Melbourne-based appliance distributor Residentia Group—currently promoting beer collaborations rather than addressing growing concerns about the quality of its products—appears to be facing a significant social media backlash over complaints relating to its Solt and Omega appliance ranges.

The company recently told ChannelNews that 80% of its products are manufactured by Chinese appliance giant Midea. Despite this, Residentia is now dealing with a rising number of questions about the reliability and build quality of its Solt and Omega products, which are widely sold throughout Australia and the UK.

Serious concerns have also been raised about Residentia’s heavy borrowing, multimillion-dollar share buybacks, and the potential impact this debt load may be having on the company.

According to industry sources, some retailers are reconsidering whether to continue carrying Residentia’s house-brand products manufactured by Midea. One retailer is even believed to have requested an audit of returns and warranty claims.

Residentia’s most recent financial filings from 2023 show that although revenues increased, profits dropped sharply from $6.67 million to $4.66 million.

Documents filed with the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission also reveal that the company’s borrowings rose from $8.81 million to $14.73 million.

Mathew Evans CEO Residentia Group

It is unclear whether this increase in debt was tied to Residentia’s acquisition of the Omega brand from Sydney-based Shriro Holdings.

In July 2025, the company paid $4.865 million to buy back shares from a Carey family member according to ASIC filings, this was part of an Insurance payout the Company had on executives which was activated following the sudden death of Nathan Cary.

Following the payout the share holders of the Company are Mathew Evans Director with 7,410 shares representing 48.72% of the shareholdings.

Olivia Katherine Carey also holds 7,410 shares and a 48.72% shareholding.

2.56% of the Company is held by Onlin Holdings Pty Ltd as trustees of GT & LL Teh.ChannelNews has asked Residentia’s Creative Director Nicholas Carey and CEO Mathew Evans, to comment on the ongoing concerns surrounding the company’s appliance quality, both on social media and consumer forums.

When Evans was asked whether he was concerned over the reviews and the critical coverage of Omega and Solt products he said “No”.

When we asked him questions about the Companies debt levels and borrowings he hung up.

Questions have also been directed to both Residentia and Midea regarding whether Residentia has outstanding debts to Midea relating to appliance supply.

To date, Midea management has not responded.

A review of the ProductReview website reveals a substantial number of complaints regarding Solt and Omega appliances. Many users also report poor customer service and difficulties securing warranty support, raising further questions about the company’s warranty provisions.

Residentia acquired the Omega brand—originally founded in 1981 “in a Sydney garage”—from Shriro on 31 March 2023 after Harvey Norman dropped Omega from its stores. The acquisition included the brand, its inventory, and all distribution rights.

However, since the acquisition, complaints about reliability and quality issues have become increasingly common. According to industry sources, the volume and severity of these complaints have been significant enough for at least one major retailer to reconsider the sale of Omega products.

On ProductReview, Omega currently holds a 1.6 out of 5-star rating from 54 verified reviews. Common problems occur within two to three years of purchase and include:

oven failures (burnt-out elements, broken doors/hinges, overheating, uneven cooking)

cooktops cracking or malfunctioning

dishwashers failing to clean properly

poor build quality and difficult-to-source spare parts

Some customers describe the appliances as “cheap,” “unsafe,” or “rubbish,” with a few claiming risks such as wiring faults, fire hazards, or exploding oven glass. Solt products fare only slightly better, with similar reliability complaints—particularly for dishwashers and top-loading washing machines. Many models sit well below average in consumer ratings (1.7/5, 2.2/5, 3.1/5), suggesting widespread dissatisfaction rather than isolated incidents. 

Positive reviews tend to come from customers with minimal needs or light household usage.

Solt Washing Machines

The front-loader Solt GGSFLW60, sold by major retailers including Appliances Online, The Good Guys, Bing Lee, Kogan, and JB Hi-Fi, has a rating of 3.1 out of 5 from 16 reviews. While 57% of reviews are positive, 37% are negative. Some users report rapid product deterioration, with one writing:
“It washed well for maybe six months; total carnage since then… will never buy this cheap crap again.”

Marketing Promotion

Despite these ongoing issues, Residentia recently partnered with Stomping Ground Brewing Co to promote Omega’s new beverage centres across 20 Victorian venues and retailers. The campaign includes a giveaway where customers who purchase Stomping Ground beer can enter to win one of 20 Omega 102-can Beverage Centres, each stocked with Stomping Ground beer. Each prize is valued at $819.

Lets hope their beer fridge is better than some of their other products especially their Solt Beer Centre which has also copped a panning.