Say "Smeg fridge" and most people picture the rounded, colourful 50s retro design. It's one of the most recognisable appliances ever made. But Smeg's refrigeration range is much wider than that, from big American-style fridge freezers to fully integrated models that disappear behind your kitchen doors.
This guide explains the three main types of Smeg fridge freezer, who each one suits, and what to check before you buy.
The three types at a glance
| Type | Best for | Main thing to check |
|---|---|---|
| 50s Retro Style | Making a design statement | Height, door swing and space around it |
| American Style | Big families and lots of storage | Width, and whether it fits through your doors |
| Integrated | A seamless, fitted kitchen | Your housing size and door fixing type |
1. Smeg 50s Retro Style fridge freezers
This is the design that made Smeg famous: soft curves, chrome-effect handles and a look that works in both modern and traditional kitchens. It's freestanding, so it's a piece of furniture in its own right rather than something hidden away.
Who it suits:
- People who want the fridge to be a feature, not just a box
- Kitchens with a bold colour scheme or a vintage feel
- Anyone who's already chosen a Smeg range cooker and wants a matching look
What to check:
- Height. Tall retro models like the Smeg 50s Retro Style 205cm Frost Free Fridge Freezer stand over two metres tall, so check under any wall cupboards or a sloping ceiling.
- Door swing. Make sure the door can open fully without hitting a wall, and check which side it's hinged on.
- Breathing space. Freestanding fridges need a gap around them for air to circulate. The exact clearances are in the installation manual.
Good to know: the 205cm model is frost free, so you won't need to defrost the freezer by hand.
2. Smeg American Style fridge freezers
If storage is the priority, an American-style fridge freezer gives you the most space in one appliance. Smeg's versions add better styling than most, with French door and four-door layouts.
Who it suits:
- Larger households and people who do a big weekly shop
- Anyone who entertains often and needs room for platters and drinks
- Open-plan kitchens with space for a large statement appliance
Smeg models we stock:
- Smeg Victoria Four Door American Style Fridge Freezer (572 litres), with traditional styling to match a Victoria range cooker, in a choice of colours
- Smeg American Style Four Door Fridge Freezer in Dark Inox, a sleek, modern finish
- Smeg Two Door Two Drawer American Style Fridge Freezer (539 litres) in stainless steel
What to check:
- Width and depth. American fridge freezers are much wider than standard ones. Measure your space and check how far it will stick out past your worktops.
- The delivery route. Measure every doorway, hallway and tight corner. This is the most common reason an American fridge freezer won't go in. Our delivery day guide explains what to expect.
- Water connection. If a model has a plumbed water or ice dispenser, you'll need a cold water supply nearby. Check the product's specifications.
For a deeper look, read American Fridge Freezers: The Complete UK Buying Guide.
3. Smeg integrated fridges and freezers
Integrated appliances sit behind a cabinet door that matches your kitchen, so they don't show at all. Smeg's integrated range is less well known than its retro fridges, but it's a popular choice for new fitted kitchens.
Tall (in-column) options:
- Smeg 70/30 Integrated Frost Free Fridge Freezer: more fridge space than freezer, which suits most households who buy fresh food often
- Smeg 50/50 Integrated Frost Free Fridge Freezer (242 litres): an even split, for people who batch cook or freeze a lot
- Smeg Integrated In-Column Tall Larder Fridge and Tall Freezer: install them side by side for a lot of space in both
Under counter options:
- Smeg Built-In Under Counter Larder Fridge (134 litres), with no freezer section so it's all fridge space
- Smeg Built-In Under Counter Fridge with Ice Box (128 litres)
- Smeg Built-In Under Counter Freezer (95 litres)
What to check:
- Your housing size. Integrated appliances must fit the cabinet exactly, so check the height of the opening, not just the width.
- Door fixing type. Integrated fridges use either a sliding hinge or a door-on-door fixing, and this affects which kitchen units they work with.
Our guide to integrated appliances explains housing sizes and hinges in plain English.
70/30, 50/50 or a separate larder fridge?
- 70/30 means about 70% fridge and 30% freezer. It's the best fit for most people.
- 50/50 gives you an equal split. Choose it if you freeze a lot of food.
- A larder fridge plus a separate freezer gives you the most space in each, if you have room for two appliances.
Not sure whether you need a freezer at all in the main kitchen? Read Larder Fridges Explained.
Is a Smeg fridge worth it?
You'll pay more for Smeg than for an entry-level brand, and an honest answer is that you're paying for design as well as function. If all you want is the most litres for your money, there are cheaper options.
But if the look of your kitchen matters to you, a Smeg fridge freezer is something you'll notice and enjoy every day for years. We go into this in more detail in Is Smeg Worth the Money?
Before you order: a quick checklist
- Measure the space: height, width and depth.
- Check the clearances in the installation manual.
- Check which way the door opens.
- Measure the delivery route, especially for American-style models.
- For integrated models, check your housing size and door fixing type.
- Check the energy rating. Our energy labels guide explains what the letters mean.
Kitting out a whole kitchen?
We also offer Smeg bundles that pair a fridge freezer with another appliance, including the 50s Retro Style Bundle, the Entertaining Bundle with an American fridge freezer and wine cooler, and the Integrated Cold & Clean Bundle.
Browse our full range of fridge freezers or see everything from Smeg, delivered across the UK.
