Thread: OMG! Here we go.... Which fridge to buy :-)

I had one of those cheap cooler / warmer ones a while back. Ended up throwing it out as it was rubbish. It only kept stuff cool on a cool day, and even then you had to almost freeze things before you put them in there. On even a warm day, it was totally useless.

I've always stuck with Engel fridges - but that's just personal preference and because I've never had any trouble with them. I've heard many others say the same about other brands. I've had a look at the National Luna fridges. They're a very nice unit, but a bit on the pricey side.

I have an Engel that looks like a wreck, dented all over. It ran for over 2 hours upside down (rolled my Disco) 6 years ago and hasn't missed a beat.

When I bought it 9 years ago it was a no brainer over the Waeco's, Engel was then more efficient, ran of 12/24/240V and didn't need the optional transformer for the 240V. Waeco's have changed in that time and are a far better fridge now so I'd recommend either brand.

I like the EVAKOOL, aussie made, with a Danfoss German Compressor (same as Waeco), but externally more robust than the plastic Waeco or the tin Engel. Also it's a lot cheaper (2nd hand) and because the compressor is adjacent to the fridge, the fridge doesn't have to slide as far out on the fridge slide for the lid to open.

I've got nothing against the Engel though, but I have seen several Waecos die on their first trip. I know this could happen to anyone, but it raises questions about reliability.

I think the EVAKOOL is a bit more kid proof and makes a more economical purchase, as most Engels & Waecos on ebay lead to a bidding war.

I've got an engel inherited from my dad, it's around 30+years old, done many, many trips around oz, thru the simpson desert several times, still runs great. I accidentally turned it up too high last weekend and froze everything solid!

The duck's nuts is supposedly the National Luna. Don't know what they are really like, but they get good reviews and they cost a packet.

I also have an Engel that is over 10 years old. Never, ever had an issue with it. And indeed it has been hard not to freeze everything in it cause it runs so well.

The engels are more expensive but you get quality. My Dad has had a Waeco for about 5 years and hasnt had any issues.

I would recommend the engel, but if you price conscious go for a Waeco.

Angus

I have an Engel and National Luna. The national Luna is far better and I don't use it at all now unless I want extra room. but the engel gets the job done.

Personally I like the idea of having a voltage cut out which you can set to a particular voltage but engles don't have it (unless the latest models do) and waecos and nationals do. Not sure about all the others.

Anyway, tbh- i think they are all pretty good now.

We took a Waeco (60l i think) to the cape with us, and I was pretty impressed. It seemed to hardly draw any current. Nice fridge.

Rgds
Pete.