The Engel Fridge Freezers are very efficient, and reasonably priced. I've got one in my RV and it's treated me great thus far. No complaints at all.
What about "RV" refrigerators?
- Thread starter IdaSHO
- Start date
ExpoMike
Well-known member
I am using a Nova Kool compressor fridge in our FWC. It was almost a direct swap out for the Norcold 3 way. Nova Kool offers a bunch of different sizes. They are more marketed to the marine users but they work just as well in a RV. I love having better temp control, able to use it in all type of angles (unlike a 3 way) and is much more energy efficent. http://www.novakool.com/
They are also a little cheaper in price than an Engel too.
They are also a little cheaper in price than an Engel too.
westyss
Explorer
I have a Novacool also, and considered a chest fridge but found that the space needed would be too great and went with a conventional upright, even tho cold air dumps out of it, consider some cold air dams inside the fridge, like tuppaware containers to hold cold air. The most efficient fridge will be a chest with extra insulation, or go with more batteries and solar panels and an upright, not sure if this has been mentioned, but the absortion fridge's I think have limited cooling ability when hot out.
Engel fridge/freezer
I have the Engel 45 and it is wonderful - the draw is only about 1.8 amps and it is off more than it is on so that the 210 amp-hr Lifeline battery bank has never had any problem handling it, a Fantastic fan, LED lights, and a very low-draw electric flush on our Thetford toilet - even for a couple of days not driving (and not charging the house batteries.) It is quiet also.
Depending on your situation, you may be interested in doing what we did: my husband took the Engel cover off and replaced it with a heavy cutting board top cut to fit and hinged to the counter top behind the fridge. This makes the top of the fridge part of the counter when it is closed.
Top-opening fridges are much more efficient since the cold doesn't spill out, you can see what's there more easily (assuming you have a basket or two inside to quickly move stuff on top) and the Engel is the most efficient of these. You also have the flexibility of using it as a freezer if need be as it will function indefinitely in that mode as well. Some of the biggest units have both a freezer and fridge inside. We have found that the bottom part is colder, obviously, so we start our trip with frozen meat, etc. on the bottom and fresh veggies, fruits, etc. on top, so they don't freeze. Also means the beer is always nice and cold!
I have the Engel 45 and it is wonderful - the draw is only about 1.8 amps and it is off more than it is on so that the 210 amp-hr Lifeline battery bank has never had any problem handling it, a Fantastic fan, LED lights, and a very low-draw electric flush on our Thetford toilet - even for a couple of days not driving (and not charging the house batteries.) It is quiet also.
Depending on your situation, you may be interested in doing what we did: my husband took the Engel cover off and replaced it with a heavy cutting board top cut to fit and hinged to the counter top behind the fridge. This makes the top of the fridge part of the counter when it is closed.
Top-opening fridges are much more efficient since the cold doesn't spill out, you can see what's there more easily (assuming you have a basket or two inside to quickly move stuff on top) and the Engel is the most efficient of these. You also have the flexibility of using it as a freezer if need be as it will function indefinitely in that mode as well. Some of the biggest units have both a freezer and fridge inside. We have found that the bottom part is colder, obviously, so we start our trip with frozen meat, etc. on the bottom and fresh veggies, fruits, etc. on top, so they don't freeze. Also means the beer is always nice and cold!
GaryMc
Explorer
I've been using this fridge for a few years now and love it! It does use the same Sawafuji swing compressor as the Engel fridges. It runs off of my van's deep cycle battery under the backseat/bed.
rideglobally
Adventurer
Webasto Fridge - drawer style
this is a great thread i am trying to figure out same thing, i know that there are great experiences with ARB and Engel fridge. i am thinking of a "build in fridge" for my build. does any one has some experience with the drawer style Webasto fridge here is the the link http://www.indelwebastomarine.com/Products/Fridges_and_Freezers/us/html/10004.html :coffeedrink:
this is a great thread i am trying to figure out same thing, i know that there are great experiences with ARB and Engel fridge. i am thinking of a "build in fridge" for my build. does any one has some experience with the drawer style Webasto fridge here is the the link http://www.indelwebastomarine.com/Products/Fridges_and_Freezers/us/html/10004.html :coffeedrink: