Smeg FA490ULX 28-inch Bottom Freezer Refrigerator with 16.2 cu. ft. Capacity, Automatic Defrost, LED Lighting

The Smeg FA490UL is a stylish and efficient 28-inch bottom freezer refrigerator, designed to enhance your kitchen experience. With a generous capacity of 16.2 cubic feet, it provides ample space for all your food storage needs. The bottom freezer design allows for easy access to fresh foods at eye level, while the freezer compartment is conveniently located below. Featuring an automatic defrost function, this refrigerator minimises maintenance and ensures optimal performance. The interior is illuminated with energy-efficient LED lighting, making it easy to find items even in low light. With its sleek design and modern features, the Smeg FA490UL combines functionality and elegance, making it a perfect addition to any contemporary kitchen.

• LED Interior Lighting
• LED Display
• Fast Freezing
• Inverter Technology

Adjustable Glass Shelves
Adjustable glass shelves provide a stable platform while allowing light to go through and provide illumination throughout the bottom. You can rearrange or remove them for flexible storage or easy clean-up.

Automatic Defrost
Reduced maintenance with auto auto-defrost system

Why should you consider buying Smeg FA490UL?

• Reliable Cooling & No‑Frost Convenience
  Total No‑Frost Cooling System: Automatically prevents ice buildup in both the fridge and freezer compartments, so you don’t have to manually defrost — saving time and hassle.
  Multi‑Flow Air Circulation: Built‑in fan and airflow system ensure even cooling throughout the interior, helping keep food fresh and evenly chilled.
• Spacious, Practical Storage
  Large Capacity (~16.2 cu ft / 510 L): Generous combined refrigerator and freezer space is well‑suited for everyday family use and weekly grocery hauls. 
  Adjustable Glass Shelves & Crisper Drawers: Flexible shelving and a dedicated fruit/vegetable drawer make it easy to organise food items of different shapes and sizes.
• Freshness Boosting Features
  LifePlus / Low‑Temperature Compartment: A specialised zone keeps meats, fish, and other perishables at an ideal slightly lower temperature to help extend freshness and reduce waste. 
  Fast‑Freezing Function: Quickly brings down freezer temperatures when you’re adding lots of new items — great for preserving the quality of fresh food.
• User‑Friendly Design
  LED Interior Lighting: Bright, energy‑efficient lighting makes it easy to find what you need even at night.
  Internal Display & Controls: Integrated digital controls let you monitor and adjust temperatures precisely.
  Manual Ice Maker: Freezer includes an ice maker you control — no complex hookups required.
• Elegant Looks & Finishes
  Portofino Aesthetic: Clean, contemporary design with a flat glossy finish and premium handle choices (e.g., stainless steel) makes this fridge a stylish centrepiece in many kitchens.
• Quiet, Efficient Operation
  Low Noise (~42 dB): Quiet performance helps keep your kitchen peaceful.
  Energy‑Smart Cooling: Dual‑flow/no‑frost system works efficiently to help balance performance with reasonable energy use.

Frequently Asked Questions by Customers

• What type of appliance is the Smeg FA490UL?
  The FA490UL is a freestanding 50 cm (approx. 19.7") under-counter fridge/freezer, designed to fit under standard countertops in kitchens, offices, or bars.
• What is the capacity of the FA490UL?
  The total net capacity is ~114 litres, with ~82 L for the fridge compartment and ~32 L for the freezer compartment, suitable for small households or supplementary storage.

• Does it have a freezer compartment?
  Yes, it includes a small freezer compartment for ice, frozen food, or small items.
• What is the energy efficiency of this model?
  The FA490UL is energy-efficient, designed for low electricity consumption while maintaining consistent cooling performance.
• How is temperature controlled?
  It has a manual thermostat for easy adjustment of the fridge and freezer compartments.
• What type of door and finish does it have?
  The fridge has a reversible door for left- or right-hand opening and a stainless steel or white finish, depending on the model version.

Pros and Cons of Smeg FA490UL 28‑inch Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

The Smeg FA490UL is a 28‑inch bottom freezer refrigerator designed to provide practical food storage with thoughtful features like automatic defrost, LED lighting, adjustable shelving, and a LifePlus temperature‑controlled drawer to help keep perishables fresh. It's mid‑size 16.2 cu. ft. capacity and inverter compressor aim to balance performance with everyday convenience for kitchens where space and design matter.

Pros

• Generous Capacity for Its Footprint:
  Offers a total of 16.2 cu. ft. capacity, with roughly 11.7 cu. ft. in the refrigerator and ~4.5 cu. ft. in the freezer, which is good for small to medium households.
• Bottom Freezer Layout:
  Freezer below keeps everyday refrigerated items at eye level — easier access and organisation compared with top‑mount designs.
• Automatic Defrost:
  The automatic defrost system eliminates the need for manual defrosting, reducing maintenance.
• LED Interior Lighting:
  Bright, energy‑efficient LED lighting enhances visibility throughout the fridge and freezer compartments.
• Adjustable Glass Shelves & Flexible Storage:
  Multiple adjustable glass shelves and a sliding crisp drawer help customise the interior layout for various food items.
• Fast Freezing Function:
  Fast‑freezing mode in the freezer prepares it for large loads of fresh food, helping preserve quality.
• LifePlus Drawer / Temperature‑Controlled Zone:
  A special drawer with controlled temperature (often around 0 °C) helps keep perishable foods like fish and meat fresh longer.
• Relatively Quiet Operation:
  Runs at around 42 dB(A), which is reasonably quiet for a refrigerator/freezer combo.
• Manual Ice Maker:
• Includes a manual ice maker in the freezer for drinking water and beverages without needing a separate ice tray.

Cons

• Not Energy Star Certified:
  Although it’s reasonably efficient (A++ in some listings), it is not Energy Star certified, so it may consume more energy than the most efficient modern fridges
• No Water Dispenser:
  Lacks a built‑in water dispenser — typical for units in this class, but something some users may miss.
• Fixed Door Hinge:
  Doors typically are not reversible, so installation flexibility (left/right swing) may be limited.
• Ice Maker Is Manual:
  The ice maker must be manually filled/managed, unlike automatic ice makers that connect to water lines.
• Mid‑Range Capacity Only:
  While 16.2 cu. ft. is good for many homes, but larger families or heavy grocery shoppers may find it limiting.

Conclusion

The Smeg FA490UL 28‑inch Bottom Freezer Refrigerator offers a solid balance of capacity, functionality, and convenience in a sleek stainless steel design. Its automatic defrost system, adjustable shelving, LED lighting, LifePlus temperature zone, and fast‑freezing mode make it a versatile choice for everyday refrigeration needs.