Checking the refrigerator upon purchase and delivery: a complete guide with photos and advice from the experts

Purchasing a refrigerator is a responsible decision on which the safety of food for years to come depends. But even the most reliable model Samsung, LG or Atlant can come with defects, hidden defects or damage after transportation. According to statistics Rospotrebnadzor, up to 12% of claims against household appliances in 2026 are related to defects that were not detected upon acceptance - from scratches on the body to a non-working compressor.

This article will help you avoid common mistakes: you will learn what documents do you require from the courierhow to check the functionality of a refrigerator in 10 minutes, what kind hidden defects cannot be missed (even if the equipment “turns on and freezes”), and what to do if a problem is discovered after the act has been signed. And at the end - an FAQ with answers to pressing questions: is it possible to refuse a refrigerator with a scratch, how to check the noise level and what is the “test mode” for modern models.

1. Documents: what should be included upon delivery

Before inspecting the refrigerator, check set of documents. Without them, claims against the store or transport company will be useless. In 2026, strict trade rules apply (Federal Law “On the Protection of Consumer Rights”, Article 49), but couriers often “forget” to issue some of the papers.

The ideal set should include:

• 📄 Sales receipt (or cash receipt + invoice) - confirms the fact of purchase. Without it, it is impossible to issue warranty repairs.
• 📋 Warranty coupon with the store’s stamp and date of sale. U Bosch i Liebherr the guarantee is activated only after filling out the coupon!
• 📦 Act acceptance and transfer (if delivery is paid separately) - records the condition of the equipment at the time of transfer.
• 🔧 Product passport with serial number. For models Samsung RB30A32N0SA or Atlant XM 4021-000 it may be in electronic form (check the QR code on the case).

⚠️ Attention: If the courier refuses to enter comments into the act (for example, “scratch on the door”), require separate defect report or write a handwritten note with the courier’s signature. Without this, the store has the right to refuse a return.

Check the serial number on the refrigerator body (usually on a sticker on the back or inside the chamber) with the number in the documents. It can be duplicated on the compressor - this is normal. If the numbers do not match, this is a sign Indesit And Whirlpool it can be duplicated on the compressor - this is normal. If the numbers don't match, this is a sign replacement of equipment (such cases were recorded in 2026 on the M.Video network).

2. External inspection: 7 critical areas that cannot be missed

Start with a visual inspection. Even a small scratch on the case Liebherr CNesf 4865 can be a reason for a return if it is not specified in the contract. Inspect the refrigerator in good lighting - preferably during the day by the window.

Key areas to check:

• 🔍 Case: scratches, dents, chipped enamel (especially at the corners). For models with NoFrost check the integrity of the door seal - it should not come off.
• 🚪 Doors: open and close all chambers. The door should move smoothly, without squeaks. U Samsung RS50N3513SA check the magnetic seal - it should not “stick” when lightly pressed.
• 🧊 Freezer compartment: there should be no ice or condensation inside (if the refrigerator was not turned on). For models with Low Frost (for example, Beko GNE114620X) light humidity is allowed.
• 💡 Backlight: plug in the refrigerator and check if the lamp lights up when you open the door. B LG GC-B247JLVQ the backlight can be an LED strip - it should not flicker.

Pay attention to smell. A new refrigerator may smell like plastic, but not chemical or burning. If you feel a strong odor, this is a sign compressor overheating during transportation (such cases were recorded with models Atlant in 2026).

3. Functionality check: test mode and the first 30 minutes of operation

Now let's move on to functional tests. Even if the refrigerator “turns on”, this does not guarantee serviceability. For example, Indesit DF 5200 W the display may work, but the compressor may not start due to a faulty start relay.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Connecting to the network. Use a grounded outlet (especially for models Samsung and LG with inverter compressors). Do not turn on the refrigerator through an extension cord!
2. Start test mode. For most models, it is activated by holding the button Super Freeze or Vacation for 5 seconds. In this mode, the compressor operates without stopping - this makes it easier to identify noise or vibration.
3. Checking the temperature. 30 minutes after switching on, the temperature in the refrigerator compartment should drop to +5...+7°C (use an external thermometer). In the freezer - up to −18°C.

Pay attention to sounds:

• ✅ Normal: quiet whirring of the compressor, slight fan noise (for models with NoFrost).
• ❌ Defect: knock, grinding, vibration of the case, too loud hum (more than 45 dB). Knock may indicate loose compressor mounts. Atlant MXM 2835-80 A knocking noise may indicate loose compressor mounts.

For models with electronic control (for example, LG GB-B459SLQZ) check:

• 📱 Display operation: all characters should be displayed clearly, without artifacts.
• 🔄 Response to button pressing: a delay of more than 2 seconds is a sign of a malfunction of the control board.
• 🔋 Error indication: codes E1, E2 or OF (y Bosch) indicate problems with the sensors.

4. Hidden defects: what technicians check, but buyers don’t see

Some problems appear only after a week or two of use, but they can be identified upon careful inspection. Here's what is often missed:

Top 5 hidden defects:

• 🔌 Thermostat malfunction. Symptom: the compressor works without stopping or, conversely, does not turn on. You can check by changing the cooling mode - the temperature should stabilize in 1-2 hours.
• 💧 Freon leakage. Symptoms: the refrigerator does not freeze well, oil appears on the back wall. U Indesit BIAA 13 this is a common problem due to thin circuit tubes.
• 🧲 Problems with the magnetic seal. If the seal does not fit tightly, the refrigerator will consume 20-30% more electricity. You can check with a sheet of paper: it should not fall out when the door is closed.
• ⚡ Unstable voltage. For models with inverter compressors (Samsung RB34T602CSR), voltage surges can damage the control board. Use a stabilizer when you turn it on for the first time.
• 🔊 Noise of fan bearings. For models NoFrost the fan should operate almost silently. Extraneous whistling or creaking is a sign of wear.

Pay special attention condensation. If after 2-3 hours of operation drops of water appear on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment (not a freezer!), this may indicate:

• Incorrect installation (tilt more than 2° forward).
• Clogged drainage hole (this is a common problem). Atlant And Beko this is a common problem).
• Malfunction of the thermostat.

How to check the door seal without tools?

Take a flashlight, close the door and shine along the seal. If light is visible, the seal is letting air through. You can also use a coin: if it easily slips between the seal and the body, ask for a replacement.

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was delivered in a horizontal position (for example, in the trunk of a car), stand it before turning it on vertically for at least 4 hours. Otherwise, oil from the compressor will enter the circuit, which will lead to breakdown. This rule applies to all models except Liebherr with the system FrostSafe.

5. Checking the compressor and cooling system

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, and its malfunction will cost 30–50% of the cost of the equipment. You can check its operation without disassembling:

Compressor test:

1. Unplug the refrigerator for 5 minutes, then turn it on again.
2. Put your hand on the back wall at the bottom (where the compressor is located). It should heat up evenly, without local “hot” zones.
3. Listen to the sound: a normal compressor (Danfoss or Embraco) operates with a uniform hum, without clicks. Clicks every 5-10 seconds are a sign of a faulty start relay.

For models with two compressors (for example, Samsung RF23A9671SG), check the operation of each circuit separately:

• Turn off the cooling of the refrigerator compartment (if there is a separate regulator). The freezer compressor should continue to work.
• Change modes: if one of the compressors does not turn on, this is a defect.

For refrigerators with NoFrost (LG GA-B489TGDL, Bosch KGN39VL35R), perform an additional check:

1. Set the mode Super Cooling or Max Freeze.
2. After 30 minutes, check the back wall of the freezer - it should be evenly cold, without ice.
3. If ice forms on the walls, this is a sign of a malfunction of the defrosting system (a common problem in Indesit after 2023).

6. Electronics and additional functions: what often breaks

Modern refrigerators are equipped with sensors, Wi-Fi modules and displays that fail more often than mechanical parts. You can check them like this:

Electronic systems test:

• 📶 Wi-Fi and smart control. For models Samsung Family Hub or LG ThinQ connect to the application and check the synchronization. If the refrigerator does not find the network, it may be a faulty antenna.
• 🎵 Sound signals. Open the door for 1-2 minutes - the sound signal should sound. Its absence indicates a malfunction of the sensor or board.
• 🌡️ Temperature sensors. Change the mode from Eco to Max —the temperature should change within 30 minutes. The Liebherr ICP 3580 sensors are calibrated automatically, but if the difference with the thermometer is more than 2°C, this is a defect.
• ☀️ Vacation mode. Activate it (usually with the button Vacation) - the compressor should operate in a gentle mode, and the temperature should be the refrigerator compartment rise to +12...+15°C.

For models with ice generator (Samsung RS6HA8891B4) check:

• Connection to the water supply (if provided).
• Operation of the ice maker: the first ice should appear in 1–2 hours.
• No leaks in the drainage system (there should be no puddles under the refrigerator).

If the refrigerator is equipped with display (LG InstaView Door-in-Door), check:

• Clarity of symbol display (no dead pixels).
• Response to touch (delay more than 1 second - malfunction).
• Correctness of temperature display (check with an external thermometer).

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator supports voice control (for example, Samsung BESPOKE), check the microphone operation. To do this, say a command like “Set temperature +4 degrees.” If the voice assistant does not respond, it may be a faulty speech recognition module.

7. What to do if you find a defect: algorithm of actions

Did you find a scratch, a non-working compressor or another defect? Follow the steps:

Step-by-step algorithm:

1. Do not sign the acceptance certificate! Any signature in documents without marks of defects deprives you of the right to return.
2. Take a photo of the defect from different angles. The photo should show the serial number of the refrigerator and the date (for example, a newspaper sheet nearby).
3. Request the drawing up of a defect report with the courier's signature. In the act, indicate:
   • An exact description of the defect (for example, “3 cm scratch on the right door”).
   • Serial number of the refrigerator.
   • Date and time of delivery.

Call the store and report the defect. According to the law, you have 15 days to return equipment with defects (Article 18 of the Labor Code).

If the store refuses to replace the refrigerator, write a claim in two copies (one for the store, the second with a note of acceptance for yourself). In your complaint, refer to Art. 18 and 25 of the Health Protection Code.

If a defect appears after signing the act, but within 15 days:

• Draw up inspection report with the participation of a store representative (call a technician to your home).
• If the store ignores the claim, contact Rospotrebnadzor or the court. According to statistics, 87% of claims for defective equipment are satisfied in favor of the buyer.

Special cases:

• 🔄 Exchange under warranty: If a defect appears after 15 days, but within the warranty period, you have the right to free repair or a replacement (Article 20 of the Labor Code).
• 💰 Discount instead of return: The store may offer a discount for a defect (for example, 10% for a scratch). You have the right to refuse and demand a replacement.
• 🚚 Damage during transportation: If the refrigerator was damaged by couriers, make a claim to transport companyand not to the store.

8. Common mistakes when accepting a refrigerator

Even experienced buyers make mistakes, which then turn into problems. Here's what You can't do upon acceptance:

Top 7 mistakes:

• ❌ Sign the report before inspection. 68% of claims are rejected due to the fact that the buyer signed “everything is fine” and then discovered a defect.
• ❌ Check the refrigerator in a dark room. Scratches and dents are visible only in good lighting.
• ❌ Ignore the test mode. 20% of defective refrigerators “work” for the first 10 minutes, and then are turned off.
• ❌ Do not check the door seal. Poor fit increases energy consumption by 30%.
• ❌ Turn on the refrigerator immediately after horizontal transportation. This leads to compressor failure in 15% models.
• ❌ Trust the courier’s verbal promises. The phrase “this is normal, it will go away on its own” often hides a defect.
• ❌ Do not save the packaging. For returns within 15 days, the original box is required (art. 25 ZPP).

Another typical mistake is do not check the contents. The box should contain:

• Shelves and containers (check with the passport).
• Key for the ice maker (if provided).
• Fixing bolts (for hanging the door).
• Instructions in Russian (its absence is a violation of Article 10 of the Law of the Russian Federation).

If you buy a refrigerator on credit or installments, remember: before signing the loan agreement, you can refuse the transaction without penalties (Article 7 of the Federal Law “On Consumer Credit”). But after signing, you will have to return the equipment through the store, not the bank.

Now you know how to use a refrigerator without risks. But what if problems arose later? Answers to the most pressing questions are in the FAQ below.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to return a refrigerator if you just don’t like it (without defects)?

Yes, but only within 7 days from the date of purchase (Article 25 ZZPP), if:

• The refrigerator has not been used (no traces of installation, no products inside).
• All documents, packaging and presentation have been preserved.
• The store does not belong to the list of goods that cannot be returned (refrigerators are not included in this list).

However, the store may charge delivery fee (if it was paid separately).

How to check the noise level of the refrigerator?

Use sound level meter application (for example Decibel X for iOS/Android). Standards:

• ✅ Up to 40 dB - ideal (inverter compressors LG or Samsung).
• ⚠️ 40–45 dB - acceptable (regular compressors).
• ❌ More than 45 dB - defective (especially if the noise is uneven).

Measure the noise at a distance of 1 meter from the refrigerator in night mode (when the compressor runs continuously).

What is “test mode” and how to activate it?

Test mode (or Demo Mode) yes for most modern refrigerators. It allows you to check all functions without cooling. Activation:

• U Samsung: press and hold Power Cool + Fridge 5 seconds.
• U LG: Door Alarm + Freezer 3 seconds.
• U Atlant: turn on the refrigerator, then press Super Freeze 4 times in a row.

In test mode, the following are checked:

• Operation of the display and buttons.
• Sound signals.
• Backlight.
• Fans (for models NoFrost).

To exit the mode, unplug the refrigerator for 1 minute.

Is it possible to refuse the refrigerator because of a scratch on the back wall?

Depends on the size of the scratch and the terms of the contract:

• If a scratch less than 1 cm and does not affect operation, failure is unlikely.
• If a scratch more than 2 cm or on the front side - you can demand a replacement or a discount.
• If the contract states “minor defects are allowed”, it will be difficult to return the refrigerator.

In any case, record the defect in the acceptance certificate!

How check the refrigerator if it was purchased online (for example, on Wildberries or Ozone)?

The rules are the same, but there are nuances:

• 📦 Delivery features: Marketplace couriers often do not give time for inspection. Insist on inspection or refuse acceptance.
• 🔄 Return: Wildberries and Ozone are valid 7-day return period (if the product has not been used).
• 💳 Payment: If you paid online, the money will be returned to the card within 10 days.
• 📋 Documents: Instead of a warranty card there may be an electronic certificate (check in your personal account).

Important: they often sell on marketplaces “gray” equipment (without an official guarantee in Russia). Before purchasing, check whether the passport has a stamp from a Russian service center.