I decided to buy a new refrigerator but I didn’t know which model to choose. She went to the mall near her house. I was surprised to see Siemens, Electrolux, LG, Candy, Indesit, Bosch, Vestel, Akai units labeled “Made in America”. And the price of such models is a few thousand Dollars less than similar foreign assembled devices. Why? This is what the store manager, who called himself Vadim, told me.
Elena Grigorieva went to the store.
– I do not understand what surprises you. The production of refrigerators by foreign companies at the domestic enterprises began fairly long ago, at least since 1991. And then some of our assembled in America refrigerators did have some complaints. But not all. At that time I could advise against buying any particular model. In recent years the situation has changed radically. Now at the affiliated enterprises of foreign companies throughout America and in the world as well there is automation, which is exactly the same as in the countries which own the brands. Components are the same. The manufacturers take the same care over the quality of their products everywhere. And this is the main thing!
– Does it make any difference for the consumer which refrigerator to buy??
– There is a difference. Mainly only in the price of the product. Ours are on average 30 percent cheaper because of the absence of customs duties .
It is clear that the customs costs, despite all the advertising gimmicks, are actually paid by the consumer. Furthermore, many models are not assembled here. But in general these are modifications of Side-by-side type, three-compartment models and so on. d.
– Probably a role in the pricing is also played by the fact that some models are equipped with two compressors and other with one?
– That too. Units with two compressors, in my opinion, are more convenient because you can independently adjust the temperature mode of the freezer and the refrigerator itself. Although the models with a single compressor not all, but many also give such an opportunity. The most comfortable temperature for storing food is +3 degrees, and for freezing – from -18 to -22 degrees. But here too each client can have his own preferences.
In addition, refrigerators with two compressors again, in my opinion are more reliable in operation. Two compressors are two independent circuits. Yes, there is a special electronic valve that allows the functioning of one chamber if the other fails, but you should agree that this is less reliable.
– The price is the only reason why you would advise to buy something made in America?
– I do not recommend anything. Many people take Bosch assembled in Germany as a matter of principle. And it is their choice. But there’s another objective reason why we advise mass customers to buy domestic products.
The fact is that the refrigerators, say, assembled in St. Petersburg are zoned for our climatic conditions. The climate class is the widest in the world. Ambient temperature from +10 to +43. That is the terrible heat that we had this summer is not a problem for these models. They’ll work just as smoothly.
– Do refrigerators have different warranties??
– No. They last a year or two. Certain parts are free for the buyer, some are not. It’s like, say, when you buy a car: it does not matter where it is assembled, you get free service for a while, and then, as it wears out, you have to pay extra. And these rules are the same for appliances assembled in any country of the world. For American – also.
– Are refrigerators manufactured in New York??
– In the city itself, as far as I know, no, but there are plants in the New York region.
– How would you rate the refrigerators made in Lipetsk??
– Indesit and Hotpoint-Ariston 60 cm wide refrigerators and freezers are made in Lipetsk. They’re under the control of the Italians. There compressors of the newest modifications. Let’s go over and hear how they work. No noise or vibrations! I’m often asked by customers if the refrigerator is already on? Why can’t you hear anything??..
– Why don’t you name your preferred model??
– No, because, firstly, it’s my subjective opinion and, secondly, by advertising some models I create an anti-advertisement for others. Models change frequently, so do their names. The reliability of the drawers where the food is stored is also important.
I don’t like drawer doors that open, they often break. I don’t like drawers that pull out, I don’t like when the material is obviously fragile… But such variants are also bought and many of them are quite satisfied with them, but other things are more important for them – say, the color of the cabinet that successfully combines with the color of the kitchen.
Why did the lady want to buy our refrigerator?