SIA RFM88C 88L Retro Fridge Freezer Review

Have you been searching for a compact fridge freezer that actually looks good in your kitchen as well as doing its job?

What Makes the SIA RFM88C 88L Retro Fridge Freezer Stand Out?

You want more than just cold storage; you want something that fits your lifestyle and your kitchen’s personality. The SIA RFM88C 88L Freestanding Under Counter Cream Retro Fridge Freezer gives you that classic 1950s look in a small, practical package. It aims to balance style, useful features, and everyday convenience for smaller spaces.

This fridge freezer is designed for you if you have a compact kitchen, a studio flat, a student space, an office, or even a guest room that needs its own chilled storage. You get a creamy retro exterior on the outside and modern features like an adjustable thermostat and interior LED lighting on the inside.

Design and Aesthetics

You care what your kitchen looks like, not just how it works. This model leans heavily into the retro style while keeping things neat and simple.

Retro 1950s-Inspired Appearance

If you like that nostalgic, vintage look, the cream finish and rounded edges give you exactly that. The fridge has the kind of design you would expect to see in a stylish retro café or a carefully curated home kitchen.

You get soft, curved lines instead of harsh modern angles, and the cream colour blends easily with light or dark cabinets. It can look great paired with wood, black, grey, or pastel tones, helping you build a more charming and inviting kitchen.

Compact Undercounter Size

This fridge freezer is designed to fit nicely under your counter, which makes it perfect if you are limited on space. It tucks neatly under most worktops, so you save valuable floor area and keep your kitchen layout feeling open and tidy.

Because of its compact design, you can use it as your main fridge in a small home or as a secondary unit in a larger house. It works very well in spaces like:

• Small flats or studios
• Student accommodation
• Office kitchens
• Utility rooms
• Guest annexes or garden rooms

Capacity and Storage Layout

You might be wondering whether 88 litres is enough for your lifestyle. The storage is split sensibly between fridge and freezer, and the internal layout is designed to make that space feel as usable as possible.

Total Capacity: 88 Litres

With 88 litres in total, this unit is aimed at one or two people or anyone who needs an extra fridge freezer alongside a main one. It is not built for large family food shops, but it is more than capable for everyday essentials.

You can comfortably store fresh food, basic chilled items, and some frozen goods without wasting energy on unused space.

Fridge Capacity: 62 Litres

The 62-litre fridge compartment is where you will store your everyday chilled items. That means things like milk, cheese, ready meals, leftovers, sauces, yogurts, fruit, and vegetables.

You get internal shelving plus door racks, giving you a few ways to organise your food. While it is compact, it is big enough to keep a weekly shop for one person (or a lighter shop for two) if you plan your storage well.

Freezer Capacity: 26 Litres

The 26-litre freezer section is ideal for essentials rather than bulk storage. You can keep frozen vegetables, a few ready meals, ice cream, and some frozen meat or bread products.

You would not use this freezer for large amounts of batch cooking or big frozen food hauls, but it works well for top-ups and convenience items. For a single person, or as a secondary freezer, it is perfectly practical.

Key Features at a Glance

Sometimes it is easier to compare features in a clear layout. The table below summarises the main points so you can see quickly whether this fridge freezer fits what you need.

This breakdown gives you a clear picture: a small, stylish, practical unit with modern basics covered and a strong warranty for peace of mind.

Cooling Performance and Temperature Control

You want your food kept at safe temperatures without a lot of fuss. This model focuses on reliable cooling with the flexibility to adjust the temperature to your preferences.

Adjustable Thermostat

The adjustable thermostat gives you control over how cold you want your fridge and freezer to run. You can change the setting depending on:

• How full your fridge is
• The season and room temperature
• What type of food you store most often

Being able to set the temperature yourself helps you balance between maximum freshness and energy savings. If you keep plenty of fresh meat and dairy, you may prefer a cooler setting. If you mainly store drinks and snacks, you can choose a slightly higher setting to save some energy.

Reliable Everyday Cooling

While this unit is not advertised as a high-end, advanced cooling system, it is designed for steady, everyday performance. The goal is to keep your groceries safely chilled and frozen without you needing to constantly adjust things.

You should still follow good habits like not overpacking the shelves, leaving some space for air circulation, and closing the door promptly. That way you get the best possible performance from the appliance.

Interior Layout and Practical Storage Features

Inside the SIA RFM88C, the design is aimed at making the most of the compact space. You get a mix of shelves, racks, and a drawer so your food does not feel cramped or awkward to access.

Wire Door Racks

The wire door racks in the fridge section are particularly useful for bottles and jars. You can store items such as:

• Milk cartons or bottles
• Soft drink bottles
• Condiment jars and sauces
• Small juice bottles

Because the racks are wired and designed to hold items securely, you do not have bottles rolling around or falling out when you open the door. This helps you keep your main shelves clear for food that needs a flat, stable surface.

Salad Crisper Drawer

You also get a salad crisper drawer at the bottom of the fridge. This is ideal for:

• Lettuce and leafy greens
• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Carrots, cucumbers, and other salad vegetables
• Fruits such as apples, grapes, or berries (in containers)

The drawer helps keep your produce fresher for longer by giving it a slightly more controlled environment. It also stops your vegetables from drying out quickly on open shelves and keeps your fridge looking tidy.

Interior LED Light

The interior LED light is a small but very helpful touch. When you open the door, you get a clear view of everything inside, even in a dimly lit kitchen.

LED lighting has the benefits of being bright, long-lasting, and efficient. You do not need to worry about frequent bulb changes, and it helps you quickly spot what you have (or what you are missing before a food shop).

Energy Efficiency and Running Costs

Appliances run all year, so their energy usage matters. While this model carries an E energy rating, you still get a practical balance of efficiency and performance for a compact fridge freezer.

E Energy Rating Explained

Modern EU/UK energy labels run from A (most efficient) down to G (least efficient). An E rating places this unit in the middle zone, which is quite typical for smaller, retro-style appliances that also focus on aesthetics.

You are not getting the ultra-low consumption of an A-rated unit, but you are getting a reasonable, everyday level of efficiency, especially given the size. For many people in smaller households, the actual running cost remains manageable because there is less total volume to cool.

Balancing Efficiency and Use

You can help keep your energy costs sensible by:

• Setting the thermostat to an appropriate level, not the coldest by default
• Avoiding frequent, long door openings
• Not overloading the fridge or blocking air vents inside
• Positioning the unit away from direct heat sources like ovens or radiators

By using it thoughtfully, you make the most of the balance between performance and energy consumption built into this model.

Installation and Setup

Getting your new fridge freezer in place should not feel like a complicated project. This model is freestanding and designed to be easy to position and set up.

Freestanding Undercounter Design

Being freestanding means you do not need any special built-in housing for this unit. You simply:

1. Find a suitable space under your counter with good ventilation around it.
2. Position the appliance so it is level and stable.
3. Plug it into a standard mains socket.

As an undercounter appliance, you do need to check the height measurement against your existing cabinets to ensure everything aligns nicely. Once you have done that, the rest is straightforward.

Handle Installation

The product comes with two handles that you need to secure to the front using the screws provided. This is a minor bit of assembly rather than something complicated.

You should:

• Follow the instructions in the included product manual
• Use the correct screws for each handle
• Tighten them firmly, but avoid overtightening to protect the finish

This small step lets you choose the final handle position and ensures nothing gets damaged in transit. After that, your fridge freezer is ready to switch on and cool down.

Day-to-Day Use and Convenience

You want your fridge freezer to be easy to live with, not something that demands constant attention. This model focuses on straightforward, everyday practicality.

Simple Controls

The controls are intentionally simple. You do not get confusing digital interfaces; instead, you get a clear adjustable thermostat so you can set your preferred cooling level.

This makes it easy for anyone in your household to understand and adjust, whether you are used to modern appliances or you prefer more traditional controls. You set it once, then only tweak it if your needs change.

Suitable for Multiple Rooms and Uses

Because of its size and style, you are not limited to using this fridge freezer only in a main kitchen. It fits a lot of different setups, for example:

• As a drinks and snack fridge in a living area
• In a home office for quick access to refreshments
• In a guest room or annex to give visitors their own space for storing food
• In a utility room to separate messy or smelly items from your main fridge

Its retro look helps it feel more like a design choice than just a functional white box, so you can place it where it will be seen without it spoiling the room.

Build Quality and Durability

You expect your appliance to last more than just a couple of years. While this is not a premium-priced product, it is built to be solid enough for everyday use.

Sturdy Construction

The fridge has a robust cabinet design, and the doors feel substantial rather than flimsy. The wire door racks add to this sense of strength because metal supports tend to feel more durable than very thin plastic shelves.

The interior fittings are designed to support typical household items without flexing too much or feeling like they might break under normal use.

Handles and Moving Parts

Handles are a common weak point on many appliances. Here, the fact that you install the two handles yourself can actually be a benefit, as you can ensure they are properly secured from the start.

Hinges, seals, and door components are made for regular, everyday opening and closing. As with any fridge, treating the doors gently and not overloading them with very heavy items will help extend their life.

Cleaning and Maintenance

You do not want a fridge that is a hassle to clean. This unit is designed so you can wipe, empty, and maintain it without too much effort.

Easy-to-Clean Interior

The interior surfaces are smooth and easy to wipe down with a soft cloth and mild cleaning solution. You can remove shelves and the salad crisper drawer to wash them outside the fridge if you prefer.

Regular cleaning helps you:

• Keep odours under control
• Spot any spills before they become stubborn stains
• Maintain a hygienic environment for your food

Because of its compact size, a complete clean-out does not feel like a huge task, which is especially helpful if you live alone or have a busy schedule.

Basic Maintenance Tips

To keep your SIA RFM88C running smoothly for years, you can:

• Check the door seals occasionally for damage or dirt buildup
• Avoid blocking air circulation vents inside
• Keep the exterior dust-free, especially around any ventilation areas

If the freezer compartment does build up ice over time, you may need to defrost it now and then, depending on your usage and the room conditions. Always refer to the product manual for exact maintenance instructions.

Noise Levels and Comfort

You want your kitchen or living area to feel calm, without a constant loud hum from your appliances. While exact decibel levels are not stated in the product details you have, smaller undercounter fridge freezers like this are typically designed to run at a modest noise level.

Everyday Noise Expectation

You should expect:

• A gentle hum during normal operation
• The occasional soft sound as the cooling system cycles on and off

In most homes, this level of noise blends into the background, especially in kitchens or open-plan spaces where other sounds are present. If you are particularly sensitive to noise, placing the unit in a kitchen rather than a bedroom or quiet study area is usually best.

Suitability for Different Households

Not every appliance fits every lifestyle, so it helps to decide who this fridge freezer suits best. You can then judge more clearly if it is the right match for you.

Ideal for Small Kitchens and Apartments

If your kitchen is compact, every centimetre matters. The SIA RFM88C works especially well when:

• You need undercounter storage that looks stylish
• You have limited floor space and cannot fit a tall fridge
• You prefer a neat, streamlined kitchen layout

The combination of retro style and smaller footprint makes it a strong choice for apartments, studio flats, and smaller homes where you do not want a bulky, overpowering appliance.

Great as a Second or Supplementary Fridge

If you already have a main fridge freezer, this model can be very useful as a secondary unit. You might use it for:

• Extra drinks and party food
• Storing special dietary items separately
• Giving teenagers or housemates their own space
• Back-up storage in a utility room

This flexibility means you are not restricted to a single use case; you can adapt it to changes in your household or lifestyle over time.

Pros and Cons Summary

To help you decide, here is a balanced look at what you gain and where this model has limitations. Seeing both sides clearly lets you judge if it suits your needs.

Advantages

You get several meaningful benefits with the SIA RFM88C:

• Stylish retro design in a cream finish that adds character to your kitchen
• Compact undercounter size that is ideal for small spaces or secondary use
• 88-litre total capacity split sensibly between 62L fridge and 26L freezer
• Adjustable thermostat so you can choose your preferred cooling level
• Interior LED light for good visibility and lower energy use
• Wire door racks that keep bottles and jars secure and organised
• Salad crisper drawer to help keep fruit and vegetables fresh and tidy
• Freestanding design that is easy to position without complex installation
• 2-year parts and labour guarantee for added reassurance and support

These points make it a solid option if you value both looks and functionality in a smaller appliance.

Limitations

At the same time, it is useful to be aware of where this model may not fit your situation:

• Limited capacity if you have a larger household or do big weekly shops
• E energy rating, which is not the highest available, if ultra-low energy use is your top priority
• Freezer space of 26 litres, which may feel small if you rely heavily on frozen foods
• Requires handle installation, which is simple but still an extra step

If you need a large, family-sized appliance or a super-efficient A-rated unit, this is likely not the best match. However, if you accept these trade-offs for the style and size, it can still be a strong choice.

Warranty and Peace of Mind

When you buy an appliance, you want to know you are covered if something goes wrong. Here, you get a reassuring level of protection as standard.

2-Year Parts and Labour Guarantee

The 2-year parts and labour guarantee means that if a covered fault develops during normal use within that period, you can rely on support from the manufacturer or retailer.

This matters because:

• It shows confidence in the product’s build quality
• It gives you practical protection beyond just the initial purchase
• It can save you money and stress if something unexpected occurs

You should always read the guarantee terms carefully and keep your proof of purchase, so you are ready if you ever need to use it.

Who This Fridge Freezer Is Best For

By now, you probably have a sense of whether this model suits you, but it helps to make it very clear.

Perfect If You Want Style in a Small Space

You will likely be happy with the SIA RFM88C if:

• You love retro, 1950s-style appliances
• You have a small kitchen, studio, or office and need undercounter storage
• You want a compact fridge freezer with both fridge and freezer compartments
• You value a tidy, organised interior with door racks and a salad drawer
• You appreciate simple controls and straightforward installation

If these points describe your needs, this model offers a strong mix of look, function, and convenience.

Consider Other Options If You Need More Capacity

On the other hand, you may want to look for a different appliance if:

• You have three or more people relying on one fridge
• You regularly cook in bulk or store lots of frozen foods
• You want the absolute best energy rating available on the market
• You prefer a tall fridge freezer or built-in appliance instead of undercounter

In those cases, a larger, more advanced unit may match your lifestyle better, even if it costs more or takes up more space.

Practical Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your SIA RFM88C

If you decide this is the right fridge freezer for you, a few simple habits will help you get the best performance and longest life from it.

Smart Organisation

You can make the 88-litre capacity feel more generous by organising your items thoughtfully:

• Use the wire door racks for bottles, jars, and small containers
• Reserve the main shelves for boxed items, leftovers, and bulky foods
• Keep all your fresh produce in the salad crisper drawer
• Label containers if you share the fridge with others

This keeps everything easy to see and reach, reducing the time you spend searching with the door open.

Efficient Everyday Use

To keep both your food and your fridge in the best condition:

• Set the thermostat to a reasonable middle setting and adjust only if needed
• Let hot foods cool before placing them in the fridge
• Avoid leaving the door open for long periods
• Clean spills promptly so they do not harden or cause odours

By treating the appliance well and giving it a bit of regular care, you extend its life and keep it running efficiently.

Final Thoughts: Is the SIA RFM88C Right for You?

You want an appliance that does more than just sit there; you want something that looks good, works reliably, and suits your space. The SIA RFM88C 88L Freestanding Under Counter Cream Retro Fridge Freezer brings you:

• A charming retro design in a versatile cream colour
• A sensible 88-litre capacity ideal for one or two people or for use as a secondary fridge
• Practical features like an adjustable thermostat, interior LED light, wire door racks, and a salad crisper drawer
• The confidence of a 2-year parts and labour guarantee

If you have limited space, enjoy vintage-inspired style, and need a compact fridge freezer that covers your everyday needs without overwhelming your kitchen, this model fits that role very well. As long as you are comfortable with the smaller capacity and mid-range energy rating, it can be a genuinely satisfying addition to your home.

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