portable fridges - what do you use, and why

bigcol

Well-Known Member
Nov 22, 2012
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Swan Valley Perth
ok,
so my 5yr old Engel turned its toes up while we were away
SWMBO is not impressed with the Engel brand now...... (understandable)
so I'm after some ideas for a new fridge

come at me with what you have, and why you chose it....





PLEASE - no slagging of other brands please, and no brothers sisters aunties nephew stories
 

MDS69

Well-Known Member
Jul 6, 2014
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I have a Matson (don't think they make them anymore) 60L which is a Waeco knock off. Been a great fridge. I also have an ARB 47L which is also a great fridge but use the 60L more but mainly because it is easier to get at in the garage when it comes time to put in the car on trips.
 
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Alan

Active Member
Feb 3, 2012
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Altona Vic
I have a Matson (don't think they make them anymore) 60L which is a Waeco knock off. Been a great fridge. I also have an ARB 47L which is also a great fridge but use the 60L more but mainly because it is easier to get at in the garage when it comes time to put in the car on trips.
We have a 65 lt Waeco which keeps a constant 3 degree temp day in day out. Much better for that the Van Dometic. Waeco will also freeze down to -9.
 

Smirke

Well-Known Member
May 9, 2014
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Palmyra, WA
got 2 x 40L engels, although one belongs to my mum she lets me keep it. Had them since 2009 and been everywhere with us. love them.

@bigcol , I'm guessing you checked the fuse, thermostat and battery. (someone told me there was one in there.....somewhere) not that I know anything about them, other than turn it on and set to freeze.
 

Bellbirdweb

Well-Known Member
Jan 24, 2014
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Sydney
40l Engel for me.

It's 14 years old and has never missed a beat.

We had an Evercool prior to that and it failed just after the warranty expired, so vowed only to ever buy Engel after that.

I've never actually heard of one failing completely until now.

I do know there are parts available.
 

Dobbie

Well-Known Member
Jun 18, 2014
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Engel 40l.....just don't need to use it any more as van fridge is big enough for us and works fine.

Have had the Engel for about 6 years and always used it when we had the Swan.

I assume it still works...must check.
 

Bushman

Forum Moderator
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Nov 9, 2010
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Waeco 50 about 8 years old now one minor warranty claim and one fix after warranty. Doesnt come out of car anymore except for cleaning when needed. Deal and price and features at time of purchase was the selling factor
 

Colsar

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May 10, 2014
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Mornington Peninsula
Well i think i have the oldest, I have in my HIlux at the moment for trips away an Engel, no spring base, no cover. Cream in colour, I have used it heaps, i mean heaps. It's been bouncing in the boat :fish2:with me, bouncing in the 4WD with me, was a permanent fridge in my first house until i could afford a real fridge, mainly full of beer:very_drunk: of course as a single bloke. Its been a seat, a ladder, a work bench, a hidey box for fishing lures ( from the wife!) have hid the odd Christmas present in there,;)
it cost $1000 when it was purchased so they have not increased too much over the years.
so here's the wow :eek-53: bit, it was purchased by my Mum and Dad for me as a 21st present :party:, and now i am 48 :(. thats a cool 27 years, without a hiccup.:cheer2:
They tell me that the old ones are the best, and given the proof i have experienced, i am a believer. :amen: Engel for me !
 

G Daddy

Well-Known Member
Dec 6, 2015
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Toowoomba
I had a Engel 60 Lt dual zone, sold because the fridge side didn't keep things cold enough (beer) and also lost some food after a week. Now have a 60Lt Primus S/steel, last week at Chinchilla it was 46c in the car and the fridge was cycling at -1c (ice cold beer). Primus has thicker insulation in walls and lid which should mean better inefficiency.
 

bigcol

Well-Known Member
Nov 22, 2012
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Swan Valley Perth
40l Engel for me.It's 14 years old and has never missed a beat.
I've never actually heard of one failing completely until now.
I do know there are parts available.

twas funny, but I had never heard of them failing as well until I went to the Engel shop to get a quote to repair
the back was absolutely full of the newer models that were broken

maybe 2 of the old types, but a shed load of the newer ones like mine
engel.jpg

was not impressed thats for sure
cost to repair is near on the same for a new one

Not Happy Jan
 
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Roosterman

Active Member
Jul 18, 2015
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Yep Engel for me also, I have 2 of them, my 40ltr is 15 years old and has copped a flogging, in my wagon on the beach in rain, dropped over the side of mates ute into mud, travelled most of its life in the back of my 4wd, never missed a beat....like others ive never heard of one dying....my 21ltr is a ripper also, take it when we go away for extended periods for kids drinks and over flow stuff, and is a bloody beauty, defo hasn't copped the punishment of my 40ltr.

Unless I was going one of the big arse auto whatever there called fridges, which are way more then an Engel, then I wouldn't dream of changing brands.....for me it is undeniable reliability...short answer....
 

chartrock

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Staff member
Sep 26, 2010
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Gold Coast Hinterland
40L Waeco, had it for 15 years, a bit noisy and does not regulate very well. Does not have any display to show temp on anything else. But has not missed a beat.
 

dagree

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Mar 3, 2012
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Perth. WA
Had a "No Name" ebay stainless steel fridge that I got from fleabay and lasted longer than yours did @bigcol ... Unfortunately it stopped working on 12V the night before going away so flew around the corner to BCF and Anaconda to see what they had..... Anaconda had a special on the waeco cf50's with cover and other goodies (Caps, torches, stubbie holders etc) for $799 as a runout sale when the cfx models came in. No probs in two years "touching wood"
 
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twscoot

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Jun 9, 2013
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Brisbane
Smaller 25 litre Waeco which doesn't leave the boot unless I'm cleaning it out. Batter draw is minimal and with no second battery in car works a treat overnight.
 
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Matty4

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Mar 18, 2011
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Wandin North, Vic
I use a 40lt Engel. It's actually my FIL's and it's probably 15 years old now. It lived in the back of my old Pajero on our big trip and it goes with us wherever we take the van. I share it with my BIL when he takes his van away. Hasn't missed a beat.
A mate had a Waeco with the digital controls on our big trip and the display died on it fairly early on.
Engel for me.
 
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