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

I have an Engel and a Waeco, the 12year old Engel is a better frig. The reason for buying the Waeco was I needed a small freezer, now I wish I'd spent the extra on an Engel.
Over the lifetime of the frig the extra for the Engel is small bikkies.

Hi all,
Well after doing all my research & deciding on going to buy the new Engel Eclipse 38l fridge, (about 800 with a bag) I went out & bought a Waeco today They (Anaconda) have a promotion on at the moment for $999 & you get the 49l fridge & a heap of accessories. Normally retails 1099 without the accessories. So I thought not bad value & I will probably use some of the crap that it comes with. Even comes with an 8l cooler. I just hope I didnt make the wrong decision

Dave.

I've just bought a 3-way fridge, and if push comes to shove I might take it on a long trip, just because it doesn't seem sensible to buy a second fridge. But most condensor fridges will only get 30-35 degress below ambient. On a 40 degree day that doesn't get even close to freezing. They are least effective on 12 volts. The reason I went with the three way was for the capacity to run up to a month on a single gas bottle. To do that you need to be stationary for most of the month, which doesn't sound like what you're planning.

So while I'm happy with my choice, and I have no opinion on the 12 volt alternatives (my parents are pleased with their Waeco, but then there are so many good options) I would encourage you to scratch the three-way option.

Originally Posted by DI5CO

Hi all,
Well after doing all my research & deciding on going to buy the new Engel Eclipse 38l fridge, (about 800 with a bag) I went out & bought a Waeco today They (Anaconda) have a promotion on at the moment for $999 & you get the 49l fridge & a heap of accessories. Normally retails 1099 without the accessories. So I thought not bad value & I will probably use some of the crap that it comes with. Even comes with an 8l cooler. I just hope I didnt make the wrong decision

Dave.

You will be very happy with that choice. It will last you many, many years. The main things to avoid problems are 1) to make sure it is well secured in the vehicle, 2) try not to spill liquids on the control panel part 3) ensure adequate ventilation ( free space )around the compressor grille area. Also ensure you have good thick wires running from your battery to the fridge.

Originally Posted by waynep

You will be very happy with that choice. It will last you many, many years. The main things to avoid problems are 1) to make sure it is well secured in the vehicle, 2) try not to spill liquids on the control panel part 3) ensure adequate ventilation ( free space )around the compressor grille area. Also ensure you have good thick wires running from your battery to the fridge.

Make sure file the reciept away where you will always be able to find it.

They come with a 2 year warrenty and you probably will have to use it (probably for something little) and they are really really picky about having the original reciept.

Hopefully they have fixed the problems of the CF50 model which im having with the controller and the 12v system as they have known about it for a long time.

When mine works I love it, it works great and once stuff is frozen in the bottom I put a bit of foam over the frozen meat at the bottom and put other stuff on top (drinks etc) and the marg etc in the dairy cabninet and it hardly runs to keep everything frozen and cold.

It has (when working properly) run for 3 days in 35 to 40 deg days without driving anywhere and my battery didnt drop below 12v but half the stuff in the bottm was frozen and it was chockers with cans so they hold their temp well.

They are a good fridge but just be aware that you may need to use their warrenty.

Originally Posted by aquarangie

Got a 40L Waeco about 18 months ago. I don't do heaps of camping (i'd like to but work gets in the way too often than not ) but every trip I've had it one it's been faultless. I did have an issue with the wiring on my behalf from the socket to the battery (too thin and the low voltage proterction kicked in so it wouldn't run properly ). it's been up some hairy tracks as well and hasn't been a problem.

The most important bit.... IT KEEPS THE BEER COLD

Trav

I have the same problem with my Waeco fridge in my truck,the fault light keeps flashing on,still doing it after three years,takes a long time ,after I start my truck for it to get cold..never buy one again

Has anyone mentioned Engel fridge yet .......?

Originally Posted by Disco_owner

Has anyone mentioned Engel fridge yet .......?

If not allow me to be the first...

I think a 40litre Engel would be the way to go. Thankfully anything to do with these sorts of purchases; buying a four-wheel drive, going camping etc -it is purely spiritual and I'm not encumbered by any obligation to objective research. It's an Engel and the research is about which one and who sells it cheapest.