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The Smeg FAB38RWHAU is a very large, freestanding bottom-freezer refrigerator with 1950s-inspired styling, frost-free cooling and a dedicated 0°C drawer. It can suit a household that prioritises appearance and storage, but the exact RWHAU model is a discontinued Australian suffix. Smeg’s current white equivalent is the FAB38RWH5AU, listed at $4,990 and shown as out of stock on Smeg Australia’s product page.
That distinction matters because the two records have different capacities and energy figures. CHOICE’s 2021 record for the FAB38RWHAU lists 504 L total volume, 569 kWh/year and a two-star rating, while the current FAB38RWH5AU specification lists 481.1 L and 328 kWh/year with an E energy class. Treat any old-stock listing as a specific model check, not as proof of current performance.
What is the Smeg FAB38RWHAU?
The FAB38RWHAU is a freestanding, white, bottom-freezer refrigerator from Smeg’s 50’s Style range. Its defining proposition is a combination of decorative retro design and full-size household capacity rather than a conventional appliance hidden behind cabinetry. The refrigerator compartment is above the freezer, so frequently used fresh food is closer to eye level, while frozen food is stored in lower drawers.
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CHOICE records the exact RWHAU suffix as a 2021-tested model made in Italy, with a listed price of $3,990 and a two-year warranty. CHOICE also marks that suffix as discontinued in Australia. Those details describe the older model record; they should not automatically be applied to the newer RWH5AU suffix or to a retailer’s current warranty terms.
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The FAB38 family is unusually tall and deep. It is better suited to a large kitchen, open-plan room or utility area with a planned delivery route than to a standard 600 mm integrated-refrigerator cavity. Measure the appliance, the doors and the route into the home before treating its capacity or appearance as a reason to buy.
How much can the FAB38 hold?
The answer depends on the suffix. The older FAB38RWHAU record and the current FAB38RWH5AU page report different storage figures, so a seller’s model label and energy sticker are more reliable than a generic “FAB38” description.
| Specification | FAB38RWHAU | FAB38RWH5AU |
|---|---|---|
| Total volume | 504 L, CHOICE 2021 test record | 481.1 L, Smeg Australia current listing |
| Claimed refrigerator volume | 315 L, CHOICE record | 343.7 L fresh-food storage, Smeg listing |
| Claimed freezer volume | 151 L, CHOICE record | 137.4 L frozen-food storage, Smeg listing |
| Freezer arrangement | Not stated in the CHOICE summary | Two drawers, glass shelves, fast-freezing compartment and manual ice maker |
The older record’s 504 L total and its 315 L refrigerator and 151 L freezer figures are reproduced as CHOICE reported them; the category figures do not add to the stated total, so do not use them to recalculate capacity. The current listing reports a smaller total volume but a larger fresh-food figure and a smaller frozen-food figure, indicating that the figures are not interchangeable across suffixes or measurement conventions.
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In practical terms, either model is intended for substantial weekly shopping. The layout is more useful for families who want a broad fresh-food section and separate freezer drawers than for someone who mainly stores frozen food. Shelves and drawers still consume space, so packaged volume should not be treated as the same thing as the number of usable shelves or containers.
What are the dimensions and clearance requirements?
Smeg’s current technical data for the FAB38RWH5AU gives a height of 2,050 mm, cabinet width of 706 mm and depth of 711 mm without the handle. Depth increases to 811 mm with the handle, and the listed door-open depth at 90 degrees is 1,340 mm.
| Measurement | Published value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 2,050 mm | Check ceiling height, overhead cabinets, cornices and the ability to tilt the appliance during delivery. |
| Width | 706 mm | A 600 mm cavity is too narrow; include side clearance required by the installation instructions. |
| Depth without handle | 711 mm | Use this for cabinet projection before the handle is fitted. |
| Depth with handle | 811 mm | Use this when checking walkways, island clearance and how far the door front projects. |
| Depth with door open to 90° | 1,340 mm | Confirm that drawers and shelves can open without striking a wall or adjacent cabinet. |
These are published external dimensions for the current RWH5AU technical specification. The available data does not provide a separate dimensional drawing for the discontinued RWHAU, so do not assume that an old unit has identical clearances.
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How to check whether it will fit
- Measure the finished floor-to-ceiling height at the installation position, including any unevenness, skirting or overhead trim.
- Measure the full delivery route: building entrance, gate, hallway, lift, stair landing and the kitchen opening. Compare the narrowest point with the appliance width and depth.
- Mark the 706 mm cabinet width and the 811 mm handle depth on the floor with tape. This shows the footprint more honestly than a product photograph.
- Check the 1,340 mm 90-degree door-open depth against a wall, island or adjacent appliance. A unit can fit into the room but still be unusable if a door cannot open far enough to remove drawers.
- Ask the seller or installer for the exact installation-clearance diagram for the suffix being delivered. The published headline dimensions do not replace manufacturer clearance requirements.
How does the cooling system work?
Smeg’s technical material describes Total No Frost, Multiflow air circulation, an inverter compressor and electronic temperature control. These are manufacturer-described features, not independent test results. Smeg states: “The Multiflow system ensures even distribution of cold air inside the refrigerator.”
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Total No Frost is intended to prevent routine ice build-up in the refrigerator and freezer compartments, removing the need for normal manual defrosting. It does not eliminate the need to keep vents clear, close doors properly or clean spills. Heavy frost, an obstructed vent or an alarm that will not clear is a service issue rather than an expected maintenance cycle.
Multiflow and inverter cooling
Multiflow distributes cold air through the fresh-food compartment, while the inverter compressor is designed to vary its operation rather than switch between only fixed states. The specification does not establish how evenly the appliance holds temperature in independent testing, how quickly it recovers after door openings or how quiet it is in a particular kitchen.
0°C Life Plus drawer
The Life Plus drawer is a dedicated 0°C zone for foods that benefit from colder fresh storage than the main refrigerator compartment. It can be useful for short-term storage of meat, fish or other highly perishable foods when you want them separated from ordinary produce. The drawer is not a freezer: do not treat it as a substitute for frozen storage or as permission to keep food indefinitely.
Fast freezing and alarms
The freezer includes a fast-freezing compartment, and the electronics provide a fast-freezing mode and temperature alarm. A door alarm can warn when a door is left open; a temperature alarm can alert you after a prolonged opening or a power interruption. The presence of an alarm does not guarantee that food remained at a safe temperature, so investigate the cause before resetting it.
What storage and convenience features are included?
- LED interior lighting is listed for the refrigerator compartment.
- One crisper drawer provides dedicated produce storage.
- The freezer layout has two drawers and glass shelves, giving separate zones for frequently used and longer-term frozen items.
- A manual ice maker is listed; the supplied material does not describe a plumbed water dispenser or automatic water connection.
- ECO mode is included for lower-demand operation, while electronic controls manage the set temperature.
Feature lists describe what the appliance is designed to provide. They do not show whether drawers feel smooth when loaded, whether shelves accommodate a particular container or whether the alarm is audible from another room. Those are sensible points to inspect in a showroom or confirm with an authorised service provider.
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How much electricity does it use, and how loud is it?
The energy figures differ sharply between the two suffix records and must not be blended. CHOICE’s 2021 record for the FAB38RWHAU lists 569 kWh per year and two stars. Smeg’s current FAB38RWH5AU specification lists 328 kWh per year, energy class E and a declared noise level of 41 dB(A).
| Model record | Annual energy figure | Energy label/class | Noise | Evidence and date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAB38RWHAU | 569 kWh/year | 2 stars | Independent result not stated in the public summary | CHOICE 2021 record |
| FAB38RWH5AU | 328 kWh/year | Class E | 41 dB(A) declared | Smeg Australia current technical data |
These numbers are not a controlled before-and-after efficiency comparison. They belong to different model suffixes and source records, and energy labels can reflect different rating methods and test conditions. If running cost matters, read the energy label attached to the exact appliance, record its kWh/year figure and use your local electricity tariff to estimate annual cost.
The 41 dB(A) figure is a published declaration for the current RWH5AU. CHOICE confirms that it performed expert noise testing on the older model but keeps the result behind member access; no public score should be inferred from the 41 dB(A) specification or from the compressor type.
What is the difference between FAB38RWHAU and FAB38RWH5AU?
The suffix is not a cosmetic spelling variation. The RWHAU is the older discontinued Australian record, while RWH5AU is Smeg’s current white listing. Capacity, energy data, price and availability should therefore be checked separately.
| Buying question | FAB38RWHAU | FAB38RWH5AU |
|---|---|---|
| Australian status | CHOICE marks it discontinued | Smeg Australia lists it as the current white model, but the page shows out of stock |
| Recorded/listed price | $3,990 in CHOICE’s 2021 record | $4,990 list price on Smeg Australia’s current page |
| Total capacity | 504 L in CHOICE’s record | 481.1 L on Smeg’s listing |
| Fresh/freezer figures | 315 L refrigerator and 151 L freezer claimed by CHOICE | 343.7 L fresh food and 137.4 L frozen storage |
| Energy | 569 kWh/year, 2 stars, CHOICE 2021 record | 328 kWh/year, class E, Smeg current specification |
| Warranty | Two years in the CHOICE record | Not stated in the supplied current specification; confirm the seller’s written terms |
Ask a retailer to put the full model code on the invoice. “FAB38” alone is not enough to establish which capacity, energy label, warranty or service documentation applies.
Is the FAB38RWHAU worth buying?
It can be worthwhile when the buyer values distinctive styling, a very large cabinet and specialised fresh-food storage more than compact dimensions or the newest energy record. It is a poor fit when the kitchen cannot accommodate a 2,050 mm-tall, 811 mm-deep appliance, when low running costs are the overriding priority or when the seller cannot document the exact suffix and warranty.
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| Potential advantage | What it means in practice | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Retro design | A visible statement appliance rather than an integrated look | Appearance is subjective and may dominate the kitchen layout. |
| Large overall storage | Suitable for substantial grocery loads | Reported capacity differs between RWHAU and RWH5AU. |
| 0°C drawer | Separate cold zone for short-term fresh-food storage | It is not a freezer and does not replace safe food-handling practices. |
| No Frost | Less routine defrosting | Vents, seals and shelves still need cleaning and inspection. |
| Fast freezing and alarms | Useful after a large shop and during a door-left-open event | These are feature claims, not independent speed or alarm-audibility results. |
The most important trade-off is not a minor feature omission; it is uncertainty around old stock. A discounted RWHAU may look attractive beside the current list price, but a buyer should account for discontinued-model parts, warranty handling, energy consumption and the possibility that the unit has been stored for a long time.
Is the FAB38RWHAU still available in Australia?
The exact RWHAU suffix is recorded as discontinued by CHOICE. Smeg’s current Australian white listing is FAB38RWH5AU, with a $4,990 list price, but that official page currently marks it out of stock. Availability can change by retailer, so an online listing is not proof that a unit is new, authorised or covered by the current Australian warranty.
For any claimed RWHAU stock, request a photograph of the rating plate, the full suffix, the energy label, the purchase invoice and the written warranty. Confirm whether the refrigerator is unused, ex-display, refurbished or previously installed, and ask who will provide parts and service after delivery.
What does CHOICE’s independent testing tell you?
CHOICE confirms that it conducted expert testing and records the older model’s volume, energy figure, star rating, price, warranty and Italian origin. However, its public summary withholds the Expert Rating, temperature-performance scores, reliability, owner satisfaction and noise test result behind member access.
That limitation is important. The Smeg feature list can establish that the refrigerator has Total No Frost, Multiflow, an inverter compressor and a 0°C drawer; it cannot establish how tightly temperatures are maintained, how quickly the cabinet recovers or how owners rate reliability. Use the published figures as specifications, and treat any performance decision as conditional unless you can access the complete test or inspect the appliance yourself.
What should you check before ordering or accepting delivery?
- Match the suffix. Ensure the quote, invoice, carton and rating plate all say FAB38RWHAU or FAB38RWH5AU as agreed. Do not accept “FAB38” as a complete identification.
- Verify the energy label. Record the exact kWh/year and star or class rating on the delivered unit. The older 569 kWh/year, two-star record is not the current RWH5AU specification.
- Re-measure the route. Include the 2,050 mm height, 706 mm width, 811 mm handle depth and 1,340 mm 90-degree door-open depth where applicable.
- Confirm service terms. For discontinued stock, get the warranty period, service contact, parts policy and return process in writing before paying.
- Inspect for transport damage. Check doors, handles, seals, cabinet corners, shelves and drawers before the delivery team leaves. Photograph damage and note it on the delivery record.
- Allow the appliance to settle as instructed. Follow the installation and start-up directions supplied with the exact unit rather than relying on a generic FAB38 guide.
- Test the basics. Confirm that both freezer drawers travel freely, the manual ice maker is present, the LED light works, the display responds and door or temperature alarms clear after the cause is removed.
How should you use and maintain it?
Keep internal air outlets unobstructed so the Multiflow system can circulate air. Avoid packing the 0°C drawer so tightly that cold air cannot move around its contents, and use the freezer’s fast-freezing mode only when you have a genuine need to freeze a fresh load. Close doors fully and investigate repeated alarms rather than silencing them indefinitely.
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Clean spills promptly, wipe door seals and inspect them for gaps, and keep the cabinet level so doors close correctly. Total No Frost reduces defrost work but does not remove ordinary refrigerator maintenance. If the temperature alarm persists, the compressor runs continuously, or frost appears where it should not, record the display message and contact the authorised service channel for the exact suffix.
What is the final buying verdict?
Choose the FAB38 family for its retro appearance, generous full-size storage, 0°C fresh zone and frost-free feature set, provided your room and delivery path can handle its exceptional height and depth. Do not buy an alleged FAB38RWHAU solely because it is discounted: the suffix is discontinued, its CHOICE record shows 569 kWh/year and two stars, and current Australian information belongs to the different FAB38RWH5AU.
The sensible decision is to verify the model plate, energy label, dimensions, stock condition and warranty before committing. If those checks pass and the styling is central to your kitchen, the appliance has a clear niche; if they do not, wait for documented RWH5AU stock or choose a refrigerator with clearer current availability and a more compact fit.
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Does the FAB38 have a plumbed water dispenser?
The published freezer description mentions a manual ice maker, but it does not list a plumbed water dispenser or automatic water connection. Ask the seller to confirm the exact delivered configuration if a dispenser is important to you.
Will this refrigerator fit in a standard 600 mm kitchen opening?
No: the current RWH5AU specification gives a 706 mm cabinet width before any installation clearances are added. A 600 mm opening would need redesigning, not merely removing the handle.
How can I tell whether an online listing is really the discontinued RWHAU?
Request a clear photograph of the rating plate and energy label, then match the complete suffix on the invoice and carton. A listing titled only “FAB38” does not establish whether it is RWHAU or RWH5AU.
Does the 0°C drawer freeze food?
It is a chilled fresh-food zone, not a freezer compartment. Use the dedicated freezer drawers for frozen storage and follow the temperature guidance supplied with the appliance.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
