Refrigerators Craft are a relatively new player in the Russian household appliances market, which quickly gained popularity due to its combination of affordable prices and modern features. However, many buyers are confused by the unknown origin of the brand: who is behind the production, where is the equipment assembled and can the quality be trusted? In this article, we'll figure out who makes Craft refrigeratorshow they are positioned among competitors and what to look for when buying.
Let's note right away: Craft is not an independent manufacturer, but a trademark owned by a Russian company "M-Video Eldorado". Refrigerators are produced according to the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) scheme, when production is delegated to third-party factories. This approach reduces costs, but raises questions about reliability. Next, we will analyze which factories are involved, what technologies are used and what the owners think about the operation of the equipment after 1–3 years of operation.
Who owns the Craft brand?
The brand Craft was launched in 2018 as an exclusive trademark of the network "M-Video Eldorado". This is not the company’s first experience in creating its own lines: previously, under its management, household appliances under the brands DeLuxe and Suprawere already produced. The main goal Craft is to offer customers equipment with a balance of price and functionality, avoiding overpaying for popular foreign brands.
It is important to understand that Craft is not a manufacturer, but distributor. The company itself does not have its own factories, but orders production from third-party companies. This approach is common among retailers: a similar strategy is used, for example, Xiaomi (with a brand Mijia) or Amazon (with a line Amazon Basics). The main difference Craft is the focus exclusively on the Russian market and the adaptation of equipment to local conditions (climate, network voltage, etc.).
- 🏢 Owner brand: M-Video Eldorado Group of Companies (Russia).
- 📅 Year of foundation: 2018.
- 🌍 Sales geography: Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus (limited).
- 🔧 Type of production: OEM (custom production at third-party factories).
Where and by whom are Craft refrigerators assembled?
Officially the company does not disclose the list of manufacturing plants, but according to indirect data (certificates, markings, reviews of service centers), several key enterprises can be identified:
- Chinese factories (main production volume). Most models are assembled at enterprises that also work with brands. For example, factories in the provinces Craft assembled in factories that also work with brands Haier, Hisense And Galanz. For example, factories in the provinces Guangdong and Zhejiang specialize in low-cost household appliances for export.
- Turkish production. Some models (mainly with the system
No Frost) can be produced in factories Vestel or Bekothat also produce OEM products. - Russian assembly (limited). In 2023–2026, information appeared about the localization of part of the production in Russia (possibly at the facilities of a former plant Indesit in the Lipetsk region), but there is no confirmed data on the serial production of refrigerators Craft yet.
An important nuance: even if the refrigerator is assembled in China, its components (compressors, electronic boards, seals) can be supplied from different countries. For example, models Craft often use compressors Embraco (Brazil) or Secop (Denmark), and cooling systems are developed under license from Chinese or Korean companies.
| Country of production | Partner factories (presumably) | Models (examples) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | Haier, Hisense, Galanz | Craft CHRF-100, Craft CHRF-140 | Budget models, simple defrosting systems |
| Turkey | Vestel, Beko | Craft CHRF-180 NF | No Frost, improved thermal insulation |
| Russia | Local capacities (plans) | — | Assembly of individual batches is possible (not confirmed) |
⚠️ Attention: At There are counterfeits of the brand Crafton the market, especially in online stores. Original equipment is sold only in "M-Video" i "Eldorado" (including their online platforms). Check the presence of a warranty card with the seal of the official dealer.
Technical features of Craft refrigerators
Refrigerators Craft are positioned as equipment for “reasonable savings”, so they combine proven solutions and modern options. Let's consider the key technical aspects:
1. Defrosting systems
- ❄️ Drip system (in most models). Suitable for refrigerators without
No Frost, requires manual defrosting of the freezer 1-2 times a year. - 🌬️ No Frost (in premium lines). Automatic defrosting, but increases energy consumption by 10–15%.
- 🔄 Low Frost (rare). A simplified version
No Frostreduces the formation of ice, but does not eliminate it completely.
2. Compressors and energy efficiency
T Craft two types of compressors are used:
- 🔋 Linear (in budget models). Simple, reliable, but noisier than inverter ones.
- 🔄 Inverter (in premium segment models). Quieter, more economical, but more expensive to repair.
The energy consumption of most models corresponds to the class A+ or A++, which is comparable to competitors in the same price category. For example, a refrigerator Craft CHRF-120 consumes about 280 kWh/year —this is the average for equipment with a volume of 250–300 liters.
3. Additional functions
Despite the budget positioning, some models have useful options:
- 📱 Control from a smartphone (via Wi-Fi module, only in top versions).
- 🌡️ Electronic temperature control with display.
- 🔇 Vacation mode (allows you to maintain a minimum temperature during a long absence).
- 🛡️ Protection against power surges (important for Russian networks).
☑️ What to check when choosing a Craft refrigerator
Pros and cons of Craft refrigerators
To objectively evaluate equipment Craft, compare its advantages and disadvantages based on reviews from owners and expert tests.
Advantages
- 💰 Price. Refrigerators Craft 20–30% cheaper than analogs from LG or Samsung with similar characteristics.
- 🔧 Adaptation for Russia. The characteristics of the network voltage (190–240 V), climatic conditions (operation at −5...+43°C) are taken into account.
- 🛒 Availability of spare parts. Since standard components are used (for example, compressors Embraco), repairs are cheaper than those of exclusive brands.
- 📦 Warranty. Official warranty - 2 years (for the compressor - up to 5 years in some models).
Disadvantages
- ⚠️ Unpredictable build quality. Due to OEM production, there may be defective items (for example, poorly fitting seals).
- 🔊 Increased noise in budget models (up to 42–45 dB). Inverter compressors are quieter, but more expensive.
- 📉 Decreased efficiency over time. Some owners note that after 2-3 years the refrigerator begins to freeze worse (refilling with freon is required).
- 🛠️ Limited network of service centers. Repair is possible only in authorized M-Video Eldorado workshops.
⚠️ Attention: If you choose a refrigerator Craft with a systemNo Frost, make sure that the model uses complete No Frost (both in the refrigerator and freezer). In some linesNo Frostis implemented only in the freezer, and the refrigerator compartment requires manual defrosting - this can be an unpleasant surprise.
Comparison with competitors: Craft vs others brands
To understand whether it is worth buying a refrigerator Craft, let's compare it with its main competitors in the budget and mid-range segment.
| Characteristics | Craft | ATLANT (Belarus) | Biryusa (Russia) | Hisense (China) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average price (2-chamber, 300 l) | 25 000 – 35 000 ₽ | 30 000 – 45 000 ₽ | 28 000 – 40 000 ₽ | 35 000 – 50 000 ₽ |
| Warranty | 2 years (compressor - up to 5 years) | 3 years | 2 years | 2–3 years |
| Noise | 40–45 dB | 38–42 dB | 39–43 dB | 37–40 dB |
| Energy consumption (class) | A+ / A++ | A+ | A | A++ / A+++ |
| Features | Optimal price, adaptation to Russia | Reliability, ease of repair | Local production, spare parts always available | Technologies No Frost, quiet compressors |
The table shows that Craft wins in price, but loses in reliability and noise level. If silence is critical for you (for example, the refrigerator is in a studio kitchen), it is better to consider Hisense or ATLANT. If you need the most budget option with acceptable quality - Craft or Biryusa.
Owner reviews: real operating experience
Analysis of reviews on sites (Yandex Market, M-Video, Otzovik) shows that opinions about refrigerators Craft very polar. Let's look at the typical pros and cons noted by users.
Positive reviews
- 👍 "For your money - an excellent option.". Many buyers praise the price-quality ratio, especially in models with
No Frost. - 👍 "Not noisy, as I was afraid". Owners of inverter models note that the refrigerator is quieter than expected (about 38–40 dB).
- 👍 "Spacious and comfortable". There are praises for the ergonomics of shelves and drawers, especially in models with a volume of 300+ liters.
- 👍 "Warranty repairs without problems". In most cases, M-Video service centers quickly fix faults.
Negative reviews
- 👎 “After a year, the freezing became worse.”. A common complaint is loss of performance (refilling freon is required).
- 👎 “It does not hold the temperature well in hot weather”. In some models, at +30°C in the room, the refrigerator cannot cope with cooling.
- 👎 “It broke down after 2 years, no spare parts”. In small towns there may be problems with repairs.
- 👎 "Condensation on the walls". In models with a drip system, owners complain about constant humidity inside.
Conclusion: If you are prepared for possible "childhood diseases" (minor malfunctions in the first 1-2 years), then Craft can be a good budget solution. But if you need a refrigerator that will last forever, it is better to consider more reliable brands.
Which Craft models are most often praised?
According to reviews, the best ratings are given to:
- Craft CHRF-140 (optimal price/volume ratio),
- Craft CHRF-180 NF (complete No Frost, quiet),
- Craft CHRF-100 (compact, suitable for small kitchens).
Is it worth buying a Craft refrigerator in 2026?
The purchasing decision depends on your priorities. Let's figure out who the equipment is suitable for Craft, and who is better off looking for an alternative.
Who is it suitable for Craft?
- 🏡 For rented housing or cottage. If you need an inexpensive refrigerator for 3-5 years, there is no point in overpaying for the brand.
- 💼 For an office or small business. Models with a freshness zone and compact sizes are convenient for storing food during breaks between working days.
- 🔄 For those who like to update equipment. If you are used to changing your refrigerator every 5-7 years, Craft will allow you to save money without losing functionality.
Who is better to choose another brand?
- 🏠 For a large family. If the refrigerator will be subject to wear and tear (frequent opening, large volumes of food), it is better to take ATLANT or Liebert.
- 🔇 For a kitchen studio. If silence is critical, pay attention to Hisense or Samsung with inverter compressors.
- 🛠️ For regions with poor service. In small towns, it may be difficult to find spare parts or technicians for repairs Craft.
Recommendation: Before purchasing, be sure to check the refrigerator in the store:
- Make sure that the seals fit tightly (no cracks).
- Listen to the operation of the compressor (there should be no extraneous sounds).
- Check the presence of all shelves and accessories (sometimes there are not enough parts in the box).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Craft refrigerators
🔹 Who actually produces Craft refrigerators?
Refrigerators Craft are produced at partner factories in China and Turkey by order of the M-Video Eldorado company. The exact names of the enterprises are not disclosed, but among the likely manufacturers are Haier, Hisense i Vestel.
🔹 What is the warranty for Craft refrigerators?
Standard warranty - 2 years. The compressor in some models has an extended warranty of up to 5 years. Please check the conditions in the warranty card, as they may differ depending on the line.
🔹 Where can you buy an original Craft refrigerator?
Official sales are carried out only through stores "M-Video" i "Eldorado" (including their online platforms). Purchasing on marketplaces (for example, Yandex Market, Ozon) is fraught with the risk of running into counterfeit or “gray” equipment without a guarantee.
🔹 Which Craft refrigerator is the best reliable?
According to reviews from owners, the least number of complaints are caused by the following models:
- Craft CHRF-180 NF (full
No Frost, inverter compressor), - Craft CHRF-140 (drip system, simple and reliable design).
Avoid the cheapest models (for example, Craft CHRF-100) - they break down more often due to simplified assembly.
🔹 Is it possible to repair Craft refrigerators not in the official service?
Technically, yes, but this can lead to loss of warranty. In addition, not all workshops undertake repairs Craft due to difficulties with spare parts. If the warranty is over, look for a service specializing in Chinese compressors (Embraco, Secop).