Consumers proved reasonably happy with their fridge across the board, with all brands tested scoring at least three stars, or six out of ten, in each category.

The study did highlight some common consumer gripes about perceived poor fridge design, lack of storage space and the plastic shelving’s tendency to shatter. Many consumers also felt prices were too high and that the size of the fridge was misleading from the outside.

Canstar Blue commissions professional market research company, Colmar Brunton, to survey 2,500 Australians across a range of categories every few months.

Consumers who had bought a refrigerator in the past three years were asked to rate their brand in each criteria.

Overall Satisfaction

Electrolux won the overall satisfaction category, followed by Westinghouse (an Electrolux brand), Fisher & Paykel and Kelvinator on four stars. Samsung, Whirlpool and LG received three stars.

Price

Electrolux again came out on top, with Westinghouse, Fisher & Paykel and Kelvinator who achieved four stars. Samsung, Whirlpool and LG received three stars.

Performance and Reliability

The five star rating went to Electrolux, followed by Fisher & Paykel, Kelvinator and Westinghouse on four stars. LG, Samsung and Whirlpool all received three stars.

Design

Electrolux again was awarded five stars, followed by Westinghouse, Fisher & Paykel and Kelvinator on four stars. Samsung, Whirlpool and LG achieved three stars.

Internal Layout

Electrolux was the customer favourite in this category with five stars. Westinghouse, Fisher & Paykel and Kelvinator achieved four stars, followed by Samsung, Whirlpool and LG on three stars.

Service and Warranty

Electrolux took out the top rating in this category with five stars, followed by Westinghouse, Fisher & Paykel, Kelvinator and Whirlpool on four stars. Samsung and LG achieved three stars.

10 Nov 2010.