Thread: Inverter versus 12v

Despite the name, the inverter technology in fridges aren't what is generally accepted as an inverter.

It may not be to you, but the industry accepted nomenclature is inverter. Also the variable speed is called variable frequency drive. (VFD) as I have posted above. A variable speed drive is an entirely different piece of equipment.

Originally Posted by Old Farang

It may not be to you, but the industry accepted nomenclature is inverter. Also the variable speed is called variable frequency drive. (VFD) as I have posted above. A variable speed drive is an entirely different piece of equipment.

Depends on which brands.
Variable Speed Drives (VSD)
They do the same thing.

They can also be referred to as VVVF drives.

Oh, I am in the industry. I used to work for a company that sells them. I now work for a company that uses them. Anything from 0.5kW metering pumps to 530kW drives. I've worked on projects that use much larger VSDs.

I would go 12v fridge option. I installed a 12v Waeco 115 litre upright fridge freezer in a shack off grid. It was new but a factory second (slight dent in door). It wasn't 3 way and very specific for 12v - basically it wasn't trying to be all things to everyone. Key was getting a fridge with a good quality compressor and correct sized wiring to hook it up.

We were also running a 1300watt inverter but we used that for charging hand held 2 way, cordless drills, mate's fridge/cooler when visiting, satellite internet and a toaster.

It was important for us to preserve the batteries (off several solar panels) as in winter we may not see the sun for 5 days at a time. Using a 240v fridge would be too much drain on our batteries IMHO.

Theres two words you dont see together very often,,
satellite internet and toaster

Glacio produce a few 12v 24v 240v model of digital inverter fridges at reasonable prices.

Also on the inverter subject, would it take a very big inverter to run either one of those infa-red, or induction type cooktops that are all the go today?
Has anyone given this a go?
I am not a big fan of gas appliances in caravans/campers, so I am looking at options.


Cheers, Mick.

I would imagine that the Electric cooktops would draw a heap of power much the same as the microwave, air con, kettle and toaster would so you would need a decent sized inverter to run them along with a large solar array/battery bank to power them.
Personally I hate cooking on electric stoves and ovens and much prefer to use gas for this.
Gas is more efficient than electricity to cook with and even the 3 way fridges run much better on gas

Originally Posted by mick88

Also on the inverter subject, would it take a very big inverter to run either one of those infa-red, or induction type cooktops that are all the go today?
Has anyone given this a go?
I am not a big fan of gas appliances in caravans/campers, so I am looking at options.


Cheers, Mick.

There's only one way to find out, buy one:

5-Star Chef Electric Induction Cooktop Portable Kitchen Cooker Ceramic Cook Top 9350062008744 | eBay

Rated power adjustable from 300W to 2000W, should do something at that price.

Basically, anything that heats uses a lot of power! Toaster, microwave and jug aren't too bad, because they are typically only used for a few minutes.