Indesit refrigerators: specifics of Indesit brand refrigeration equipment

The Indesit company has long and successfully sold large household appliances in Russia. To choose the right Indesit refrigerator, you need to understand the basic technical parameters and available technologies. This equipment also has obvious disadvantages, information about which must be analyzed before purchasing.

Model range and main parameters

Most refrigerators sold in Russia are designed according to the classic two-chamber version with the freezer compartment located under the refrigerator. Models from Indesit are unified in width and depth (60 x 64 cm). There are three height options: 167, 185 and 200 cm.

Refrigerators with the Indesit logo are produced with a standard width, which somewhat limits buyers. Models vary in depth, height, technical equipment, design

The capacity of the freezer compartments for models in the name of which the second letter “F” is 75 liters, and “S” is 87 liters. The capacity of the refrigerator compartment depends on the height:

• 167 cm: 181 or 182 liters;
• 185 cm: 223 liters;
• 200 cm: 249 or 252 liters.

Most refrigerators in this line are equipped with hidden door handles.

The hidden type of refrigerator handles allows large appliances to fit better into the kitchen space. You can't accidentally hit them

Models with a top freezer also have a fixed width and depth (60 x 62 cm) and three height options: 145, 167 and 185 cm. The size of the refrigeration compartments is approximately the same as that of “classic type” devices, and the parameters of the freezers - significantly less. Volumes depend on the height of the refrigerator:

• 145 cm: 194 / 51 liters;
• 167 cm: 245 / 51 liters;
• 185 cm: 253 / 73 liters.

Low single-door two-chamber refrigerators are available in models with a height of 85 and 125 cm, with chamber volumes of 106/14 and 182/28 liters.

The only model of a built-in two-chamber refrigerator has a height of 177 cm, and a width and depth of 54 cm.

Freezers are available in models with heights of 100 and 167 cm and volumes ranging from 118 to 245 liters.

Indesit freezers are not highly efficient: their energy consumption class is quite low - “B” or “D”. Competitors' refrigeration equipment is more economical

The color range of Indesit equipment is not rich; in the model name, the color is encrypted in the last characters. Refrigerators and freezers can be painted as follows:

• “D”, “W” or no symbols – shades of white;
• “S”, “SB”, “SD” – shades of silver;
• “M”, “RM” – shades of steel;
• “E” – pink-white;
• "T" - tick.

Wood-look painting is used for both single-chamber and double-chamber models. This design allows the unit to fit into a kitchen set without embedding or using cladding.

Refrigerators with a surface stylized as solid wood panels allow you to eliminate the need for embedding while perfectly combining with kitchen furniture

Advantages and disadvantages of the manufacturer

The manufacturer does not position its products as innovative. Here they try to pay more attention to ease of use and durability.

Among the advantages of standard Indesit refrigeration equipment, it is important to emphasize:

1. A wide range of. You can choose from both compact and large models, the volume of which reaches 359 liters.
2. Design. Details of household appliances are designed in a minimalist style. The color range is predominantly white, but there are models in silver, brown and gray.
3. Low noise level.
4. Long working life. According to consumer reviews, proper operation and care allows Indesit refrigerators to operate without breakdowns for 20-25 years.
5. Low power consumption. According to the characteristics, all models of household appliances belong to energy consumption class B and higher.

It is important to point out several disadvantages that may affect the choice of device:

1. Unpleasant plastic smell. This feature is present in most refrigerators of this brand. Over time, the smell becomes weaker and then disappears completely.
2. During assembly, the manufacturer uses parts not from its own production, but from other companies. This leads to the fact that products of the same model may differ in operation.
3. The occurrence of vibration. Some devices may vibrate during operation due to the characteristics of the compressor. Additional settings will help solve the problem.

View » How to turn on the refrigerator correctly and after how long after defrosting

Application of modern solutions and technologies

Indesit does not position its equipment as having any innovative solutions, fashion trends or exclusive design. Nevertheless, technologies that have already become classic are present in the functionality of refrigerators and freezers.

There is a temperature gradient in the refrigeration compartments: at the top the air temperature is about 00C, and at the bottom of the chamber it is about 50C. Thus, the zones of best content of different types of products have been identified.

“Sliding System” fastening system allows for the shelves to be pulled forward 7 centimeters. This allows you to find and remove products located at the back wall when the refrigerator is densely filled. In some models, the shelves can be placed at a height convenient for the consumer, which allows you to easily accommodate a voluminous dish.

There are grooves on the sides of the refrigerator that are intended for installing shelves. This will allow the user to adjust their placement and create zones of the desired height

“Total no Frost” technology is supported by some models, which eliminates the need for manual defrosting. Low Frost system is simpler and less energy-intensive. It significantly slows down the growth of frost on the chamber walls, which reduces the frequency of necessary preventive maintenance in the form of turning off the refrigerator to defrost and dry the chambers.

Some models are equipped with mechanical controls, and some with touch controls. In both cases, the functions of enabling rapid temperature reduction modes in the refrigerator ( Push & Cool ) and freezer ( Push & Freeze ) compartments are available.

The company produces refrigerators with both electromechanical and electronic control types. The second is more convenient to use, but more sensitive to moisture and violations of the rules of use

The system for changing the position of the shelves on the MySpace allows you to more economically use the chamber space depending on the geometric parameters of the products often placed there. This design feature is typical only for built-in models.

What to look for when buying Indesit refrigerators

When purchasing a refrigerator, you should study and compare several criteria:

• What type of control does the unit have - electronic or electromechanical? Both can be controlled using either a knob or a touch screen, but they send signals to the motor device differently. When you turn the knob (or press a button on the screen), the electromechanical regulator changes the amount of cold air entering the chambers - this is the mechanical part of the effect. Then, depending on this, the electrics are activated: contacts are switched, pressure in certain units of the unit changes, and the compressor is turned on or off. This type of control is considered simpler and more reliable. With the electronic type, the effect occurs through signal transmission to sensors located in the chambers. They, in turn, analyze the conditions of the internal space of the refrigerator and send information to the relay, from where the signal is transmitted to the compressor motor. Indesit refrigerators are mostly equipped with an electromechanical control type.
• Amount of energy consumed . It is indicated by letters; the most economical option would be to purchase a refrigerator with consumption type A+. Indesit has many models of this class, and the range of units by type of energy consumption starts with class B, which is also a fairly economical option.
• Power . The larger it is, the faster the food will be cooled and frozen, but it should be remembered that with high power, energy consumption increases.
• How long can a refrigerator stay cold without being plugged in ? This parameter depends on the quality of the insulating material used. Indesit units are distinguished by their ability to retain cold inside the chambers for a long time.
• Type of chamber defrosting . At the moment, there are several types: – regular – requires regular complete defrosting; – drip – frost freezes only on the back wall of the refrigerator and when the compressor is turned off, it defrosts and flows into a special recess; the freezer needs to be cleaned independently; – “No Frost” – distributes the cold throughout the chamber using fans, which allows you to completely get rid of ice in the refrigerator compartment, and the freezer will have to be defrosted; – “Low Frost” – allows you to limit the formation of ice in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
• Chamber volume . For a large family, you need to store more food, and there is no need for one person to overpay for cooling a huge chamber if he only takes up a couple of shelves.
• Noisiness . This factor can be important if the refrigerator is planned to be placed not in the kitchen, but near the place of rest.
• Dimensions . Refrigerators can be either large and have 2 or more chambers, or they can be a small minibar or be built into a kitchen cabinet.
• Additional devices . For example, an ice maker, which will be a useful addition for lovers of cold cocktails.

Main pros and cons

The main advantage of refrigerators produced by Indesit is their low price compared to similar models from competing companies. Initially positioning its equipment in Russia as budget, Indesit minimized functionality and purchased cheap parts for the production of refrigerators. This leads to the disadvantages that users note.

Like most refrigerator components, the Total no Frost defrost timer is made in China. The quality of such products leaves much to be desired

Cost comparison of one-size models

Indesit is one of the first foreign companies to establish itself in the Russian home appliances market. The construction of the Stinol plant in the Lipetsk region for the production of refrigerators of the same name was decided back in 1988. With the arrival of serious competitors, the company's management set a course to maintain positions in the lower price niche.

If we take companies such as LG or Liebherr, whose products are rightfully considered to be of high quality, then Indesit equipment definitely wins in terms of cost:

• Indesit ES 20: capacity 341 liters, price about 15,000 rubles;
• LG GA-B499: capacity 360 liters, price about 34,000 rubles;
• Liebherr Cef 4025: capacity 357 liters, price about 37,000 rubles.

But even among models in the lower price segment, Indesit is slightly ahead of its main competitors:

• Indesit ES 20: capacity 341 liters, price about 15,000 rubles;
• Atlant XM 4307: capacity 359 liters, price about 15,600 rubles;
• Pozis RK-149: capacity 370 liters, price about 18,300 rubles;
• Bosch KGV36XW20R: capacity 319 liters, price about 24,000 rubles;
• Kraft KFHD-400RINF: capacity 323 liters, price about 27,000 rubles.

The minimum functionality present in Indesit equipment allows for high-quality storage of products and meets the needs of the user, if there is no need to create any special conditions. On the other hand, refrigerators do not have many common options that make maintenance easy and certain operations simpler.

The refrigerator control panel is easy to understand. Sometimes setting modes occurs only once during the entire operation of the device. This is due to the lack of numerous and sometimes unnecessary functions for the user

Electronic control problems

One of the biggest problems with refrigerators is the unreliability of the electronics. Indesit does not have its own production facilities, which its diversified competitors have: LG, Samsung, Mitsubishi Electric, Haier, etc. Therefore, it is forced to purchase parts and entire boards from third-party manufacturers.

So far, Indesit has not been able to achieve acceptable quality of electronics for its equipment. This applies not only to refrigerators, but also to washing machines. The main problem is the rapid aging of control and power board elements (fatigue effect).

Indesit does not produce electronics for controlling refrigerators, but purchases boards and devices from third-party manufacturers. They are often the first to fail

Irreversible changes in the dielectric material lead to the inoperability of the capacitor, which leads to failure or incorrect operation of the entire circuit. Overheating and broken contacts also cause the problem.

The problem is often exacerbated by poor quality services provided by electricity suppliers. Voltage surges and frequent outages have a bad effect on capacitors and contacts. The use of external stabilizers and input filters by the consumer can significantly extend the operating life of the electronics.

Refrigerator service specialists recommend choosing electromechanical control for models manufactured by Indesit. Since the functionality of the equipment is very meager, there is no particular need for an electronic control unit with a touch screen. Moreover, its design is not distinguished by sophistication.

Indesit delegates to Chinese companies the creation of electronic modules for controlling refrigerator functions. Unreliability of board components is one of the biggest problems accompanying the company's household appliances

Low quality housing and parts

The minimum cost of Indesit refrigeration equipment is achieved not only due to the absence of customs payments due to the transfer of assembly to Russia, but also due to the use of cheap materials for the manufacture of refrigerators and components installed in them.

The body of the refrigerator is made of not very hard metal, so you should not store heavy objects on the device, otherwise it may become distorted. The inner drawers are made of inexpensive plastic and when fully loaded they bend slightly. There are no such complaints about shelves made of glass or fiberglass.

According to the owners of Indesit refrigeration equipment and the approval of repairmen, the company should use more durable plastic in the production of pull-out containers and trays attached to the door

The build quality is generally normal: there is no mass consumer dissatisfaction about this. There are isolated cases of outright defects, but this can be observed in equipment from any manufacturer.

Equipment components from Indesit fail more often than those from “top” brands such as Miele, Liebherr or Samsung. This applies to both large parts - the compressor and evaporator, and small ones - sensors or relays. The only advantage is the widespread availability of cheap, both original and compatible spare parts for refrigerators of this common brand.

Recommendations for selection

1. To minimize participation in the operation of household appliances, it is necessary to select models with automated defrosting. Of course, the noise impact of such devices is higher, but the owner cleans the unit no more than once a year.
2. According to reviews from users and service engineers, the drip system in Indesit is low efficient and often becomes clogged, which leads to the formation of puddles at the bottom of the device. At the same time, the manual thawing method shows positive aspects and requires participation up to once every 60 days.
3. The autonomous cold storage function implies a period during which the equipment is maintained at sub-zero temperatures. This option is relevant for apartments and houses where frequent unplanned power outages occur. For example, devices with maximum parameters are suitable for dachas. Additionally, you can connect the device to batteries.

Watch the video review of the Indesit refrigerator from the master

Basic guidelines for choosing wisely

The list below includes models that are most often found on sale in large stores selling electronics and household appliances, and also have a positive rating based on customer reviews.

Based on the capacity of the refrigerator and freezer compartments, you can choose a model that will suit a family of up to five people. If you need to store more products, it is sometimes better to purchase two separate refrigerators rather than one large one.

Among devices with a classic bottom freezer position, the following models are leaders in their volume segments:

• Height 167 cm: model EF 16. Mechanical control. There is a “Total no Frost” function for both compartments. Energy class "A".
• Height 185 cm: model EF 18. Parameters are completely similar to the previous model.
• Height 200 cm: model ES 20. Mechanical control. Automatic defrosting of the refrigerator and manual defrosting of the freezer have been implemented. Energy class "B".

Thus, it can be stated that the simplest, cheapest models are the most popular.

Among low-size countertop refrigerators, the most commonly sold model is the TT 85 in teak. The control is mechanical, the chamber defrosting system is automatic. Energy class "B".

Refrigerators with a bottom-mounted freezer receive far fewer complaints than units with a top-mounted freezer, so it’s better to prefer this option

Top freezer refrigerators from Indesit receive a lot of negative reviews. The only model that has surpassed the mark of 4 points out of 5 is ST 167. This is also a simple device with mechanical control, energy consumption class “B” and the absence of the “Total no Frost” function.

Freezers from Indesit are also in demand. Model SFR 100 with mechanical control and energy class “B”, as well as freezers SFR 167 NF C with three drawers and four compartments, touch screen control and energy class “C”.

Basic criteria for choosing a refrigerator

When choosing which refrigerator is best to buy from Indesit, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the technical characteristics of the product:

1. The size and volume of equipment matters when you have a small kitchen space.
2. Defrosting in modern devices is carried out automatically or semi-automatically.
3. Noise range - rare models of the brand are subject to levels above 46 dB.
4. The climate class tells the owner what temperature should be maintained in the room where the device is planned to be installed. There are 4 categories:
   N - 16-32°C;
5. SN - 10-32°C;
6. ST - 18-38°C;
7. T - 18-43°C.
8. Energy efficiency class in Indesit devices A or A+.

Popular models of Indesit refrigerators

Let's consider several models from the Italian manufacturer that have earned the attention of buyers and recognition of owners. The units given as an example are sold well by online trading systems and are successful in offline networks.

Refrigerator #1: Indesit DF 5200 W

The white two-chamber unit Indesit DF 5200 W offers potential owners a useful volume of 328 liters, of which 75 liters are allocated for the freezer. Its height is exactly 2 m, depth 64 cm. The freezer compartment is located at the bottom.

Both chambers are cooled in accordance with No Frost technology, therefore, owners will not need to constantly defrost them to remove the ice coat. It is controlled electronically and has a display to monitor performance. The unit warns you with a sound when the door is open.

If the power supply is turned off, the refrigerator will independently maintain the temperature for another 13 hours. The list of additional useful features includes super cooling with super freezing. According to energy saving criteria, the model is assigned class A.

Refrigerator #2: Indesit DF 4180 W

DF 4180 W is a two-chamber refrigerator in white classic color with a height of 185 cm and a depth of 64 cm. Future owners will be pleased with the unit with a useful volume of 302 liters, of which 75 liters are occupied by the freezer located below.

The freezer and refrigeration compartments of the unit are cooled in accordance with the principles of No Frost, which means that you will not have to defrost it more than once or twice a year. Thanks to stable air circulation, there is no condensation or snow coats inside, which are typical for drip refrigeration systems.

The model is controlled by an electromechanical system. There is no display, but there is the ability to maintain the temperature required for food after a power outage for 13 hours. The refrigerator can super freeze. Class A according to energy consumption data.

Refrigerator #3: Indesit DF 5200 S

The spectacular Indesit DF 5200 S model is made in silver-gray tones. The height of the housing is 2 m, its depth is 64 cm. The useful volume of the refrigeration unit is 328 liters. Freezer capacity 75 liters.

The refrigerator section and freezer are cooled according to the No Frost system, i.e. Both chambers do not require forced defrosting. You can defrost it literally once a year for sanitary and hygienic purposes.

The control is electronic; there is a built-in display on the door to monitor the operation of the refrigerator. The model retains cold for up to 13 hours after a power outage. The list of useful options includes the ability to perform super cooling and super freezing. According to energy consumption testing, the unit is assigned class A.

Refrigerator #4: Indesit EF 18

The white two-chamber model EF 18 with a bottom freezer offers 298 liters of usable space. The height of the body is 185 cm, the depth of the unit is 64 cm. The volume of the freezer compartment is 75 liters.

Both chambers are cooled using No Frost technology. The model is controlled by an electromechanical system. It will keep food at the required temperature after a power outage for up to 13 hours.

Among the useful additions is the super freeze function. According to the criteria for economical energy consumption, this refrigerator is classified as Class A equipment.

Refrigerator #5: Indesit TT 85 T

The height of the single-chamber model Indesit TT 85 T is only 82 cm, the depth is 62 cm. With the indicated dimensions, the refrigerator has a useful volume of 119 liters. The freezer compartment, separated from the general space by a plastic curtain, is allocated only 14 liters. The unit develops a minimum temperature of - 12º C.

The unit is cooled according to the principles of a “crying” system. It must be defrosted manually; defrosting is carried out at the frequency specified by the manufacturer. The electromechanical type control is simple and extremely reliable, rarely causing trouble for its owners.

The color of the case, which imitates the structure and color of a panel made of natural wood, is considered to be an attractive side. Metal shelves. According to the results of a study of energy consumption, the refrigerator received class B - not the most economical option. Probably, the manufacturer assumed that this type of equipment would be turned on infrequently, only when living in a country house.

Please note that the listed models were not ranked according to quality indicators. There were no surveys of refrigeration technicians involved in appliance repair. The result is presented based on data on sales intensity.

Best lists

Having considered the TOP 10 most popular Indesit models for 2019-2020, we will choose among them the best in terms of price and quality. I propose two categories for consideration:

• the best Indesit refrigerator with No Frost and mechanical control;
• the best Indesit refrigerator with No Frost and automatic control.

The best Indesit refrigerator with No Frost and mechanical control

This category includes the ITF016W refrigerator with electronic control and the NoFrost system on both chambers. The unit has one compressor. Fans distribute cooled air and moisture evenly throughout the freezer and refrigerator compartment.

The model is simple without unnecessary functions, but has everything you need. Size 60x64x167 (WxDxH), which is quite enough for a family of 2-3 people. In the upper part there are three shelves made of tempered glass with a plastic rim. Two of them are adjustable in height and extend by 7 cm for more convenient distribution of products.

Thanks to the fans in the upper part of the refrigerator, the temperature is lower and reaches about zero degrees, and in the lower part there is more moisture and the temperature is + 5 C. All this contributes to the correct observance of storage conditions. The freezer has three transparent pull-out containers.

The door is reversible. The unit can be operated at temperatures from +16 to +38 C.

The best Indesit refrigerator with No Frost and automatic control

Among the best Indesit refrigerators with No Frost and electronic control, the ITF118W model can be distinguished from the TOP 10. It perfectly combines functionality, quality and price. The height of the unit is 185 cm, and the internal volume is 298 l, where the upper chamber is 223 l and the lower chamber is 75 l. This is quite enough for the average family.

The No Frost system is complete, that is, for the refrigeration and freezing parts. There is only one compressor. The cooled air is distributed evenly thanks to the built-in fans. That is why the optimal temperature ratio for storing different types of products is achieved in the chambers. It is worth considering that the air in the upper part of the refrigerator compartment is colder than in the lower part. Therefore, there is an area below for storing vegetables, fruits and refrigeration.

The refrigerator section has three pull-out and adjustable shelves. They are made of tempered glass and can withstand weight up to 20 kg. They have a plastic edging, which prevents liquid from leaking out when spilled.

The door has 4 shelves, the bottom one is wider and has a special insert for holding bottles and other small packaging. The freezer has three pull-out transparent containers. Bottom tray with ribs for liquid accumulation.

The control is electronic at the top of the door in the form of a display. You can adjust the temperature of the chambers on it. There is a sound and light signal for door opening and unit malfunctions.