The brand Schaub Lorenz is well known to buyers of household appliances in Russia and the CIS countries, but the question is about the real manufacturer of refrigerators series SLU often causes confusion. The fact is that over the past decade the company has changed owners several times, and production has been transferred between countries. If you are planning a purchase or have already become the owner of such a model, it is important to understand who is behind the assembly and the quality of which country you can expect.
In this article we will analyze the history of the brand, the current manufacturer of refrigerators Schaub Lorenz SLU, the features of their design and give practical advice on identifying the country of assembly. You will also learn how to distinguish original equipment from relabeled analogues and what to look for when choosing.
A brief history of the Schaub Lorenz brand
The company Schaub Lorenz was founded in Germany in 1949 and initially specialized in the production of radios and televisions. In the 1960s, the brand became part of the concern ITT Corporation, and later - in Alcatel. It was during this period that the production of household appliances, including refrigerators, began. In the 2000s, the rights to the brand passed to a Turkish company, one of the largest manufacturers of household appliances in Europe. However, in the 2010s, the brand changed its owner again - it became a Chinese corporation
In the 2000s, the rights to the brand Schaub Lorenz transferred to a Turkish company Vestel, one of the largest manufacturers of household appliances in Europe. However, in the 2010s, the brand changed its owner again - it became a Chinese corporation Hisensewhich today controls the production of most models, including the series SLU.
- 🇩🇪 1949–1990s - German production (radio electronics, later household appliances).
- 🇹🇷 2000s — transition to management Vestel (Turkey), the beginning of mass production of refrigerators.
- 🇨🇳 2010s - present — the brand belongs to Hisense, production moved to China and Turkey.
It is important to understand that today Schaub Lorenz is not an independent manufacturer, but Brandunder which equipment is produced at factories Hisense and partners. This affects the quality of assembly, availability of spare parts and service.
Who produces Schaub Lorenz SLU refrigerators today?
Series SLU refers to a line of refrigerators with a system No Frost and electronic control. At the moment, these models are produced at the company's factories Hisense, but with some nuances:
- The main production — China (factories in the provinces of Shandong and Guangdong). Most models for the global market, including Russia, are assembled here.
- Local assembly is Turkey (plant Vestel in Manisa). Some batches of refrigerators SLU can be assembled here for the European market, but they are rarely supplied to Russia.
- OEM production —separate batches can be produced at contract factories in Thailand or Indonesia upon request Hisense.
Key fact: all Schaub Lorenz SLU refrigerators officially supplied to Russia in 2023–2026 are manufactured in China. This is confirmed by the markings on the back panel (the country of assembly is indicated next to the serial number) and customs declaration data.
| Country of assembly | Share in the Russian market | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳 China | 95% | Main supplier, full production cycle at factories Hisense. |
| 🇹🇷 Türkiye | <5% | Single batches, more often for Europe. In the Russian Federation, they are found as “gray” supplies. |
| 🇹🇭 Thailand | Reserve | Contract production in case of high demand (for example, during the 2022 shortage). |
⚠️ Attention: If on the refrigerator Schaub Lorenz SLU The country of assembly other than China or Turkey is indicated (for example, Russia or Belarus), there is a high probability that it is relabeled equipment another brand. Check the serial number through the service center Hisense.
How to determine the country of manufacture by model?
To find out exactly where your refrigerator is assembled Schaub Lorenz SLU, use the following methods:
- Serial number — located on the sticker on the back of the refrigerator. Format:
SLU-XXX-YY-ZZZZZ, whereYYoften encodes the country:CN— China,TR— Turkey,TH— Thailand.
Made in... or Assembled in....If the serial number is erased or missing, check the model through the official website Hisense (section "Support"). To do this, you will need to enter the full name of the model (for example, Schaub Lorenz SLU-189 NF).
Find the serial number on the back panel|Check the country of assembly with the sticker and documents|Check the model on the Hisense website|Pay attention to the quality of plastic and assembly (Chinese models have characteristic gaps of up to 1.5 mm)|Make sure that the warranty card was issued by an official dealer-->
Differences between Chinese and Turkish assembly
Although both versions are assembled according to standards Hisense, there are noticeable differences between them:
- 🔧 Compressor: In Chinese models, compressors are installed Hisense or Midea, in Turkish - sometimes Secop (former Danfoss).
- 🧊 System No Frost: In China they use their own design Hisense with improved air circulation, in Turkey - the classic scheme.
- 🔌 Electronics: Chinese models are equipped with boards with protection against voltage surges (relevant for the Russian Federation), Turkish models are equipped with standard ones.
According to reviews from service centers, Chinese assembly SLU is less likely to require repair in the first 3 years of operation, but Turkish versions are considered more “repairable” due to standardized parts.
⚠️ Attention: If you buy a refrigerator Schaub Lorenz SLU from hand, pay attention to production date (indicated in the serial number or on a sticker Models older than 2019 could be assembled according to other standards, and). there may be a shortage of spare parts for them.
Frequent problems and dependence on the country of assembly
Analysis of calls to service centers shows that the most common malfunctions of refrigerators Schaub Lorenz SLU related to:
| Problem | Chinese assembly | Turkish assembly |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic unit malfunction | Rarely (protection from power surges) | More often (standard boards) |
| Freon leakage | Medium risk (soldering quality) | Low risk (better sealing) |
| Noise compressor | Can be higher (compact compressors) | Quieter (models used Secop) |
| Problems with No Frost | Rarely (improved system) | More often (classic diagram) |
Important: these data are statistical in nature. Specific reliability depends on year of manufactureoperating conditions and even the batch of components. For example, in 2020-2021, due to the pandemic, some Chinese factories used alternative suppliers of parts, which could affect the quality.
Where to buy original spare parts for Schaub Lorenz SLU?
Since the brand belongs to Hisense, original spare parts can be ordered through:
- 🔧 Official Hisense service centers - they service and Schaub Lorenz as a subsidiary brand.
- 🛒 Online stores:
- AliExpress (official stores Hisense Parts),
- eBay (sellers with a rating above 98%),
- Russian sites (Beru.ru, Yandex Market - search for parts by article number).
- 🏭 Universal analogues - for example, compressors Embraco or Secop suitable for many models SLU.
When ordering spare parts, be sure to specify:
- Full model of the refrigerator (for example, SLU-189 NF),
- Serial number (for accurate selection),
- Country of assembly (Chinese and Turkish versions may differ in fastenings).
⚠️ Attention: Parts from refrigerators Vestel (even if they look similar) may not fit Schaub Lorenz SLU due to changes in design after 2018. Always check the catalog Hisense.
How to check the compatibility of a spare part?
Compare the part number with what is indicated in the technical data sheet of the refrigerator. For example, for the model SLU-189 NF the original thermostat has an item number HS-3875-TIf the seller offers the part. with a different number, request a photo of the label and check with the database on the website Hisense Service.
Is it worth buying Schaub Lorenz SLU in 2026?
Refrigerators Schaub Lorenz SLU remain popular due to the ratio of price and functionality, but before purchasing there are a few things to consider factors:
- ✅ Pros:
- Price is 15-20% lower than analogues Liebherr or Bosch with similar characteristics.
- Reliable system No Frost (in Chinese assembly).
- Easy to repair (many universal parts).
- ❌ Cons:
- Weak noise insulation (noise level up to 42 dB).
- Plastic body thinner than European brands.
- The guarantee is valid only when purchased from official dealers.
If you need an inexpensive refrigerator with No Frost and electronic control, Schaub Lorenz SLU is a reasonable choice, however, for long-term operation (10+ years) it is better to consider. models Hisense from a higher price category or European brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I independently determine the year of manufacture by the serial number?
Yes, in the serial number of refrigerators Schaub Lorenz SLU the third and fourth digits usually indicate the year. For example, SLU-189NF-22XXXX is the model. 2022. However, after 2020 Hisense the format has changed, and now the year can be encoded by letter (for example, A=2020, B=2021 etc.) For an accurate determination, contact the service center.
How do SLU models differ from other Schaub Lorenz series?
Series SLU is positioned as a “premium” in the line Schaub Lorenz and has:
- Electronic control (as opposed to mechanical in the series SL or SK),
- System No Frost in both chambers (in the basic series only in the freezer),
- Improved thermal insulation (wall thickness is 10–15% greater).
However, in terms of reliability they are not superior to the model Hisense middle segment.
Where in Russia can you repair a Schaub Lorenz SLU refrigerator?
Official repairs are carried out by service centers HisenseAddresses can be found on the website Hisense support. with these refrigerators, but use only original spare parts. Average repair cost:
- Replacement of the compressor - 8,000-12,000 ₽,
- Repair of the electronic unit - 5,000-7,000 ₽,
- Freon leak elimination - 3,500–6,000 ₽.
Why does ice quickly freeze in the freezer in the SLU refrigerator?
This problem is typical for models with No Frost and may be related with:
- Clogged drain hole (clean once every 6 months),
- Faulty defrost heater (requires replacement),
- Damage to the door seal (check the tightness with a sheet of paper).
In Chinese models More often the defrost sensor (HS-DEF-03) fails, in Turkish - the heating element.
Is it possible to transport the SLU refrigerator lying down?
No! Refrigerators Schaub Lorenz SLU (like any with the system No Frost) must absolutely not be transported in a horizontal position. This will lead to:
- Oil from the compressor into the cooling circuit,
- Damage to the tubes and leakage of freon,
- Displacement of the evaporator mountings.
An inclination of up to 40° is allowed for a short time (for example, when loading into an elevator). After transportation, the refrigerator must stand at least 6 hours before turning on.