ARB's current range of fridges

Hey Sev

We have a Waeco, good friends have the Engel, and other friends have the ARB. Can't say I've head a bad word about any of those brands...they all seem to do a good job. If you search around a bit you can get specials on all of them...we chose the Waeco as it has a "better" way of opening the lid (my opinion only). You probably wouldn't go wrong with any of them! But you need to work though what you need to put in it - then go shopping for the "best" one that suits your needs.

Chris

On a previous thread someone posted that the ARB was a rebadged Waeco.
I have both the CF40 Waeco and a 40L Engel running side by side in my 4WD.
The Engel is better value – about 30 precent of the space in the Waeco is useless and outside its evaporator zone whilst the Engel’s is 100 precent usable.
The Waeco is the first to stop when its air flow is restricted, the weather’s too hot or the battery’s getting a bit low.
If I had my time over again I would have 2 Engels.

Hi Sev

I have 50yr Engel it is the best fridge by them so far. I also have another engel 40 Platinum that I use as a freezer. The 50yr cools down quicker, but contrary to what they say it does use slightly more power on start up [up to 3.2amps start up, then run on 2.7 for a short time, couple of minutes then settles on 2.5 or less. The platinum spikes at 3 then down to 2.5 or less] running through a Baintech amp gauge.

I have cut the fly wire mesh out and got a couple of straps sown on for support, it lets air flow better. Plus on lid handle I got a groove cut into the lid cover so you can actually touch the lid handle for opening $25.

Nothing you buy is exactly what you want.

I got rid of my series 1 Waeco as it spiked at 3.9 amps then it would not start on a low battery. Don't know about the new ones as they are supposed to have a soft start on them.

Matt

I had an 18 year old Waeco FF70 that died last year. I have a 39 litre Engel that I use as a freezer as when I use it as a fridge it does not maintain temperature properly, but as a freezer it is great.
For a fridge I now have an ARB 78 litre. Definitely not a rebadged Waeco...only similarity is the compressor, which is in a lot of fridges. I do like the design and the easy to remove lid, plus auto switch over for 12 or 240.
Brett......

fridge, one advantage of a 40 litre engel ,over a arb 47 litre is that you can hang 2 baskets in the fridge they are supplied by engel as an extra ,you cannot do this with the new arb fridge, a little annoying,bye barry

I've got a 47L ARB and love it, its obviously bigger than the 40L Engel and is definitely not a rebadged Waeco as your question isn't about the Waeco I won't give you my opinion of that brand. Regarding the ARB I like the internal space with the shelf for butter/fruit etc. its got an internal light, I love how you can rip the lid off if you want or just open as normal, I like how the refrigerator plate is integrated into the walls of the fridge so its very easy to hose out and and you don't get blood, mould, old food etc behind the refrigerator plate, it has a bung as well for easy hose out. I also like the danfoss compressor which can be serviced by any refrigeration mechanic in the country- not that you should need it, I have not heard any horror stories with the newer ARB fridge.
The Engel is obviously a great fridge so its just a matter of which fridge has the features that suit you.
My good mate has a 40L Engel and rolled his ute in sand dunes, the Engel was a bit dented after rolling around in the back inside the cage but it still worked! so they're a tough fridge. Either fridge will not disappoint.
Good luck

The 50th Anniversary 40 litre Engel has inbuilt temperature control