Product review (1 stars): Summit SBC490  -  Same as Haier HBF05EBSS but $300 more
Summit SBC490

I decided to replace the Haier HBF05EBSS a beer dispenser that was included in a recent home purchase.  Unfortunately, in my haste to defrost the self- defrosting unit that was caked with ice, I rupture the coolant line.  I decided to not fix the unit and instead upgrade to a better quality unit.

After a fair amount of research, it appeared as though the Summit brand was an improvement in quality over the Haier.  I elected to go with the SBC490 which was a full size unit with the self-defrosting option, costing almost $300 more than a new Haier.

To say that I was totally disappointed with the Summit would be an understatement.  The product arrived in a pristine box with no dents or dings.  However, upon opening, the trim to the countertop was grossly damaged and was obviously known to whoever packaged the unit.  I was able to do a make-shift repair to the trim and was satisfied that the damaged area would not be seen as it was going under a bar.

Upon investigating the unit more thoroughly to check for any other damage or missing parts, I realized that my new Summit SBC490 was the EXACT same unit as the Haier HBF05EBSS with only a different name badge.  I was so annoyed that I just paid $300 more for the same product I was replacing, but did not want to wait yet another 2 weeks to purchase a replacement.

I also realized that in addition to the damaged trim, a leg was missing as well as the bracket that holds the CO2 tank.  As I still owned the exact same unit, I was able to salvage the leg, but elected to order the CO2 bracket.  When I went to install the CO2 bracket, the pre-drilled holes were not even threaded to accommodate the screws that were included with the unit.

Another disturbing item was the customer service I received from Summit.  I realized that my previous Haier had a left side door swing which was needed in the confined space where the unit was to be placed.  The Summit came with a right side door swing which would not work for me as I would never be able to open the door wide enough to get a keg in.  I contacted Summit to see how to change the door swing as it appeared the changeover could be done.  I was told by a Summit customer service representative, who seemed annoyed at the mere question, that the door could not be changed, period.  When I tried to explain that their unit was the same as the Haier unit, having an adjustable door swing and tried to ask further questions, the Summit representative became even more annoyed and was anxious to get off the phone to do other more important customer service stuff.

I ultimately figured out how to change the door swing, by using the Haier unit as an example.  This is something Summit should provide.

I just had to defrost the ice buildup this weekend after only a month of being in operation.
Moral of the story. Dont buy a Summit SBC490 as you are merely getting a lessor quality Haier.