Engel or Waeco? or possibly something else.

[Jordo]

Im currently on the market for a new portable fridge at the moment. The new engel 38L has caught my eye and for a reasonable price but just wondering what anyone else knows about which is a beeter product or anything.

[Doodah]

Engel are the best mate. A little bit more expensive, but worth it. I have 2x 60l and a 40l. My old man bought the 60 and 40 in 1982 and they are still going strong, even after 14 trips to the territory in the back of a 60 series cruiser to fish the run off. The 2nd 60 I purchased about 6 years ago. Now the 40 lives in the boat and the 2x 60's are the fridge and freezer at camp. I also like how the Engel's don't have a big power pack like the Waeco's, just a normal lead for either 240 or 12v.
I think EvaKool are just releasing a new 55(??) litre 12v/24v/240v fridge/freezer that retails for about $750. It has a 2 year warranty, and looks like a Waeco. Only thing I dont like is the compressor is a unit made in China.

[chicka]

Hi
Check out www.bushman.com.au/ They are unreal and very energy efficient.You can add a stacker and increase capacity.
Cheers

[Jordo]

Thanks fellas but i think im gonna go a new engel 38L if me and the old man get 2 through a mate of his we a can get them for less than retail.

[wharf]

Ive got a 18 litre waeco and have had nothing but good service from it.A few of the waeco have suffered thermostat problems.

[adampatric]

Weaco and Engel are by far the market leaders in portable fridge, freezer and cooler units.
One thing that constantly amazes us is that some customers come in and are only interested in the Waeco brand and others will only look at the Engel range of products. There is no clear "Best brand to buy" listening to our customers.

[cod adventurer]

I do agree that the older shape engel are a great fridge I have two and the jury is still out on the new model Its got thirty years of reliability to live up to
just dont let a engel bounce while running it knocks a spring out of place inside the swing motor Always secure it down.
I also have an autofridge an aussie fridge running the time proven german danfos compressor It is a eutectic fridge really worth the extra kanga works a little different as does not try to cool during the heat of the day therefore can run on very low daily amps in most situations does not require a second battery system unless leangthy stays are the norm and a genny is not in use i run mine 2 -3 hours evening then about the same in the morning before the days heat sets in holdover temp is well below 4 deg it will also freeze and run as a cyclic fridge if deired.
Check them out most states have several outlets
I have 15 years on the 1st one no problems just purchased the bigger 70 litre version and got a great price for the oldy 39litre on ebay

[TheCount]

Quick question with the fridges - do you leave them powered up when you get home?? My father in law is adamant that if you don't it will stuff the compressor so I am keen to hear what happens for you. . .

TC.

[cod adventurer]

Quick question with the fridges - do you leave them powered up when you get home?? My father in law is adamant that if you don't it will stuff the compressor so I am keen to hear what happens for you. . .

TC.

The answer to that would be no as its not nessesary unless you wanted it to chill It is not recomended to run a fridge empty either
It is also recomended to run the fridge for 1/2 hour every month or so to circulate the oil as it can sit in one place over time
If your still in doubt contact the maker of the fridge i doubt they will disagree with me

[wharf]

I take my 18L everywhere.I have a 110 amp hour deep cycle batt i use in camp.This with a solar panel has powered my fridge for 8 days.