Engel vs. Waeco fridge - test information

[Psychlone]

This Summer we first used a small and cheap thermo-electric cooling box on a trip - mostly intended to keep some drinks cold. The conclusion from that experience was that a thermo-electric fridge just isn't effective or efficient, even when inside an airconditioned car. And I found we need a bit more space, especially for things like steaks for the grill.

When I started to research which compressor-based portable fridge to get I pretty much thought I was just going to buy the Engel, but I actually ended up getting a Waeco instead, a choice I’m very happy about. The information that changed my mind was pretty much reflected on one website, where this guy has gathered a lot of information about portable fridges. I found it very useful, so here's a summary:

The main reason to avoid the Engel is that they use the Sawafuji swing compressor and not the Danfoss BDF series compressor and controller (used by most others).

• A Choice test showed that the Engel is much slower to lower the temperature (131 min vs. 60 min for a Danfoss powered fridge) while average current was 10% higher.
• In a South African test in very hot weather (43 degrees Celcius) the Engel had to work continously and only reaches +3 degrees Celcius whereas Danfoss powered units were still cycling on and off yet they achieved minus 12 degrees Celcius and better.
• In the Choice test this was -6 for the Engel vs. -10 for a Danfoss powered unit.
• Engels own test data show that the Sawafuji compressor is only just able to reach freezing when the ambient temperature reaches 45 degrees Celcius. At this ambient temperature a Danfoss can reach minus 10 degrees Celcius.
• The Danfoss is significantly quieter and almost free of vibration as opposed to the Sawafuji vibrating unit.
• Supposedly, the newer Engels have had problems with their electronic components and it is very expensive to get an Engel repaired.

The reasons for selecting the Waeco was that the Waeco’s have:

• the best control panels
• three position low voltage battery cut-out
• display of error codes
• light weight
• good insulation
• both AC 110-240 and DC 12-24 operation
• good slides, 3 different mounting systems
• cover available for further insulation and protection
• turbo cooler setting
• detachable lid
• detachable carry handles
• built-in light
• good warranty
• less expensive.

I ended up ordering a Waeco CF-35 which is a 31 liter model. I especially like that this model is only about 15 inches high so it doesn't take up the rear view even if I want to mount it somewhere higher in the future.

[w5wi]

A great comparison of all available freeze/fridge units was in the Summer 2007 issue of the Overland Journal.

cheers,

dale

[Shadow-Warrior]

w5wi previously said:

A great comparison of all available freeze/fridge units was in the Summer 2007 issue of the Overland Journal.

cheers,

dale

You took the words right off my keyboard Dale


Good post, thanks for sharing.

[Psychlone]

w5wi previously said:

A great comparison of all available freeze/fridge units was in the Summer 2007 issue of the Overland Journal.

Thanks for the info. Would be interested to hear what it says.

However, I would doubt that they can be considered truly independent and unbiased when it comes to high-value expedition gear. Their "Charter Advertisers" are listed on their site, and include:

• Slee Offroad: Sell Engel fridges (here)
• ARB: Sell the ARB-branded version of the Engel fridge (here)
• Adventure Trailers: Sell Engel and Waeco (here)
• Expedition Exchange: Sell Engel fridges (here)
• Equipt: Sell National Luna fridges (here)

(Note, this is not a criticism of the magazine in any way, it seems to have a nice layout and good expedition stories, etc., it's just that's how this kind of magazine has got to make a buck, and it's probably best to take that into account when reading.)

[Fjamming]

Thanks for the comparo. I share the same concern you have for objective reviews. I know GTKrockett has a Waeco and is pretty happy about it. There are those with ARBs and just love them too. Thanks for the review. Please keep us updated once you have received your unit.

Psychlone previously said:

Thanks for the info. Would be interested to hear what it says.

However, I would doubt that they can be considered truly independent and unbiased when it comes to high-value expedition gear. Their "Charter Advertisers" are listed on their site, and include:

• Slee Offroad: Sell Engel fridges (here)
• ARB: Sell the ARB-branded version of the Engel fridge (here)
• Adventure Trailers: Sell Engel and Waeco (here)
• Expedition Exchange: Sell Engel fridges (here)
• Equipt: Sell National Luna fridges (here)

(Note, this is not a criticism of the magazine in any way, it seems to have a nice layout and good expedition stories, etc., it's just that's how this kind of magazine has got to make a buck, and it's probably best to take that into account when reading.)

[w5wi]

Psychlone previously said:

Thanks for the info. Would be interested to hear what it says.

However, I would doubt that they can be considered truly independent and unbiased when it comes to high-value expedition gear. Their "Charter Advertisers" are listed on their site, and include:

• Slee Offroad: Sell Engel fridges (here)
• ARB: Sell the ARB-branded version of the Engel fridge (here)
• Adventure Trailers: Sell Engel and Waeco (here)
• Expedition Exchange: Sell Engel fridges (here)
• Equipt: Sell National Luna fridges (here)

(Note, this is not a criticism of the magazine in any way, it seems to have a nice layout and good expedition stories, etc., it's just that's how this kind of magazine has got to make a buck, and it's probably best to take that into account when reading.)

Not flaming you, but you are making a value judgement that you absolutely have no valid basis to make! The folks at Overland Journal are above reproach! I've known most of them for years and whether or not someone advertises in the Journal doesn't influence their evaluation of products!

You obviously have the Overland Journal confused with those magazine stand, slick page full of advertisement publications. They are a journal, and as such they are a cut above!

cheers,

dale

[Fjamming]

w5wi previously said:

Not flaming you, but you are making a value judgement that you absolutely have no valid basis to make! The folks at Overland Journal are above reproach! I've known most of them for years and whether or not someone advertises in the Journal doesn't influence their evaluation of products!

You obviously have the Overland Journal confused with those magazine stand, slick page full of advertisement publications. They are a journal, and as such they are a cut above!

cheers,

dale

I don't think he's putting down the journal, he's just saying that he has doubts based on the advertisers of the "journal". He doesn't personally know the staff. It's only fair and healthy to have that kind of doubts. Btw, I do enjoying reading what Overland Journal puts out.

[Sky]

Psychlone previously said:

Thanks for the info. Would be interested to hear what it says.

However, I would doubt that they can be considered truly independent and unbiased when it comes to high-value expedition gear. Their "Charter Advertisers" are listed on their site, and include:

• Slee Offroad: Sell Engel fridges (here)
• ARB: Sell the ARB-branded version of the Engel fridge (here)
• Adventure Trailers: Sell Engel and Waeco (here)
• Expedition Exchange: Sell Engel fridges (here)
• Equipt: Sell National Luna fridges (here)

(Note, this is not a criticism of the magazine in any way, it seems to have a nice layout and good expedition stories, etc., it's just that's how this kind of magazine has got to make a buck, and it's probably best to take that into account when reading.)

The Adventure Trailers link takes you to the ARB page.

[Psychlone]

Sky previously said:

The Adventure Trailers link takes you to the ARB page.

thanks, I've fixed the link in the original post.

[Sky]

Who did you order the Waeco from? The Adventure Trailers site didn't list the CF-35.