Thread: Waeco vs Engel

Hi Guys,
This is a common debate / Question,
I have been a Waeco repairer in the past and also have repaired my share of Engles and other brands as well as sold Waeco, Engle, Evacool & National Luna.
Its a bit like Holden Vrs Ford, and I allways say that if your happy with one or the other or you have had great recomendations for a particualr brand follow your gut and get what your heart is telling you to get !!!, Waeco, engle & Evacool are all good fridges for the money, National Luna Stand out above the rest but are more expensive. I am a fan of danfos compressors, and all of the little issues that Waeco had early on in the piece seem to be gone, weaco are most of the time have more litres for your dollar and have a good range of compact footprint fridges (fit into tight places) like the 60lt.
I currently have a Old FF70 Waeco that I repaired, a old model CF50 50lt Waeco that was my loan and Hire Fridge that has been to Hell and back and a Newer 40lt that I commonly use as a Freezer and I am more than happy with all of them, I would however have a National Luna in a heart Beat !
I had a Waeco 80lt Fridge Freezer, and got rid of it ! It was a good fridge but due to the way the design works relying on airflow for the fridge section makes it use a lot of current to run it well !!, and therefor require a good battery system and other input charging systems such as solar to help keep up !
By the way I no longer sell Waeco, Engle or Evacool, but do have a bit to do with National Luna.

Cheers and goodluck with your choice

I bought a 60l engel to replace my still working, 20yo 39l engel

This is a common complaint but its not caused but the high temps or humidity, Waeco due to their design are are very voltage sensitive, and easiy cut out early due to bad conection especially in Heat and Humidity caused particulary from the VERY BAD plug they sell them with, if you own one do your self a favor and cut it off and fit a good one or hardwire the lead in the vehicle !! And if you still need a cig style lead on the odd occasion get in and buy one as a spare, I allways carry spare lead, its an easy test just to swap it over.
For your Info most other brands also suffer from this problem but due to the cut out system in a weaco you notice it quicker, quite often other fridge's will be running bad or un-efficient but due to the fact it has not cut out all togeather your unaware.

This info is just from my own experience and am intrested to see other feedback and opinions.

Cheers
Jeremy

Originally Posted by Allan

I've got 2, 40 ltr Engels and after observing the troubles a guy was having with his Waco's on our last Kimberley trip would not swap them for quids,they don't like high outside temps or humidity. They seem to shut down and not cool. When I bought my first Engel, I was looking at a Waco at a fishing tackle shop and was told by a very ardent fisherman that he had lost 30 kg of Barra fillets due to this same problem

Regards
Allan

I've got a 40 litre Engel, the metal one. I bought it because it appears much more sturdy then the Waeco, especially in the lid and catches.
I also like that the lid opens from the end rather that at the side, which suits my set up in the 110 perfectly. They come on special regularly with the canvas cover, digital thermometer, stubby holders etc.
My only complaint is it sometimes keeps things too cold, it'll freeze your beer if you don't watch the temp occasionally.
Still thats better than having food go off!

I have CF 80 Waeco. I had to feed a couple for a few days when their Engle gave up and all their food spoiled.

Having a good power source is very important.

The people with the Engle would drive during the day with the fridge on and turn it off during the night. I think this might have been the start of their spoilt food.

I had a second/aux battery to allow the fridge to run all the time.

I have had a Waeco 50 for about 5 years or so. Over that time I have had the low voltage problem but poor wiring and plug was the issue there. Recently I had to get some electricals replaced (can't remember exactly, the thermostat and soemthing else) due to not shutting off.

I have been happy with it over this time and would get another. My mate has had a good run out of his Engels over the years. Just pick what suits.

Originally Posted by copba

I've got a 40 litre Engel, the metal one. I bought it because it appears much more sturdy then the Waeco, especially in the lid and catches.
I also like that the lid opens from the end rather that at the side, which suits my set up in the 110 perfectly. They come on special regularly with the canvas cover, digital thermometer, stubby holders etc.
My only complaint is it sometimes keeps things too cold, it'll freeze your beer if you don't watch the temp occasionally.
Still thats better than having food go off!

Not the beer

Food is secondary

I with Jezzaol. After spending a lot of time reading up on Engels and Waecos, I ended up buying a stainless steel National Luna (50 litre Twin Weekender: 40 l normal fridge + 10 l freezer). A bit more expensive than an Engel or Waeco but worth every cent.

Cheers
KarlB