Waeco THERMOELECTRIC $329 vs Waeco KOMPRESSOR $649

The only difference I have found, is that the compressor fridge can freeze, whereas the thermoelectric can only cool by 30 deg below ambient. This is plenty cool enough for keeping food cold, and both seem to use similar amounts of power. Thermoelectric is rated to approx 6.5 A, but that is only whilst running. I have found that it can do two days in victorian summer on a single charge of battery. The battery gauge is still in the green after this. This is about the same as a compressor fridge.
So dont hesitate about thermoelectric if money is tight. Its also very reliable, and the only moving part is the fan. The new waeco has the electronic temperature settings, and the older model has the sliding thermostat.
Cheers

The thermo electric will suck your battery dry in a very short time compared to the compressor. I bought one some time ago and replaced it immeiately. If you can afford it, go the compressor.

I have an Engel 40 litre which I cannot fault. We also wanted an auxillary unit for perishables/etc. I purchased a "factory second" from the waeco web site - 32 litre but not with the 240 volt option - older unit with 6 mths warranty for $135. it has been a great little unit. We have just come back from the Flinders where my missus accidently stuck a fork into the cooling fan (dont even ask how!!!) and wiped out all but 2 blades, the fridge still kept temps down to 5degs @ 30deg ambient...I was impressed! The thermo units run continuously, so they dont cycle like compressors so they do use more power but you can buy reco battery units from the factory as well. All I had was the battery unit plugged into the cig lighter socket and the Waeco plugged into this for overnight usage.

I agree. I have a Two-Zone on top of my Engel but it is tricky to set the temp in the Engel so you dont actually freeze the lowest layer in the top whilst using the bottom as a freezer. The thermo weaco was a good cheap compromise. As I mentioned the waeco web site is a good source for factory seconds of all types at great prices.

Willie

That add is saying that that waeco thermo is better than other thermo's not better than compressor units.

Thermo units are quite inefficent and use roughly 3 times power of compressor based units.

For low cost I'd consider good quality eskies like coleman extreme 5 day unit.
Regardless of cost, we choose to use these things over our other fridges for
trips up to a week. Just carry bagged ice.
The waeco catalogue also states that chardonay is best served at 10 degreees.

Happy experience has taught us that if you fill glass up with ice from the coleman and then fill up with warm wine kept outside the icebox you have the near perfect drink.

Robin Miller

Willie I have both. the thermoelectric one don’t leave it running on the car for any period with out the car running it will sucks the guts out of the battery . its handy for keeping things cold but at best 30 below ambient up north say its 35 degrees 15 degrees not my idea of a cold beer my advice spend the extra and get something that actually freezes you can always turn the temp up dags

I can tell you now from experience the thermoelectric fridges WILL NOT KEEP THINKS COLD IN HOT CLIMATES they work on 30 degrees delta wich is useless anywere near the queensland area maybe in victoria they are a great thing but I have seen 30-50 od people with thermoelectric fridges and when they get to weipa they just arent cutting it. Mostly I see the 3way fridges but they do seem to run half alright on gas but I am still suspect and who wants gas burning in the back of there car. anyways my 2 cents worth. Bite the bullet buy youreself a compressor fridge I have a waeco 60 litre and it will last 3 days on my trojan 115 amphr no worrys keeping my beer cold just watch the lids there very very weak.

WHERE IS THE CHEAPEST PLACE TO BUY A WAECO FRIDGE IN SYDNEY ?

I have decided to bite the bullet and buy a CF-40 AC . DO I NEED THE RAPS 12R-U CHARGE KIT AS WELL ?????????It costs $59 if I purchase it with the fridge

THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR GIVING ME THEIR ADVICE ON THIS POST . IT WAS MUCH APPRECIATED .

Willie .

Willie,
I bought a cf80 from "the fridge shop" as a second. It had a tiny mark on the case and performs perfectly. Check the web site "thefridgeshop.com.au" which I think is a factory outlet for Waeco. Great prices and good service. I would save up if you are a bit short of cash and buy a compressor model, dont cheapskate on a thermoelectric. They are cheaper because they dont work as well and suck the battery heavily.

Give them a ring tomorrow and ask when they will have cf40 or cf50. I really think it is worth the wait rather than buy the wrong thing. You can always turn a good fridge back a bit but you can't turn a poor cooler up if it ain't got no more to give.

Please see my follow-on post re Waeco CDF35 v CF35.