Hi. I'm in the market for a car fridge. Probably somewhere around 55L. I know Engel are a great brand but cost quite a bit more than Waeco / Dometic. I see BCF have some good specials on XTM brand. That brand has ratings of 4.5 or 4.6 / 5.0 from quite a lots of customers. Any comments? Thanks. Noel
Whenarewethere said
08:42 PM Apr 29, 2021
Buy the fridge that fits the space.
Modify it if you need to improve the standard design.
I have also internally rewired the fridge to reduce the 0.17 volt loss.
montie said
09:04 PM Apr 29, 2021
Pay extra for the Engel....trust me!
Hetho said
09:14 PM Apr 29, 2021
Hi Noel.
in 2006 I went all over car fridges, asked all my mates for their thoughts, researched the internet, visited most camping and outdoor stores searching for the right car fridge to buy. Prices varied but all claimed to be the best.
One night at a BBQ, I asked another question of a one of my mates whom had already given me his advise.
His answer to my latest question was: Hetho, just go and buy a f#####g Engel.
I did, and its been in several vehicles now, and travelled approx 400000 kms with not a single problem.
I give it a blow out from time to time to keep the fins clean etc, but basically its set and forget A couple of mates had other brand name fridges at the time, and now have Engels.
Now 15 years later its still operating in the back of the tug; always set at -1.5 to keep the home brew at my optimum temperature.
Hope this helps.
Regards.
Hetho
Eaglemax said
09:41 PM Apr 29, 2021
I'd go along with- pay the extra for an Engel.
However I've had 3 Waeco's without a drama. Our current one a CD30 draw fridge has been faultless.
Tony
markf said
10:10 PM Apr 29, 2021
NoelB wrote:
Hi. I'm in the market for a car fridge. Probably somewhere around 55L. I know Engel are a great brand but cost quite a bit more than Waeco / Dometic. I see BCF have some good specials on XTM brand. That brand has ratings of 4.5 or 4.6 / 5.0 from quite a lots of customers. Any comments? Thanks. Noel
I've never tried anything but Engel. I got one in the early '80's and it's still going strong. About 5 or 6 years ago we got another Engel and it's still going strong.
A few years ago we did an outback trip in mid to late Feb and endured about three weeks of temperatures over 40 every day and our frozen stuff stayed frozen and the refrigerated stuff stayed cold.
I just wouldn't bother with any other brand - I know that Engel delivers.
-- Edited by markf on Thursday 29th of April 2021 10:13:00 PM
lffoar said
06:29 AM Apr 30, 2021
I've had an Engel in the past with no problems but bought a Waeco CFX50 a year or so back based on price alone. Couldn't be happier with it, set at 1 degree and forget, fully auto and easy to set up via the clear and comprehensive dash board. I'd buy one again in a minute. Just my two bobs worth.
Mike Harding said
06:59 AM Apr 30, 2021
Engel, generally, have a good name but I'm unconvinced this product lives up to it:
Have had one of those in the back of the patrol for about five years, its running 24/7, no problems. It didnt cost that much though.
Cupie said
07:34 AM Apr 30, 2021
I'm in the Engel fan club too. Even got a cap & sticker LOL.
Seriously though, I got an Engel as part of the package when I brought my Jayco 21 years ago. It has sat in the back of the Patrol, which rides pretty roughly, for >200,000 km and is used as a bar fridge when at home, so has run almost continuously for 20 years.
The only trouble was when it was struck by lightning about 10 years ago. A quick fix & off it went again.
I can't do a comparison as I have never tried another brand but I would go for Engel despite any price differential.
lizard said
07:45 AM Apr 30, 2021
I had an Engel , never again , out of warranty needed new compressor (14 months old) m then 12 months later had to replace again ..... went to Waeco - no problems since
bgt said
08:56 AM Apr 30, 2021
I'll stick my neck out and vote for the local built Evakool. Ours hasn't missed a beat in 10 years.
Craig1 said
08:57 AM Apr 30, 2021
We have had ARB for 10 years, it has a lid that opens from the end rather than side.
jontee said
09:28 AM Apr 30, 2021
G`day ,
I`ve had a Bushman since 1998, used mainly as a beer fridge 24/7 and never had a problem .
Cheers,
Jontee
KJB said
10:02 AM Apr 30, 2021
Had an Australian TrailBlaza (80 litre - made in Caloundra ) ) since 1987 - still in use everyday . Have had various other fridges but the one that stands out and also in current use is the Bushman 35/55 . Both of the above have "super , excellent" after sales service - experienced after a couple of minor queries/probs. I have had over the years.
oldbloke said
10:55 AM Apr 30, 2021
Had a 40 ltr weaco in the Ute for 2.5 years. Still going ok.
TheHeaths said
11:57 AM Apr 30, 2021
What I read from this thread is most, if not all fridges perform adequately.
What I suggest you do remember is past performance is no guarantee of future performance, as for Superannuation returns!
DeBe said
11:57 AM Apr 30, 2021
The compressor is the weak point in an Engel. Also parts are not readily avalable as they get older. The Other brand fridges that use a Danfos BD35 compressor are more reliable. But the electronics on some brands are prone to failure, but are easily bypassed.
bgt said
12:57 PM Apr 30, 2021
FWIW look at the size and shape inside. Everything else being equal some fridges lack height or width for their intended purpose.
NoelB said
06:44 PM Apr 30, 2021
Fantastic - thanks so much for your wisdom everyone!
Cheers and beers.
Noel
peter67 said
06:51 PM Apr 30, 2021
I have the small Engel 17 to look after my cans of precious emu Export.
bomurra said
07:10 PM Apr 30, 2021
Hi there,
I have had a 50 Litre WAECO for 12 years without a single fault. Covered countless thousands of kilometres of rough roads including Great Central (twice), Gibb River, Cape York, etc. Would I purchase another one, absolutely.
Regards,
Bob.
valiant81 said
07:25 PM Apr 30, 2021
Hi all; We have 2 X 40 ltr Engel fridges and when traveling with the caravan live side by side in the back of the Pajero. Both are coming up to 10 years old now and so far no problems with ether fridge ( one is used as a freezer ). When we are at home one is used in the house as a "beer fridge " as i like to keep my beer just a little bit colder than what the wife' fridge in the kitchen. The other stays in the back of the Pajero and turned off !.
So if it were me that is after another fridge i would buy another Engel fridge. I did 9 months ago pick up from the local tip a old 40Ltr ARB fridge that looked complete and just needed a good clean. I have been running that fridge 24/7 off my solar panels and 12 volt agm batteries for my ham radio gear in the man cave. Loaded with beer and soft drink and keeps a constant -5, nice cold drinks. The fridge also does work on mains power, but i like to give the batteries a bit of a work out and also cost nothing to run.
-- Edited by valiant81 on Friday 30th of April 2021 07:26:52 PM
landy said
09:31 PM Apr 30, 2021
Had Waeko and Engle no problems with either. It looks like from the comments that most of the recognized brands are fairly reliable.
Warren-Pat_01 said
10:58 PM Apr 30, 2021
Hi Noel,
30 odd years ago Engel was an overpriced car fridge of only a small size (32L) that had minimal insulation. We had one at work & we found the insulation was strips of white (polystyrene) foam about 60mm wide. They didn't even join up with equivalent "strips" of air! And at that time getting spare parts was difficult.
I bought a Trailblazer 60L compact fridge - was & is still being built in Caloundra in southern Qld. The insulation was constant - a mixture of 50 & 75mm polyurethane, I think. It is a fridge but by adding a piece of carpet between the frozen items & none-frozen, it worked well as a fridge freezer. We bought frozen whiting fillets in Ceduna - they were still frozen when we eventually arrived back in Townsville, via Birdsville, etc.
The power unit failed after 22 years of regular use, seeing lots of Australia on good, bad roads. I checked with a local fridge repairer (mainly car fridges). He told me to send my TB back to the manufacturer as they could repair it cheaper than he could - that is what I did. I asked about buying something else, he steered me off Waecos although friends use them & have had no trouble.
I guess in the recent decades, technology has improved, Engels look good & like the TB, they are expensive. I would suggest that you enquire about spare parts (if required) & service for Engel. My wife says seeing the van's fridge is very reliable & large enough, we don't need the Trailblazer any more so I reluctantly have to sell it.
I have no idea about the multitudes of Chinese made fridges that have flooded the market in recent years. A lot appear to be copies of the Engel.
We bought a smaller Brass Monkey fridge but am disappointed with the insulation - is very thin, in fact I didn't think there was any so I drilled a small hole & struck about 6mm of polystyrene foam!! No wonder why is runs a lot!
Izabarack said
07:01 AM May 1, 2021
I have been using Engel since 1984 in military operations in the worst conditions for any fridge and have decided that the Engel compressor is by far the most reliable. 2.5 Amp draw compared to 3.5 Amp for the BD35 is one feature that attracts. Ability to operate on really crappy power feed is another standout attraction. And I have broken lots of Wacko and Bushmans brand in seriously abusive conditions. Those abusive conditions were well above what normal use might endure, like vibration and sustained use in really, really hot conditions. So, I'm biased and want the confidence of a personally tried brand. Seriously considering giving my current 40 Litre Engel to one of the kids and getting one of the latest, separate compartment, fridge freezer combinations. Don't know what the comparison cost is to other brands but I'm not even going to look.
Warren-Pat_01 said
09:17 AM May 1, 2021
I was told by North Coast Refrigeration Company P/L (Trailblazer manufacturer) that I could place a TB on the A frame of a camper, bury it (with a power source) & it would keep working!!
HandyWalter said
10:17 AM May 1, 2021
I have had my 1.5cubic foot Engel since 1972. Still going strong. Nothing has ever been fixed. Say no more. Flattens batteries as it does not have the newer fang dangle electronics. If it ever breaks down I guess I would not bother buying another one as I dont have another 50 years in me!
Cupie said
10:31 AM May 1, 2021
Warren-Pat_01 wrote:
I was told by North Coast Refrigeration Company P/L (Trailblazer manufacturer) that I could place a TB on the A frame of a camper, bury it (with a power source) & it would keep working!!
Great recommendation Warren but try this one ..
When I got my Engel in 1998, as I remember it, the salesman told me -
"You could put the Engle unrestrained in an uncovered trailer connected to a Hummer & parachute it out of the back of a Globemaster into the Algerian end of the Sahara desert & with a Taureg driver take it through to Chad in the middle of Summer and it would keep working & not void its warranty. Frozen Carp from the Nile would still be fit to eat at the end of the trip. If you like carp that is." LOL LOL
While I haven't quite done that with mine, it has travelled in the back of my lumpy GQ for >200,00km of terrible Qld & Western roads over a period of 20 years. If I could find room amongst the essential cargo of beer & wine, it would certainly keep my redclaw frozen given that I could stop my guests from scoffing them .. redclaw that is .. at happy hour.
Over to you ...
-- Edited by Cupie on Saturday 1st of May 2021 10:32:46 AM
darjak said
10:49 AM May 1, 2021
Had a Engel 80L electrics went 1st 12mths, 2nd 3.5yrs, 3rd 5.5yrs wanted $500 to fix.
BIGGEST let down with Engel is dont make a Dual zone fridge / freezer and tooooo expensive for what they are.
Bought a 80L compressor Dual zone fridge / freezer for less than half the price and it hasnt missed a beat in
the last 9.5yrs of full time travel so it runs 24/7 in temps of up to 40+C at 1/-19C.
Hi. I'm in the market for a car fridge. Probably somewhere around 55L. I know Engel are a great brand but cost quite a bit more than Waeco / Dometic. I see BCF have some good specials on XTM brand. That brand has ratings of 4.5 or 4.6 / 5.0 from quite a lots of customers. Any comments? Thanks. Noel
Buy the fridge that fits the space.
Modify it if you need to improve the standard design.
My fridge.
https://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t65059593/extra-fridge-insulation-wattage-test/
I have also internally rewired the fridge to reduce the 0.17 volt loss.
Hi Noel.
in 2006 I went all over car fridges, asked all my mates for their thoughts, researched the internet, visited most camping and outdoor stores searching for the right car fridge to buy. Prices varied but all claimed to be the best.
One night at a BBQ, I asked another question of a one of my mates whom had already given me his advise.
His answer to my latest question was: Hetho, just go and buy a f#####g Engel.
I did, and its been in several vehicles now, and travelled approx 400000 kms with not a single problem.
I give it a blow out from time to time to keep the fins clean etc, but basically its set and forget
A couple of mates had other brand name fridges at the time, and now have Engels.
Now 15 years later its still operating in the back of the tug; always set at -1.5 to keep the home brew at my optimum temperature.
Hope this helps.
Regards.
Hetho
I'd go along with- pay the extra for an Engel.
However I've had 3 Waeco's without a drama. Our current one a CD30 draw fridge has been faultless.
Tony
I've never tried anything but Engel. I got one in the early '80's and it's still going strong. About 5 or 6 years ago we got another Engel and it's still going strong.
A few years ago we did an outback trip in mid to late Feb and endured about three weeks of temperatures over 40 every day and our frozen stuff stayed frozen and the refrigerated stuff stayed cold.
I just wouldn't bother with any other brand - I know that Engel delivers.
-- Edited by markf on Thursday 29th of April 2021 10:13:00 PM
Engel, generally, have a good name but I'm unconvinced this product lives up to it:
Engel MD40F
Have had one of those in the back of the patrol for about five years, its running 24/7, no problems. It didnt cost that much though.
I'm in the Engel fan club too. Even got a cap & sticker LOL.
Seriously though, I got an Engel as part of the package when I brought my Jayco 21 years ago. It has sat in the back of the Patrol, which rides pretty roughly, for >200,000 km and is used as a bar fridge when at home, so has run almost continuously for 20 years.
The only trouble was when it was struck by lightning about 10 years ago. A quick fix & off it went again.
I can't do a comparison as I have never tried another brand but I would go for Engel despite any price differential.
I`ve had a Bushman since 1998, used mainly as a beer fridge 24/7 and never had a problem .
Cheers,
Jontee
Had an Australian TrailBlaza (80 litre - made in Caloundra ) ) since 1987 - still in use everyday . Have had various other fridges but the one that stands out and also in current use is the Bushman 35/55 . Both of the above have "super , excellent" after sales service - experienced after a couple of minor queries/probs. I have had over the years.
What I suggest you do remember is past performance is no guarantee of future performance, as for Superannuation returns!
Cheers and beers.
Noel
I have had a 50 Litre WAECO for 12 years without a single fault. Covered countless thousands of kilometres of rough roads including Great Central (twice), Gibb River, Cape York, etc. Would I purchase another one, absolutely.
Regards,
Bob.
Hi all; We have 2 X 40 ltr Engel fridges and when traveling with the caravan live side by side in the back of the Pajero. Both are coming up to 10 years old now and so far no problems with ether fridge ( one is used as a freezer ). When we are at home one is used in the house as a "beer fridge " as i like to keep my beer just a little bit colder than what the wife' fridge in the kitchen. The other stays in the back of the Pajero and turned off !.
So if it were me that is after another fridge i would buy another Engel fridge. I did 9 months ago pick up from the local tip a old 40Ltr ARB fridge that looked complete and just needed a good clean. I have been running that fridge 24/7 off my solar panels and 12 volt agm batteries for my ham radio gear in the man cave. Loaded with beer and soft drink and keeps a constant -5, nice cold drinks. The fridge also does work on mains power, but i like to give the batteries a bit of a work out and also cost nothing to run.
-- Edited by valiant81 on Friday 30th of April 2021 07:26:52 PM
30 odd years ago Engel was an overpriced car fridge of only a small size (32L) that had minimal insulation. We had one at work & we found the insulation was strips of white (polystyrene) foam about 60mm wide. They didn't even join up with equivalent "strips" of air! And at that time getting spare parts was difficult.
I bought a Trailblazer 60L compact fridge - was & is still being built in Caloundra in southern Qld. The insulation was constant - a mixture of 50 & 75mm polyurethane, I think. It is a fridge but by adding a piece of carpet between the frozen items & none-frozen, it worked well as a fridge freezer. We bought frozen whiting fillets in Ceduna - they were still frozen when we eventually arrived back in Townsville, via Birdsville, etc.
The power unit failed after 22 years of regular use, seeing lots of Australia on good, bad roads. I checked with a local fridge repairer (mainly car fridges). He told me to send my TB back to the manufacturer as they could repair it cheaper than he could - that is what I did. I asked about buying something else, he steered me off Waecos although friends use them & have had no trouble.
I guess in the recent decades, technology has improved, Engels look good & like the TB, they are expensive. I would suggest that you enquire about spare parts (if required) & service for Engel. My wife says seeing the van's fridge is very reliable & large enough, we don't need the Trailblazer any more so I reluctantly have to sell it.
I have no idea about the multitudes of Chinese made fridges that have flooded the market in recent years. A lot appear to be copies of the Engel.
We bought a smaller Brass Monkey fridge but am disappointed with the insulation - is very thin, in fact I didn't think there was any so I drilled a small hole & struck about 6mm of polystyrene foam!! No wonder why is runs a lot!
Great recommendation Warren but try this one ..
When I got my Engel in 1998, as I remember it, the salesman told me -
"You could put the Engle unrestrained in an uncovered trailer connected to a Hummer & parachute it out of the back of a Globemaster into the Algerian end of the Sahara desert & with a Taureg driver take it through to Chad in the middle of Summer and it would keep working & not void its warranty. Frozen Carp from the Nile would still be fit to eat at the end of the trip. If you like carp that is." LOL LOL
While I haven't quite done that with mine, it has travelled in the back of my lumpy GQ for >200,00km of terrible Qld & Western roads over a period of 20 years. If I could find room amongst the essential cargo of beer & wine, it would certainly keep my redclaw frozen given that I could stop my guests from scoffing them .. redclaw that is .. at happy hour.
Over to you ...
-- Edited by Cupie on Saturday 1st of May 2021 10:32:46 AM
BIGGEST let down with Engel is dont make a Dual zone fridge / freezer and tooooo expensive for what they are.
Bought a 80L compressor Dual zone fridge / freezer for less than half the price and it hasnt missed a beat in
the last 9.5yrs of full time travel so it runs 24/7 in temps of up to 40+C at 1/-19C.