Are Waeco's as good as they claim to be

[rsn48]

A Waeco refrigerator I was looking at claimed to use 50 watts and in a 24 hour period would run approximately 6 hours in 30C (around 90f). This works out to be 3 amps a day which seems a very optimistic estimate. I have a friend pushing me towards an Engle, are Waeco's that good?

[Pblais]

This works out to be 3 amps a day which seems a very optimistic estimate.

Not very likely. Here are the specs:

Average running time: 25% at 68°F ambient temperature, 40% at 86°F ambient temperature at 41°F interior
3.75 amps

At 40% duty that would be (24 x .4 x 3.75) = 36 amp hours per day. For a 2.3 cubic foot device it's not that bad but not that good either. It's not big enough to hold a case of beer. 41 degrees is also not that cold. You need to check out some of our better fridge threads.

The ambient temperature (air / water), the amount of insulation, the size of the box, and the desired temperature tell you the mathematics of the problem.

[GMac]

Originally Posted by Pblais

It's not big enough to hold a case of beer.

Thats more than enough reason to reject it alone

[Inthewind]

You just can beat an Engel for a portable fridge and or freezer. They work good for not a lot of money. They last for years and they have a good selection for your needs with good customer support. About Engel

[BambooSailor]

... use 50 watts and in a 24 hour period would run approximately 6 hours in 30C (around 90f). This works out to be 3 amps a day...

I do not think you did your math right. A=W/V -> A=50/12=4.167, which means fridge draws 4.167A when running. Multiply by 6 hours-> 6x4.167 = 25, which means you should get 25A/day.

You just can beat an Engel for ...

Inthewind, didn't you mean 'cannot'?

[Inthewind]

Yes, I meant can't or ''cannot''. I should have re-read my post.

[44'cruisingcat]

If you are talking about advertised claims, it's a pretty safe bet that NOTHING is as good as they claim!

I know a couple of people with Waeco's, I have an old Engel, and we are all satisfied with them.

[schoonerdog]

Practical sailor did a review of both in their May issue.

Engel MT-35F

Bottom Line: A top performer with an efficient compressor and low price. We rated it the Practical Sailor Budget Buy.

Waeco Coolmatic CF-40


Bottom Line: In our test, the Waeco’s Danfoss compressor was not as power-efficient as the best units tested. But we like the unit’s completely plastic exterior and its price.

Conclusions:

The compressor system used in the Engel and Norcold fridge/freezers proved to be far more efficient than the Danfoss reciprocating compressor used in the Waeco. In our tests, the Waeco’s amp draw was nearly 50 percent higher than a comparably sized Norcold unit. When coupled with the top-shelf construction and materials of the Engel and Norcold units, we’d opt for one of these every time.

[rsn48]

A belated thanks for posting the conclusion of the review of the Waeco and Engle frigs/freezer. It looks like Engle is the way to go; a friend has told me this several times; I guess I was in denial (higher price) but as usual you get what you pay for.

[schoonerdog]

Question, I like Engel for everthing said, but the other refrigerators (side opening models) all seem to have the compressor built in, which drastically limits the room in the refrig. Waeco has a model with a compressor with a 5 ft lead line external to the unit. Does Engel or Norcold have anything like this?

[44'cruisingcat]

Originally Posted by schoonerdog

Question, I like Engel for everthing said, but the other refrigerators (side opening models) all seem to have the compressor built in, which drastically limits the room in the refrig. Waeco has a model with a compressor with a 5 ft lead line external to the unit. Does Engel or Norcold have anything like this?

Vitrifrigo does. Freezers too, in either top or front opening.

Vitrifrigo America

[schoonerdog]

Thank you for the link! Do you know anything about the relative quality of Vitrifrigo vs the other brands (Waeco, Engle...)?

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

Vitrifrigo does. Freezers too, in either top or front opening.

Vitrifrigo America

[s/v Lyric]

If you have not made a decision, you should visit KollmannMarine Boat Refrigeration Specialist for some expert opinions without a sales bias. The key to efficient refrigeration is insulation, insulation, insulation...