You’ve heard it before: They just don’t make things like they used to.
The 1950s and 60s certainly weren’t perfect decades, but one good thing about those years were their well-made appliances. Not only were the appliances of the ’50s built with quality and durability in mind, but they were often outfitted in various pastel shades (think pistachio green or a paler version of Pepto-Bismol) and featured classic (now-)retro designs.
Although you probably could procure an archaic pastel fridge from yesteryear, you might be better off choosing a modern option with better energy efficiency (but the same retro feel) from Smeg.
Naturally, when I had a chance to try the Smeg refrigerator (the Retro Fab 28 if we’re feeling technical), I jumped at the chance. After testing it for a full two months in my home, I have the verdict on whether or not you should invest in a Smeg fridge of your own.
What is a Smeg Fab 28 Fridge?
Although the brand Smeg was founded in 1948, the Fab line of fridges was not introduced to the public until 1997 (great year to be born; I would know). Smeg’s design team called on inspiration from the appliances of the 1950s when creating this would-be style icon. You’ll recognize a Fab fridge from its notable rectangular shape, glossy finish and stand-out handle. The aluminum handle is sturdy and made of the same material as the ‘Smeg’ lettering on the fridge.
The brand offers various sizes, configurations, and colors of Fab fridges. Opt for a mini fridge (the Fab 10) if you’re looking for game room beverage storage, or choose the big Kahuna (the Fab 50) for ample fridge and freezer space. Smeg also offers the Fab 32 (a tall, skinny fridge/freezer combo), the Fab 38 (a slightly taller and larger fridge/freezer combo), the Fab 5 (an extra small mini fridge), and of course, the Fab 28 (which is the option I selected).
VIA MERCHANTSmeg 50's Style Retro Fab 28 Refrigerator
Smeg Fridge Features
The Smeg Fab 28 has a variety of notable features, including:
- Multi-flow cooling system
- Electronic temperature control
- 0C compartment
- Anti-ice back panel
- LED lights
- Various food and drink storage
How We Tested It
I chose to order my Smeg fridge from Williams-Sonoma, although they’re not the only retailer that carries the Fab 28. Just as an FYI, this fridge is not currently available at more traditional appliance retailers like Lowe’s or The Home Depot. With this in mind, don’t expect whoever you order your Smeg from to take your old fridge during the delivery process. I ended up listing my old fridge on Facebook Marketplace, which might be your best bet if your old fridge still works.
Delivery
Now, back to my experience. After selecting my perfect Fab 28 fridge (left hinge, pastel blue, of course), I checked out. Williams-Sonoma offers free white glove delivery, which was a relief to me because I live on the second floor in a walk-up building.
After about a month of waiting, the new fridge arrived at my door. But that wasn’t without the help of two delivery men (who told me they almost never deliver fridges) who had to haul this 165-pound appliance up a set of carpeted stairs and successfully not hit the precariously hung light fixture that the HOA refuses to switch out.
The Fab 28 easily slid into the spot underneath my cabinet where my previous Samsung fridge had sat, albeit it juts out a few inches further than its predecessor and is a few inches shorter. It also has adjustable feet (as most fridges have), so you can make your Fab 28 level.
Assembly and Set Up
After successfully plugging in my fridge, I got to work unwrapping each carefully packaged shelf and bin, which were conveniently stored inside the appliance. The Fab 28 comes with a variety of glass shelves (three adjustable, one fixed) inside and multiple bins in the door for additional storage. There’s also a produce and dairy box in this fridge.
The assembly process (if you can even call it that) took all of 5 minutes after I unwrapped everything. You just have to slide the shelves and bins into their rightful spots.
To get the fridge cold, I simply turned the dial located inside the fridge to a number between one and five, with five being the coldest. By the next morning, everything in the fridge was perfectly chilled, and the small freezer had frozen my ice roller (as it should).
Using the Fridge
I loaded up my new Smeg Fab 28 fridge with all the beverages (I’m a beverage goblin) and snacks. Everything was going swimmingly until I tried to put my Brita water pitcher inside the fridge. Even after messing with the adjustable shelves, I found that the pitcher was still too tall to slide in properly.
However, I did maneuver it into a strange sideways position, and the door closed, so I called that a win. But be warned: taller bottles and pitchers may not fit in the Fab 28, which is a bit of a bummer. Luckily, almost all the wine bottles I tried to shove in the Fab 28 fit into one of the door’s bins (minus one very lengthy Sav Blanc from my wine of the month club).
The Fab 28 is on the smaller side, so I’d recommend it for folks who live alone or with a partner. If you have a large family or multiple people in one home, you might do better with the Smeg Fab 50 fridge, which is quite a bit larger.
Although the Fab 28 does have a little freezer space, it does not make ice. This isn’t a problem for me, as I already own a nugget ice maker, but it might be for others who count on their freezer to spit out ice. Additionally, there is no water dispenser on this fridge, which, again, is no issue for me because I didn’t have one on my last fridge.
Energy Efficiency
One of the main concerns for appliances these days is energy efficiency. If you have energy-efficient appliances, you use less energy (sorry, was that obvious?), which will result in a lower energy bill. And unless you’re Elon Musk, you probably care about saving a buck or two where you can.
Luckily, the Fab 28 is considered energy efficient and has a previous rating of A+++, which is now a D (of the same level as before; they just changed the classifications). According to the Smeg website, the Fab 28 will use “230 KWh per year” of energy. For context, the average fridge uses between “300-800 KWh of energy per year,” per BKV Energy.
Pros
- Retro aesthetic
- Available in 15 colorways
- Right and left hinge options
- Becomes cold quickly upon setup
- Ideal for smaller spaces/kitchens
- Made in Italy
- Glass shelves are adjustable
- LED lights are illuminating
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Expensive
- Freezer doesn’t always latch the first time you close it
- Some Brita pitchers don’t fit inside
- Small freezer space
Why You Should Trust Us
I’m the Senior Shopping Editor for Family Handyman, and I’ve spent the last four years testing and reviewing interesting products for readers. I know how to evaluate a product holistically to determine who it might be a good fit for (and who might do better with something else). And this Smeg fridge is no different.
I tested this fridge for almost two months before giving it my seal of approval. Examining everything from delivery to energy efficiency (and everything in between) was a critical step in my evaluation process.
FAQ
What is the energy rating of Smeg Fab 28?
The Smeg Fab 28 previously had an energy rating of A+++, which has now been changed to a D rating. Not to worry; this is simply a reclassification and doesn’t mean the Smeg fridge has decreased in energy efficiency. The Fab 28 still only uses around 230 KWh of energy per year.
What Other Reviewers and Experts Had to Say
Curious what other Smeg Fab 28 owners had to say? Check out a few other reviews below.
“This fridge is exactly what I was hoping for,” reviewer Krista raves in their five-star review. “Good size without being too big or too small. I purchased [it as] a beer fridge and [for] occasional overflow from the main fridge. So far, its awesome.”
“The cream Smeg fridge is worth every penny,” a reviewer on AO.com explains. “Extremely high quality finish with excellent storage options. Very easy to set up and useful adjustable feet for slightly uneven flooring. The two drawers for storing meat and larger one for vegetables is superbly designed for optimum use of the space. The fridge is very quiet with a useful warning beep if the fridge is left open for too long. The shelves and boxes feel sturdy and strong. Having had a Smeg fridge previously for over 20 years the new updated design does not disappoint and surpasses expectation.”
Smeg Fridge vs Samsung Fridge
Luckily for you, dear reader (I think I’ve been watching too much Bridgerton lately), I’ve owned both a Samsung fridge and a Smeg fridge and can confidently tell you the difference between them. More specifically, I’ll be comparing the Smeg Fab 28 and the Samsung top freezer/refrigerator combo, as they are the ones I have experience with (and the ones that are around the same size).
The Smeg Fab 28 fridge is definitely the pricier of the two, retailing for around $2,500. By contrast, the comparable Samsung option costs under $850. If you’re someone who is obsessed with a more retro look and doesn’t mind shelling out the cash for aesthetic purposes, then choosing the Smeg Fab 28 makes sense. But if you like a stainless steel finish plus a larger freezer space and don’t want to spend $2,500, go for the Samsung.
Energy efficiency is also a consideration. The Smeg Fab 28 uses only around 230 kWh annually, and the Samsung uses 345 kWh per year. Both are energy-efficient options, but the Smeg uses slightly less energy.
Where to Buy the Smeg Fridge
VIA MERCHANTSMEG 50's Style Retro FAB 28 Refrigerator
Ready to get your own colorful fridge and transform your kitchen? You can order one for around $2,500 at Williams-Sonoma, Amazon, Neiman Marcus, AJ Madison or Wayfair.
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