dklassen
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Looking at maybe the Dometic CFX 40W or the ARB 37qt. What's your experience? Looking for one that sips the least electricity in real life.
Dometic vs. ARB
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happiergnome
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Bob did a comparison on 4 manufacturers and there is a link in the description for another comparison of 5. I don't have personal experience but while we wait for the experts, this gets you started if you haven't seen them:
The differences in electricity consumption aren't that significant, less than what you can improve via insulation and ventilation design of where you're going to install it.
I'd be more concerned about differences in build quality and longevity, which are much more variable and significant to long-term total cost of ownership.
Which IMO favours the ARB.
But Engels is on top in that regard, by a mile.
I'd be more concerned about differences in build quality and longevity, which are much more variable and significant to long-term total cost of ownership.
Which IMO favours the ARB.
But Engels is on top in that regard, by a mile.
Canine
Well-known member
Getting a Danfoss compressor will be better than a Saginaw compressor. More longevity with a Danfoss and less of a surge when starting. Engel actually uses the same amount of electricity when total usage is recorded over a 24 hour period. A Danfoss is rated at a higher amp rate than than an Engel. A Saginaw has a higher amp rating than both of them. How that works is a Danfoss or Saginaw will ramp up higher at first. Then especially the Danfoss will slow down using fewer amps to maintain temperature. It doesn't blast on high then shut off- it runs slower when it is cycling. An Engel doesn't ramp up. It just turns on at one, slow speed. It is like the tortoise; it is slow but it gets there.
If 30 pounds of warm meat were placed in Danfoss fridge, it would take about 8 hours to freeze it. It would run heavy, non-stop for 8 hours before it reached the pre set temperature where it would then cycle on and off to maintain temperature. Similar for the Saginaw compressor.
An Engel with 30 pounds of warm meat would run heavy, non-stop for 24 hours before reaching the same pre-set temperature where it would then cycle on and off to maintain temperature. Yes, the Engel has a smaller amp rating, which is seeminly more efficient, but since it doesn't have as much power as a Danfoss or a Saginaw, it will run much longer before hitting temp.
The electricity used for each of the three fridges during the same 24 hour time period will be the same amount of energy used to freeze the same 30 pounds of meat. If you looked at only the first 8 hours of use, you would see that the Danfoss and Saginaw used waaay more than the Engel, but that is looking at the energy use out of context. If you looked only at the last 16 hours of use, you would see the Engel using way more than the other two compressors, but that is also out of context.
An Engel is more durable, but the cost reflects that. Insulating a fridge will make it last longer because it will run less. Ventilation is also very important as John said. I would rather spend money on extra insulation to make a fridge last longer than to buy a nicer Engel. What is more important to me is size, shape, and how the lid opens.
If 30 pounds of warm meat were placed in Danfoss fridge, it would take about 8 hours to freeze it. It would run heavy, non-stop for 8 hours before it reached the pre set temperature where it would then cycle on and off to maintain temperature. Similar for the Saginaw compressor.
An Engel with 30 pounds of warm meat would run heavy, non-stop for 24 hours before reaching the same pre-set temperature where it would then cycle on and off to maintain temperature. Yes, the Engel has a smaller amp rating, which is seeminly more efficient, but since it doesn't have as much power as a Danfoss or a Saginaw, it will run much longer before hitting temp.
The electricity used for each of the three fridges during the same 24 hour time period will be the same amount of energy used to freeze the same 30 pounds of meat. If you looked at only the first 8 hours of use, you would see that the Danfoss and Saginaw used waaay more than the Engel, but that is looking at the energy use out of context. If you looked only at the last 16 hours of use, you would see the Engel using way more than the other two compressors, but that is also out of context.
An Engel is more durable, but the cost reflects that. Insulating a fridge will make it last longer because it will run less. Ventilation is also very important as John said. I would rather spend money on extra insulation to make a fridge last longer than to buy a nicer Engel. What is more important to me is size, shape, and how the lid opens.
wistful vista
Well-known member
Canine said:
What type of compressor do the Dometic and the ARB have? I thought I read that the Dometic has a Danfoss. I am assuming the Engel has a Saginaw?
Sawafuji I believe. Can be a bit noisier than others.
ARBs are Danfoss, actually Secop now.
"Saginaw"? Dunno, is that really a thing?
As I said efficiency rates are very similar across the board.
Dometic / Waeco make their own, and OEM for dozens of relabelling brands. Probably 80% of the worldwide market now, not great build quality IMO very much worth paying Engel more for that aspect.
ARBs are Danfoss, actually Secop now.
"Saginaw"? Dunno, is that really a thing?
As I said efficiency rates are very similar across the board.
Dometic / Waeco make their own, and OEM for dozens of relabelling brands. Probably 80% of the worldwide market now, not great build quality IMO very much worth paying Engel more for that aspect.
Canine
Well-known member
Sawafuji. Maybe I was thinking power steering pumps??
HumbleBeginnings
Well-known member
Dometic used to use Danfoss, but not anymore.
Indel B uses Danfoss; Bob talks about it in his fridge video. Available at truckfridge.com.
Indel B uses Danfoss; Bob talks about it in his fridge video. Available at truckfridge.com.
wagoneer
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I use a Dometic/waeco and well ventilated location with the factory cover in a shaded location My usual drive to location is about 6 hours I freeze a gallon water jug in that time then shop at destination move the frozen water to my yeti for food overflow. I don't buy a lot of meat maybe 1-2 good steaks and frozen fruits and vegies for smoothies. It works for me.
KathyC
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The couple at Gnomad Home (who have amazing information overall) just did a comprehensive 12V Fridge comparison. This is really worth a read:
https://gnomadhome.com/best-12v-portable-refrigerators-for-vanlife/
Their top pick was the Dometic CFX, followed by a close second the ARB.
You can't go wrong with either, but I do reco. you read up
https://gnomadhome.com/best-12v-portable-refrigerators-for-vanlife/
Their top pick was the Dometic CFX, followed by a close second the ARB.
You can't go wrong with either, but I do reco. you read up
