well for energy consumption and used even less energy than allowed.

IN A NUTSHELL

* On test: 12 new fridges, bringing the total we can report on to 39.

* More than half the newly tested fridges have temperature management problems.

* Based on our measurements, some fridges use much more energy than claimed.

Profiles

Only one of the newly tested fridges scored well enough to be recommended. For profiles of the other models in the What to buy list, see CHOICE, November 2005 (for side-by-side fridges), May 2005, November 2oo4, November 2003 (side-by-side) and May 2003 (extra-large). You'll also find them in the appropriate month under 'fridges' in the www.choiceextra.com.au index.

FISHER & PAYKEL TASMAN E381T

Price: $1179

GOOD POINTS

* Very good fresh food cooling.

* Very energy-efficient.

* Very quiet, compared with other fridges.

* Good temperatures on the 'mid' setting.

* Good temperature uniformity within compartments.

* Handles external temperature changes very well.

* Electronic temperature management with good pushbutton controls makes adjustments simpler.

* Controls allow a good range of temperature combinations between fridge and freezer.

* Good storage versatility.

* An alarm sounds when doors are left open or a fault is detected.

BAD POINTS

* No chiller compartment.

WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF THE NEW MODELS?

* See What to buy (above) for comments on the smallest fridges, and New on test (page 35) for the CONIA and two BOSCH models.

* The ELECTROLUX KELVINATOR N360J (364 L) and SIMPSON STM3900WA (393 L) had problems with temperature management.

* At the...

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