UK Head-to-Head · Refrigerators
Samsung RB38C602CS9 vs LG GBB72PZVCN1: Which Fridge Freezer Is Best for UK Kitchens?
The short answer
For long-term value and peace of mind, the LG GBB72PZVCN1 wins thanks to its 10-year compressor warranty — the single most important differentiator for an appliance you will use daily for a decade.
Best on features
Samsung RB38C602CS9/EU
Best on value
LG GBB72PZVCN1
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This comparison contains Amazon affiliate links, and we may earn a commission — but it never changes our verdict.
Samsung and LG dominate the UK fridge freezer market, and the RB38C602CS9 and GBB72PZVCN1 are two of their best-selling mid-range models — both tall 70cm-wide units designed for standard UK kitchen spaces. The Samsung RB38C602CS9 uses SpaceMax technology to fit more internal capacity into the same external dimensions, with All-Around Cooling that circulates cold air through multiple vents to maintain even temperatures. The LG GBB72PZVCN1 counters with DoorCooling+ technology that cools items on the door shelves 35% faster than conventional models, plus a Linear Inverter Compressor backed by a 10-year warranty. Both models carry an E energy rating under the current UK energy label system and feature No Frost technology — eliminating the tedious manual defrosting that plagues older UK fridge freezers. Both fit standard UK kitchen housing with 70cm width. This comparison covers everything UK buyers need to know, from running costs to how each handles a full weekly shop.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Samsung RB38C602CS9/EU | LG GBB72PZVCN1 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 390L (276L fridge + 114L freezer) (winner) | 384L (277L fridge + 107L freezer) |
| Energy Rating | E (new UK label) | E (new UK label) |
| Noise Level | 35 dB (winner) | 36 dB |
| Cooling Tech | All-Around Cooling + SpaceMax | DoorCooling+ with Linear Inverter Compressor |
| Defrost | Total No Frost | Total No Frost |
| Dimensions | 595 x 595 x 2030 mm (winner) | 600 x 682 x 2030 mm |
| Warranty | 2 years manufacturer | 10 years compressor + 2 years parts (winner) |
Pros & Cons
Samsung RB38C602CS9/EU
Pros
- SpaceMax technology provides more internal space in the same external dimensions
- All-Around Cooling maintains even temperature across every shelf
- 114L freezer is larger — better for UK families doing weekly shops
- Slightly narrower at 595mm — fits tight UK kitchen spaces
Cons
- Only 2-year manufacturer warranty — short compared to LG's 10-year compressor cover
- Door shelves cool slower than the LG's DoorCooling+ system
- Slightly higher annual energy consumption (114 vs 110 kWh)
LG GBB72PZVCN1
Pros
- 10-year warranty on Linear Inverter Compressor — best long-term protection in this class
- DoorCooling+ cools door shelf items 35% faster than conventional designs
- Linear Inverter Compressor is energy-efficient and whisper-quiet
- Slightly lower annual energy consumption (110 kWh vs 114 kWh)
Cons
- 7L less total capacity than the Samsung (384L vs 390L)
- Slightly deeper at 682mm — may protrude further from standard UK kitchen units
- Door shelves can feel slightly flimsier than Samsung's
Our Verdict
For long-term value and peace of mind, the LG GBB72PZVCN1 wins thanks to its 10-year compressor warranty — the single most important differentiator for an appliance you will use daily for a decade. For maximum storage capacity in a tight UK kitchen, the Samsung RB38C602CS9 edges ahead with its SpaceMax design and larger freezer. Both are excellent choices; the LG is the safer long-term bet.
Best for Budget
LG GBB72PZVCN1
Best for Features
Samsung RB38C602CS9/EU
Our process
How we choose our picks
We don’t lab-test products ourselves. Instead we synthesise the strongest independent evidence — current Amazon UK listings, verified-buyer feedback, published specs and UK pricing — into clear, honest recommendations. We earn a commission if you buy through our links, but that never changes which products we rank.
Current UK availability
We only shortlist products actively listed and in stock on Amazon UK, checked against live catalogue data — not last year’s models.
Publicly visible buyer feedback
We look at how each product is received by UK shoppers — its overall rating standing and the praise or complaints that recur in public reviews — rather than relying on a single reviewer’s opinion.
Published specs & value
We compare manufacturer specifications, typical UK price bands, warranty and running costs so each pick is right for a real budget and use-case.
UK-specific fit
We factor in UK voltage, plug/fitting standards, CE/UKCA marking and Consumer Rights Act cover — details that generic global lists miss.
More about our standards on the About page.
Buying Guide
- 1Measure your space precisely. Both models are approximately 70cm wide, 60cm deep, and 203cm tall. Check that your kitchen housing or gap can accommodate these dimensions, plus 5cm clearance at the back and sides for ventilation. The Samsung is fractionally narrower (595mm vs 600mm), which can matter in tight UK kitchen runs.
- 2Compare usable capacity. The Samsung RB38C602CS9 offers 390L total (276L fridge + 114L freezer). The LG GBB72PZVCN1 offers 384L total (277L fridge + 107L freezer). The Samsung's SpaceMax technology squeezes more freezer space from the same external footprint — useful for UK households that stock up during weekly shops at Tesco or Sainsbury's.
- 3Consider running costs. Both models carry an E energy rating on the current UK label (the post-2021 rescaled ratings — E on the new scale was roughly A++ on the old scale). Annual energy consumption is similar: Samsung at 114 kWh/year and LG at 110 kWh/year. At the average UK electricity rate of around 24p/kWh, that is roughly £27 per year — nearly identical.
- 4Think about noise. The LG's Linear Inverter Compressor is quieter in operation (36 dB vs Samsung's 35 dB). Both are very quiet — you would not hear either from the next room. If your kitchen-diner layout puts the fridge near your dining or living area, both models are quiet enough for open-plan UK homes.
- 5Check warranty coverage. LG offers a 10-year warranty on its Linear Inverter Compressor (the most expensive component to replace). Samsung offers a standard 2-year manufacturer warranty. This difference represents a significant advantage for LG on long-term peace of mind and repair costs.
Editor's Note
Both the Samsung RB38C602CS9 and LG GBB72PZVCN1 are genuinely good fridge freezers for UK kitchens. The Samsung edges ahead on internal space and food preservation technology — its All-Around Cooling and SpaceMax design make the most of every cubic centimetre. The LG wins on warranty coverage (10 years on the compressor vs Samsung's 2 years) and door shelf cooling speed. In practice, most UK families would be equally happy with either — the day-to-day difference is marginal. The tie-breaker is warranty: LG's 10-year compressor warranty means significantly lower risk of a costly repair bill in years 3-7, which is when compressor failures typically occur. Both models are widely available from Currys, John Lewis, and Amazon UK, and both brands have competent UK service networks for warranty claims.
Our Take
Both brands have strong UK service networks, but Samsung's customer support is routed through a European call centre that can be frustrating, while LG's UK team is generally more responsive. For British kitchens, the 60cm-width models from both brands fit standard openings without modification. Currys stocks both extensively and will price-match between them; the delivery teams are the same either way, so the buying experience is identical — the choice comes down to features and aesthetics.
Honourable Mentions
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
Is Samsung or LG fridge freezer better UK?
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Further Reading
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This comparison contains affiliate links. If you purchase via our links, UKPicks may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our rankings.