Smeg FAB38LBL5 50's Style Double Door Freestanding Left Hinge Fridge Freezer Black Review, Prices & Score
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Where to buy the Smeg FAB38LBL5 fridge freezer
🏆 Review & price summary
The Smeg FAB38LBL5 combines a 481-litre total capacity with the brand’s 50’s Style design, gloss-black finish and chrome detailing. Its 344-litre fridge and 137-litre freezer compartments offer substantial storage for fresh and frozen food. Total No Frost cooling, automatic defrosting, a LifePlus 0°C drawer and fast-freezing functions add everyday practicality.
✓ Key strengths
- ✓ Very generous 481-litre total capacity, with particularly useful fridge space for larger households
- ✓ Total No Frost and automatic defrosting help reduce routine maintenance
- ✓ Distinctive 50’s Style design with a gloss-black finish and chrome external handle
- ✓ LifePlus 0°C drawer, fast freezing and an interior LED display add practical everyday features
Worth considering
- The 706mm width, 2050mm height and more than 800mm depth with the handle require careful space and access planning
- The E energy rating is not among the highest available efficiency classes
Key Specifications
- Defrosting
- Automatic
- Dimensions
- 2050 x 706 x 711 mm
- Installation
- Freestanding
- Cooling system
- Total No Frost with double cooling system
- Hinge position
- Left
- Total capacity
- 481 litres
- Freezer storage
- 2 drawers, 2 glass shelves and 1 flap compartment
- Fridge capacity
- 344 litres
- Freezer capacity
- 137 litres
- Freezing capacity
- 8 kg/24h
- Noise emission class
- C
- Refrigerator storage
- 3 adjustable glass shelves, fruit and vegetable drawer, 3 adjustable door shelves and bottle shelf
- Energy efficiency class
- E
- Annual energy consumption
- 282 kWh/year
- Manufacturer product code
- FAB38LBL5
Who Should Buy It?
- ✓ Suitable for larger households or anyone needing substantial fresh and frozen storage.
- ✓ A good fit for kitchens where a bold retro appearance is as important as appliance capacity.
- ✓ Useful for shoppers who prefer freestanding installation and a left-hinged door.
Fridge Freezers to compare with the Smeg FAB38LBL5 fridge freezer
These alternatives are selected from our current ranked fridge freezers, prioritising shared verified comparison traits and comparable BestBuysUK Scores.
| Model | BestBuysUK Score | Profile | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Smeg FQ55FNDE Universal French Door Fridge Freezer
|
77/100 | Large Capacity · Quiet · Freestanding | Compare review → |
 Smeg FQ55FXDE Universal French Door Fridge Freezer
|
77/100 | Large Capacity · Freestanding | Compare review → |
 Smeg FAB32LCR5UK 50's Style 60/40 Freestanding Left Hinge Fridge Freezer Cream
|
78/100 | Large Capacity · Freestanding | Compare review → |
Capacity and storage
The 481-litre total volume is the main attraction, divided into a 344-litre refrigerator and 137-litre freezer. That balance gives larger households plenty of fresh-food capacity without sacrificing useful frozen storage.
Inside, adjustable glass shelves, a covered fruit and vegetable drawer, door shelves and a bottle shelf provide flexible organisation. The freezer adds two drawers, glass shelving and a flap compartment, while the manual ice maker offers an extra convenience.
Cooling and convenience
Total No Frost cooling with automatic defrosting is designed to reduce maintenance, while the double cooling system, fan cooling and MultiFlow features support the appliance’s food-storage setup. The LifePlus 0°C drawer is intended for fresh meat, fish and dairy.
Electronic temperature control, an interior LED display, fast freezing, ECO mode and temperature alarms give users useful control over everyday operation. The available product information does not include hands-on testing, so real-world cooling consistency and operating noise cannot be independently assessed here.
Design, installation and efficiency
The rounded 50’s Style exterior, gloss-black finish and chrome fixed handle make this a statement appliance rather than a discreet one. Its left-hand hinge is an important installation detail, particularly in kitchens with restricted door positioning.
At 2050mm high and 706mm wide, it needs careful measurement before purchase. The stated E energy class and 282 kWh annual consumption provide useful comparison information, although shoppers focused on minimising energy use may prefer a more efficient class.
Research note: this BestBuysUK assessment is based on the manufacturer's published specifications and other reputable technical sources. Specifications and retailer availability can change, so verify critical details before purchase.