AKAI has expanded its refrigerator portfolio in India with two new 190-litre Direct Cool single-door models. The refrigerators share the same features but come in two nature-inspired glass-door finishes called Violet Leaf and Golden Flower.
The range has been introduced at Rs 18,190 and is aimed at buyers looking for a compact refrigerator with a more decorative design.
Price and Availability
The new AKAI refrigerators are available through the company's official website, select online platforms and authorised offline retailers across India. AKAI has not specified how long the introductory price will remain applicable.
Both models come with a one-year comprehensive warranty and a 10-year warranty on the compressor.
Two Glass-Door Design Options
The Violet Leaf model features a black glass door with violet leaves and water-droplet detailing. The Golden Flower variant uses a black-and-gold floral pattern designed to give the refrigerator a more decorative appearance.
Apart from helping the refrigerators stand out from conventional solid-colour models, the reflective glass surface should also be relatively easy to wipe clean. However, buyers may need to account for visible fingerprints and smudges, which are generally more noticeable on glossy black surfaces.
"Our products are built to reflect the aesthetic sense of today's Indian family," said Anurag Sharma, MD and CEO, AKAI India. He added that the company has attempted to combine visual appeal with everyday functionality in the new range.
Cooling and Storage Features
The refrigerators offer three adjustable cooling settings that can be changed according to seasonal requirements or the type of food being stored. AKAI is marketing this feature as "One Fridge. Three Moods," although the company has not specified the individual temperature ranges available under each setting.
A dedicated Deep Fresh Zone is designed to maintain more stable temperatures for fruits and vegetables. The refrigerator also comes with a removable anti-bacterial gasket, which should make regular cleaning easier.
Storage includes a 12-litre vegetable box and a larger door compartment for accommodating multiple beverage bottles. Adjustable toughened-glass shelves allow users to change the internal layout for larger utensils, containers and food boxes.
Other features include LED interior lighting, manual defrosting, a covered rear section and stabiliser-free operation. AKAI has not disclosed the supported voltage range, so buyers living in areas with frequent or severe voltage fluctuations should check the operating range before deciding against an external stabiliser.
AKAI claims an annual power consumption of 197.2 units. The company has not mentioned the refrigerator's BEE star rating in its announcement.
The Glass Finish Is the Main Differentiator
The sub-200-litre single-door refrigerator category is already crowded, with buyers typically comparing energy ratings, storage flexibility, after-sales support and compressor warranties. AKAI is attempting to distinguish its new range primarily through the patterned glass doors rather than introducing an entirely different cooling system.
At Rs 18,190, the refrigerators could appeal to small households or buyers looking for a compact secondary refrigerator that does not use the usual plain exterior. However, the BEE rating, precise voltage range, service availability in the buyer's location and final retail discounts should also be checked before purchase.
