Don't buy this potentially dangerous fridge

Independent Which? testing found a Hoover model that fails to meet safety standards introduced in 2019. 

We made the Hoover HD1D90EWC fridge a Which? Don't Buy and awarded it a 0% score after we found the model we tested had a flammable plastic back. 

Just want to know which fridges are the best? Head to our fridge reviews.

Why our tests found the Hoover HD1D90EWC fridge is a fire risk

The Hoover HD1D90EWC failed our independent needle flame test, a standardised safety test used to evaluate the flammability of materials. The test involves applying a flame to a section of the backing of a fridge for 30 seconds. 

For the backing to pass the test, the fire must self-extinguish within 30 seconds of removing the flame. 

However, in the case of the Hoover HD1D90EWC model we tested, the flame didn't extinguish: in fact, we found it burned more intensely when in contact with the appliance’s plastic backing and continued to burn until the entire backing was consumed.

Burning particles also dripped from the plastic. In your home, this could cause a fire to spread.

Read more about our intensive testing in how we test fridges.

Hoover's response to our findings

We approached Hoover with our findings. Hoover told us that this model has passed its own fire safety checks, during which the backing was exposed to fire for 30 seconds.  

It said it had changed the backing material of this model from PP (Polypropylene) to metal on 30 June 2024. All models manufactured since this date should have the new backing. It said that the reason for changing the backing was that 'at Haier [which owns Hoover], we want to meet UKCA guidance, going beyond CE compliance'. 

CE marking shows that a product has been assessed by the manufacturer and found to meet EU safety, health and environmental protection requirements. Post-Brexit, this was replaced with the UKCA marking, the conformity marking used for products on the market in Great Britain. Regardless of whether this product is CE-compliant or UKCA-compliant, models pre-30 June 2024, nevertheless, pose a safety risk. 

Since we haven't tested the updated model, our Don’t Buy refers only to the plastic-backed version. We asked Hoover how consumers could differentiate between the metal and plastic-backed model, as the brand also confirmed that the model name hadn't changed. 

Hoover told us that models with the metal backing have a label on the inside side wall that shows the UKCA mark.  

The old and new backings look like this.

As the model name hasn't changed and you're unlikely to be able to check the back or inside of your fridge before buying it, we believe there's no practical way for consumers to distinguish a metal-backed model.

Currys is the main retailer of the model with the plastic back, Hoover said.

Hoover's PR agency told us: 

'We can confirm that the Hoover under-counter larder fridge, model HD1D90EWC is fully CE-compliant and meets all relevant European safety standards. Independent testing by Which? confirmed, “this fridge is no more likely than any other to catch alight". However, when Which? raised concerns about the plastic backing, we took immediate action to address this and enhance the safety of our product.

'As of June 2024, all Hoover HD1D90EWC under-counter larder fridges are manufactured with a metal backing. The safety of our products remains a priority across all our ranges.' 

Read the full Hoover HD1D90EWC fridge review

What to do if you own a Hoover HD1D90EWC fridge

We asked Hoover approximately how many old-style models were sold before the change came in. It told us that more than 2,000 were sold in that time. 

If you're among the 2,000-plus owners of this fridge, there's no need to get rid of yours because it’s unlikely to overheat and start a fire. But, if a fire were to break out, this model would spread it rather than withstand it as it ought to. 

For this reason, you should take all the usual precautions to avoid a fire at home, including:

• Checking the manual to ensure you've allowed enough airflow between the fridge and the wall
• Ensuring air vents aren't blocked, and that dust and grease aren't allowed to build up
• Plugging your fridge directly into the wall rather than into an extension lead
• Investigating any strange sounds – or asking a qualified repair technician to do so
• Fitting smoke alarms and (minimum one per floor of your home)
• Fitting a heat alarm in your kitchen. 

The London Fire Brigade has more information about white goods and staying safe from a fire at home. 

See our guide to the best smoke alarms and the best carbon monoxide detectors.

Which? campaigns to improve safety standards

In 2017, following the Grenfell tower fire started by an electrical fault in a fridge freezer, we campaigned for manufacturers to immediately stop producing refrigeration appliances with flammable plastic backs. We also downgraded all refrigeration appliances with flammable backs on our website to Don't Buys.

As a direct result of our campaigning, new British safety standards were introduced on 11 July 2019. The new standard states that non-metallic materials on the external rear surface, in contact with thermal insulation and covering an area of 75cm² or more, must pass the needle flame test or must not burn for longer than 30 seconds7, and should not drip flaming particles. 

Find out more about fridge safety.