Experiences with freestanding fridge and freezer combination

Hi everyone,

I actually intended to buy the Haier HDPW5620ANPD refrigerator a few weeks ago for 870,- including delivery in the offer, but it is not yet available. So basically, waiting until the stock at the shop is replenished. Is it worth canceling the Haier refrigerator and rather taking the Samsung Bespoke RB38A7B6AB1/EF for 964.44 including delivery (price via Corporate Benefits) because of the current Samsung Holiday offers? Can someone assess this or say something about it? I am torn... Or does anyone even have another recommendation or alternative in the price range of around 1,000 euros?

What is the general opinion about Samsung or Haier models in this range?

Thanks to you all and best regards!

We have a freestanding side by side freezer fridge combination with black glass doors. Purchased in 2017, so 6 years ago. So far no problems and it is a NoName product. The price was around 650 euros back then. I am very satisfied with it. Above all, it is very visually appealing. Large fridge, the freezer compartment is narrower. Fits especially well in terms of height, so I was able to build a flat screen above it. The proportions are also excellent, so it does not look too bulky like many other refrigerators of this type.

Side by side refrigerators have the big disadvantage that the oversized freezer drives energy consumption to absurd levels. A normal side by side consumes 400kWh per year according to standard measurement, a standard refrigerator 200cm high, 60cm wide just a little over 100.

However, I would recommend looking for a model with 70cm width. You wouldn't believe it, but the 10cm more width makes the refrigerator significantly larger without noticeably increasing energy consumption.

In the end, people buy a small second refrigerator for the utility room anyway for things they rarely need. No one needs a side by side.

What is the general opinion on Samsung or Haier models in this area?

I had a device from Bosch and was very satisfied. Samsung and Haier are, as far as I know, decent devices. And at these prices, you can also expect solid devices.
My focus would be more on room layout or the size of the compartments. Especially the freezer compartment is ridiculously small with many providers.
And in the end, it is just a built-in refrigerator that stands outside with a visually appealing cover.

In the end, you buy yourself a small second fridge for the utility room anyway for stuff you rarely need. Nobody needs a side-by-side.

Great statement! Nobody needs a side-by-side (even though it’s nice and large, even if the OP only needs a normal device), but two refrigerators are a normal solution. Sure, two refrigerators or fridge + freezer are really eco-friendly.

You don’t understand, or at least I think you don’t, the purpose of the side-by-side.
The side-by-side is THE family fridge that replaces a large refrigerator and the freezer chest. And of course, it uses significantly more electricity than the "normal" fridge. But you have exactly two appliances in one with the power consumption that two devices have if you place them separately.
As a family consisting of more than two adults, you basically can’t avoid having a separate freezer when it comes to the ice compartment. And the fridge must provide a lot of space — you can’t go shopping that often (says someone with three children).

P.S. Tip: Simply don’t buy stuff in bulk that requires you to have a second small fridge. Then one device is enough.

Great statement! Nobody needs a Side by Side

Not worth it! Its status is what you call a navel - what it doesn’t have, nobody else needs either.


You must have a reason why you choose such a unit with the corresponding dimensions. But in the end, all fridge-freezers in the same price range and production year are basically the same. Look for the detail that convinces you, take it and be happy.
Your purchase contract is certainly valid anyway, if it’s been a few weeks already, right?

If the kitchen is not separated, pay attention to the operating noises The Samsung at my dad's is very disturbing when the compressor kicks in. No idea which model, large side-by-side, 5 years old Best regards Stefan