Help buying Refrigerator

[LaatSahab]

Budget- 35K max
Capacity- 300-350 litres
Brand preference- LG, Whirlpool
Need a new fridge for my house in my village. Needs to be robust and low on maintenance. Currently using one from Whirlpool but it has structural damage so need to replace it. It has lasted for almost 15 years so bit partial towards Whirlpool. But since last week I have been making inquiries with local shops and nobody has Whirlpool in stock. All are selling LG, Samsung, Liebherr, Haier etc. Bought a 516 ltr one from LG in 2019 for my city house and it's been running good so my 2nd preference is for LG.

 

[bssunilreddy]

Best bet is in this preference LG > Samsung > Whirlpool > other brands

With Whirlpool & Samsung outer display comes which comes handy about knowing the Temps without opening the fridge and other than this no other significant advantage.
But my preference is LG, Samsung, Whirlpool.
Don't look for any other brands.

 

[john1911]

+1 for Samsung. Have one running for past 10 years at home. Heard good things about LG as well.

 

[bigb123]

See if Whirlpool ones are equipped with inverter based compressors. Both Samsung and LG come with inverter based compressors. This breakthrough technology will save you a large amount on your electricity bills.

 

[skoka123]

Budget- 35K max
Capacity- 300-350 litres
Brand preference- LG, Whirlpool
Need a new fridge for my house in my village. Needs to be robust and low on maintenance. Currently using one from Whirlpool but it has structural damage so need to replace it. It has lasted for almost 15 years so bit partial towards Whirlpool. But since last week I have been making inquiries with local shops and nobody has Whirlpool in stock. All are selling LG, Samsung, Liebherr, Haier etc. Bought a 516 ltr one from LG in 2019 for my city house and it's been running good so my 2nd preference is for LG.

How much is the Liebherr going for? I believe it is considered gold standard in Europe.

 

[LaatSahab]

50K for 350 litres where I asked but the build quality was cheap, Chinese level cheap. The door handle plastic finish and quality was so low that it felt it just might come off if I opened it couple of times. LG units do look and feel sturdy.

 

[skoka123]

50K for 350 litres where I asked but the build quality was cheap, Chinese level cheap. The door handle plastic finish and quality was so low that it felt it just might come off if I opened it couple of times. LG units do look and feel sturdy.

Surprising for a company of such reputation. It is said that you buy only one Liebherr refrigerator in your lifetime. i.e., they seldom breakdown works easily of 30 to 40 years. These are German made. I believe Liebherr is expensive even by European cost of living.

In India they are made near Pune. Probably they are cutting costs to meet the Indian market requirement. It is a pity that the build quality feels cheap.

 

[bssunilreddy]

Budget- 35K max
Capacity- 300-350 litres
Brand preference- LG, Whirlpool
Need a new fridge for my house in my village. Needs to be robust and low on maintenance. Currently using one from Whirlpool but it has structural damage so need to replace it. It has lasted for almost 15 years so bit partial towards Whirlpool. But since last week I have been making inquiries with local shops and nobody has Whirlpool in stock. All are selling LG, Samsung, Liebherr, Haier etc. Bought a 516 ltr one from LG in 2019 for my city house and it's been running good so my 2nd preference is for LG.

https://www.flipkart.com/whirlpool-...9rk5sg0000001623221071733&qH=530ad7c7675ecb4f

 

[LaatSahab]

360 litre will be too much fridge for my usage. Had shortlisted couple of Whirlpools on Amazon which were priced decently but apprehensive about product delivery and future support.

 

[bssunilreddy]

360 litre will be too much fridge for my usage. Had shortlisted couple of Whirlpools on Amazon which were priced decently but apprehensive about product delivery and future support.

Don't worry about product delivery from Amazon as it has 2 day delivery to Metros and 3-4 day delivery to other towns.
Regarding RMA anything after the 10day period is dealt by the respective Service Centers or via their CCs where once a complaint is lodged then a repair person will arrive on the tentative date as agreed upon and if the product is within warranty then there wont be any service charge otherwise they will take standard charges.
Don't worry about RMA. Okay.
Regarding RMA, It stands like this: LG > Samsung > Whirlpool > Others...
Go with this instead its 300litres: https://www.flipkart.com/whirlpool-...n=homepage&ssid=mip39rk5sg0000001623221071733

 

[codelad]

...
Go with this instead its 300litres: https://www.flipkart.com/whirlpool-...n=homepage&ssid=mip39rk5sg0000001623221071733

Had actually narrowed down on this model, before I ran into this thread. The price/features look just about right, but any further thoughts on this? Would in particular like to hear if the three sections can be turned off/controlled individually.

 

[codelad]

Had actually narrowed down on this model, before I ran into this thread. The price/features look just about right, but any further thoughts on this? Would in particular like to hear if the three sections can be turned off/controlled individually.

Did a bit of research, only to find that this model neither has a inverter compressor nor the ability to turn off/control each section (convertability, they call it).

Back to square one, and came up with a couple of other models:

LG 335 L Frost Free Double Door 3 Star Convertible Refrigerator Online at Best Price in India | Flipkart.com

Buy LG 335 L Frost Free Double Door 3 Star Convertible Refrigerator only for Rs. 45090 Free installation, 30 day replacement guarantee with free shipping only at Flipkart.com

www.flipkart.com

Pros: LG, inverter compressor, internal controls, back panel protection for compressor
Cons: Unclear if each section can be turned off individually

SAMSUNG 345 L Frost Free Double Door 3 Star Convertible Refrigerator Online at Best Price in India | Flipkart.com

Buy SAMSUNG 345 L Frost Free Double Door 3 Star Convertible Refrigerator only for Rs. 44990 Free installation, 30 day replacement guarantee with free shipping only at Flipkart.com

www.flipkart.com

Pros: Samsung, inverter compressor, sections can be turned off individually
Cons: Fancy touch panel (possibly prone to failure), weighs less than similar-volume models (probably less robust build-quality)

Whirlpool 325 L Frost Free Double Door Bottom Mount 3 Star Refrigerator Online at Best Price in India | Flipkart.com

Buy Whirlpool 325 L Frost Free Double Door Bottom Mount 3 Star Refrigerator only for Rs. 41550 Free installation, 30 day replacement guarantee with free shipping only at Flipkart.com

www.flipkart.com

Pros: Inverter compressor, build appears good
Cons: Non-convertible, no information on model on Whirlpool website, relatively expensive

Leaning towards the Samsung for now. Would greatly appreciate thoughts on this. Also, should I hold off for any upcoming sale campaigns, or go ahead and buy now?

 

[bigb123]

Did a bit of research, only to find that this model neither has a inverter compressor nor the ability to turn off/control each section (convertability, they call it).

Back to square one, and came up with a couple of other models:

LG 335 L Frost Free Double Door 3 Star Convertible Refrigerator Online at Best Price in India | Flipkart.com

Buy LG 335 L Frost Free Double Door 3 Star Convertible Refrigerator only for Rs. 45090 Free installation, 30 day replacement guarantee with free shipping only at Flipkart.com

www.flipkart.com

Pros: LG, inverter compressor, internal controls, back panel protection for compressor
Cons: Unclear if each section can be turned off individually

SAMSUNG 345 L Frost Free Double Door 3 Star Convertible Refrigerator Online at Best Price in India | Flipkart.com

Buy SAMSUNG 345 L Frost Free Double Door 3 Star Convertible Refrigerator only for Rs. 44990 Free installation, 30 day replacement guarantee with free shipping only at Flipkart.com

www.flipkart.com

Pros: Samsung, inverter compressor, sections can be turned off individually
Cons: Fancy touch panel (possibly prone to failure), weighs less than similar-volume models (probably less robust build-quality)

Whirlpool 325 L Frost Free Double Door Bottom Mount 3 Star Refrigerator Online at Best Price in India | Flipkart.com

Buy Whirlpool 325 L Frost Free Double Door Bottom Mount 3 Star Refrigerator only for Rs. 41550 Free installation, 30 day replacement guarantee with free shipping only at Flipkart.com

www.flipkart.com

Pros: Inverter compressor, build appears good
Cons: Non-convertible, no information on model on Whirlpool website, relatively expensive

Leaning towards the Samsung for now. Would greatly appreciate thoughts on this. Also, should I hold off for any upcoming sale campaigns, or go ahead and buy now?

If i was to choose amongst these 3, i would go with Samsung.

 

[gopal_agrawal]

Using the Samsung same model for around 2 years. The convertible feature is really helpful. Had turned off the freezer during last year lock down which helped in saving electricity bills.

 

[codelad]

Using the Samsung same model for around 2 years. The convertible feature is really helpful. Had turned off the freezer during last year lock down which helped in saving electricity bills.

Any thoughts on the build quality?

 

[nitin_g3]

I would go with LG.

1. Using an LG refrigerator since 10 years now. No problems what so ever.
2. Using 2 LG Air conditioners since 5 years, no problems there as well.
3. User reviews on Flipkart and Amazon are better for this LG model among the 3 you listed.

 

[codelad]

I would go with LG.

1. Using an LG refrigerator since 10 years now. No problems what so ever.
2. Using 2 LG Air conditioners since 5 years, no problems there as well.
3. User reviews on Flipkart and Amazon are better for this LG model among the 3 you listed.

Incidentally, I slightly prefer the Samsung for similar reasons. Our present Samsung fridge has been going strong for 15+ years and without any major repair (hopefully I don't jinx it before I get a new one).

 

[gopal_agrawal]

Any thoughts on the build quality?

Build quality seems fine. I have my own flat so the refrigerator is not moved from it's place. I guess the chances are damage is only during shifting.

 

[codelad]

Build quality seems fine. I have my own flat so the refrigerator is not moved from it's place. I guess the chances are damage is only during shifting.

Sounds good, thank you. Before I take the plunge on the Samsung, have a few more questions, if you will:
1. Does it come with all trays included? It's weird that I need to ask this at all, but my present Samsung actually came with no egg trays and had to purchase it separately.
2. Have you ever needed to service it during these 2 years? Is the extended warranty worth it?
3. How much did you buy it for? The price on Flipkart comes to around 29.8k, with discounts and exchange value applied (they quote an exchange of around 2.6k for my existing Samsung).

 

[bigb123]

Sounds good, thank you. Before I take the plunge on the Samsung, have a few more questions, if you will:
1. Does it come with all trays included? It's weird that I need to ask this at all, but my present Samsung actually came with no egg trays and had to purchase it separately.
2. Have you ever needed to service it during these 2 years? Is the extended warranty worth it?
3. How much did you buy it for? The price on Flipkart comes to around 29.8k, with discounts and exchange value applied (they quote an exchange of around 2.6k for my existing Samsung).

2. Never serviced my 2 year old samsung refrigerator. Working as new. Extended warranty always comes handy.

3. 2.6k for a samsung fridge is very very low. You would get a better (double the amount) good deal on olx or you can also donate the fridge to a charity.