Fridge/freezer options

[Chorky]

Ok so looking for some input on various options for a fridge/freezer setup. I've been having ongoing issues with my trailers 3 way fridge, and cannot find the culprit, so until it has been fixed, I am in the market for a portable fridge/freezer so I dont loose any more food when the main unit fails (again). I'm also planning on using this in a home built camper for my truck for shorter excursions and to keep food cool while working.

So, there are several out there, but I think I'm down to two options.

Dometic CFX 75 DZW

or

SnoMaster Lo Pro 67 series


Now, the dometic is a well known name (even though its the same manufacturer of my failing main unit, although these portable ones are compressor driven), but I have heard and read (somewhere on here) that the SnoMaster are good units though they are a South African company with their products built in China.

The advantage of the SnoMaster is a true dual unit that can be independently controlled. I also see this as a fail safe of sorts in case one compressor fails, the other 'box' can still be useful and not all food would be lost. They do advertise and offer a 5 year compressor warranty - Dometic doesn't make their warranty information very easily found.

The advantage of the Dometic is its well known name, and apparently a LOT of the CFX 65's are out there and have received good reviews - I haven't found a bad one yet. Dometic is also about half the cost of the SnoMaster - likely due to only one compressor.


So, does anyone have any real world experience with SnoMaster? I haven't seen much at all, most real world experiences seem to be geared toward Dometic, Engel, or some other option. I really like the idea of a true dual unit despite the extra cost, but am unsure about the quality of a South African company.

 

[Mgyver1]

Are you certain there’s two independent compressors in the Snomaster? I wouldn’t be concerned that it’s a South African company. National Luna is SA and they are top notch. The disappointing thing about Snomaster is there stuff being made in China. I would lean towards Engel as their compressor design is completely different and bulletproof. The downside is there’s really no extra features unless you get one directly from Australia. The US Engels have no internal light or voltage cutoff. I think they’re all good quality and you won’t be disappointed with whatever you get.

 

[KYC]

I can't find that SnoMaster anywhere do you have a link for the product?

Also the Dometic one looks nice. I'd be into this if I had the space for it.

I have no experience with either, but I find myself shopping for products by retailer.

for example, like REI. I get a double warranty. One from REI and one from manufacturer.

I wouldn't knock China made. It really depends on the company. Remember that Iphones are made in China.

It just depends on the company and how they oversee the manufacturing itself.

My Chinese made Warn is holding up really well.

 

[ajmaudio]

while I agree it does depend on the company for Chinese made products... I will say consistency is the real issue there. Also, the Iphone is not made in China. It is assembled there, and the casings are made there. The bulk of the actual electronics are made in Germany and Japan. Just an interesting factoid.

 

[Chorky]

I'm pretty sure they have independent compressors - or so I've read from others. I need to call them and verify though, but it would make sense since they have a higher amp draw.

https://www.dometic.com/en-us/us/pr...oxes/powered-boxes/dometic-cfx-75dzw-_-139576
vs
https://www.snomasterusa.com/product/classic-series-bdc-65-stainless-steel-acdc-fridgefreezer/

Engels are also nice, and that is one I was (and sorta am still) considering. the thing I see against these are their cost as compared to the SnoMaster considering they basically the same as Dometic. But their overall product may be better - I have not seen any of these in person.
https://www.engelcoolers.com/mt60f-u1-c.html


The made in China comment. It's an interesting one. Way way way back in the day (history times) it was that something made in China was of suburb quality, and special. Then in the 40's and 50's anything made in China was basically made in a trash can - quality was absolute garbage. But now, quality is going up. I mean, you could have a USA made product that's way worse (or better) than a China made product. Its all about suppliers, money, and quality control for sure! The reason I would question a South African company is just due to the unknowns of their history and relatively new introduction to the US market. That being said, South Africa has some pretty hot places, and some very undeveloped (if even existent) roads - so their product must be made well or it wouldn't last very long.

Keeping in mind the long term plan for this fridge for me is to be used in my truck on trips anywhere from a weekend to 2 weeks - but the short term plan is to basically have a fully functioning full time 'replacement' for my main trailer unit which is failing and has a ghost problem.

 

[Corey]

I have the National Luna Weekender 50 Twin Fridge/Freezer.
They make a bigger model with seperate controls for each section, mine does not.
But there is a reason Overland Journal and other publications rate the National Luna as one of the best out there.
That is what helped me make my decision.

 

[Outside somewhere]

Have an arb 50 qt and a national luna 90 liter twin. Arb's reputation of standing behind their product, especially their fridges, is pretty legendary. National luna is pretty much the same. I've never encountered anyone that's had bad luck with either. Won't own anything else.

Fyi, pretty sure there is a batch of snomaster fridges being replaced under recall. Might want to make sure you get a corrected one if you go that way.

 

[spressomon]

Have a 12 year old Waeco 51 and its been a reliable fridge but I needed something larger for the next round. Bought a Dometic 95 dual bin and it arrived via UPS destroyed; went back for refund.

Took delivery from SnoMaster USA on a new CL61 in October and its been in the back of my LBZ ever since running 24/7 keeping a load of stuff frozen at 5ºF. It arrived in 100% perfect condition securely strapped to a pallet and delivered by ABF Freight; IMO the only way to ship something this big and important.

I have been so happy with the CL61 I just ordered a Leisure Series LS35 to serve mainly as the freezer in the LBZ so that the CL61 can be utilized as the fridge.

And Todd, the owner of SnoMasterUSA, has provided exemplary service: Before, during and after the sale & delivery.

 

[Chorky]

Thanks for the replies guys! I chatted with Todd the other day, great guy and too, the time to talk with me about all sorts of stuff. I'm leaning very heavily toward the LP67, but probably won't be ready to pull the trigger for a few more weeks anyway. Some food for thought, i'm not sure what everyone's experiences are with their own fridges, but Todd has several that he has run 24/7 for over a year without any flaws! That speaks wonders to me - SIGNIFICANTLY better than what's in my trailer currently!

Oh and to respond to Mcgyver1 - no, they only have one compressor, but I guess the internals are such that they offer a better dual zone ability than other makes. It seems a little confusing though.

 

[chet6.7]

4xoverland uses snowmaster,he did a video where he talks about different manufactures,you can hunt that down if you wish.

 

[Tex68w]

4xoverland uses snowmaster,he did a video where he talks about different manufactures,you can hunt that down if you wish.

I think a lot of guys are using Snow Master lately since its the new hotness, also heard of a few people getting near at cost deals in order for the product to get out there. I know there was a recall on some recently as well. I would assume that National Luna, Engel, and ARB are all still the top tier units currently on the market. I think it's far too early to tell with the Snowmaster, but boy do they look good.