Always had an impression that Samsung has world class products and few companies compare to their stringent quality checks. I own a Samtron 17’’ monitor, Samsung 230L double door refrigerator, Samsung 29’’ Television, Samsung 18L basic Microwave. With this experience I purchased the 170 Litres Samsung Refrigerator SR20NF. Oh, my happiness was short lived.
- The door rubber sealing was like a crumpled paper with gaps in between
Engineer’s Response: It is normal since all new products come like that only.
- There was no cooling even when the knob is kept in the centre of the cooling range
Engineer’s Response: This is normal to all 165-175 litres refrigerator
- There is an inherent, loud noise made by the compressor which was never there in my 230L model
Engineer’s Response: All Indian Manufactured models have this noise.
Well that was the actual problem!!! "Samsung doesn’t manufactures <200L refrigerators.
So all the 170Litres models you see in the market are sourced from local manufacturers like ALLWYN or BPL etc, then they put their logo and sell it under SAMSUNG
brand. Whereas the 200L and above are imported from Korea" (!!!!) THESE ARE THE EXACTS WORDS OF THE ENGINEER.
Having said that let me go through the features and problems of this model
- Design & Look:
There is nothing much to rate this model on looks, cause it doesnt have one. It is a plain plastice table top, regular 165-170 makeup.
As far as design is concerned, well this thing sucks.
a. Large Freezer Compartment: The freezer compartment is 1.5 times bigger than the regular 165L refrigerator. Ofcourse it is of no PRACTICAL USE to anyone. Cause they dont provide a removable metal rack so that you can use it as two tier. So 80% of the freezer remain unusable.
b. Egg compartment: The egg compartment is no-where as it looks in the user manual. (The Engineer’s response: This is what comes with this model). Because what they have given is a small try for 5 eggs which is only 3-4cm in height!!! Typically you get a ’’Plug-in’’ rack which has a hole so that egg fits in and remains safe. In this case due to its low height/depth, 5 eggs which I kept first time fell and broke when I opened the door.
c. Refrigerator Stand: The front of the refrigerator has two stands but the back rests on a metal plate which is actually the bottom covering for the compressor. So you cannot adjust the refrigerator for tilts or slants which might be present in your floor.
d. De-Frost Water Collection: Despite a small tube projecting from the fridge into this removable bin, we get sound of drops of water like it would drip from a loose tap. So obviously the de-frost water or excess water of condensation is not handled properly.
e. There are only two colors available: Brick Red, Sky Blue. So you dont have much of a choice in the color!!!!.
Rating: Design : 2/10
Looks : 3/10
- Performance & Cooling:
I dont know whether to call this is a refrigerator at all in the first place. Following are the ’’DRAWBACKS’’ in the model
. As I said before, the cooling knob needs to be turned half-way to get some cooling in the refrigerator. Despite that the Icecream I kept in the freezer has become just a cold cream!!!.
. The Freezer door should be shut tight. It has a locking mechanism which will test your biceps and forceps. If you dont then you can see frozen ICE all over the freezer unit.
. Defrosting : If you are planning to defrost the fridge, better remove all perishables and keep an eye on the water bin. Because when the fridge is defrosting it is warmer than the room temperature and the water bin (in the backside) is too small to hold all the water the fridge throws out.
. Noise: Even an ambassador car would seem a sleeping baby when this compressor is running!!! Such noise it makes. On top of it, there is LOUD noise every 2-3 minutes like a drop of water dropping on a plastic. Could never find from where this comes!!!
Rating : Performance : 2/10
Cooling : 1/10
- Service:
The installation was too good. The Samsung guy was very enterprising and understanding when I asked him to come again the next day since, I wanted to observe few things of his demo. Even the service person who came first time was understanding but then when the model itself sucks, then he could not do much.... His manager offered to replace the
door (there was a squeaking noise in the door), but now the door is ok. The customer complaint cell is centralised and you dont need to dial 10 different numbers. Even they have a online complaint system, but havent tried it. I have complained about the other problems yesterday and someone is yet to visit my home on this. Shall update my experience about it, in this same review shortly. Till then..
Rating : 6/10
I have had this model only for the past few months so I will not comment on its longevity or other stuff. So I will go ahead straight to the Final Verdict.
Final Verdict
Despite its brand name, this model is only a ’’pathetic wine’’ in a ’’shabby bottle’’ but with a world famous brand name.
If you are buying 170L or lesser, I suggest stick to Godrej or WhirlPool or
Videocon. Cause this one sucks..... They call this "Freshetarian" model, but honestly it is a
"Rip-etarian" at 10, 800 bucks.
Rating : 1/10