Hotpoint FFA52 reviews: fridge freezer

Here’s a list of the questions other shoppers have asked owners of the Hotpoint FFA52

1. Are the glass shelves unbreakable glass and adjustable heights please? Also do you have any comments and/or reservations about the product in actual use? Thanks
   
   Keith asked on 25 Feb 2011
   1. Yes they are safety glass and adjustable. Good value for money, only downside is 1 leveller foot really needs 2 apart from that no probs and self defrost is great.
      
      shelley replied on 26 Feb 2011

       
   2. Yes they are safety glass and adjustable. Good value for money, plenty of storage space well worth the mony
      
      graham replied on 27 Feb 2011

       
2. To set "Fast Freeze and Low Ambient" on is the switch pressed in or left out. The handbook has missed the symbol out of the text and should the ventilation hole at the back of the freezer form ice round it.
   
   Marion asked on 27 Feb 2011
   1. In that case I would leave it out see if the ice from the back of the fridge goes it happened to mine to to be honest, may need to turn it on in the summer depending on how hot your kitchen gets. Let me know if it helps.
      
      Arun replied on 02 Mar 2011

       
3. Is this a built in / integrated fridge freezer?
   
   Ben asked on 08 Mar 2011
   1. it is a free standing one
      
      michael replied on 14 Mar 2011

       
   2. No free standing
      
      Claire replied on 14 Mar 2011

       
4. what is the dimensions
   
   linda asked on 15 Mar 2011
   1. Hi Linda , The fridge measures 21 inches wide,22 inches depth,68 inches high .hope that helps .
      
      grant replied on 16 Mar 2011

       
5. if there is a power cut do you know how long the freezer has before food starts to defrost?
   
   sarah asked on 17 Mar 2011
   1. we had a power cut and the power was off for 3 hours with no problems
      
      graham replied on 17 Mar 2011

       
   2. We have never had to test it luckily, but according to Currys the power failure safe storage time for the freezer is 17 hours.
      
      Limara replied on 17 Mar 2011

       
   3. We have not had a power cut since purchasing the fridge/freezer.
      
      Beryl replied on 17 Mar 2011

       
   4. I've never had a power cut fortunately but I read somewhere a long time ago that you can usually get away with half a day perhaps longer provided you DO NOT open the freezer door. Once you do that you can wave the contents goodbye....
      
      Phil replied on 17 Mar 2011

       
6. would it suit family of 4?€
   
   paula asked on 25 Mar 2011
   1. YES THERE IS PLENTY OF SPACE
      
      Mike replied on 25 Mar 2011

       
   2. yes it would.
      
      natalie replied on 26 Mar 2011

       
7. hi there
   
   can you tell me the sizes of the hotpoint fridge and freezer how high it is and wide and length of it please
   
   nicholas asked on 13 Apr 2011
   1. h 173
      d 57
      w53
      
      michael replied on 19 Apr 2011

       
   2. h173
      d57
      w53
      
      Claire replied on 20 Apr 2011

       
   3. H 172 cm
      D. 56 cm
      H. 53.5 cm
      
      
      Ann replied on 20 Apr 2011

       
8. Do they take old fridge freezer when delivering new one?
   
   
   
   Martyn asked on 14 Apr 2011
   1. No they do not take old fridge freezer when delivering new one.
      
      David replied on 15 Apr 2011

       
   2. Depends you have to tell them to take the old fridge freezer on the original order you place...
      
      Arun replied on 27 Apr 2011

       
9. Is this a QUIET fridge-freezer? - So if someone wanted to sleep overnight, in our frontroom. The kitchen, and fridge is quite close to the frontroom in our flat, so would it keep you awake if you were a light sleeper? thanks. Jane
   
   Jane asked on 22 Apr 2011
   1. iam a light sleeper also and yes the fridge is very quieti...
      
      stephen replied on 25 Apr 2011

       
10. my built in fridge freezer is freezing the food in the fridge, would this fridge freezer fit in my unit without being built in
    
    arlene asked on 16 May 2011
    1. Depends on the measurements of your placement area! It is free standing so could go almost anywhere where there is room for it, and a nearby power socket.
       Hope this helps.
       JH
       
       john replied on 16 May 2011

        
11. Hi DOES IT HAVE A LIGHT INSIDE THE FRIDGE AND IS IT FROST FREE?
    
    ROBBIE asked on 14 Jun 2011
    1. yes light at top right hand side and frost free
       
       maree replied on 14 Jun 2011

        
    2. yes it does has a light in fridge,that flashes if left open too long.and yes its frost free
       
       marie replied on 18 Jun 2011

        
12. Present Fridge Freezer will not keep Ice Cream it softens and refreezes posssibly during auto defrost. Will the FFA52 experience this?
    
    Barrie asked on 30 Jun 2011
    1. We've had our RFA52P (not frost free) for just over a month and therefore not had the experience of manually defrosting the freezer yet but the fridge has an auto-defrost function which works fine.
       
       We have ice-cream but never experienced what you're describing. We are very happy with the appliance.
       
       
       
       Kerry replied on 01 Jul 2011

        
    2. Have not experienced this as I do not have any ice cream in the freezer.
       
       Gary replied on 01 Jul 2011

        
13. does it run quietly
    
    derek asked on 01 Jul 2011
    1. It was a bit noisy at first(not bad enough to be frustrating),
       but it has settled down. My wife and I consider it a Great buy.
       
       Joe replied on 02 Jul 2011

        
    2. A definate YES to that question, you can hardly hear it, also its very effective foodstuffs and cold drinks are kept at constant temperature....Brilliant !!!!!
       
       Alan replied on 02 Jul 2011

        
    3. no it does not run quietly and as i have an open plan living room/kitchen its very annoying.
       
       evelyn replied on 04 Jul 2011

        
14. Is it frost free and is is big enough for a small family?
    
    Lisa asked on 11 Jul 2011
    1. no it is not frost free but only a little frost is noticeable yes i would say it is fine for a small family. we like to do our shopping weekly and it is fine for that
       
       BARBARA replied on 11 Jul 2011

        
    2. Yes, it is frost free, the freezer has three good sized baskets and a, not as big, front pull down compartment at the top at the top, loads of fridge space with two spacious pull out copartments at the bottom.
       
       Irene replied on 13 Jul 2011

        
15. do you have to defrost the freezer does theffa5sp have a fast freeze button
    
    des asked on 13 Jul 2011
    1. No. The instructions are obscure and theoperation of
       the one button is not identified. The temp. control says 1 to 5 but no explanation in the book- is 1 Max.
       or Min. level. I regret buying it.!
       
       Geoff replied on 13 Jul 2011

        
    2. I agree with Geoff, instructions were not complete in my handbook, also the fridge is noisy!!
       
       Beryl replied on 15 Jul 2011

        
16. is it easy to clean out (the separate compartments e.g. salad drawer)
    thanks
    
    brenda asked on 13 Jul 2011
    1. very easy remove pop in sink wash dry replace defrosts easy to
       
       
       graham replied on 13 Jul 2011

        
17. does it have a wine/bottle rack inside
    
    Bianca asked on 19 Jul 2011
    1. no
       
       Mike replied on 20 Jul 2011

        
    2. No
       
       Daniel replied on 20 Jul 2011

        
18. How many baskets does the freezer have, and are any of them half size?
    
    Irene asked on 19 Aug 2011
    1. There are 4 full sized drawers in the freezer and they all have solid bottoms so food can not fall through
       
       gill replied on 19 Aug 2011

        
    2. It has 4 solid full sized drawers 2 have icecube facilities,it really is a good buy
       
       June replied on 19 Aug 2011

        
    3. There are 4 drawers, one is for fast freezing which is indicated on the front. The ice cubes are in moulds on two of the shelfs, but are fiddly to fill and is only enough for a couple of drinks so buy a bag of ice for parties. Fridge freezer is big enough for a family if you are filling it up mid-week, but is ideal for 3 or less people.
       
       Maureen replied on 20 Aug 2011

        
19. Anyone experiencing difficulty in opening fridge and/or freezer? ???droplets of water and sometimes frozen drops on back of fridge?
    
    des asked on 24 Aug 2011
    1. The seal on the door is very secure & certainly needs elbow grease! Yes there are droplets of frozen water at the back of the fridge.
       
       FRANKIE replied on 25 Aug 2011

        
20. will tesco take the old fridge/freezer away after delivery of new one ?
    
    richard asked on 28 Aug 2011
    1. no , this was not offered , however with one phone call to the local council they sent out two men and a van to collect for free.
       
       Robert replied on 28 Aug 2011

        
21. If the fridge is in a outside gagage should the fast freeze / ambient button be in or out please explain
    
    Colin asked on 12 Sep 2011
    1. my understanding of the instructions, is that the fast freeze should be on,only if the temprature of the air around the fridge is 16 degrees or less. Though I would try to check with the manufacturer just to be on the safe side.
       
       Eileen replied on 12 Sep 2011

        
    2. I am a new owner and have not yet tried and tested my f/f . It has been plugged in in my kitchen and off it has gone. My veg and salad have remained fresh over 2 weeks plenty of space. Sorry I can't help with the ambient button
       
       Maureen replied on 16 Sep 2011

        
22. should the button be in or out for fast freeze? when running normally which position should the button be the manual is not clear on this at all
    
    jeanette asked on 13 Sep 2011
    1. Hi Jeanette
       
       My undestanding is that the fast freeze functions when the button is pressed 'in' which appears to function with mine. Hope this helps.
       
       
       David replied on 14 Sep 2011

        
    2. Should be on position 1 if you want fast freeze but only use it if you put new stuff in the freezer , then remember to it back off as uses a lot of electric.
       
       sandra replied on 17 Sep 2011

        
23. can you alter the shelves on the doors to different heights
    
    sarah asked on 26 Sep 2011
    1. Not on the doors, there are 3 set positions. But the other shelves are all movable.
       
       laurence replied on 26 Sep 2011

        
24. Are both the freezer section and the fridge section independently frost free or does a single thermostat ensure that both do not need defrosting?
    
    Bernard asked on 08 Oct 2011
    1. The freezer is frost free and the fridge has
       an automatic defrost.
       
       B replied on 08 Oct 2011

        
25. Are both the freezer section and the fridge section independently frost free or does a single thermostat ensure that both do not need defrosting?
    
    Bernard asked on 08 Oct 2011
    1. It is not a frost free fridgefreezer,but we have had no problems with it.It has a single thermostat within the fridge.
       
       Sam replied on 14 Oct 2011

        
    2. It is not frost free. An oversight on my part
       
       A verified owner replied on 14 Oct 2011

        
26. what side r the doors fitted on
    are the hinges on left side or right
    
    andrea asked on 11 Oct 2011
    1. Hi there,
       
       The hinges are on the right hand side
       
       Kerry replied on 12 Oct 2011

        
    2. Hi there are on the right hand side but the doors can be swapped so the hinges are on the left.
       
       becky replied on 12 Oct 2011

        
    3. yes they are on the right hand side
       
       carol replied on 13 Oct 2011

        
27. Hello.
    Does the freezer get iced up and need to be manually defrosted?
    
    I have looked at the questions with regard this in the review section and it seems that some of the people who own it are saying yes, and some are saying no... I am very confused. which is it please ..???
    Many thanks Pat.
    
    Pat asked on 16 Nov 2011
    1. My freezer does not need defrosting and has not got iced up since I purchased it.
       
       Deborah replied on 16 Nov 2011

        
    2. The freezer was purchased back in September and has been continually on since then and can confirm that it has not iced up or has required defrosting - even when the door was left slightly ajar (make sure the drawers are closed fully!) and things started defrosting - door was shut firmly again and freezer started freezing again - I am well happy with this freezer - would never buy a non frost free one ever again!
       
       Darren replied on 16 Nov 2011

        
    3. I have had the unit for about two months and so far there is no build up of ice and no need to defrost it. The auto defrost feature seems to be working as I'd expect.
       
       Stephen replied on 16 Nov 2011

        
28. How easy is it to reverse the way the door opens? I need the hinge on the left and am not good at DIY.
    
    
    
    
    
    Ann asked on 07 Dec 2011
    1. hi there it is fairy straight forward lay fridge on back,remove and keep botom hinge,open botom door and slide off and put to side,remove center hinge and spacer if fitted and keep then open top door and slide off and put to side,unscrew and remove topfront cover from cabinet, unscrew and remove top hinge pin and the bolt from the top right and fit them to the left side then refit the top front cover,use a thin blunt instrument to remove top and botom hinge bushes and blanking plugs from the doorsreposition the plugs and bushes in the opposite sides,replacing doors slide top door onto pin and bush then reposition center hinge on the opposite side then slide botom door into place, unscrew botom hinge pin and refit into opposite side off bracket then refit on the opposite side off the cabinet. then stand upright on level floor and check doors open and close properly then leave for 15 minutes before switching on hope this helps you Ann cheers
       
       John replied on 08 Dec 2011

        
29. Is there a light in the fridge and the freezer
    
    sandra asked on 19 Jan 2012
    1. light only in the fridge.
       
       Raymond replied on 20 Jan 2012

        
30. HI
    I just wanted to find out the measurement in inches
    Thank You
    
    mats asked on 22 Jan 2012
    1. Hi - The FFA52 is 21.1/2" wide, 23" deep and 68.1/2" high. Hope this helps. Regards, John
       
       John replied on 24 Jan 2012

        
31. What are the A ratings mine is A but there is alsoA+ A++ A+++ please explain
    
    Beatrice asked on 16 Mar 2012
    1. Try the Hotpoint website
       
       Alan replied on 16 Mar 2012

        
    2. White goods such as fridges and freezers are required by EU law to display a generic label designed to offer easy comparison of the energy efficiency between products. The current system is based on a grading scheme with the most efficient machines gaining a rating of A++ and the least efficient getting a G. However since 1999 all fridges and freezers sold in the European Union must have an energy rating of C or higher, the exemption to this rule is “chest” style freezers which only have to be a D rating or better. With fridges the storage capacity and size of the fridge is not necessarily related to the energy consumption, as a 390 litre fridge from Liebherr only uses 148 kWh/y despite its large size. However, large capacities do impact on the energy efficiency of freezers, and upright freezers are much less efficient than the “chest” style commonly used in supermarkets and restaurants. The chest style of freezer is available from a large number of manufacturers for domestic use still.
       
       The use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in refrigerators was first questioned in the 1980’s when proof that they caused Ozone depletion was first brought up. Their use in the refrigeration foam was widely replaced by hydro fluorocarbons and hydro chlorofluorocarbons although these were also later discovered to be environmentally harmful. HFCs were a potent greenhouse gas and HCFC were also an ozone depletent. In 1992 Greenpeace and the German manufacturer FORON worked in partnership on a technology called “GreenFreeze” (source: Greenpeace) which involves using only natural refrigerants. The technology is now employed in over 150 million fridges worldwide and used by many top manufacturers.
       
       The current EU labelling scheme is due to undergo a series of changes in late 2011 or early 2012, with the A+ and A++ ratings for refridgeration products being updated to include an A+++ rating, this is to ensure the ratings system is current and allows consumers to easily identify the most environmentally friendly products. The ratings system is due to be re-calibrated in July 2014 and this will make it more difficult to achieve an A+ rating.
       
       Full details of the labelling scheme for refrigerators and freezers can be found at the DEFRA site by clicking here.
       
       In the U.K. the Energy Savings Trust runs an ‘Energy Efficiency Recommended’ logo programme based on the A+ & A++ ratings of the EU scheme, and claim that if every U.K. household upgraded to a fridge-freezer carrying their recommended logo then electricity output equivalent to 2 power stations would be saved every year.
       
       Roger replied on 16 Mar 2012

        
32. I know its made of hard plastic, but does the finish look like gloss plastic or more metallic.?
    
    Risharde asked on 27 Apr 2012
    1. The doors look like a very high gloss metal, but the sides are not quite as glossy and look more plastic coated. Hope this helps.
       
       hayley replied on 27 Apr 2012

        
    2. Doors are high gloss and sides look slightly less glossy but doors do show signs of scratches very easy in the light, only took about a week before I started to notice surface scratches, still very good fridge but maybe something to consider especially if you have children who like pictures stuck to the fridge etc
       
       Mark replied on 29 Apr 2012

        

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