Thread: Pros - Cons Fridge Compressors

As I understand it, the Danfross is more efficient than the swing motor. The Danfross isn't unique to the Waeco, there are heaps of manufacturers using the same compressor. The big bonus to me with the Danfross is that there are service agents everywhere over Australia for them. We drowned a fridge (along with the car) just off the Jardine River at Cape York and when we got into the Caravan park, there was even a service agent next door operating out of an old bus!!! As I understand it, it is significantly harder to get service for the swing motor.

In terms of current used and performance, I'm not convinced that there is a lot between two, and the greater differences will come more from the fridge body and its insulation rather than the compressors.

The danfross fridges do tend to be cheaper than the engels.

The cheapies may be a whole new ball game.

Originally Posted by garrycol

Most of the 12v fridges on the market either use the swing motor (engel), danfoss (waeco) or domas (cheap ebay) compressors.

What are the pros and cons of each?

I know little about the swing motor and my research seems to indicate the danfoss and domas compressors seem to use about the same 5amp/60w when running but that the danfoss is a little more efficient so runs less.

I need to get a fridge but funds to not stretch to something like an engel so looking at something of a compromise - the cheapies may use a little more power but cost a lot less - so what ever I buy will be have to be a trade between cost, performance and battery usage.

Lets not have a engel waeco debate but those in the know please give me your views on the pros and cons of the different compressors used.

Thanks

Garry

The Engel Sawfuji Swing motor has only one moving part, unlike the other compressors which have a cranshaft, con-rod, piston and valves. The Sawfuji motor has no start up peak draw on the battery so it uses less electricity at startup, these motors seem to last at least 20 years, i bought the new plastic body Engel 38L for $899 last year and very happy with its performance, Regards Frank.

I have a 55lt mobicool (waeco i believe) not sure about the compressor but its a rotary been in the back of a series 111 for 4 years so has had a rough ride still goes well was $499 at super cheap runs about 6 amps. Would have liked a metal body but was looking at price at the time.

Originally Posted by THE BOOGER

I have a 55lt mobicool runs about 6 amps.

6 amps - thats high for a compressor fridge - way high.

That's like 3 way absorption fridge (heater) amps

Originally Posted by Tank

The Engel Sawfuji Swing motor has only one moving part, unlike the other compressors which have a cranshaft, con-rod, piston and valves. The Sawfuji motor has LOWER start up peak draw on the battery so it uses less electricity at startup, these motors seem to last at least 20 years, i bought the new plastic body Engel 38L for $899 last year and very happy with its performance, Regards Frank.

Fixed.

In testing, the Danfoss compressors draw more power at startup than the Sawfuji compressor (which is what, a second or so?), but are more efficient when measured over a 24hr period.

I recently bought a 40L compressor (Domus) fridge for under $500 ex China.
This is same model that Downunder Camping & others sell for nearly double the price.
All metal construction with SS latches & really strong hinges and carry handles. Unit draws 5A on 12V & 2.3A on 24V. Has digital readout/control panel & compressor utilises inverter 3 phase technology with soft start. Also has cutoff at 10.5V to protect battery. Insulation is 55mm & will cool down to -19C.
I've taken it on several camping trips (one 7 days on Straddie) & very happy with performance. I've found it better to use it in fridge mode though as freezer mode really drains battery if no solar panel used. In fridge mode (2C) my 2x 100AH gell cell batteries will power fridge for 4 days before voltage is getting near 50% capacity.
Cheers..B

Originally Posted by garrycol

Most of the 12v fridges on the market either use the swing motor (engel), danfoss (waeco) or domas (cheap ebay) compressors.

What are the pros and cons of each?

I know little about the swing motor and my research seems to indicate the danfoss and domas compressors seem to use about the same 5amp/60w when running but that the danfoss is a little more efficient so runs less.

I need to get a fridge but funds to not stretch to something like an engel so looking at something of a compromise - the cheapies may use a little more power but cost a lot less - so what ever I buy will be have to be a trade between cost, performance and battery usage.

Lets not have a engel waeco debate but those in the know please give me your views on the pros and cons of the different compressors used.

Thanks

Garry

Why not consider a second hand unit instead of spending on the cheapies.

Originally Posted by waynep

6 amps - thats high for a compressor fridge - way high.

That's like 3 way absorption fridge (heater) amps

Danfoss fridges (waeco) use 5 amps when running - so not so bad.

Garry