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The Smeg FAB38RPGAU is a very large, Italian-designed, 1950s-style bottom-mount refrigerator/freezer in pastel green. It can make sense only if you specifically want its retro appearance and find a genuinely good, supported example at a sensible delivered price. It is a discontinued model, and its published energy performance—569 kWh per year and two stars—is far behind the newer FAB38 5AU generation at 328 kWh per year and 4.5 stars.
That difference matters more than the similar model names. The old refrigerator offers about 504–510 litres of stated capacity, frost-free operation and a useful zero-degree drawer, but it is wide, tall, deep and expensive to run. Treat any remaining stock as an old-model purchase: verify the exact suffix, condition, warranty, refrigerant compliance and service support before paying.
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Is the Smeg FAB38RPGAU worth it?
It is worth considering only for buyers who place a high value on the pastel-green design and very large storage, and who accept higher electricity use and discontinued-model risk. For a practical replacement, the newer FAB38 5AU generation is materially more efficient and should be the starting point for comparison.
Signature Appliances and CHOICE list the FAB38RPGAU as discontinued. CHOICE’s historical product record shows a price of $3,990 in its 2021 review record, not a current retail price. A listing that still uses that model number may be old inventory, a display unit, an imported unit or a used appliance, so the seller’s condition and warranty are as important as the badge on the door.
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- Best reason to buy: distinctive pastel-green styling combined with roughly 500 litres of storage.
- Largest drawback: 569 kWh/year and a two-star rating for the exact old model.
- Biggest practical risk: discontinued status can make warranty, parts and future service dependent on the seller and local availability.
- Who should skip it: anyone prioritising low running costs, a current model warranty or easy replacement of the appliance in the future.
What exactly is the FAB38RPGAU, and is it still available?
The FAB38RPGAU is a bottom-mount refrigerator/freezer from Smeg’s FAB retro-styled range. The “AU” suffix identifies the Australian-market model designation used in the documents cited by Smeg Australia and CHOICE. Its appearance is based on a 1950s aesthetic, with a pastel-green finish, but the appliance is a full-size modern refrigerator rather than a compact decorative unit.
Availability is the key qualification. Both Signature Appliances and CHOICE identify this exact model as discontinued. That does not mean every physical unit has disappeared; it means buyers should not assume there is continuing factory production or a normal current-model supply chain. Ask for the manufacturing or delivery date, whether the unit is new old stock, ex-display or used, and who will handle a fault after delivery.
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How can I confirm the listing is really the RPGAU?
Read the complete model code on the rating plate or invoice. FAB38 variants have different finishes and suffixes, and the newer FAB38RPG5AU is not an energy-equivalent replacement despite the similar name. Photograph the rating plate, energy label and serial number before purchase, then have the seller confirm those details in writing.
How much storage does the FAB38RPGAU have?
Smeg’s 2020 technical sheet gives 510 litres of gross capacity. CHOICE’s 2021 product record reports 504 litres of total volume. Retailer descriptions commonly split that space into about 355 litres for the refrigerator and approximately 151–155 litres for the freezer.
The 6-litre difference between 510 and 504 litres is a measurement-convention issue, not evidence that one source describes a different appliance. Gross capacity can include spaces that are excluded from a declared or tested usable-volume figure. When comparing models, use the same convention on both sides and pay attention to the refrigerator/freezer split, not just the headline total.
| Capacity figure | What it represents | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| 510 L | Gross capacity | Smeg Australia technical sheet, 2020 |
| 504 L | Total volume in the product record | CHOICE, 2021 |
| About 355 L | Retailer-stated refrigerator compartment | Retailer listings; exact listing figures vary |
| About 151–155 L | Retailer-stated freezer compartment | Retailer listings; exact listing figures vary |
In practical terms, the cabinet is aimed at households that routinely buy fresh food in bulk or need a large freezer compartment. The useful comparison is whether the split suits your habits: a household that freezes little may value the refrigerator volume more than the nominal total, while batch cooks may need every available freezer shelf and drawer.
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What are the FAB38RPGAU’s energy use and running costs?
The exact FAB38RPGAU is listed at 569 kilowatt-hours per year and two stars in Smeg Australia’s 2020 material and CHOICE’s 2021 record. Those figures describe the old model, not the later FAB38 5AU generation. The annual electricity cost is your local electricity tariff multiplied by 569 kWh; use the tariff printed on your bill rather than a generic online estimate.
For example, the calculation is 569 × your tariff per kWh. If your retailer charges different peak, shoulder or controlled-load rates, use the rate that actually applies to the socket supplying the refrigerator. The label figure is a standardised annual estimate, so real consumption can change with room temperature, door openings, food temperature, thermostat settings, ventilation and how often the fast-freezing function is used.
| Model | Annual energy figure | Energy rating | Noise figure | Model status in the supplied records |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAB38RPGAU | 569 kWh/year | 2 stars | 42 dBA | Discontinued old model |
| FAB38RPG5AU / FAB38 5AU generation | 328 kWh/year | 4.5 stars | 41 dBA | Newer generation |
The difference is 241 kWh per year on the published figures. That is a recurring operating difference, so a lower purchase price on old stock can be offset over time by electricity costs. Do not substitute the 5AU number for the RPGAU when estimating a particular unit’s bill.
How does the FAB38RPGAU compare with the newer FAB38RPG5AU?
The newer 5AU generation is the better technical choice for most buyers: it uses less published energy, carries a higher star rating and is slightly quieter. It also has a smaller stated storage volume, so the decision is not simply “old versus new”; it is a trade-off between capacity, styling, efficiency and availability.
| Specification | FAB38RPGAU | FAB38RPG5AU / 5AU generation | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stated capacity | 510 L gross; CHOICE reports 504 L total | 481 L storage | The old model offers more headline space, but confirm whether the measurement bases are comparable. |
| Annual energy | 569 kWh/year | 328 kWh/year | The newer model has the lower published consumption. |
| Energy stars | 2 stars | 4.5 stars | Ratings are generation-specific; do not apply one model’s label to the other. |
| Noise | 42 dBA | 41 dBA | Both figures are relatively close; installation and room acoustics still affect what you hear. |
| Availability | Listed as discontinued | Newer successor generation | Current stock, warranty and spare-parts support need seller confirmation. |
Check the door finish and exact suffix as well as the technical figures. A seller may describe a unit as “FAB38” while omitting the generation code, which can lead to an old-model energy expectation being applied to a newer or different variant.
What features does the old Smeg refrigerator include?
Smeg’s manufacturer sheet lists a conventional set of full-size refrigerator features, with a few useful temperature-management functions:
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- Total Frost Free: automatic frost control in the refrigerator and freezer compartments, avoiding routine manual defrosting.
- LED lighting: lower-power interior illumination intended to make the cabinet easier to see.
- Life Plus 0°C drawer: a colder drawer designed for foods that benefit from near-zero-degree storage. It is not a substitute for following the storage instructions on meat, fish or other perishable foods.
- Quick-chill glass shelves: shelves intended to support rapid chilling while retaining a glass-shelf layout.
- Electronic controls: temperature settings are managed electronically rather than with a simple mechanical dial.
- Fast-freezing: a temporary high-performance setting for newly added food. Return to the normal setting according to the manual so the appliance does not run harder than necessary.
- Manual ice maker: ice production requires the user to fill and operate the maker; it is not the same as a plumbed, automatic dispenser.
Feature lists do not establish how well temperature is held in a particular kitchen. Loading pattern, ventilation, ambient temperature and door-opening frequency all affect real-world results, especially in a large cabinet.
Will the FAB38RPGAU fit my kitchen?
Measure the complete installation route, not just the cavity. The appliance is 706 mm wide, 2050 mm high and 811 mm deep including the handle. CHOICE’s planning guidance is approximately 81 cm width, 210 cm height and 83 cm installation depth.
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|---|---|---|
| Width | 706 mm | About 81 cm |
| Height | 2050 mm | About 210 cm |
| Depth | 811 mm including handle | About 83 cm installation depth |
The extra planning allowance is useful for ventilation, uneven walls, door movement and installation tolerances. Confirm the manufacturer’s required clearances in the manual for the exact unit, and measure doorways, lifts, stairs, turns and benchtop overhangs before delivery. A cabinet that fits the recess can still fail at the front door or hallway corner.
What should I check around the doors?
Open both doors through their full travel and check that they do not strike a wall, adjacent cabinet or island. Make sure drawers and shelves can be removed for cleaning without hitting the handle or surrounding joinery. The supplied material does not establish a door-reversal specification, so obtain that detail from the manual or seller rather than assuming the hinges can be moved.
How noisy is the FAB38RPGAU?
The exact old model is listed at 42 dBA. The newer 5AU generation is listed at 41 dBA. A one-decibel difference on paper is small, but perceived noise also depends on flooring, wall reflections, compressor cycling and whether the refrigerator is installed in an open-plan living area.
Ask the seller whether the quoted figure is the manufacturer’s declared value for the exact suffix. If buying a used appliance, listen during a complete cooling cycle rather than judging it while the compressor is temporarily off. Buzzing, rattling, repeated clicking or unusually long cycling can indicate an installation or mechanical issue that the headline dBA figure cannot diagnose.
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What warranty and service terms apply?
The documentation is inconsistent by date and seller. Smeg and retailer material refers to a five-year parts-and-labour warranty, while CHOICE’s 2021 record shows two years. Treat neither term as universal for a discontinued unit.
Before purchase, request a written warranty stating the duration, what parts and labour it covers, who performs repairs, whether transport is included, and whether the coverage applies to clearance, ex-display or second-hand stock. Keep the invoice and serial number. If the seller cannot identify an Australian service pathway for the exact model, price that risk into the decision.
What does independent CHOICE testing prove about this model?
CHOICE exposes the test year and categories for refrigerators, but its exact FAB38RPGAU Expert Rating and performance scores are behind membership. The available public record supports the model identity, capacity convention, energy figure, noise figure, historical price and discontinued status; it does not provide a complete public scorecard for this exact green variant.
Do not transfer the widely repeated 22% result or the strongest criticism from CHOICE’s cream FAB38RCRAU article to the FAB38RPGAU. In that 15 February 2021 article, CHOICE fridge expert Ashley Iredale said of the cream RCRAU variant, “This fridge is the worst we’ve ever seen in decades of testing.” That quotation concerns a different finish and model suffix, so it is not evidence of an RPGAU test score.
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Is the pastel-green FAB38 still available?
The pastel-green RPGAU is not a current production listing in the records cited here. Remaining examples may appear as old stock, showroom stock or used appliances, but availability is seller-specific and can change without notice.
For any listing, ask for:
- a photograph of the model and serial plates;
- the manufacturing or delivery date;
- whether it has been installed, displayed or repaired;
- the exact warranty offered for that unit;
- confirmation that the voltage and plug suit Australian installation;
- the delivered price, including stairs, difficult access, removal of the old refrigerator and packaging disposal.
A low advertised price is not comparable with a current model until those costs and protections are known. If green styling is the priority, compare the condition and service terms of each remaining unit rather than assuming every FAB38 green listing is identical.
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What refrigerant and Australian compliance details matter?
The Queensland register identifies FAB38RPGAU as an R600a refrigerant appliance under certificate 17458, issued on 3 September 2021. R600a is a flammable refrigerant, so installation, transport, recovery and servicing should be performed in accordance with Australian requirements by appropriately qualified technicians.
Do not puncture refrigerant tubing, attempt a refrigerant recharge yourself or treat a damaged cabinet as a cosmetic issue. When moving a used unit, ask the carrier or installer about upright transport, settling time and damage inspection, and follow the exact manual instructions supplied with that appliance.
What should I inspect before buying a used or old-stock unit?
Use a documented inspection rather than relying on photographs of the exterior. The following checks address the risks that matter most for a discontinued refrigerator:
- Verify identity: match the rating-plate suffix with the invoice and energy label.
- Inspect seals: check that every door gasket is flexible, continuous and able to hold a sheet of paper when the door is closed.
- Check cabinet and hinges: look for dents that could prevent a square door seal, corrosion, cracked shelves and loose handles.
- Run a cooling cycle: confirm that the refrigerator and freezer reach stable temperatures, the compressor starts without repeated clicking and the fan does not scrape.
- Test controls and functions: operate the electronic controls, interior lights, fast-freezing setting and manual ice maker.
- Look for moisture or frost: unusual condensation, ice buildup in a frost-free cabinet or water pooling beneath drawers warrants investigation.
- Get service terms in writing: record who pays for diagnosis, parts, labour and transport if the appliance fails after delivery.
- Plan removal: confirm how the carrier will protect floors, clear doorways and take away the old appliance if required.
These checks cannot turn a discontinued product into a current one, but they can expose a damaged or unsupported example before payment becomes difficult to reverse.
What is the final buying decision?
Choose the FAB38RPGAU only when its pastel-green design and larger capacity are worth accepting 569 kWh/year, a two-star rating, large installation dimensions and discontinued-model uncertainty. If efficiency, a current warranty and predictable parts support matter more, compare the newer 5AU generation first, while remembering that it stores 481 litres rather than the old model’s roughly 504–510 litres.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the FAB38RPGAU’s energy label to estimate my exact electricity bill?
Use the label as a standardised comparison, not a guarantee. Multiply 569 kWh by the tariff that appears on your electricity bill, then allow for differences caused by room temperature, ventilation, door openings and loading.
How can I tell whether an online green FAB38 listing is old stock or a newer model?
Ask for a clear photograph of the rating plate and energy label, including the complete suffix. The RPGAU and RPG5AU codes identify different generations with different capacity and energy figures.
Is the manual ice maker plumbed into a water line?
The manufacturer description calls it a manual ice maker, so it should not be treated as an automatic plumbed dispenser. Confirm the exact operating method and included parts with the seller before installation.
Who should service an R600a FAB38 refrigerator?
Use a technician qualified to work on Australian refrigerant systems and tell them the appliance uses R600a. The Queensland register entry and certificate number can help identify the approved appliance record.
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.
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