SAMSUNG RB34T675ESA

Pros

• Spacious: Commonly mentioned as having a large capacity, suitable for families. Reviewers highlight ample shelf and drawer space in both the fridge and freezer compartments. Specific details include two deep and one shallower freezer drawers, a large salad bin, and the SpaceMax design contributing to spaciousness. Many reviewers favorably compare it to older models, noting significantly more space. The freezer, despite being a 30/70 split, is described as deceptively spacious. Reviewers frequently praise the ample shelf space. The increased size of the freezer drawers compared to older models is noted as more practical for storing larger items. Reviewers consistently describe it as having plenty of room for a family. The interior is described as bright and well-lit, improving visibility. The layout is praised for ease of use and organization. Reviewers note that the tall shelves easily accommodate large items, including an 8L bottle and a 25L pot. The deeper-than-usual bottle rack in the door is also praised. The design allows for storing items in front of bottles lying down. The thin walls maximize internal space.
• Sleek Design: The fridge''s design is frequently praised as stylish, elegant, and modern. The stainless steel and black finishes (mirrored effect in black) are described as sleek and expensive-looking. The Satin Sky blue color and gloss grey are also praised. The absence of visible elements on the back is noted positively. Fingerprint-proof finish is mentioned as a positive feature. The clean back and the overall aesthetic are frequently praised, integrating well with modern kitchens. The flush-fitting design and lack of protruding handles are highlighted.
• Quiet Operation: While many describe it as quiet or very quiet, particularly when compared to previous appliances, a significant number of reviews contradict this, mentioning persistent noise. Some reviewers find it quiet after an initial period. Some reviewers find the quietness particularly noteworthy in open-plan kitchens. However, many describe it as excessively noisy, even louder than older models. A significant portion of reviews describe it as unusually quiet.
• Fast Cooling: The fridge is noted for its quick cooling and freezing capabilities. Cools evenly. A "super freeze" function is mentioned. The rapid temperature drop upon initial setup is mentioned positively.
• Good Lighting: Interior lighting is consistently mentioned as bright and helpful for visibility. LED lighting is specifically mentioned. The blue LED light is praised for being non-aggressive.
• Easy Temperature Control: The temperature controls are described as simple and easy to use, with a digital display showing fridge and freezer temperatures. A door open alarm is also a praised feature. The digital display and simple controls are highlighted as user-friendly.
• Durable Shelves/Trays: The internal trays are described as rock solid (though some reviewers report concerns about the thin plastic door shelves and vegetable drawer). However, at least one review mentions damage to the internal casing from the weight of the thick glass shelves.
• Freshness: Several reviewers note that vegetables stay fresh for longer in the fridge. A "food fresh compartment" and "Humidity Fresh" are specifically mentioned as contributing to this. The no-frost technology is praised for preventing food from freezing.
• Five-Year Warranty: Multiple reviewers mention the five-year parts & labor warranty favorably. However, at least one reviewer notes significant difficulty in registering the warranty and receiving service under warranty.

Cons

• Noise: A very significant number of reviews mention excessive noise, exceeding the advertised 35dB. Descriptions include comparisons to older, louder refrigerators and measured noise levels of 41dB and 43dB. A rumbling sound from the back left, a high-pitched buzz before compressor startup, and louder fan noise are also mentioned. The noise is described by many as persistent and including claquements. A whistling sound is also mentioned. The noise is described as continuous and unbearable by some reviewers. One reviewer notes that the noise is worse than their previous Samsung refrigerator. Many reviewers mention the noise as a major disappointment given the advertised quiet operation. A significant portion of reviews contradict the claim of quiet operation. One review mentions a noise similar to a trimmer. The noise is described as intermittent by some, occurring when the fan is circulating air or during super freeze function.
• Top Surface: The top surface is described as uneven, with a domed metallic part and a plastic part with holes, making cleaning difficult. There''s no provided cover plate.
• Paint Issues: One review reports paint chipping from the door after only one year of use.
• Build Quality: One reviewer experienced internal casing cracking and a hole forming within 17 months of purchase, with an unsatisfactory response from Samsung. Concerns are also raised about the flimsiness of the plastic door shelves and vegetable drawer. The difficulty in cleaning the glass insert in a bottom tray is also mentioned due to a poor design. The tray''s sloping design is also criticized. The fragility of the side panels is also mentioned. The egg tray is described as low quality.
• Shelf Placement: Shelves are described as narrow and non-adjustable by several reviewers, limiting the ability to store taller items. The limited space between shelves and the wine rack is also mentioned. Difficulty in removing shelves due to limited door opening is also noted.
• Freezer Temperature Inaccuracy: Some reviewers report the freezer temperature not reaching the set point (-18°C), requiring adjustment to -20°C to achieve -18°C. This resulted in soft ice cream and spoiled food in at least one instance. Temperature discrepancies are also noted in the fridge compartment.
• Vegetable Drawer Design: The vegetable drawer design is criticized for not pulling out fully and hindering visibility of the contents due to white plastic obscuring the view. The single large vegetable drawer is preferred by some; others find it less practical than two smaller drawers. Accessing the deep vegetable drawer is described as difficult.
• Website Description Discrepancy: At least one reviewer notes that the online description doesn''t match the actual product features (missing optimal freshness drawer and differently shaped bottle shelf).
• Door Handle Placement: The placement of the handle on the bottom of the door is criticized for trapping fingers when closing. Some users chose not to install the handles.
• Lack of Ice Compartment: One reviewer notes the absence of an ice compartment, despite the inclusion of an ice tray. The lack of an ice maker/water dispenser is mentioned as a drawback, especially given the price.
• Black Hinge: On the white appliance model, a black hinge between the fridge and freezer is considered aesthetically displeasing by at least one reviewer.
• Shelf Removal Difficulty: Removing shelves for cleaning requires removing the door, a design flaw noted by one reviewer.
• Power Cable Length: The power cable is considered too short by at least one reviewer.
• Cooling Issues: At least one reviewer reports complete fridge cooling failure after only a few months of use, with an unsatisfactory warranty service response. Another reviewer mentions dents inside the cooling section upon delivery. The initial temperature reaching time is mentioned as slow in one review (taking a full night). One reviewer mentions that the freezer door''s interior panel is upside down.
• Door Shelf Adjustability: The fixed position of the door shelves is repeatedly mentioned as a limitation, hindering the storage of taller items.

Comments

The reviews reveal a substantial discrepancy between advertised noise levels (35dB) and user experience, with many reporting significantly louder operation. The noise is frequently described as a major drawback. The lack of a top cover plate is a recurring concern, affecting cleaning and potentially placement options. Build quality appears inconsistent, with some experiencing premature failure, while others report no issues. The freezer and fridge temperature control is also a point of concern for some. Capacity and internal layout are generally well-received, as is the stylish exterior design. The five-year warranty is mentioned favorably by multiple reviewers, but the effectiveness of the warranty service is questioned. The difficulty in reversing the door hinges and the non-adjustable shelves are frequently cited as limitations. The difficulty in registering the warranty is also repeatedly mentioned. The customer service response to reported defects is consistently criticized as unsatisfactory. The absence of a door alarm on the freezer is noted as a con. The price is frequently mentioned as high, particularly given the lack of some features such as an ice maker or water dispenser. The lack of adjustability in the shelves is a frequent complaint.