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The Smeg FAB38RWHAU is a large, retro-styled bottom-freezer refrigerator that offers substantial storage and useful fresh-food features, but the exact RWHAU version is no longer a current Australian model. CHOICE’s 2021 record lists 504 L of claimed capacity, a $3,990 price and 569 kWh of annual energy use, while Smeg’s current white replacement listing is the FAB38RWH5AU. That newer suffix has different capacity, energy and price figures, and is currently marked out of stock on Smeg Australia’s site. The RWHAU can be worth considering only as a clearly identified clearance, used or remaining-stock appliance after you verify its condition, dimensions, energy label and warranty. If you are buying new, compare the current suffix rather than assuming the older specification still applies.
What is the Smeg FAB38RWHAU?
The FAB38RWHAU is a freestanding, white, bottom-freezer refrigerator from Smeg’s 50’s Style range. It combines a two-door layout with a refrigerator compartment above and pull-out freezer drawers below. The design is its most obvious differentiator: this is intended to look like a piece of retro furniture as well as a kitchen appliance.
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The model name matters. The final “AU” identifies the Australian-market version, while RWHAU is an older suffix. Smeg’s current Australian white listing is FAB38RWH5AU, not FAB38RWHAU. Listings that use the two names interchangeably can therefore mix specifications from different production runs.
CHOICE records the RWHAU as tested in 2021. Its listing gives a two-year warranty, Italian origin and a $3,990 price at the time of that record. It also marks the model as discontinued, so those figures describe the older model and historical pricing rather than a current retail offer.
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How much can the FAB38RWHAU hold?
On the older model’s published figures, the FAB38RWHAU has 504 L of total claimed volume, split between a 315 L refrigerator section and a 151 L freezer section. That is family-sized capacity, although claimed litres are not the same as the shelf and drawer space you can practically use.
| Specification | FAB38RWHAU (older record) | FAB38RWH5AU (current white listing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total claimed storage | 504 L | 481.1 L |
| Fresh-food storage | 315 L | 343.7 L |
| Frozen storage | 151 L | 137.4 L |
| Price shown by the source | $3,990 in CHOICE’s 2021 record | $4,990 list price on Smeg Australia’s page |
| Availability | Discontinued | Listed but marked out of stock |
The comparison shows why you should not use the current page as a specification sheet for the RWHAU. The newer model claims less total volume but more fresh-food space and less freezer space. Those differences may reflect redesign, measurement conventions or both; they are not evidence that one model will necessarily perform better in a kitchen.
For everyday use, the older layout should suit households that buy fresh produce, large bottles and prepared meals in bulk. The freezer capacity is generous for a bottom-freezer appliance, but the drawer format can make it harder to stack tall or irregular packages than a single large chest-style compartment. Check the internal shelf and drawer arrangement in person if you are buying an existing unit, because exterior size does not reveal how efficiently the space is divided.
What are the FAB38RWHAU’s dimensions and delivery requirements?
The refrigerator is unusually tall and deep. The technical data for the FAB38 family gives 2,050 mm height and 706 mm cabinet width. Depth is 711 mm without the handle and 811 mm with the handle; with the door opened to 90 degrees, the stated depth is 1,340 mm.
| Measurement | Published figure | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 2,050 mm | Check ceiling height, overhead cabinets and the angle available for tilting during delivery. |
| Cabinet width | 706 mm | Measure the narrowest point of the installation cavity, not just the benchtop opening. |
| Depth without handle | 711 mm | Use this when checking cabinet and benchtop projection. |
| Depth with handle | 811 mm | Use this for the real front-to-back footprint in the room. |
| Depth with door at 90° | 1,340 mm | Allow this clearance for door opening and access to shelves and drawers. |
Before paying for a used or clearance unit, measure the complete route from the unloading point to the kitchen. Include gates, stair turns, lift doors, hallway corners and the final cavity. A refrigerator that fits the cavity can still be impossible to bring through a doorway if the delivery team cannot rotate it safely.
- Measure the narrowest doorway and compare it with the packaged and unpackaged appliance dimensions supplied by the seller.
- Check whether the door can open far enough to remove shelves and drawers for cleaning or servicing.
- Leave the manufacturer’s required ventilation and installation clearances; do not design the cabinet around the cabinet width alone.
- Confirm the floor can support a full appliance and that the unit can be levelled without blocking the door.
Because the published door-open figure is much larger than the cabinet depth, the hinge side and nearby island or wall deserve as much attention as the niche itself. Ask the retailer or delivery company to confirm the exact handling plan for the specific suffix you are buying.
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The older FAB38RWHAU record lists 569 kWh per year and a two-star rating in CHOICE’s 2021 entry. Smeg’s current FAB38RWH5AU page lists 328 kWh per year, energy class E and 41 dB(A) noise. These numbers belong to different model suffixes and must not be treated as a before-and-after test of the same refrigerator.
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The gap is large enough to affect running cost. To estimate your own annual electricity expense, multiply the exact figure on the appliance’s Australian energy label by your electricity tariff in dollars per kilowatt-hour. For example, a label value of 569 kWh would cost 569 multiplied by your tariff each year; your retailer’s tariff, controlled-load arrangements and seasonal usage determine the actual bill.
Use the label fixed to the appliance or the seller’s documentation for the exact suffix. A marketplace advertisement that copies the newer 328 kWh figure onto an RWHAU listing is not reliable evidence. Energy labels can also change with regulatory testing methods, so compare like-for-like Australian labels rather than importing a figure from another country.
The current listing’s class E and 41 dB(A) are published specifications, not independent measurements of the discontinued RWHAU. They are useful when assessing the newer model, but they cannot establish how quietly or efficiently an older RWHAU will operate after years of use. Door seals, room temperature, loading and compressor condition all affect real consumption.
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Which features does the FAB38 range provide?
Smeg’s technical material describes a feature set aimed at stable temperatures and low-maintenance storage. These are manufacturer claims and design specifications; they should not be confused with independent scores for cooling consistency or food-life performance.
Total No Frost
Total No Frost is intended to prevent ice build-up in both compartments, eliminating routine manual defrosting. It does not remove the need to keep vents clear, clean door seals and deal with spills. If a second-hand appliance shows heavy frost, investigate a door-seal, fan, sensor or defrost fault rather than assuming that the feature is working normally.
Multiflow air circulation
The manufacturer says, “The Multiflow system ensures even distribution of cold air inside the refrigerator.” Air outlets should remain unobstructed, and tightly packing shelves can still create warm pockets. The statement describes the system’s purpose, not a published independent temperature test.
Inverter compressor and electronic control
An inverter compressor can vary its operating speed instead of relying only on full-on and full-off cycles. Electronic temperature control gives you a set point and alarm functions, but the available data does not provide a measured recovery time after door openings or a laboratory stability score for the RWHAU.
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Life Plus 0°C drawer
The dedicated Life Plus drawer is designed for food that benefits from a colder fresh-food zone than the main refrigerator. It can be useful for meat, fish or delicate perishables that you plan to cook soon. Keep raw food sealed and follow Australian food-safety guidance; a 0°C drawer does not replace safe storage times or cooking temperatures.
Fast freezing and alarms
Fast-freezing mode is intended to lower the temperature quickly when adding a substantial amount of fresh food. A temperature alarm warns when conditions rise, and a door alarm can alert you when the door has been left open. The current RWH5AU specification also states a four-star freezer and a 9 kg-per-24-hour freezing capacity; those figures should not be assigned to the older RWHAU unless its own label or manual confirms them.
Lighting, ice and internal layout
The range uses LED interior lighting and includes one crisper and the 0°C drawer in the refrigerator section. The freezer layout is described as two drawers with glass shelves, a fast-freezing compartment and a manual ice maker. “Manual” means you should not expect an automatic plumbed ice dispenser; verify the supplied tray or ice-maker parts when buying used.
What is the difference between FAB38RWHAU and FAB38RWH5AU?
The suffix is not a cosmetic revision. The current RWH5AU has different published storage, energy, price and availability information, so buyers should treat it as a separate model listing even though both belong to the FAB38 family.
| Buying question | FAB38RWHAU | FAB38RWH5AU |
|---|---|---|
| Is it the current Australian white listing? | No; the model is recorded as discontinued. | Yes; it is Smeg Australia’s current white listing, but the page is marked out of stock. |
| Claimed total volume | 504 L | 481.1 L |
| Fresh/freezer split | 315 L refrigerator; 151 L freezer | 343.7 L fresh food; 137.4 L frozen food |
| Energy information | 569 kWh/year and two stars in CHOICE’s 2021 record | 328 kWh/year and class E on Smeg’s current page |
| Price information | $3,990 in the 2021 CHOICE record | $4,990 list price on Smeg’s page |
| Noise information | Not stated in the accessible record | 41 dB(A) published by Smeg |
| Freezer rating and capacity | Not stated in the accessible record | Four-star freezer; 9 kg/24 h freezing capacity |
Do not choose between the names on price alone. Confirm the model code on the rating plate, the energy label, the warranty document and the invoice. If a seller cannot show those items, you may be buying an older appliance described with newer specifications.
Is the Smeg FAB38RWHAU worth buying?
It can be worthwhile when the retro appearance, large footprint and fresh-food layout are priorities, but only at a price that reflects its discontinued status and unknown remaining support. A new, full-price purchase is difficult to justify when the exact model is no longer listed as current and the available independent test detail is restricted.
Reasons to consider it
- The 50’s Style design is distinctive and may suit a kitchen where a conventional modern refrigerator would look out of place.
- The older published capacity is substantial for a freestanding household refrigerator.
- A bottom freezer keeps frequently used fresh food at eye level.
- The 0°C drawer, frost-free design, inverter compressor, fast-freezing mode and alarms cover useful day-to-day functions.
- LED lighting and dedicated drawers make the interior easier to organise than a single undivided compartment.
Reasons to be cautious
- The RWHAU suffix is discontinued, so stock may be old, used, display-only or imported outside normal Australian distribution.
- The older energy figure is materially higher than the current model’s published figure.
- The appliance is over two metres tall and more than 800 mm deep including the handle, creating installation and delivery risk.
- Replacement parts, seals and service availability should be confirmed before purchase rather than assumed from the newer suffix.
- The accessible CHOICE page confirms expert testing but withholds the Expert Rating, temperature-performance scores, reliability, satisfaction and noise result behind member access.
The best case is a verified unit with a clear serial number, demonstrably cold compartments, intact drawers, a sound door seal and written warranty or service support. The worst case is an expensive appliance that cannot enter the room, uses more electricity than expected or lacks parts when a fan, sensor or seal fails.
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What does independent testing actually tell you?
CHOICE confirms that it performed expert testing and records the older model’s test year, capacity, price and energy figures. However, the publicly accessible information does not reveal the RWHAU’s Expert Rating, temperature-performance scores, reliability result, owner satisfaction or measured noise result.
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Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the FAB38RWHAU still available in Australia?
The exact RWHAU is recorded as discontinued. Remaining units may still appear through appliance dealers, clearance channels, display-stock sales or private listings, but availability and warranty terms will vary by seller.
Smeg’s current Australian white page identifies FAB38RWH5AU instead and shows a $4,990 list price while marking it out of stock. “Out of stock” does not guarantee a delivery date, so ask for a written estimate and confirm whether the quoted appliance is physically in Australia.
When contacting a seller, request the model-code photo, serial number, manufacture date if available, energy label, warranty terms and a statement of whether the unit is new, ex-display or refurbished. For used stock, ask the seller to demonstrate both compartments reaching operating temperature and to show the door and temperature alarms working.
What should you check before buying a remaining or used unit?
A short inspection can prevent the most expensive mistakes. Work through the checks below before paying a deposit.
- Verify the suffix. Photograph the rating plate and make sure it says FAB38RWHAU, not RWH5AU or another regional code.
- Read the exact energy label. Record the annual kWh figure and star or class rating printed on that appliance.
- Inspect the cabinet and doors. Look for distorted panels, hinge damage, rust, cracked shelves and drawers that do not slide squarely.
- Test the seals. Close a sheet of paper in several places around each door; unusually easy pull-out can indicate a weak seal, although this is only a basic screen.
- Check cooling operation. A seller should allow enough running time to verify that the refrigerator and freezer become properly cold and that the compressor cycles normally.
- Test controls and alarms. Confirm the display, temperature adjustment, fast-freeze function, door alarm and temperature alarm respond as described.
- Confirm included parts. Count shelves, drawers, freezer glass shelves, the manual ice-maker components and any trim pieces.
- Get support in writing. Confirm who handles warranty claims and whether authorised service or parts remain available for the older suffix.
How should you plan installation?
Installation is mainly a measurement and access exercise. The appliance should stand level, have the ventilation clearance specified by its manual and open without striking a wall, island or adjacent cabinet.
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- Remove doors or internal components only if the manufacturer’s instructions and the delivery team permit it; do not improvise hinge work.
- Protect flooring during movement and keep the appliance upright whenever possible.
- After positioning, allow the compressor and controls to settle according to the manual before loading food.
- Load air outlets loosely, keep raw food sealed in the coldest suitable zone and avoid blocking the door from closing fully.
- Retain the manual, serial-number photo and receipt for service calls.
If the refrigerator is replacing another unit, arrange responsible disposal of the old appliance before delivery so the route and installation space are clear. Local council and retailer collection rules differ across Australia.
Who is the FAB38RWHAU best suited to?
It suits a household that values retro styling, high capacity and a bottom-freezer layout more than the newest energy rating or the certainty of current stock. It is especially attractive when a verified remaining unit is available with meaningful warranty coverage and the room can accommodate its height and depth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the FAB38RWHAU need a water connection for ice?
The published layout identifies a manual ice maker rather than an automatic plumbed dispenser. Confirm that the tray and any manual ice-making parts are included, especially on display or used stock.
Can I rely on the newer model’s energy figure for an RWHAU listing?
No. The 328 kWh/year figure is published for FAB38RWH5AU, while the older RWHAU record lists 569 kWh/year. Read the label attached to the exact appliance you are buying.
What does a 0°C refrigerator drawer do?
It provides a colder fresh-food zone for short-term storage of items such as meat or fish before cooking. Food still needs sealed containers, sensible storage times and normal food-safety handling.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWhere can I find the RWHAU’s independent noise score?
CHOICE confirms that noise was tested but keeps the measured result, along with several other performance scores, behind member access. The 41 dB(A) figure shown publicly belongs to the current RWH5AU specification.
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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.
