Summit FFBF286SS Review

The Summit FFBF286SS is an excellent, yet not very spacious, choice for small kitchens, serving 1-3 people who only require light use and who are looking for a slim, attractive and reliable small-sized refrigerator with a great reputation for performance.

Refrigerator

Structure & Design

The FFBF286SS’s refrigerator section of around 11.7 CU is designed with couples and individuals in mind. We have seen models of this size support up to 3 regular users, though most people would probably find this a very tight fit.

The interior organisation of the FFBF286SS is well executed and attractive with three glass shelves which can be easily height adjusted to allow storage of a wide variety of different sized items. At the bottom of the refrigerator’s interior is a large crisper that should meet the fruit and vegetable storage needs of most individuals and couples. One of our favourite details in the FFBF286SS is a metal wine rack that slips into any of the shelf grooves and acts as an extremely efficient extra storage space for 5 bottles. This feature increases the storage capacity of the refrigerator significantly, while adding distinct visual appeal to the interior.

The refrigerator’s in-the-door shelving is height adjustable with the perfect depth to accommodate large bottles and a wide variety of condiments. When buying a refrigerator of this modest size it is extremely important to ensure that the manufacturer has allowed for enough in-the-door shelving space to meet your needs, and the Summit definitely passes with flying colours in this respect.

Performance and Build Quality

The FFBF286SS has an excellent customer reputation for keeping food consistently and reliably well refrigerated. The FFBF286SS interior is well lit, making content easy to see, even at night. Customers regularly report a high degree of satisfaction regarding the feel and build quality of the model's interior components. Buyers who go for this refrigerator should be happy to know this is the latest model in a long line of similar products made by Summit which all have enjoyed a very positive customer response (such as the now discontinued FFBF285SSXX, CP71 and the FFBF280WIM). Summit is a specialist in this size category and the FFBF286SS makes it easy to see why.

Freezer

Structure & Design

The FFBF286SS’s 5.1 CU freezer is divided into 3 clear plastic pullout drawer sections to ensure easy organisation of your frozen goods. This simple design is very effective and neat, with all items stored out of sight. The drawers provide ample space for your frozen goods and since they are not too deep you will be spared the annoying problem of items getting lost underneath one another in overly large bins. 5.1 CU, while not huge, is a good amount of space, approximating what we generally recommend for the needs of 1-3 people. < /p>

Performance and Build Quality

Customer responses strongly indicate a high level of satisfaction with the design as well as performance of this freezer. You can rely on this freezer to keep your food well frozen while the automatic defrost mode has a reputation for functioning effectively. Customers are also generally very happy with the drawer quality. All in all this is a freezer with a lot to offer for the money.

Noise

Does this fridge buzz? Apparently not. Quiet operation is a benefit sometimes ignored by manufacturers of smaller sized refrigerators so we are very pleased to learn from customer responses about the very quiet operation of this particular model.

Exterior

The unassuming, modern and slim appearance of the FFBF286SS is one of its strongest assets. Whoever had their hand in the design of this unit did an incredible job. Tall, slim and relatively shallow in depth, with accented edges, the FFBF286SS takes full advantage of its unique size and shape to make it a stylish, yet perfectly discreet, addition to your kitchen space. Whether you go for the all white or all black model or chose the stainless steel finish, you should be pleased to see this refrigerator in your kitchen.

Ice-maker Function

At the time of writing this review, an ice maker could be fitted into the freezer for an extra $220.-. Customer reactions with regard to the quality of the ice maker have been highly positive in this as well as other Summit models. The price for the ice maker does seem a bit high for this otherwise superb value refrigerator, so you might want to think about whether or not you want it included.