Why you shouldn't buy a Liebherr refrigerator: reviews. Liebherr refrigerator - characteristics of various models

Were you not confused by the somewhat provocative title of the article with the question: “Is it worth buying?” Naturally, it is humorous! After all, Liebherr is not a newcomer to the refrigerator market; for more than 60 years it has been producing equipment that is constantly at the forefront of technology development. Although its holding is located in Switzerland (the property of the Liebherr family), the “backbone” of the enterprises is located in Germany.

Its German-quality refrigerators made of stainless steel and aluminum with innovative ergonomic “filling” traditionally deserve the highest reviews from consumers. A Liebherr refrigerator is always premium! It has quite a decent volume, suitable for a real family refrigerator. And, of course, the price of such a reliable and convenient refrigerator starts at $1.2 thousand.

Types of refrigerators

actively operates in the segment of two-chamber refrigerators. They are the most in demand. Speaking about macroeconomics, it should be noted that currently, in conditions of intense competition in the market, various manufacturers are selling more than a thousand models of “double-chamber” models. Liebherr is one of the leaders in this market. The latter is evidenced by both analytical reviews and customer reviews. The Liebherr refrigerator is produced in two fundamentally different designs: European type (both compartments are located vertically) or American type (side-by-side: on the left is the freezer, on the right is the refrigerator).

Let us clarify: for a large family of five or more people living in a spacious cottage or apartment, the American design of Liebherr products, with a width of 1210 mm, is ideal. Models Liebherr SBS 7212 and SBSES 8283 (two doors: freezer on the left, refrigerator on the right) traditionally receive the best reviews. A Liebherr refrigerator for a relatively small family (up to 3-4 people) assumes a European two-chamber design (where the freezer compartment is located at the bottom). By the way, as ergonomics advises, the location of the freezer at the bottom is preferable for tall refrigerators (178 cm - 210 m). Note that Liebherr models CUN 3033, 3956, CES 4023, CN 3033, CN 4003 of the European type meet these criteria.

The best Side by Side models (freezer on the side)

Liebherr SBS 7212

Double-chamber refrigerator with two doors. Price 93-99 thousand rubles. The freezer capacity is 261 liters and does not require defrosting. The refrigerator side with a capacity of 390 liters is defrosted by drip. When the door is left open for too long, an alarm sounds. If there is no cold inside, a sound and light alert occurs. In reviews, some users note that for this price you can buy a single-compartment refrigerator and freezer.

Advantages:

• consists of two separate blocks, which facilitates transportation and installation, easy to connect yourself;
• in the freezer all shelves are separated;
• comfortable and spacious chambers;
• quiet work.

Flaws:

• takes up a lot of space, which is quite expected;
• relatively high price.

Liebherr SBSesf 7212

Standard size two-compartment refrigerator. Cost 118 thousand rubles. The volume of the freezer is 261 l, the refrigeration unit is 390 l. Electronic control. Does not require defrosting.

Advantages:

• beautiful appearance;
• comfortable, roomy;
• quiet operation;
• Can be installed close to the back wall.

Flaws:

• handles are not reliable;
• stained door;
• relatively high price.

Main compartments of the refrigerator

Obviously, the interior space of the refrigerator is always of fundamental importance to the customer. It has been established that the average volume in our time is expected to range from 250 to 350 liters (in practice, it is achieved with a refrigerator height of 178 cm).

What are the main functional compartments of refrigerators that are most in demand by users? There are only three of them: a freezer, a refrigerator compartment and a zero chamber. Moreover, such a division can be realized in both 3-chamber and 2-chamber versions. An example of a three-chamber appliance is the Liebherr 3956 refrigerator (height 2010 m) with a total volume of 325 liters, which contains a refrigerator compartment (157 liters), a zero chamber (79 liters) and a freezer compartment (89 liters). In the 0-chamber, as is known, the temperature is close to 0 °C.

Two-chamber units have only two compartments: freezing and refrigeration. However, the designers have successfully modeled a zero zone inside the refrigeration unit. This design is considered successful by customers, and it is purchased more often, as evidenced by reviews. A Liebherr refrigerator, as follows from surveys, is chosen according to many criteria (we will touch on them in this article). However, the average buyer 80% of the time starts with the freezer volume criterion. If a family practices freezing a fairly large amount of food, then it is advisable to have an increased volume - up to 150 liters. If family meals are based on the purchase of frozen semi-finished products, 70 liters will be enough. Let's analyze what internal spaces Liebherr offers consumers in its refrigerators (see Table 1).

Table 1. Total internal volume, as well as the volumes of functional compartments of Liebherr refrigerators (in liters)

As you can see, for a large family living in a spacious home, the Liebherr SBS 7212 refrigerator is ideal. This is a large white refrigerator, with a height slightly above average (1852 mm), it has an impressive width of 1210 mm and a depth of 630 mm. Selecting another model, we will find that it is also reasonable to purchase the unfundamentally smaller brand SBSES 8283. The rest of the refrigerators in the presented Liebherr line will be smaller in volume. For most people who buy American-designed units, at first the arrangement of the freezer and refrigerator compartment from left to right and, accordingly, the position of the doors next to each other, which the Liebherr refrigerator presented above has, is unusual. Side by side is the name of this design.

Let's think about vegetarians. For them, the zero zone in the refrigerator is valuable. In it, at high humidity (about 90%), greens are well preserved. However, their antipodes, zealous meat lovers, also find an “ally” in the zero zone: dry cold (at 50% humidity) essentially preserves meat products longer than classic units with high humidity. The most functional refrigerator in this regard is the CBN 3956. This is a tall, spacious three-chamber appliance, above the average human height - 201 cm. It is positive when the same compartment is equipped with compartments that allow the possibility of simultaneous modeling of both the “dry” and “wet” zero zone .

However, the Liebherr 4003 two-chamber refrigerator, as well as the CES 4023 model, also have a height of 201 cm. It is noteworthy that the latter two have an increased refrigeration area to approximately 280 liters. It’s not in vain that marketers eat their bread: according to statistics, this volume is in demand by families consisting of 4 people. Moreover, it is even a little larger: strictly speaking, the optimal refrigeration chamber volume for them is 200–250 liters, i.e. models 4003 and 4023 are just right. Liebherr technologists have created conditions for longer storage in the above-mentioned devices thanks to fan located in the refrigerator compartment.

The refrigerators listed at the bottom of the table: CBN 3956, CN 4013, CN 3033 are adapted for the average family, up to three people inclusive. And the most compact refrigerator, Liebherr CUN 3033, is essentially a bachelor's dream.

Built-in refrigerators

Modern kitchen sets increasingly involve the integration of special kitchen appliances.
Moreover, the harmonious combination of furniture and kitchen appliances occurs in a comprehensive manner: according to a single plan, a refrigerator, oven, hob, and dishwasher are built in at once. Moreover, designers consider it good form (if the architecture of the home allows it) not just to build in, but to recess kitchen appliances into the walls. This spirit of the times did not pass by. Nowadays, the built-in Liebherr refrigerator is no longer news for housewives. There is a whole line of such devices; they have a fairly decent volume (however, a little less than stationary ones). For comparison, let us present the useful volumes of embedded models in tabular form (see Table 2).

Table 2. Built-in refrigerators from Liebherr

As you can see, the built-in refrigerator Liebherr IKB 3514 presents a unique design: a spacious zero chamber and a tiny freezer. What causes this? Nowadays, more and more supporters of healthy eating prefer short-term storage of products in the fresh zone to freezing them.

The best built-in refrigerators from Liebherr

Liebherr ICUS 3324

One of the most popular models of built-in refrigerators. It is bought mainly by those who want to get a kitchen design in the same style. The main selection criterion in this case is the ability to integrate a refrigerator into the overall kitchen concept. The refrigerator has independent temperature and humidity control, an LED display and a child lock function. As buyers of this model say, this refrigerator is no frills, but at the same time the most profitable among all built-in appliances from this manufacturer. The average price for a model does not exceed 43,000 rubles.

Specifications:

Liebherr ICUS 3324

Advantages:

• one of the quietest Liebherr refrigerators;
• good price/quality ratio;
• spacious.

Flaws:

• not detected.

Liebherr IKB 3560

This refrigerator has only one chamber and is equipped with the ability to be built-in. The device has good equipment: LED display, temperature display, audible door open alarm, humidity control, door open signal and child lock, freshness zone type - Bio Fresh, there is a door closer that makes opening and closing easier. There are many foldable shelves, and there is also a wine rack. Very good lighting that illuminates the entire refrigerator compartment, regardless of its load.

Specifications:

Liebherr IKB 3560

Advantages:

• many additional functions;
• good capacity;
• There is a separate backlight in the freshness zone.

Flaws:

• high price.

What do Liebherr brand letters mean?

On the one hand, consumers understand that abbreviations in the name of a particular Liebherr brand give them information about the refrigerator model they are purchasing, but on the other hand, being non-professionals, they do not find an explanation for them. We decided to help with this difficulty. To provide you, dear readers, with the interpretation of these letters, we contacted the service department that repairs Liebherr refrigerators. This is the information we were able to obtain (see Table 3).

Table 3. What do letter combinations mean in the names of Liebherr refrigerators

How to practically use the above table? Let's say you are interested in buying a refrigerator, and you were told by phone that a German-assembled Liebherr CN refrigerator has appeared in such and such a supermarket (the latter is equivalent to 100% compliance with the technology). From the above table it can be seen that we are dealing with a two-chamber refrigerator with NoFrost cooling. This cooling system will be discussed a little below.

Which is better: a single-compressor or a two-compressor device?

It is known that the compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, pumping and compressing freon vapor. From such compression, the steam condenses into a liquid state, and then, entering the evaporator, evaporates, absorbing the heat from the interior of the refrigerator. Two-chamber refrigerators come in single and double compressor types.

In dual-compressor machines, one compressor works on the refrigerator compartment and the other on the freezer. How does it cope with two refrigerated compartments at the same time? It is helped by dividing one flow of cold into two (into the freezer and refrigerator compartment) by a distribution solenoid valve. Thus, a Liebherr two-chamber refrigerator can be either one- or two-compressor.

In the table below we present this technical characteristic for refrigerators (see Table 4).

Table 4. Equipment of refrigerators from Liebherr with compressors

As you can see, the American design (where the freezer is on the left) involves two compressors. The Liebherr 3033 refrigerator, like the others below it in the table, is a single-compressor refrigerator.

Which is better: a one- or two-compressor refrigerator? Let's start with the fact that outwardly this sign is indistinguishable. However, experts still find a way to make an accurate verdict. They immediately look for “secondary signs”: how many temperature regulators are there on the refrigerator/freezer. If there are two, then there are two compressors.

Let's return to the comparison. On the one hand, a single-compressor refrigerator has the advantage of lower cost (by 10%). On the other hand, if it breaks down, it immediately becomes completely inoperable. Under the same conditions, its two-compressor opponent continues to operate after a breakdown. This ensures the safety of the products.

Four stars on the freezer door indicate that this machine allows deep freezing of products, which further facilitates their long-term storage.

Refrigerator noise

The noise of a refrigerator is often the factor that prevents people from falling asleep, watching a TV show, etc. The problem is that it is impossible to “bypass” or take the refrigerator to another room; it is stationary and operates around the clock.
It happens that his “voice” can be heard quite clearly at night. How to avoid such an unpleasant moment? Firstly, when purchasing, pay attention to its declared noise level. Feel free to ask the seller to bring you the instructions. In it, pay attention to the noise parameter. What you need to know about decibels? Manufacturers usually show noise levels ranging from 30 to 50 dB.

When it manifests itself in the range from 30 to 40 dB, we are dealing with noise at a whisper level. However, increasing the indicator to 45 dB is reminiscent of the already annoying buzzing of a fly. How noisy are Liebherr refrigerators? (See Table 5.)

Table 5. Noise levels of Liebherr refrigerators

As you can see, the quietest among the technological ones is the “American” (side-by-side) Liebherr SBS 7212, while the “basketball player” CBN 3956 (201 cm tall) and the “mid-range” CUN 3033 are noisier than others. Although, to be precise, the championship is held by the 201-centimeter Liebherr 4023 refrigerator. However, it is assembled in Bulgaria, it provides for manual defrosting of the freezer compartment and drip defrosting of the refrigerator.

Let's add a little poetry to our story. After all, the refrigerator doesn’t just make noise, it “speaks” (we are, of course, talking about all refrigerators, not just Liebherr). Let's figure out what he can “tell” us.

The humming sound of the refrigerator indicates that the compressor is working. If this adds vibration, then you should install it better. By the way, a two-compressor refrigerator hums more quietly (its compressors are weaker). Other sounds: buzzing, gurgling, etc. are caused by the movement of freon. The third type of sound, clicks, demonstrates the operation of the relay that turns the refrigerator motor on and off. The refrigerator fan is also noisy if it is controlled by the NoFrost system. The defrosting process of “crying” type devices is accompanied by noise.

All these various noises that accompany the operation of a Liebherr refrigerator are brought to the standard and are quite weak.

However, having installed a purchased refrigerator in their kitchen, its owners are often faced with a louder sound than indicated in the instructions. The reason may be failure to keep the unit at home in an upright position in its place for the allotted time (1-2 days, as indicated in the instructions). The sound also increases when the unit is not positioned correctly on a horizontal surface (due to the resulting play) or when its body touches the walls or surrounding kitchen furniture. Please note that the purchased refrigerator should also be delivered home exclusively in an upright position.

If, after purchasing a refrigerator, you find that it is noisier than indicated, we recommend that you involve service specialists to change the noise level. Theoretically, the possibility of replacing the device with a similar one cannot be ruled out. Liebherr refrigerators can also be repaired accordingly. Although, when we interviewed sellers of three household appliance supermarkets, we found out that such precedents had not happened. In this case, one should show reasonable tolerance and, of course, take into account that there are no large household appliances that do not make noise at all.

The best Liebherr side by side refrigerators

Liebherr SBS 7212

The most popular model is the Side by side type. The freezer compartment here is located on the side of the refrigerator. The defrosting system in this refrigerator is combined - in the freezer - No frost, in the refrigerator - drip. Thanks to the presence of two compressors, the cooling of each chamber is independent, which allows you to effectively maintain the required temperature. Among analogue models, this is the largest and most spacious copy; only the freezer compartment has 8 shelves for storage.

Despite the fact that the walls of the device are thin, heat loss is minimal. A vacuum is created inside the refrigerator, which reduces heat loss. Due to the use of such a system, opening the freezer door is not easy even for a physically strong person. The model is assembled in Germany, which is why the quality of the refrigerator is at the highest level. The freezer and refrigerator compartments can be separated, making them convenient to transport and install. Despite the fact that the design of the refrigerator greatly influences how much it costs, the price of this item is low.

Specifications:

Liebherr SBS 7212

Advantages:

• good capacity;
• low price for this type of refrigerator;
• quiet operation;
• possibility of installing two blocks separately;
• high-quality plastic;
• handles are equipped with pushers for easy opening.

Flaws:

• The instructions do not indicate how to assemble two blocks into one.

Liebherr SBSes 7353

Top level refrigerator. It has two freshness zones - dry (for meat and fish) and wet (for vegetables and fruits). Both chambers feature a No frost system, so there is no need to defrost the device. The model has excellent capacity – 726 liters. There are many additional features such as temperature rise and door open indication, humidity control, child lock, inverter technology and fingerprint protection, among others. It is possible to create shelves in two parts for an ergonomic arrangement of products. There is an ice maker, which is convenient in the summer.

Specifications:

Liebherr SBSes 7353

Advantages:

• good capacity;
• many convenient functions;
• stylish design.

Flaws:

• high price;
• According to reviews, most buyers' door handles break, and more than once. The cost of a new pen is about 1,000 rubles.

Refrigerator cooling system, economical

Refrigerator buyers have an alternative choice between two types of cooling systems. The more traditional jargon is called a “crying evaporator” (we will discuss the principle of its operation below), and the newer one is called a forced ventilation system.

They coexist because the traditional system also has its strengths: greater simplicity and, as a result, cost-effectiveness.

Let’s imagine the principle of operation of a “crying evaporator”. When the compressor operates, frost forms on it. After the compressor stops, this frost melts and goes into the drain system in the form of water. When the compressor is turned on again, the resulting water evaporates again, absorbing heat in the process.

The NoFrost system works by turning on the fan simultaneously with the compressor. Freezing it is drier. However, it is more expensive, more energy-intensive, and its operation is accompanied by fan noise. The main advantage of NoFrost is better temperature distribution than when cooling with a “crying evaporator”.

The level of energy-saving technologies used in the design of a particular brand of refrigerator is reflected in the energy consumption indicator. A, A+ and A++ (as you understand, A++ is the most economical class).

Let's present a summary table of the types of cooling devices and the energy saving class of various models of Liebherr refrigerators (see Table 6).

Table 6. Types of cooling device and class of energy-saving technologies for Liebherr refrigerators

It is characteristic that the Liebherr SBSES 8283 refrigerator, like the SBS 7212, CUN 3033, CN 3033 brands, demonstrates 100% use of the new NoFrost cooling system.

Advantages and disadvantages

Buyers note the following advantages of Liebherr refrigeration equipment:

• high-quality European assembly;
• attractive appearance;
• reliability and long service life;
• simple controls;
• good capacity;
• the presence of a quick freezing function;
• possibility of organizing internal space;
• high energy efficiency standard;
• long battery life when the power is turned off;
• bright lighting of the internal chamber;
• high power;
• safety indication;
• spacious drawers with a transparent front panel;
• possibility of re-hanging the door;
• low noise level during operation.

Flaws:

• inconvenient location and configuration of shelves on the door;
• glass shelves quickly fog up when opened;
• some models have manual defrosting;
• high price.

Refrigerator control

The refrigerator is controlled by Premium, Premium+ and HomeDialog systems.
If we talk about the first of them, then for its implementation there is an electronic control system with a mini-display on the front door of Liebherr refrigerators. On it you can always see the temperature and modes in its departments. The screen is also equipped with sensors that allow you to set the temperatures and modes you require. The Premium+ system is visually identical to the previous one, however, it includes, in addition to the above capabilities, the presence of an element such as a cursor on the display, as well as the ability for the client to select a language. Her help section has been expanded with various recommendations and descriptions.

The HomeDialog system, by connecting special units to refrigerators, allows you to connect Liebherr appliances into a single network (up to 6 units). General network management is performed on the display of the main refrigerator. From it you can also control the operating modes of other units.

Best shares based on user reviews

Customer reviews about Liebherr refrigerators are mostly positive. The mini-review includes the best freezer models from the German manufacturer.

GX 823

Freestanding freezer for long-term food storage. Thanks to its compact dimensions (63x65x62 cm), it can be placed even in a small kitchen. The useful volume of the chamber is 70 liters. The interior space is organized using the VarioSpace system. Products can be placed in 2 transparent FrostSafe pull-out containers, which can be removed if you need to place something large in the chamber.

No frost technology ensures automatic defrosting and no frost on the inner walls. The energy efficiency of the unit corresponds to the A+ standard. The SuperFrost system is designed for fast and uniform freezing of food. In this way, vegetables and fruits retain vitamins and nutrients as much as possible.

The “4 stars” marking means that food can be stored in the chamber for more than six months.

Operating your freezer is easy thanks to the keypad and MagicEye display on the front door. There is an option to hang the door, which allows you to optimize the use of space in the kitchen. The optical alarm will promptly report the problem in the event of a malfunction. When the power supply is turned off, the cold in the chamber remains for another 18 hours. The SN-T climate class allows the device to be used in any climate.

GBE 1213

Single-chamber freezer-cabinet with a freezing capacity of up to 11 kg/day. In offline mode, the cold in the chamber is maintained for 26 hours. Cost-effectiveness is confirmed by a high energy efficiency class: A+. Thanks to SmartFrost technology, less frost forms on food and internal walls than in classic models, and the chamber has to be defrosted less often. Dimensions of the model: 55x62x85 cm.

SuperFrost technology allows you to quickly lower the temperature in the chamber to -32 °C. When the process of freezing food while preserving nutrients is completed, the freezer automatically switches to economical operating mode. Control is carried out using buttons and an LCD display with graphical temperature display. The child lock feature prevents accidental switching off of the device.

Products are stored in 3 closed FrostSafe pull-out containers with a transparent front panel. If necessary, they can be easily removed, and large foods can be loaded into the freezer. The shelves are made of tempered glass, and the door and side walls are made of durable steel. The standard door opens to the right, but can be reversed. The noise level during operation does not exceed 40 dB.

GP 2733

Freezer compartment for storing large stocks of food with a useful volume of 226 liters. Thanks to an economical compressor that consumes no more than 189 kW/h of electricity per year, the model belongs to efficiency class A++. The device is capable of freezing up to 22 kg of food per day. The climate class SN-T allows the unit to be used both during frosts and in the summer heat. Autonomous operation is supported for up to 28 hours.

The chamber consists of one large compartment with removable shelves and 7 spacious drawers made of heat-resistant plastic. If space is required for large semi-finished products, the shelves and drawers can be easily removed. To preserve the appearance and beneficial properties of products, the SuperFrost fast freezing function is provided. The door can be hung on any side convenient for the user.

The model has electronic control, with which you can quickly and accurately set the temperature. All necessary information is displayed on the LCD display. Particular attention is paid to safety. There is a child lock feature, and when the temperature in the chamber rises, a light alarm goes off. Model dimensions - 165x60x64 cm. Noise level during operation - 40 dB.

Handle problem

Unfortunately, today this problem is typical not only for Liebherr, but also for other major refrigerator manufacturers: while there are practically no complaints about the unit itself, there are plenty of questions about its handles (which break during operation). (By the way, the company we are considering probably has fewer such complaints than others.)

Why, given the high market reputation of the Liebherr company, does the refrigerator handle still break? What are the reasons for this phenomenon? Indeed, in modern refrigerators the handle does not look like a “bastion of reliability”. After all, its working plastic fragment, half a centimeter thick, bears quite a significant load, especially when opening the freezer, the door of which tends to “stick” under the influence of the internal low temperature.

Have manufacturers, reputable companies, really left the problem of pens to chance?

Not at all. The indicated “bottleneck” is not a design defect of the handle, but a violation of the production technology of the plastic from which it is made. As you know, when assembled by the orthodox German manufacturer Liebherr, the refrigerator handle must be marked with the type of plastic. It is the material approved by technologists that ensures the normal functioning of this part and frees users from unnecessary headaches. Cautious people on the eve of the purchase clarify this point and be sure to conduct a “face control” of the original marked handles. Agree that this prevention reduces the likelihood that you will come across the specified part of poor quality.

The reason for the defect was generated by the “subsidiaries” of the parent company, namely their careless performance of the function of localizing production, i.e., manufacturing some components in-house. Perhaps homegrown technologists are sending the wrong plastic to the injection molding machine.

What to do if, after purchasing a Liebherr unit, the handle for the refrigerator still breaks. There are two ways: contact the warranty repair line (a shorter route, but you will get a pen of the same quality) or take the trouble to take a photograph of the breakdown, send it with a letter to the parent company and wait for the parcel with the original pen.

Repair

An indispensable point in the description of the operation of any equipment, including a refrigerator, is repair and maintenance. It should be noted that the company discussed in this article has organized servicing of its equipment with maximum convenience for the client.

Let's start with the fact that when purchasing a refrigerator, its owner receives a branded warranty card valid for two years. In addition, these coupons establish in advance that repairs of Liebherr refrigerators will be carried out by specific service centers. To confirm this, already upon purchase, a service stamp is affixed to the coupon, to which the refrigerator is assigned. The manufacturer has entered into contracts with such repair companies to provide high-quality spare parts. They will be supplied with the documentation necessary for high-quality repairs. Such services are equipped with proprietary equipment for high-quality diagnostics.

Arriving at the customer’s home with the necessary set of equipment, the repairman in 97% of cases completes the required set of works at one time. It performs the following steps required to restore the refrigerator’s functionality:

— replaces or repairs electronic units, refrigerator compressor;

— replaces the electric fan, condenser, evaporator, timer and heater, filter drier, temperature sensor;

— refills the Liebherr refrigerator with freon;

— cleans and replaces capillary pipes;

— makes optimal system settings;

— eliminates increased noise and humidity.

If, however, your refrigerator needs to be transported to a service center for repairs, then, according to Liebherr’s consumer policy, you will be provided with another one in exchange for the duration of the repair.