Refrigerators – 2013 Ratings
Hollow star ratings are awarded where brands do not receive the minimum number of responses for that criteria, however achieve at least the minimum sample required for all other criteria.
Hollow star ratings are awarded where brands do not receive the minimum number of responses for that criteria, however achieve at least the minimum sample required for all other criteria.
Nearly a third of New Zealanders throw away food each week
One in three respondents to our recent survey may not be getting the most from their weekly supermarket shop, and are adding to the global issue of food wastage.
These New Zealanders are throwing away food from their refrigerator at least once a week, with 45% of our youngest respondents most likely to admit to this habit. A University of Canterbury anthropologist recently reported a third of all food produced globally is wasted, and that everyday consumers account for a large portion of this wastage. He also noted consumers have become increasingly wasteful in the last thirty years.
Around three in five respondents may be taking this into account, investing in a separate deep freezer to allow long term storage of bulk food items. According to experts*, you can safely freeze cooked meat for up to two months and uncooked meat for up to six months.
Our survey also found that when choosing a fridge for their home, buyers don’t just pick the cheapest model available. In fact, two thirds consider the energy rating of their fridge before purchasing, and nearly a third choose based on a special or unique feature. Only one in ten said they don’t care about which fridge they buy, so long as it’s the cheapest.
* Time periods are calculated for ideal storage conditions in a freezer, and discounts raw mince, seafood and poultry. Consult Beef + Lamb New Zealand Inc. and the Ministry for Primary Industries for more information on freezing food.
Mitsubishi Electric and Westinghouse both achieve awards in latest refrigerator ratings
Picking a fridge means having to choose between some great brands. To find which one belongs in your kitchen, you can compare fridge brands with our customer satisfaction ratings.
This year, both Mitsubishi Electric and Westinghouse received our Most Satisfied Customers Award – Refrigerators. Each brand achieved multiple five star ratings in areas such as design, value for money and performance.
Fisher & Paykel received five stars for energy efficiency, and Samsung received five stars for the internal layout of its refrigerators. Haier and LG were also rated in this category.
Canstar Blue commissioned Research Now to survey 2,500 New Zealand consumers to measure and track customer satisfaction. The outcomes reported are the results from customers within the survey group who have purchased a new refrigerator in the last three years – in this case, 704 people. Brands must receive at least 30 responses to be included.
Results are comparative and it should be noted that brands that received three stars have still achieved a satisfaction measure of at least six out of 10.
Overall customer satisfaction
Westinghouse and Mitsubishi Electric each received five stars for overall refrigerator customer satisfaction. Following with four stars each were Fisher & Paykel and Samsung, then three star recipients Haier and LG.
Value for money
Mitsubishi Electric received five stars for the value for money of its fridges, and was followed by four star recipients Westinghouse, Fisher & Paykel, Samsung and Haier. LG came next with three stars for value for money.
Performance and reliability
Regardless of how many mouths you need to feed, you’ll need a reliable fridge up to the task. Both Westinghouse and Mitsubishi Electric received five stars for performance and reliability, emerging ahead of four star recipients Fisher & Paykel and Samsung. Haier and LG each received three stars for refrigerator performance.
Design, including appearance, and any special features
Many people like to think about their ‘dream kitchen’. A big part in realising this dream is finding kitchen appliances that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Customers of both Westinghouse and Mitsubishi Electric were most satisfied with the design of their refrigerators. After our five star recipients were Fisher & Paykel and Samsung with four stars, then Haier and LG with three.
After sale service and warranty
Westinghouse customers were most satisfied with the after sale service and warranty of their refrigerator purchase. Westinghouse received five stars; Mitsubishi Electric, Samsung, Fisher & Paykel and Haier received four, and LG secured three.
Internal layout, including storage space
You’ll need plenty of room to store leftovers after holiday barbeques, Christmas dinners and more. Customers of Mitsubishi Electric and Samsung were most satisfied with how much storage space was available in their refrigerator, which earned each brand five stars. Westinghouse and Fisher & Paykel received four stars, and Haier and LG received three.
Quality of fittings and fixtures (e.g. shelves)
Westinghouse secured five stars for the quality of its refrigerator fixtures and fittings, and was followed by four star achievers Mitsubishi Electric, Fisher & Paykel, Samsung and LG. Haier came next with three stars.
Energy efficiency
Given that refrigerators are always plugged in and running, it’s of great importance to find an energy efficient model. Fisher & Paykel customers were most satisfied with their refrigerator in this regard, which saw the brand receive a five star rating. Westinghouse, Mitsubishi Electric and Samsung all received four stars for energy efficiency, and Haier and LG both achieved three.