7 fridge/freezer comparo

[roscoFJ73]

This is a complete version of some extensive testing done on 7 12v fridge freezers sold in oz by 4WDAction with some of them also sold in the US.
Its been hard to track down but Waeco Aust have kindly kept a full copy on their home site.
I think the test was done in 2009.
It also has some excellant tips and info on ways to get the most out of your fridge and conserve power.

http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&r...fnzO6-ydnSOSjUZNw&sig2=30p5S5lhgl_UxUXmUNLw9w

 

[rideglobally]

thanks Roscoe, very helpful. i am in the market for a fridge.

 

[e9999]

thanks for posting

interesting tests and numbers to look at

(but unfortunately marred by a lack of understanding of the difference between power and energy and repeated mistakes in units. Not cool -so to speak- )

 

[ForealBoreal]

Good find
I can't wait for my 63qt arb to come in next week!

 

[MANUCHAO]

Thanks for posting this info...
Correct me if Im wrong but here in the USA the more readily available fridges are ARB, WAECO, NL and ENGEL.
The other three I dont know if they offer them over here...

Looking at what I want vrs what I need this really helps on making an informed decision/choice..
Im looking for a freezer and fridge compartment unit... that boils down to two units the Engel and the NL....
Not sure if the WAECO offers this..but I dont think I could go wrong with either of the two units Im looking at !!!!

Again thanks for posting this info...... !!!!

 

[esh]

Waeco is sold as Dometic now, so keep that in mind for searches. I don't think they have a separate fridge/freezer compartment option in their models. Completely happy with my CF-40 though!

 

[roscoFJ73]

Thanks for posting this info...
Correct me if Im wrong but here in the USA the more readily available fridges are ARB, WAECO, NL and ENGEL.
The other three I dont know if they offer them over here...

Looking at what I want vrs what I need this really helps on making an informed decision/choice..
Im looking for a freezer and fridge compartment unit... that boils down to two units the Engel and the NL....
Not sure if the WAECO offers this..but I dont think I could go wrong with either of the two units Im looking at !!!!

Again thanks for posting this info...... !!!!

Im not sure how the pricing works in the US ,but in oz you could buy 2 waeco 40 litre fridge for the price of one 50 litre national luna.
That way you could use one as fridge and one as a freezer,providing you have the room

I have a 50l and 80l waeco and they can both be used as a fridge/freezer by putting the food you want frozen at one end.

But Ive found that when you are eating out of a 12V fridge it needs to be refilled every few days and freezing is pointless unless you plan on bringing a catch home from a fishing trip.

 

[roscoFJ73]

thanks for posting

interesting tests and numbers to look at

(but unfortunately marred by a lack of understanding of the difference between power and energy and repeated mistakes in units. Not cool -so to speak- )

They are speaking to the masses,power and energy = same fing to us

What are the "mistakes in units"?


Something they didnt mention in the test is that ALL 12V fridges can be at least 10% more efficient , with the cover that is sold separately or even throwing a blanket over the fridge will help.
The cover also keeps them looking nice and stops them from rubbing against things.
And you have to make sure the vent where the heat exits the fridge is well ventilated,cant stress how important this is.

 

[roscoFJ73]

Good find
I can't wait for my 63qt arb to come in next week!

It got a good write up,the 47 ARB was using less energy that the Engel that was 5 litres smaller internally.I think the plastic casing on the outside is the way to go as well.
Some of the metal fridges have been know to rust,actually its quite common.

 

[GXO]

My 45L Iron Man is working fine. Was inexpensive, well built, and I can sit at 3C and get 3C all day long.

 

[roscoFJ73]

My 45L Iron Man is working fine. Was inexpensive, well built, and I can sit at 3C and get 3C all day long.

I was looking at them the other day. They are a generic fridge that anyone can buy and put their brand name on.
Dobinsons Suspension and Gasmate are the latest and it wouldnt surprise me if the ARB is coming from the same factory.
I think this is a good idea as it brings the cost of fridges within the reach of more offroaders,and as you said,they work fine and are well built.

Is yours really a 45 litre or is possibly a 45 quart?. Just curious as I cant see a 45 litre in their aussie line up.

Another good feature is that it looks like the controls and lid are all interchangeable between the 3 sizes. They all have the same cabinet with a few inches added in the middle to increase the capacity.
http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&r...sFySRlef-SW0EvYTA&sig2=eLanMfVcg97k3cMX7_sshA

 

[GXO]

I got an end of model year version that isn't on the site.

 

[prado t]

I get 4WD Action mailed to my door. I really like their comparos, But there are no real winners.

I was a proud Waeco CF 110 owner, unfortunately due to a voltage drop last year it jus t freezes. I am in the market for a Gold anniverary Engal (sawa fugi) al

 

[e9999]

They are speaking to the masses,power and energy = same fing to us

What are the "mistakes in units"?


snip.

errr.... no, not same thing even to us lowly Mudders . Power = Energy/time. Makes a tad of a difference when you talk about fridges among other things...


they seemed to confuse A and Ah, call those power etc. Bit messy. Then again, maybe things are different downunda...?