Smeg FAB5LWH5 40cm Small 50's Style Left Hand Hinged Minibar Review, Prices & Score
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Where to buy the Smeg FAB5LWH5 fridge
🏆 Review & price summary
This Smeg FAB5LWH5 fridge is a freestanding larder fridge combining a glossy white 1950s-inspired design with a compact 34-litre interior. Its adjustable glass shelving, door storage, LED lighting and left-hand hinge make it practical where space and layout matter. Static cooling, automatic defrost and electronic temperature control keep the specification straightforward, while the 40dB noise level should suit quieter rooms.
✓ Key strengths
- ✓ Very compact width for bedrooms, offices and other space-limited rooms
- ✓ Adjustable glass shelving and organised door storage make good use of the 34-litre interior
- ✓ Quiet 40dB operation is suitable for environments where background noise matters
- ✓ Useful flexibility for particular room layouts
- ✓ Distinctive retro styling and glossy white finish give it strong visual appeal
Worth considering
- The 34-litre capacity is intended for drinks and snacks, not full weekly food storage
- Energy rating D is less efficient than the highest-rated refrigeration options
- Less even temperature distribution than more advanced cooling designs
Key Specifications
- Type
- Freestanding larder fridge / minibar
- Lighting
- LED interior lighting
- Shelving
- 2 adjustable glass shelves with 5 height positions
- Dimensions
- H725 x W404 x D500 mm
- Door hinge
- Left-hand hinged
- Noise level
- 40dB
- Net capacity
- 34 litres
- Energy rating
- D
- Cooling system
- Static cooling with automatic defrost
- Annual energy consumption
- 61 kWh/a
- Manufacturer product code
- FAB5LWH5
Who Should Buy It?
- ✓ Choose it for a compact drinks fridge in a bedroom, office, guest room or hospitality setting.
- ✓ It suits buyers who prioritise retro styling, a left-hand door hinge and a small footprint.
- ✓ The adjustable shelves are useful when storing a mixture of cans, bottles and smaller items.
- ✓ Allow for the larger clearance required when the door is opened fully.
Fridges to compare with the Smeg FAB5LWH5 fridge
These alternatives are selected from our current ranked fridges, prioritising shared verified comparison traits and comparable BestBuysUK Scores.
| Model | BestBuysUK Score | Profile | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Smeg FAB5LCR6 40cm Retro Freestanding Refrigerator in Cream
|
76/100 | Compact · Quiet · Freestanding | Compare review → |
 Smeg FAB5RCR6 40cm Retro Freestanding Refrigerator in Cream
|
71/100 | Compact | Compare review → |
 Smeg FAB10RWH5 55cm Right Hand Hinge Fridge with Icebox
|
71/100 | Compact · Freestanding | Compare review → |
Compact storage and everyday practicality
The 34-litre net capacity is well matched to drinks, snacks and occasional-use refrigeration. Two adjustable glass shelves can be positioned across five height settings, helping accommodate different bottle and can sizes.
Storage is supplemented by an adjustable door shelf, a bottle shelf with wire supports and a snack compartment. LED interior lighting should make the contents easy to see, while the stated easy-clean surfaces support routine maintenance.
Design, placement and door access
The rounded 1950s-inspired styling, glossy white finish and chrome handle make this more of a design feature than a purely utilitarian minibar. Its 404mm width is helpful in tight spaces, and the left-hand hinge can solve placement issues that a right-hinged fridge would create.
Although the cabinet depth is 500mm, the supplied dimensions indicate greater clearance is needed with the handle fitted and when the door is opened. Measuring the intended location and door swing before purchase is therefore important.
Cooling, noise and running costs
Electronic temperature control, an adjustable thermostat, static cooling and automatic defrost provide a straightforward operating specification. The 40dB noise level should be reasonably unobtrusive in an office, guest room or bedroom, although actual perception depends on the surrounding environment.
The D energy rating and stated annual consumption of 61 kWh/a give a clear indication of its efficiency position. This is a compact fridge, but buyers focused primarily on minimising electricity use should compare its rating with more efficient alternatives.
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.