Introduction

Front

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Though they've been building fridges for markets across the world for decades, in the US Haier is best known for making micro fridges that show up in dorm rooms and office kitchens. The {{product.name}} -- built in Camden, SC -- is their first dedicated effort to crack the crowded US full-size fridge marketplace, and they upgraded interiors significantly to meet the standards of US consumers.

A Haier representative explained to us that the fridges now have a dedicated design language so they'll be recognizable to consumers. The {{product.model}} certainly isn't a high-end fridge, but overall it appears indistinguishable from similarly sized entry-level fridges from manufacturers with a longer presence in the US.

There are two sets of controls in the {{product.name}} -- one that determines how much cold air reaches the fridge, the other for the freezer.

Interior

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Back

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We couldn't get a shot of the back of the fridge, since it was against a wall.

Sides

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Ease of Access

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Haier's representative told us that they'd put a lot of effort into improving the fit and finish of their US-bound fridges. After sampling some of their Chinese market units, we're inclined to agree. Plastic door shelves are improved -- though they're still not as substantial as some other fridges we've tested.

A very small part helps this fridge to shine. Most entry-level fridges -- including older-model Haiers -- have drawers that slide roughly with plastic-on-plastic. The {{product.model}}features rollers that help drawers to glide and stay level. We're looking forward to testing them with heavier loads to see how they hold up.

Shelves hook onto the back of the fridge on one side and rest in indentations on the side of the fridge cavity on the other. They're pretty easy to adjust.

The {{product.name}} has two lights in the fridge cavity -- one that lights from the top, the other at the bottom -- and another light in the freezer. There are also two humidity controlled crisper drawers, where most fridges at this level only have one.

Controls

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There are two sets of controls in the {{product.name}} -- one that determines how much cold air reaches the fridge, the other for the freezer.

Water Dispenser

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Ice Maker

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Cleaning

Noise

Other Features

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Conclusion

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Already known for micro and mini fridges, Haier is introducing a whole new lineup of full-size units for the US market. Built in Camden, SC, the {{product.model}} features an improved fit and finish and an all-new design language.

The {{product.model}}'s fit and finish is greatly improved over some of their Chinese-market models that were on display. In many ways, the {{product.model}} has a nicer interior than many other similarly-priced fridges on the market, though the shelves on the door are quite flimsy.

Haier says the {{product.model}} is a 22 cubic foot fridge. We haven't measured how much of that space is actually usable. We are eager to test the {{product.model}}'s performance in our energy tests once we get a test unit into our lab.