I want to buy a waeco fridge freezer... any tips

maryfairy · Member

I want to buy a waeco fridge freezer... any tips

MikeMin · Veteran Member

Hi Mary and welcome to the Forum,

We have just bought an Evakool 70lt and could not be happier. It is made in Australia (Caloundra I think). It is much better insulated than either a Waeco or Engel and for this reason is far more efficient. The couple in the van next to ours had an Engel, a Waeco AND and Evakool (!!) and they persuaded us that Evakool was the way to go. The fridge/freezer is cheaper than either of the two other brands as well which is a bonus.

We purchased ours through www.australiandirect.com.au and dealt directly with Klaeton Sheehan who was very helpful. We paid $1033 for the 70lt which was sent to us all the way out to Monkey Mia WA free of charge. I think they have a smaller 55lt model. He has some great specials on at the moment too.

Hope this info helps.

Minnette

ozi2 · Guru

maryfairy wrote:

Hi all, I am contemplating buying a waeco... (no real reason why a waeco).. fridge freezer in one... Any tips.
Just a 60 lt will do me... Anaconda have them on special for $1199. which includes a free cover & vaccum sealer as well... Is that a good buy?
I have looked at second hand ones as well. Or should I avoid them? And for what reason?
I have a 80 watt solarex panel to keep the second battery topped up when stationary is that enough... It's just me no kids opening it all day long...
Can't see how much storage capacity is on battery but one bit on top says 98ah@20??? It cost almost $500 if that helps!!!!!!!
Your advice would be greatly appreciated
Thanks Mary

Hi Mary and welcome, I have a Waeco CF 49lt that I bought off their webpage as a demonstrator model. Normal retail was $1066.00, purchase price $660.00 with insulation bag. warranty 3months as seconds. No problems in past 12 months and happy with performance. I havent used it for freezing but I would expect it to draw much more from the auxillary battery. No complaints and happy with purchase.

The Evakool review read well, good luck,
ozi2

try www.fridgeshop.com.au/products waeco 59lt currently on special $940.00.

-- Edited by ozi2 on Wednesday 23rd of March 2011 02:03:12 PM

-- Edited by ozi2 on Wednesday 23rd of March 2011 02:08:39 PM

Alan8888 · Veteran Member

Hi all,

I highly recommend look at the WAECO Factory Seconds website.

I purchased a 190lt upright and saved over $1,000 on the item the only fault was a dint (not pierced) in the side which is now of cause hidden in a cupboard so unseen.

The specific size I needed was not listed so I called and they were able to call back and find the product I was after.

It then only cost me $30 to have it shipped from QLD to Perth. I have had beds delivered less than 50 klm and cost more for delivery.

http://www.getawaeco.com.au/products.asp?catId=6

-- Edited by Alan8888 on Wednesday 23rd of March 2011 04:28:26 PM

Gerty Dancer · Guru

Our 30 lt Waeco has had a hard life for the past 7 years, even survived a roll-over. Never had any problems, so got an 80lt one in the caravan with a little freezer, so far its been excellent. Will run on 120 watt solar panel.

maryfairy · Member

Gee the Evakool are looking good.... spoke to the guy... very courteous... none of my silly questions were too much for him.
I am thinking of the 80 lt.... but can anyone tell me how the one with the dairy compartment works 55lt and is it good or does it restrict the size of the fridge... for example if I caught a large fish... in my dreams...lol ...i suspect it would fit better in the 80 lt because it could lay across the top....
thanks for the feedback so far... but please keep it coming...
thanks
Mary

sandsmere · Guru

Seconds . All that's wrong is a scratch , or something very minor . Worth a look .

www.fridgeshop.com.au/

MikeMin · Veteran Member

Take into account that that big fish you are going to catch will not be frozen whole! You are going to skin and fillet it and providing it is not a whale, it (and all those other big fish) are going to fit just fine into an 80lt. Our friend has a 90lt and he has tons of room even using one third as a fridge.

DeBe · Guru

Hi Mary. I have 2 Waecos & quite happy with them, the Evacool is certainly better insulated. Ive just dismantled a CDF-40 Waeco & the insulation is only 20/25MM thick & its foam insulation had absorbed moisture. Since I have an Evacool fibreglass Esky & its insulation is 40MM thick. Have converted it to Refrigerated using the Waeco parts. Ive noticed it seems to peform better than the original Waeco.

Firefly · Guru

Are the Evacool an esky or a 12/240volt fridge/freezer guys?

Heard a lot about them and wondered.

maryfairy · Member

Hi thanks for your hands on info... that is worth remembering re insulation...
You have done well to create a new and maybe better version from two different brands.
all the best

maryfairy · Member

the above reply is for Debe.... grrr can see i am new to this hey...

Firefly · Guru

You're doing fine Mary. smile

DeBe · Guru

Firefly, EvaKool make Eskys & also make fridge freezers based on the esky, very well insulated compared to a Waeco. They use the same Danfos compressor.

Firefly · Guru

Thanks DeBe, I am sure thats the one the Other Half thinks is a beauty.

We have two Engels, run one as a fridge, the other a freezer, they are great.

Cruising Granny · Guru

I like the Waeco. I cook and pre-pack meal-sized containers and freeze them until I'm ready to use them. The fridge bit is very cold and can freeze water as well. I've had it for about 5 years and not had a problem on 12V and 240V. I bought it at Broome. I love it!
The Evakool is a bit bulky for my use.

NeilandRaine · Guru

Something I have learned, regardless of what type of fridge you get, think think about replacing the lighter socket with an anderson plug and put an anderson plug on your 12 volt lead.
It won't shake loose while you travel and if you have an anderson plug on the van you can keep your fridge hooked up even if you take it out of the tug.
Just a thought.