Could a HiSense Refrigerator be the Best Deal Under $1000?

This article takes a close look at the HiSense HRB171N6 refrigerator, a budget-friendly option in the bottom-freezer category. We'll explore its features, design, and overall value, especially considering its price point. The goal is to see if this affordable appliance can truly deliver, or if its low cost comes with too many compromises. We'll also discuss its repairability and compare it to other models on the market.

The HiSense HRB171N6: An Overview

Bottom-freezer refrigerators have been around for a while, offering good ergonomics. However, they often come with a high price tag. The HiSense HRB171N6 aims to change that. While it retails for around $1,100, it's often on sale for $800-$900, making it a very affordable choice compared to similar models. It comes in black, white, and stainless steel.

This unit is on the smaller side for a bottom-freezer fridge, with a capacity of 17.1 cubic feet. It measures 26.6 inches deep, 32 inches wide, and 69 inches tall. HiSense does offer a larger, French door model (HRF266) with 26.6 cubic feet of capacity, but it's more expensive.

One thing to note is that these HiSense models are mostly found at Lowe's. This review is not sponsored by HiSense or Lowe's; the unit was a customer return that became available for testing.

Features and Design

The HRB171N6 is a basic refrigerator, but it has some good features. It doesn't come with an ice maker built-in, but you can add one for an extra $50-$75. Having the ice maker in the freezer is generally better than in the fridge section.

The freezer section has a standard pull-out drawer with two shelves, similar to higher-end bottom-freezer models. The main refrigerator door is reversible, which is a nice touch for different kitchen layouts. Changing the door swing is simple, with hardware at the top that's easy to swap.

Inside, the fridge is pretty straightforward. It has a basic control panel at the top that lets you adjust temperature (Fahrenheit or Celsius) and choose from modes like super cool, energy saving, and super freezer. It also has a forced defrost mode and can display basic error codes, which is helpful for troubleshooting.

For shelving, there are three shelves up top and a large chef's pantry at the bottom. Unlike some units that have two crisper drawers, this one has just the one large pantry. The shelves are adjustable, with about 12 different notches, allowing for some customization to fit various items.

Why HiSense?

HiSense is a relatively new appliance company, officially founded in 1994. They quickly became a major TV producer in China, evolving from a radio factory established in 1969. What's interesting for appliances is their partnership with Whirlpool since 2008 for producing washing machines and refrigerators in China. HiSense actually bought a refrigerator factory 10 years before this partnership.

This doesn't mean the HiSense fridge is just a re-badged Whirlpool. However, some Whirlpool models, especially the Chinese-built ones, share similar user interfaces and shelf designs, suggesting they might come from the same factory as this more affordable HiSense unit.

Simplicity and Repairability

One of the biggest advantages of this HiSense refrigerator is its simplicity. Fewer parts mean less can go wrong. The entire wiring diagram is on a small sheet of paper on the back, a stark contrast to more complex, high-end models. This simplicity makes it easier to diagnose and fix problems.

It uses a single evaporator system, meaning all cold air is produced in the bottom freezer and then blown up into the fridge section by a fan. This design reduces the number of parts that can freeze or get damaged. The damping system is also simple and easy to access.

Technicians generally like these HiSense refrigerators because they are easy to work on. The bottom of the unit comes apart with just two screws, and the evaporator panel has three. This makes accessing components incredibly easy. The control board is simple and inexpensive to replace (around $60 if it fails). The compressor system also uses basic overload and relay, making fixes cheap.

Unlike many modern fridges, this unit does not have an inverter motor. This means the compressor simply turns on and off. While this makes it less sophisticated, it also means replacement parts are much cheaper than those for Whirlpool or GE appliances.

Downsides and Considerations

There are a couple of downsides to not having an inverter motor:

• Noise: It might be a bit louder when running. However, tests showed it runs at a reasonable 43 dB, which is pretty good.

• Energy Efficiency: It uses about 453 kWh per year. For comparison, an LG with an inverter motor might use a similar amount of electricity but offer more capacity (around 27 cubic feet).

The main concern initially was temperature uniformity. Early observations suggested a temperature difference between the top and bottom of the fridge. However, extensive testing over three days with seven data loggers showed that the temperature variance was actually quite small: about ±1 degree in the fridge section (between the colder chef's pantry and the slightly warmer top shelf) and ±0.25 degrees in the freezer. The fridge was set to 36°F, and the freezer to 0°F, though it ran closer to -3°F.

Warranty and Parts Availability

This HiSense fridge comes with a 2-year warranty covering all parts and labor, which is good for a budget appliance. Even better, the sealed system has a 5-year warranty, similar to what you'd find on much more expensive refrigerators. HiSense has also been transparent about their low mechanical failure rates, reporting between 2-3% under warranty, which is very low compared to other brands.

However, there's a significant drawback: finding technicians. Because HiSense is a newer brand in the US, many technicians and companies are not familiar with these models. This can make warranty service problematic, even though the fridge is easy to fix. If you're considering buying one, it's a good idea to check with your local Lowe's (or other retailer) to see if they have technicians in your area who can service HiSense appliances.

Parts availability is generally good. Most components are available and in stock through major parts retailers, and they are very affordable compared to parts for other brands. This means that even if something does go wrong outside of warranty, the cost to fix it is likely to be low.

Key Takeaways

• Affordable Price: Often available for $800-$900, making it a budget-friendly bottom-freezer option.

• Simple Design: Fewer complex parts mean less can go wrong and easier repairs.

• Easy to Repair: Technicians find it very straightforward to diagnose and fix, with accessible components and simple schematics.

• Good Warranty: 2-year full warranty and a 5-year sealed system warranty are strong points.

• Low Failure Rate: Reported mechanical failure rates are very low compared to many competitors.

• Temperature Stability: Despite initial concerns, extensive testing showed good temperature uniformity.

• Technician Availability: This is the main drawback, as finding technicians familiar with HiSense can be a challenge in some areas.

• No Inverter Motor: Leads to slightly higher energy consumption and potentially more noise, but also cheaper parts.

Alternatives to Consider

If the HiSense HRB171N6 isn't quite right for you, here are a couple of alternatives in the bottom-freezer category:

• Amana ABB1924 or ABB2224: These models are priced between $1,200-$1,300. They offer better warranty support and, according to some reports, better temperature consistency. They typically come with a 1-year warranty, but parts are very common and easy to find due to their long presence in the market.

• LG LRDCS2603S: This LG model is highly rated by consumers for bottom-freezer refrigerators. While it has a linear compressor (which some people dislike due to past issues with higher-capacity French door models), this specific model's lower output seems to avoid those problems. It's more energy-efficient than the HiSense due to its inverter motor.

Final Thoughts

Given all the facts, the HiSense HRB171N6 is a highly recommended purchase for consumers looking for an affordable, reliable, and easy-to-fix refrigerator. Its simplicity is a major asset, reducing potential points of failure and making repairs straightforward and inexpensive. While the challenge of finding a technician for warranty work is a real concern, the low purchase price often offsets this risk, allowing for potential out-of-pocket repairs if needed. For its price, this HiSense model offers excellent value and is a solid choice for many households.