Hisense RB327N4WCE Fridge Freezer Review

Looking for a compact, stylish fridge freezer that still has plenty of space for a weekly shop?

We know how tough it can be to balance space, style, and practicality in the kitchen. The Hisense RB327N4WCE 55cm Freestanding 50/50 Fridge Freezer promises to bring generous storage, Total No Frost technology, and a non-plumbed water dispenser into a slim, space-saving design. In this review, we walk through what it offers, how it fits into everyday life, and whether it could be the right choice for our home.

Key Features at a Glance

Before we talk about how it feels to use, we like to see what we are actually getting. The Hisense RB327N4WCE packs in a surprising amount of functionality for a 55cm-wide appliance.

Main Specifications

We find it useful to look at the key specs side by side, so we can quickly spot any strengths and weaknesses.

These core details set the stage: this is a tall, slim model with a balanced fridge/freezer split and plenty of modern conveniences for a mid-range appliance.

Design and Build Quality

We always pay attention to design because it affects how a fridge freezer fits into our kitchen, not just how it looks in a brochure.

A Slim 55cm Footprint for Smaller Kitchens

At 55 cm wide, this unit is noticeably narrower than the typical 60 cm fridge freezer. That makes a real difference in tighter galley kitchens, flats, and older homes where space can be awkward. We can tuck it into a narrower gap without sacrificing much interior capacity.

The height of 182.4 cm helps reclaim vertical space, so we still get a decent 256-litre capacity. For a slim model, that is a practical balance between footprint and storage volume.

Modern, Neutral Silver Finish

The silver finish gives it a modern but unobtrusive look. It tends to blend well with both white and stainless-steel appliances, which is handy if we are not replacing everything at once. It looks more premium than plain white, without demanding attention.

We get a clean, minimal front with integrated handles in the door edges rather than bulky protruding handles. That makes it easier to fit in tighter spaces and gives a tidier appearance, especially in smaller kitchens where we see the appliance up close.

Build and Door Feel

The doors feel reasonably solid for a mid-range appliance. We would not expect the same heft as high-end built-in models, but the construction is more than adequate for everyday family use. The integrated handles are comfortable enough to grip, and the doors have a decent closing action.

Overall, the design says “practical, modern, and compact” rather than showy or ultra-luxury, which fits the price bracket and intended use very well.

Capacity and Internal Layout

Capacity numbers are useful, but how the interior is arranged often matters more in real life. The Hisense RB327N4WCE aims to cater for small to medium households that want both fridge and freezer space in equal measure.

256 Litres: What Does That Actually Mean?

The manufacturer states that 256 litres can hold around 13 bags of food shopping. In practical terms, that is typically enough for:

• A couple who cooks often and likes to keep a good mix of fresh and frozen food.
• A small family with 1–2 children, as long as we shop reasonably regularly.
• A single person or pair who batch-cooks and needs reliable freezer space.

We would say this size sits nicely between “too small to be useful” and “massive American-style unit”. It is a strong middle-ground option, especially where space is limited.

50/50 Split: Equal Fridge and Freezer Space

The 50/50 split means we get roughly equal usable volume for fresh and frozen food. This is particularly attractive for households that freeze a lot of meals, buy bulk frozen items, or like to keep emergency food on hand.

A 70/30 split can feel frustrating if we love our freezer; this model avoids that issue and gives us a balanced setup.

Fridge Section Layout

Inside the fridge, we typically find:

• Shelves: Adjustable safety-glass shelves allow us to tweak heights for tall bottles, leftovers, or big salad bowls.
• Crisper / vegetable box: A dedicated drawer at the bottom for fruit and vegetables helps retain moisture and keep produce fresher.
• Door balconies: Usually several door compartments for bottles, condiments, jars, and small items that we do not want clogging up shelves.

We like that the slim external width is compensated by height and thoughtful shelf arrangement. It is not huge, but it should be more than adequate for a weekly shop if we organise it well.

Freezer Section Layout

The lower freezer normally includes:

• Drawers: Multiple transparent drawers, making it simple to see what we have stored.
• Top compartment / drawer: Often slightly shallower but great for smaller items or frozen treats.

With Total No Frost (which we will discuss soon), we do not lose usable space to frost buildup. That keeps the full drawer capacity available, which makes this 50/50 split feel more generous in practice.

Cooling Performance and Total No Frost Technology

The heart of any fridge freezer is how well it keeps our food fresh and safe. The RB327N4WCE promises clever tech that stops ice build-ups in both compartments.

What “Total No Frost” Actually Does

Total No Frost means:

• Cold air is circulated evenly, so we do not get big temperature differences between shelves or corners.
• Moisture does not settle and freeze on surfaces, preventing thick layers of ice.
• We do not need to manually defrost the freezer or the back wall of the fridge.

Instead of scraping ice or turning the freezer off for half a day, we let the appliance manage its own internal humidity and air movement. That saves time and keeps the storage space more consistent.

Real-World Benefits for Food and Convenience

In daily use, No Frost offers several advantages:

• No ice coating on packages: Frozen peas do not stick together in a huge brick, and we do not dig through frosty bags.
• Stable temperatures: Circulated air helps maintain more uniform cooling, which is better for food safety and shelf life.
• Easier cleaning: Without thick frost, we can wipe out the freezer quickly when needed.
• Consistent capacity: Drawers slide smoothly and retain their full space without being restricted by ice.

For us, this is one of the most important features in a modern fridge freezer, especially for busy households that want low maintenance.

Water Dispenser: Convenient and Non-Plumbed

Built-in water dispensers are usually associated with large American-style models, but Hisense has managed to include one in this compact 55cm fridge freezer.

Non-Plumbed: No Need to Alter Our Kitchen

The dispenser is non-plumbed, meaning:

• It uses a refillable water tank inside the fridge door.
• We do not need to connect it to the mains water supply.
• No special plumbing, drilling, or extra hoses are required.

We simply top up the tank with tap water, and chilled water is available from the front dispenser. That makes it easy to install in rentals, older houses, or kitchens where water pipes are not conveniently located.

Everyday Use and Hygiene

We gain the benefit of:

• Cold water on demand, encouraging us to drink more throughout the day.
• No jug cluttering the shelves, as the water tank is integrated into the door.

We do, however, need to:

• Refill the tank periodically.
• Clean the tank regularly to maintain hygiene.

This is a small trade-off for the convenience of a water dispenser without plumbing. For many of us, that is a very practical middle ground.

Installation, Fit, and Reversible Doors

Where and how our fridge freezer fits is as important as what features it has, especially in smaller or irregular kitchens.

Freestanding Flexibility

As a freestanding model, this Hisense unit:

• Can stand on its own between cupboards or against a wall.
• Does not require built-in housing or a custom cabinet.
• Is relatively easy to move or reposition if we change our kitchen layout.

If we are renting or planning to move, the flexibility of a freestanding design is a strong advantage.

Reversible Doors for Layout Freedom

The reversible doors are a very practical feature. We can:

• Mount the doors to open from the left or right.
• Adapt the hinge side during installation to match our kitchen flow.

That matters when:

• A wall, counter, or doorway is close to one side.
• We need the doors to open away from an obstruction.
• We might move the appliance to a different location later.

Being able to re-hang the doors gives us more freedom and helps ensure we can fully open both the fridge and freezer without knocking into cabinets or walls.

Dimensions and Clearance

At H182.4 x W55 x D55.6 (cm), the unit:

• Fits where many standard 55–60cm free-standing units go.
• Is quite shallow compared to some deeper appliances, which can help if we have narrow walkways.

We still need to leave a bit of space at the back and sides for ventilation and door swing. Planning ahead for this clearance helps the appliance run efficiently and improves longevity.

Energy Efficiency and Running Costs

Energy efficiency labels have changed in recent years, so an Energy Class E on the new scale is not as bad as it may initially sound.

Understanding the E Rating

On the new EU/UK A–G energy scale:

• A is the most efficient.
• G is the least efficient.
• Most modern standard fridge freezers fall in the D–F range under the new system.

So an E rating is fairly typical for a mid-sized No Frost fridge freezer with a water dispenser. It is not ultra-efficient, but it is within the normal range for this type of appliance.

Practical Impact on Our Bills

We can expect:

• Reasonable running costs for a 256-litre, full-featured fridge freezer.
• Lower usage than many older appliances we may be replacing, even if they had a better rating under the old system.

If we are particularly focused on energy usage, we might consider how we use the appliance:

• Keeping the doors closed as much as possible.
• Avoiding warm food being placed inside.
• Ensuring there is good ventilation around the unit.

These small habits help limit electricity consumption, no matter the official rating.

Noise Level and Everyday Comfort

Noise is often overlooked until we place a fridge freezer in an open-plan living space.

How Quiet Is It in Daily Life?

While the exact decibel rating may vary, Hisense generally designs these models to be:

• Quiet enough for open-plan kitchens.
• Suitable for smaller flats where the kitchen is close to living or sleeping areas.

We may hear occasional compressor or fan sounds as the Total No Frost system circulates air, but these are usually low and intermittent. In normal conditions, it should fade into the background.

Placement Considerations

If we are sensitive to noise:

• Keeping the appliance well-leveled can reduce vibrations.
• Avoiding contact with surrounding units or walls can prevent rattling.
• Leaving appropriate ventilation clearance helps the compressor operate efficiently and more quietly.

Most users find this kind of appliance unintrusive after a short time, especially once we get used to its normal operating sounds.

Ease of Use and Everyday Convenience

A fridge freezer is something we interact with every day, so tiny details can add up over time.

Intuitive Layout and Access

We gain:

• Clear, open shelving in the fridge for easy access to daily essentials.
• Multiple freezer drawers so we can separate meats, vegetables, and prepared meals.
• Door storage for milk, juices, condiments, and small jars.

The tall, slim design means shelves may be slightly narrower than in wider models, but still deep enough to store typical family items. We just need to get used to a taller stacking arrangement rather than wide spreads.

Controls and Settings

Most Hisense units in this line use straightforward controls, often:

• A simple internal thermostat or digital display.
• Easy temperature adjustment, usually inside the fridge compartment.

We do not have to manage complicated menus or special modes unless we want to. For most households, “set it once and forget it” works perfectly.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Thanks to Total No Frost, maintenance is mostly about keeping things tidy:

• Wiping shelves and drawers periodically with mild soapy water.
• Cleaning the water dispenser tank regularly.
• Occasionally vacuuming or brushing the rear grille (with the unit unplugged) to remove dust, if accessible.

We save a major headache by never having to manually defrost thick ice from the freezer or scrape frost from the back wall.

Suitability for Different Households

Not every fridge freezer suits every home. We find it helpful to picture who benefits most from this Hisense model.

Ideal Users

This model is particularly well-suited to:

• Small to medium families who want equal space for fridge and freezer items.
• Couples who cook often, batch-cook, or rely on frozen foods.
• Flat or apartment dwellers with narrower kitchen spaces.
• Renters who cannot or do not want to alter plumbing for a water dispenser.
• Those who hate defrosting and want a genuinely low-maintenance option.

If we are trying to balance capacity, practicality, and compact dimensions, this checks many boxes.

Who Might Need Something Different?

It might not be the best match if:

• We need a huge capacity for a large family; in that case a wider or American-style model could be better.
• We want ultra-low energy consumption and are willing to pay more for an A–C rated model.
• We rarely use our freezer and would prefer a 70/30 split with more fridge space.

In those cases, we may want to look at different configurations or higher-end energy-efficient designs.

Pros and Cons Summary

Collecting everything together can help us make a more confident decision. Here is how we see the strengths and the trade-offs.

What We Like

• Compact 55cm width: Great for smaller or narrower kitchens.
• Tall design with 256-litre capacity: Makes good use of vertical space.
• 50/50 fridge freezer split: Ideal for households that use the freezer a lot.
• Total No Frost: No manual defrosting, stable temperatures, and convenient cleaning.
• Non-plumbed water dispenser: Chilled water without any plumbing work.
• Reversible doors: Flexible setup for a range of kitchen layouts.
• Modern silver finish: Neutral, contemporary look that fits most styles.
• Freestanding design: Easy to install and move if needed.

Where We Compromise

• Energy Class E: Average efficiency under the new label, not outstanding.
• Narrower shelves: Some wide platters or large trays may need rethinking or re-arranging.
• Manual water tank refilling: We must regularly top up and clean the tank; it is not a fully automatic system.
• Not an extra-large capacity: May be too small for big families with heavy storage needs.

These trade-offs are expected for the size and price point; the key question is whether they matter for our particular household and habits.

Practical Tips for Getting the Most Out of It

If we choose this Hisense fridge freezer, there are a few ways we can maximise its performance and convenience.

Optimising the Interior

We can:

• Use clear containers in the fridge and freezer to keep similar items together and reduce rummaging.
• Adjust shelves to allow for tall bottles or large leftovers containers where needed.
• Keep high-use items at eye level so we open the door for shorter periods and help preserve cool air.

The more logically we organise the interior, the more effective the 256 litres feel.

Using the Water Dispenser Smartly

To keep our water dispenser fresh and handy:

• Clean the water tank regularly with mild detergent and rinse thoroughly.
• Refill with fresh water often to avoid stale taste.
• Keep the fridge temperature in the recommended range so the water is nicely chilled without freezing.

We get a small lifestyle upgrade by always having cold water ready without sacrificing much space.

Maintaining Efficiency

To keep running costs reasonable:

• Allow hot dishes to cool before storing them in the fridge or freezer.
• Do not block internal air vents with oversized items.
• Keep the doors closed when not actively taking items out or putting them in.
• Ensure there is adequate space behind and above the unit for air to circulate.

These simple habits help any fridge freezer perform better and last longer.

How It Compares in Its Category

When we look at similar fridge freezers, we see where this model stands in the field.

Size and Features vs. Competitors

In the 55cm freestanding category, many alternatives:

• Skip the water dispenser entirely.
• Offer static or partial frost-free systems rather than full Total No Frost.
• Provide either a smaller freezer section or a 70/30 split.

The Hisense RB327N4WCE stands out by combining:

• Full No Frost (fridge and freezer),
• A balanced 50/50 split, and
• A non-plumbed water dispenser

in a compact footprint. That makes it an attractive choice if we want as many modern comforts as possible in a slimmer unit.

Value for Money

Given its:

• Feature set (Total No Frost, dispenser, reversible doors),
• Practical capacity, and
• Compact footprint,

it tends to deliver solid value in its segment. We are not paying luxury prices but still getting conveniences that make daily life easier.

If we are budget-conscious but still want modern features, this strikes a compelling balance between cost and usability.

Long-Term Reliability and Brand Considerations

We often think about how a fridge freezer will perform not only in the first few months but over several years.

Hisense Brand Reputation

Hisense has grown steadily in the European and UK markets by offering:

• Good feature sets for competitive prices.
• Modern design and technology like No Frost and smart features.
• Increasingly widespread after-sales service options.

While it may not have the decades-long recognition of older European brands, it has built a solid presence by focusing on value and technology.

Longevity and Care

To keep this model in good shape long term:

• Avoid overloading the doors with very heavy items.
• Keep seals clean so the doors close properly and maintain an airtight fit.
• Make sure the appliance is always standing level to reduce strain on the compressor and hinges.

Most modern fridge freezers, when used and maintained correctly, can last many years. This Hisense model is designed to be a dependable daily workhorse rather than a fragile showpiece.

Our Overall Verdict

For us, the Hisense RB327N4WCE 55cm Freestanding 50/50 Fridge Freezer stands out as a smart, space-efficient choice for households that want equal fridge and freezer storage, minimal maintenance, and a couple of modern conveniences without overspending.

We appreciate:

• The 256-litre capacity fitting into a slim 55cm width, ideal for smaller or tighter kitchens.
• The Total No Frost system, which genuinely removes the chore of manual defrosting.
• The non-plumbed water dispenser, giving us easy access to cold water without modifying our kitchen.
• The reversible doors, adding flexibility during installation.
• The neutral silver finish, which fits comfortably into most kitchen styles.

We also recognise:

• The Energy Class E rating is average rather than outstanding, though still typical for this kind of product.
• The narrow width means shelves are not as wide as those in bigger models, so we may need to adapt our storage habits slightly.

If we are a small to medium household, living in a flat or house with limited kitchen space, and we want the practicality of a 50/50 split, No Frost, and chilled water on tap, this Hisense fridge freezer makes a strong case for itself.

In short, we see it as a well-balanced, user-friendly appliance that puts everyday convenience first, while fitting comfortably into compact kitchens and busy lives.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.