Hotpoint RFAA52S review
Product alert
Don’t buy this fridge freezer - it has a potentially unsafe plastic back.
Our fire tests have shown that this type of backing dramatically increases the spread of fire, as it offers inadequate protection to the flammable insulation that is used in all refrigeration appliances. We are therefore only recommending models with flame-retardant backing.
We’ve been told this fridge freezer is being upgraded to have flame-retardant backing, so our Don't Buy recommendation relates to the plastic-backed version of this product that’s still in shops.
If you already own this product, be reassured the risk of a refrigeration appliance causing a fire in the first place is low. The material used in the backing allows an existing fire to spread, but isn’t the cause of fire itself.
Further reading
Take me to reviews of fridge freezers with flame-retardant backingFridge freezer safety
Hotpoint safety alert
At Which? we're committed to giving you all the information you need to make an informed choice about the products you buy and this includes telling you about how companies handle safety issues with their products. We have identified that this product comes from a group of companies that we believe has previously handled a product safety issue poorly (though the issue affected tumble dryers only).
Test score %
- Freestanding
- Silver
The Hotpoint RFAA52S is a cheap freestanding fridge freezer. We’ve given it our Don’t Buy warning due to potential fire risks associated with the materials used in its backing. Read our full safety alert for more information.
- Pros and cons
- What is it?
- What’s it great at?
- Is there anything I should watch out for?
- Is there anything else I should know?
- Do I need to worry about the backing?
- Should I buy it?
Technical specifications
General
- Testing informationThis model was tested before we changed our fridge freezer test programme in 2015 and again in April 2018. For full details on how we've changed our testing, head to our guide on 'how we test fridge freezers'.
Test results
The overall Which? test score is made up of the following star ratings, all determined by our rigorous lab tests.
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Make smarter choices
- 0%Lowest score
- 58%Average score
- 90%Highest score
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Our Test Labs compare features and prices on a range of products. Try Which? to unlock our reviews. You'll instantly be able to compare our test scores, so you can make sure you don't get stuck with a Don't Buy.
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