waeco and engle fridge freezer

G'day kelpie,
where do I start, this one is nearly as big as the LC v's Patrol question... If your gut is with the Engel, you'll probably never really come to terms with the Waeco. For my money, I'm going with the Waeco, larger volume for less. I know several blokes with them, these blokes seem to spend at least one night by the fire arguing with the others who have Engels, the bottom line is none of them have had any trouble with any of their frigdes, the cans are always cold, everyone is happy. Go and look at each first hand, read their propaganda, turn them upside down, inside out, put them on your head and run around like a loony if it helps, the decision is ultimately yours.
Blue

Trailblaza

Kelpie

Blue has hit the nail square on the head. They're both good units and both will do the job. Plastic shouldn't really be a concern with the Waeco. Engel's have been around longer in Aus but Waeco have been making fridges much longer.

Take your pick. You do get what you pay for, but as far as I'm concerned You'll pay too much for an Engel.

Then again I reckon you pay too much for any/all of them.

Cheers

Kelpie,
I too went through this decision making waeco/engel ???
I bought the waeco 80. Its fantastic as far as i am concerned. Does everything perfectly for me. Dont let the plastic worry you if you go for it. Once i got used to the setting, everything works as it should.
They are both a good product. I find that waeco is on the move to take the market and thus will be an advantage as far as service and warranty goes...new product = better service. Thats juts my opinion ok, others may differ.
Reagrds Angelo

Agree with cokeaddict,

I had an Engle 39l for 6 years and was a very good fridge despite some small drawbacks. I wanted the fridge and freezer option this year though so looked at the 60l Engle and 80l Waeco. My heart was with the Engle but they do mark easily and rust when the paint is scratched. Also the plastic tub on my old Engle cracked around the lip area. When looking at the Waeco, the plastic is very durable and the lid on the 80 can be reversed to either a left or right opening configuration. Also the Waeco cuts off at certain voltages (depending on what the economy switch is set too) whereas my Engle didn't and used to drain the arse out of the battery. Downside to the Waeco is not 240v input so you have to buy a 240v - 12v convertor.

I bought the Waeco 80 in the end due to the price, came with a 8L console cooler/heater for free, bigger capacity, low voltage cutout and its durability (better than the Engle in my eyes)

Regards
David

Kelpie, check out fridgeshop.com, they have the waeco 80 litre for $1,000, plus a free cooler, i think they are 2nd hand, reco's, 12 months warranty. I bought a ff70 from them $550.00 12 months warranty, for the little use it's had so far, and for the price, im very happy with it. Cold Beer = Happy Camper

Cheer's Paul..

Hi Kelpie. give me your email addy. I might have a good deal for you re the engel.my addy is amac at bigpond dot net dot au

Time is ultimately the best judge and Engel definately has proved itself as a long term reliable product. My Engel is over 15 yo and going strong. What will the Waecos be like in time ? Only time will tell!
For my 2 bobs worth - Engel has proved itself and we have to wait and see at this point in time to see how the Waecos stack up!
So if you want to take a punt go for a Waeco - if you don't want to chance it, go for an Engel.

Hi Kelpie,
In 2001 I purchased a CF50 when it was initially released. I have had all sorts of problems with it, lid included. Trouble was that the problems started when I was out bush 200k from anywhere. Different things related to the computerised controls happened everytime I went somewhere.
Service from Waeco was excellent but that didnt help the dramas I went thru trying to save food out bush. Although I developed a pretty good taste for hot beer.
My thoughts have been to look at a Chescold so I can use the gas. Couple of mates have them and swear by them but....also know people who swear by Engel and Waeco. The plastic has survived some pretty hellish tracks. So dont worry about the plastic.
Buy what your heart says, if you dont you will never be happy with it.
Good Luck

I have had an Engel 39ltr since 95 and been around the block a couple of times , done all the rough roads etc. never had any trouble. We get all our meat cryovact and leave the fridge on 1.5 and all is well with the beer always cold even in 50dg cels .
Regards Dodg.

My heartfelt thanks to all of you who sent me a reply. I was wondering if anyone knows what engle or waco are like on 12 volt as all the ones i have seen so far have been hooked up to 240 volt at shops. I spoke to a fellow here in Inglewood QLD today who has a 80 ltr Waeco and is considering selling it to me for $1000. It is 3 mths old so i assume it would be still covered by factory warranty!!, mind you i haven't asked as yet. it comes with a cover and converter. He has had a drama with solar power etc and told me it keeps flatening his battery!!!. One reason he said was the solar panel is supposed to run a 60 ltr not an 80ltr. I had a look at it tonight and it was running on 240 and it was very cold.(beer was good as well). I know what you are thinking but i didn't drink to much to cloud my judgement.

I havent asked him about the 12 volt when he runs it in his car i am keen to know if it maintains the freezer when travelling!!. Has anyone had any experience with flat batteries from either Engle or Waeco and how well do they do when travelling?
Scotty