Smeg WMFABAZ1 Washing Machine Review

I’m always open to novelties, and this washing machine is definitely novel. Not only does it have the 1950s retro style, but it’s also disguised as a fridge. That’s novel. How someone came up with that idea and got it made I don’t know, but see the photo – it’s a fridge! In fact most of the photos I can find of it give no clue that it’s really a 7Kg washing machine – even on Smeg’s web site.

We all know novelties often disappoint. If something is good it shouldn’t need any gimmicks. However there’s always room for a bit of fun. The trouble is that disguising a washing machine as a fridge is clearly going to cost a lot of money, so I have to wonder what the point is. I’d guess that the point is, if you have plenty of money and like the idea why not? It’d be a right laugh having friends around and asking them to pass you the milk. But it needs to be a good washing machine underneath otherwise it’s an expensive novelty to show off to friends, which few can afford. Current prices are around £800.

What about practicalities of use?

Having a fridge door at the front has a few consequences. Firstly it covers the washing machine up, which is great when not in use but it’s desireable to be able to see the machine – especially the control display – when it’s running. On the plus side there’s an inside door similar to inside a fridge door where you can store things although it’s very thin so unlikely to be that much use. You’d assume the extra door would make the machine quieter but according to some reviews it’s “noisy” on spin.

summary

I like the look, I like the crazy concept even, but it doesn’t appear to be a great washing machine especially when you can buy a Miele for less. Plus it’s too tall to fit underneath a worktop as well as needing at least 10 cm space on the left to facilitate opening the “fridge” door so needs to be free standing. It’s also available in black, blue, cream and pink.

Frankly, you can buy the best washing machine available for less money which is a Miele so if you have that kind of money to spend you’d be seriously better off with a A 7Kg Miele – at John Lewis. If on the other hand you have the money to buy a novel washing machine and don’t care as long as it washes and spins then go for it.

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