Companion fridge/freezers

Submitted: Sunday, Oct 31, 2010 at 18:10

ThreadID: 82224 Views:21529 Replies:3 FollowUps:8

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Portable Fridges

The debate over which fridge is the best on the market is one of the most contested discussions in the camping recreation. In this article we look at the range of features and the major issues to

Road Warrior

Was just in Bunnings and wandered past a 38 litre 'Companion' fridge/freezer. Compressor type, country of origin is naturally China. Fit and finish of the unit wasn't too bad, operated on 12V, 24V and 240V. Claims on the label are that it only draws 1.75Ah - quite extraordinary if that is correct. No other details apart from what is here:

http://companionleisure.com.au/index.php?p=line&sid=1278978415

Handles were a bit too flimsy for my liking and I doubt whether you could stand a 1.25 litre drink bottle up in it. But thought it rated a mention in any case.

Bunnings were selling them for $498.

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Reply By: blue one - Sunday, Oct 31, 2010 at 18:35

Sunday, Oct 31, 2010 at 18:35

One word

Engel

AnswerID: 434717

Follow Up By: Member - michael (BOXHD) r (VI - Sunday, Oct 31, 2010 at 21:38

Sunday, Oct 31, 2010 at 21:38

ill second that ENGEL ALL THE WAY

FollowupID: 705812

Follow Up By: Hooroo WA - Sunday, Oct 31, 2010 at 23:23

Sunday, Oct 31, 2010 at 23:23

Engel

FollowupID: 705820

Reply By: Member - Andrew (QLD) - Sunday, Oct 31, 2010 at 18:57

Sunday, Oct 31, 2010 at 18:57

Unless it has fixed cycling (which it mightn't based on the "Up"/"Down" buttons) it is impossible to calculate Ahr as it depends on too many factors.

I notice the current draw is as follows:

Current:0.29 A AC/5.8 A DC (max.)

Sub $500 might be OK for those that can't afford the extra cost of the other brands.

Andrew

AnswerID: 434718

Follow Up By: Road Warrior - Monday, Nov 01, 2010 at 11:35

Monday, Nov 01, 2010 at 11:35

One thing I found confusing - it is supposed to be a compressor operated "fridge freezer" yet it will only refrigerate between 35-38 degrees below ambient - what gives??

FollowupID: 705845

Follow Up By: Member - Andrew (QLD) - Monday, Nov 01, 2010 at 11:57

Monday, Nov 01, 2010 at 11:57

According to this old thread other fridges (engel mentioned) may only do 45 below ambient anyway ;)

Maybe the friendly evakool guy can assist with the answer ;)

Andrew

FollowupID: 705848

Follow Up By: Member - Andrew (QLD) - Monday, Nov 01, 2010 at 12:00

Monday, Nov 01, 2010 at 12:00

...just adding that i suspect the reason might be due to the amount of refrigerant used and overall efficiency of the setup.

Andrew

FollowupID: 705851

Follow Up By: Evakool - Wednesday, Nov 03, 2010 at 13:49

Wednesday, Nov 03, 2010 at 13:49

Assuming the reason that it won't go below zero on a 40cº day is the insulation.

I have known one of our fridges to hit -32cº, assuming 20cº outside temperture thats 52cº of difference.

I know a BD danfoss compressor in the correct sized box with the correct insulation will do better than 38cº under outside temperature, so assuming they put the right sized compressor in then maybe the insulation isn't thick enough or good enough?

FollowupID: 706067

Reply By: Best Off Road - Monday, Nov 01, 2010 at 18:16

Monday, Nov 01, 2010 at 18:16

RW,

I'd be somewhat sceptical about buying a $500 cheapie of unknown heritage from ebay.

But, in this instance you are considering a product from a company with over 40 years history in the camping game, that is being retailed by one of Australia's biggest and most reputable retailers.

May I suggest product backup wouldn't be the slightest issue.

Can you really go wrong?

Cheers,

Jim.

AnswerID: 434792

Follow Up By: Road Warrior - Monday, Nov 01, 2010 at 23:16

Monday, Nov 01, 2010 at 23:16

Good point, but the performance of it is not that much better than my 3 way! Unless I am reading the specs wrong (or expecting too much from a $500 fridge!)

FollowupID: 705920

Follow Up By: Best Off Road - Wednesday, Nov 03, 2010 at 16:40

Wednesday, Nov 03, 2010 at 16:40

This depends on your three way. The cheapies seem to fail anywhere between 30 and 35 ambient. I know ours have.

The advertised Companion compressor fridge suggests a minimum of 35 below ambient, so at 40 ambient you'll be at a "food safe" 5 degrees.

You could further improve it's performance by making up your own cover out of some carpet underlay (most carpet shops throw out offcuts) and one of those silver windscreen reflectors.

FollowupID: 706076