The Samsung Series 5 RB38C602EWW is a tall, 70/30 split fridge freezer designed to give families more usable fridge space without needing an American–style appliance. With a generous 390-litre capacity and SpaceMax technology squeezing more room into a standard 60cm width, it’s clearly aimed at busy homes that shop once or twice a week.
Samsung sits at the premium end of the fridge freezer market, and this model reflects that, combining Total No Frost, clever airflow and SmartThings connectivity in a clean, white finish. Owners rate it very highly, with an impressive 4.8 out of 5 from well over 400 reviews, so real-world satisfaction is strong.
It’s not the cheapest option out there, but the mix of space, quiet running and smart features will appeal if you want a modern, low-maintenance upgrade rather than a basic box to keep food cold.
The RB38C602EWW is ideal for medium to larger households that prioritise fridge space. The 70/30 split gives you a big 276-litre fridge on top for fresh food, lunches and leftovers, with a 114-litre freezer below for essentials and batch cooking.
If you live in a flat or typical UK semi and want maximum storage without going wider than a standard 60cm unit, this model fits the bill. At 203cm tall it makes the most of vertical space, so it’s particularly good if your kitchen footprint is tight but ceiling height isn’t an issue.
This is a solid choice for shoppers with a mid to upper–mid budget who want more than the basics. Features like Total No Frost, All-Around Cooling and Power Cool/Power Freeze will appeal if you care about food staying fresher for longer and never want to defrost again.
It also suits more tech–savvy users who like the idea of adjusting temperatures and checking status from their phone via SmartThings. If you just want something ultra-cheap and don’t care about smart or efficiency touches, there are simpler models – but they won’t feel as polished or convenient.
The standout advantage here is space. That 390-litre total capacity, helped by Samsung’s SpaceMax technology, means you can fit around 21 bags of shopping inside a standard-width appliance, which is excellent for family life or batch cooking.
Total No Frost and All-Around Cooling work together to keep temperatures even and stable, so there are no icy corners in the freezer and far fewer ‘warm spots’ in the fridge to spoil salads or dairy. You never have to defrost, which saves time and mess.
SmartThings connectivity is a genuine bonus rather than a gimmick. Being able to tweak temperatures, activate fast cooling modes and keep an eye on the appliance from your phone adds peace of mind, especially if you’re away or have just done a big shop.
Everyday practicality is strong: adjustable tempered glass shelves, a full-width salad crisper, four-door balconies for bottles, and a reversible door help you tailor the interior and installation to your kitchen. The quiet 35 dB noise level and efficient inverter motor also make it well suited to open-plan living spaces.
Add in a solid 4.8/5 owner rating and a 2-year manufacturer warranty (once registered), and it looks like a well-rounded, reliable choice.
The main compromise is the energy rating. At E and an annual consumption of around 264 kWh, it’s reasonably efficient for a tall fridge freezer but not at the very cutting edge. If you’re chasing the lowest possible running costs, there are A–C rated models, though they often cost more up front.
While the 70/30 split is ideal for fresh–food focused households, the 114-litre freezer might feel a bit tight if you rely heavily on frozen food or like to keep a lot of bulk buys and batch meals. In that case, a 60/40 or larger-capacity freezer might suit better.
The 2-year warranty is decent but not exceptional at this price point – some premium rivals offer longer cover on the whole appliance or extended compressor warranties.
Finally, at over two metres tall, installing and manoeuvring it into smaller or older properties with tight stairways can be a bit of a faff, so double-check access routes before you buy.
Day to day, the Samsung Series 5 RB38C602EWW feels thoughtfully designed. The interior layout is straightforward, with four adjustable glass shelves and a large salad crisper making it easy to organise everything from family meals to party platters. Door storage is generous, with four balconies giving plenty of room for milk, juice and condiments.
The LED lighting and internal LCD display keep everything clear and easy to see, even when the fridge is full. The button controls are simple and tucked neatly inside, so you’re not staring at a busy control panel every time you walk past.
At a rated 35 dB, noise levels are impressively low. The inverter motor tends to hum gently rather than roar into life, which is a real plus in open-plan kitchens and smaller homes where loud compressors can be annoying.
Because it’s Total No Frost with auto-defrost in the fridge, maintenance is minimal – no more scraping ice off drawers or losing space to frost build-up. And if you’ve just done a big shop, the Power Cool and Power Freeze functions bring everything down to temperature quickly so your food isn’t sat warm for long.
Installation is flexible thanks to the reversible door, though its 203cm height means you’ll want two people to move and position it safely.
For core cooling performance, the RB38C602EWW is very well specified. The 4-star freezer rating means it’s suitable for long-term freezing and will keep food safely frozen for longer, and the quoted 9 hours of safe storage in a power cut adds reassurance in the event of an outage.
All-Around Cooling and Multi Airflow systematically move chilled air around the cavity, aiming to keep temperatures even on every shelf. This helps reduce the chance of milk going off quickly on the door or salad wilting at the back, and generally supports better food preservation.
Total No Frost in the freezer, paired with auto-defrost in the fridge, keeps ice at bay. That not only saves you the hassle of defrosting but also ensures drawers slide smoothly and capacity isn’t eaten up by frost. Fast freeze and super cooling options are handy when loading warm items or making room for a big food delivery.
On the smart side, SmartThings integration allows you to monitor and adjust settings from your smartphone. It’s especially useful if you’re away from home, want to nudge the temperature before you arrive with shopping, or like to keep an eye on appliance status. It’s not essential, but it enhances the premium feel.
Features like the inverter motor, bright LED lighting, bottle storage, egg tray and SpaceMax construction round out a very complete spec. You’re getting most of the modern conveniences you’d expect from a leading brand’s mid-to-upper range fridge freezer, without drifting into unnecessary gimmicks.
Positioned as a premium–leaning, tall fridge freezer, the RB38C602EWW is not a bargain-basement option, but it does justify its price with a strong blend of space, features and brand pedigree.
You’re paying for a large 390-litre capacity in a standard-width body, comprehensive No Frost technology, clever airflow and quiet, efficient operation. SmartThings connectivity and quick cooling modes add further convenience that cheaper models often skip.
The energy rating is good rather than outstanding, so the long–term running costs are sensible but not rock–bottom. However, the high owner satisfaction – a 4.8/5 score from hundreds of reviews – suggests that most buyers feel they’re getting what they paid for, or better.
If you’re purely budget-driven, you can certainly find simpler, non-smart fridge freezers for less. But if you want a roomy, modern, low-effort appliance from a big-name brand, this Samsung offers solid value for the spec and finish on offer.
The Samsung Series 5 RB38C602EWW is a superb choice for households that want maximum fridge space, minimal maintenance and a touch of smart control in a standard-width appliance. Its tall design, roomy 70/30 layout and clever SpaceMax construction give you a lot of usable storage, while Total No Frost and All-Around Cooling help keep food fresher with almost no effort from you.
It’s not the absolute cheapest to buy or run, and heavy freezer users might prefer a model with a larger frozen section. The two-year warranty is adequate rather than exceptional. But these are relatively minor quibbles in the context of its generous capacity, quiet performance and well-executed smart features.
If you’re upgrading an older, frost–ridden fridge freezer and want a modern, family–friendly model that feels up-to-date without being overcomplicated, this Samsung Series 5 should be high on your shortlist.
