12v fridges, You get what you pay for.

These days if you follow the adage "you get what you paid for" you will be ripping your self off - manufacturers and sellers charge what they think they can get away with not the quality of the the item - you can pay great prices for quality stuff and junk, exceptionally high prices for quality items but also for junk - price is no longer a determinate for the level of quality.

Engel prices are an example - yes a good fridge for an over the top price - you do not get what you pay for when compared to some others.

I have had a cheap ebay 55l fridge ($450) for nearly 10 years - happily bounces around in the back of the 101 - low power usage, thick insulation just goes on and on and on - at the time equivalent Engels where around $1500 - a basic service on the Engel was about the same cost as a new ebay fridge. Been away with others and the fridges that always seem to be playing up are the Engels.

I also bought a small Evakool - for weekend use - cost more than the ebay fridge and is a piece of crap - yes it runs OK but has trouble holding low freezer temps and really chews through the power.

I am happy with my fridge - runs perfectly - cheaper to throw away and buy another than service an Engel .

Remember, these days price is not a determinant of quality (more what the seller can get away with) and you do not get what you pay for.

Garry

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Originally Posted by garrycol

These days if you follow the adage "you get what you paid for" you will be ripping your self off - manufacturers and sellers charge what they think they can get away with not the quality of the the item - you can pay great prices for quality stuff and junk, exceptionally high prices for quality items but also for junk - price is no longer a determinate for the level of quality.

Engel prices are an example - yes a good fridge for an over the top price - you do not get what you pay for when compared to some others.

I have had a cheap ebay 55l fridge ($450) for nearly 10 years - happily bounces around in the back of the 101 - low power usage, thick insulation just goes on and on and on - at the time equivalent Engels where around $1500 - a basic service on the Engel was about the same cost as a new ebay fridge. Been away with others and the fridges that always seem to be playing up are the Engels.

I also bought a small Evakool - for weekend use - cost more than the ebay fridge and is a piece of crap - yes it runs OK but has trouble holding low freezer temps and really chews through the power.

I am happy with my fridge - runs perfectly - cheaper to throw away and buy another than service an Engel .

Remember, these days price is not a determinant of quality (more what the seller can get away with) and you do not get what you pay for.

Garry

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Funny those that purchased wise don`t hesitate at keeping[thumbsupbig] ,
Those that purchased on price are happy to to throw away and spend more [bighmmm]

I agree that with many things price is Not the determaning factor But with 12v fridges the cheap eBay fridges are usually an inferior build and flitted with cheap and nasty componants.
The Waeco, Engle and Primus fridges have a Proven track record and can be relied on to work each and every time.
Usually when a new model fridge is introduced the older version is sold at a heavily discounted price which is usually not much more than an elcheapo fridge, I only paid $600 for my 40l Primus and $800 for my 80l Waeco because they were an older model fridge and were on sale at a discount [thumbsupbig]

I go to Harvey Norman and look at the prices of small fridge/freezers (bar fridges) and then go to BCF and look at the prices of the high repute camping fridge/freezers and think "How can they justify charging three and more times the price of a bar fridge for these?"

I had Engels in my line haul trucks and had to fabricate spring bases to sit them on so they didn't shake to pieces. No problems with their operation though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by garrycol

These days if you follow the adage "you get what you paid for" you will be ripping your self off - manufacturers and sellers charge what they think they can get away with not the quality of the the item - you can pay great prices for quality stuff and junk, exceptionally high prices for quality items but also for junk - price is no longer a determinate for the level of quality.

Engel prices are an example - yes a good fridge for an over the top price - you do not get what you pay for when compared to some others.

I have had a cheap ebay 55l fridge ($450) for nearly 10 years - happily bounces around in the back of the 101 - low power usage, thick insulation just goes on and on and on - at the time equivalent Engels where around $1500 - a basic service on the Engel was about the same cost as a new ebay fridge. Been away with others and the fridges that always seem to be playing up are the Engels.

I also bought a small Evakool - for weekend use - cost more than the ebay fridge and is a piece of crap - yes it runs OK but has trouble holding low freezer temps and really chews through the power.

I am happy with my fridge - runs perfectly - cheaper to throw away and buy another than service an Engel .

Remember, these days price is not a determinant of quality (more what the seller can get away with) and you do not get what you pay for.

Garry

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Nope, I don't believe that for a second to be honest. Buyers are sooo much more savy and have so much more info than they had a few years ago that sellers can't price how they want nearly as much any more as they used to. Those that want cheap will buy cheap, no dramas there, there are many reasons for this, but you'll find most that spend a bit more will do a lot more research to ensure they are getting what they paybfor come time to hand the money over.

Not saying your fridge is bad, sounds like you've had a great run from it so you have got great value for money, but get back to me in 20 years to see where it is and how much you're spent since on new ones.

Are Engels overpriced? Well, they are expensive yes, but their reputation is second to none. This can't be achieved by supplying a sub par product over decades - people talk and people notice when they aren't getting what they pay for.

I'll keep my Engels thanks.

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Originally Posted by Homestar

Are Engels overpriced? Well, they are expensive yes, but their reputation is second to none. This can't be achieved by supplying a sub par product over decades - people talk and people notice when they aren't getting what they pay for.

I'll keep my Engels thanks.

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So why are we driving Landrovers and not Toyotas? Following your logic we would all be driving Toyotas. [wink11]

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Originally Posted by garrycol

So why are we driving Landrovers and not Toyotas? Following your logic we would all be driving Toyotas. [wink11]

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I have both[thumbsupbig]

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Originally Posted by garrycol

So why are we driving Landrovers and not Toyotas? Following your logic we would all be driving Toyotas. [wink11]

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Why that is no logic i own landrovers because i am a tragic and passionate for the brand also i love the capability [wink11].
Plus i got brought home from the hospital as a baby in a S1 86" so it is in my blood [thumbsupbig]
Engels do have a reputation as in everything else you believe what you want to and make your own mind up as we all do Simples [bigwhistle]

I bought a Bushman a couple of years ago, because its Australian made. Seems to have good writeups and backup service.
Comes with extendable collars to increase capacity. Love it[smilebigeye]

Another good Aussie one is the Trailblazer, chosen by a lot of Govt depts.
Has really thick insulation so is bulky. Good for in the back of utes etc.

There is another Aussie built one with eutectic plates. Forgotton the name but has a good rep with tours. Slower to cool but holds over longer.
All the engine driven compresser ones I have built are all eutectic.

Whats your thoughts on a unit like this?

New 12V Portable Car Fridge Camping Freezer Boat Caravan Cooler 85L Refrigerator 9350062130988 | eBay

Im sort of tempted to get this despite the varying comments in this thread.
I like the capacity and top loading is a must for me. Dunno thoughts?