EvaKool 42Lt Fridge-Freezer

[apalsson]

This morning I picked up a 42L fridge/Freezer from SuperCheap Auto. It is an EvaKool unit branded as Ridge Ryder.
While I realise it's no Engel, it has a metal casing and seems sturdy enough. It rund on 12V, 24V or 240V
When we brought it home, we plugged it in and turned on "turbo" mode, 2 hours later it was at -16 degrees.

It looks like a 40L Engel sets you back over $1k. This one was $499 and has 2 year warranty
If it turns out to be a flop, I can always chase the warranty for a couple of years while I rustle in the piggybank till I can afford an Engel or similar

[DX grunt]

Nice choice.

I've got the 95lt Evakool and I'm really happy with it. My temp gauge broke, but I've judged the temps now. Very happy.


If I had the coin, I'd buy the same as yours - I need a bait fridge. lol

Rossco

[the evil twin]

Nothing wrong with EvaKool and its clones
I have a 42 Evakool and a 38 Engel
The Engel uses half the power, is noticeably noisier and will outlast the EvaKool
The EvaKool is bucket loads cheaper and the 'cheaper' around the lid and seals etc but Pffft I can live with that.

I think from memory I paid $450 a couple of years back
A second Engel would have been double that.
So far it has performed perfectly and in cooling perfomence and useability around camp equally as good as the Engel at the expense of using more battery

IMHO if you only have one fridge and use it heaps and still want to use it in 10 years time then it is hard to go past the Engels
If you are after a second fridge or low useage like I was then the cheaper fridges are a great option

[apalsson]

This fridge will be my second one. We have a 110L fridge in the van so this one will only be used as a freezer on trips where we can't take the van.
The only ting I didn't particularly like about this one is the closing down of the lid. The latch is basically the handle used to lift the lid whereas I prefer the Engel method. I can always get a stainless steel latch from a boat accessories shop as a second latch.

I wonder if anyone makes covers for those fridges. They all seem to work that much better if you insulate them a bit better

[Bob]

I just recently purchased a 2nd Hand Evakool Clone as per :-

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/55L-EvaKool-12v-24v-Portable-Camping-Fridge-Freezer-cooler-car-boat-caravan-dc/330619021697?_trksid=p1.m2286&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3 D1%26asc%3D155%26meid%3D5999599662607681461%26pid% 3D100069%26prg%3D1087%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D3%26sd%3D33 0619021697%26%26clkid%3D6002813180930236254&_qi=RTM1430835

Plugged it in as above and down to -16degrees in about two hours

Running at 3 degrees it ran for almost three days on my 100 AH Deep Cycle Battery without it being charged.
It has a insulated Cover

More than happy

42Litre Fridge or 42 Litre Freezer with 13Litre Fridge/Dairy

[the evil twin]

I wonder if anyone makes covers for those fridges. They all seem to work that much better if you insulate them a bit better

They sure do... and mine came with an insulated cover in the deal so they are def available

[apalsson]

Well, it was a short lived pleasure.
The new fridge started getting noisier and noisier, it was like the compressor wasn't fixed down properly or if something was scrubbing against a mount or the chassis.
Took it back to the shop and because this was their only one, they gave me my $$$ back without any issue.
So - back looking for a fridge. Might go back to tried and true solutions like the old Waeco I had for years and never let me down (don't have $1k plus to cough up for an Engel)

[meh]

Thanks for the update. was just about to go buy one tomorrow. I think I will stick with evil twins advice and get an engel

[Dave_H]

Wow apalsson, you didnt get much use out of that one did you.

[apalsson]

Wow apalsson, you didnt get much use out of that one did you.

No, guess that's a fair enough statement :)