Waeco versus Engel

[jack]

I ended up choosing Engel for the following reason.
My daughter sold both Engel & Waeco in the shop she worked at in Port Hedland for a couple of years, eight out of ten warranty jobs were Waeco and some were not repairable. She also said that Waeco could not cope with the humidity as well as Engel.
They have also criscrossed the country extensively and always take the most difficult route. They have two Engels and had to buy an ARB 12 months ago as they were not able to take the Engel on the plane. The ARB broke down and is in the process of being replaced under warranty, the ARB did hardly any work compared to the Engels which are still going strong. Engel cost me more than Waeco but I think it's a sound investment.
But like someone said earlier it's like Ford v Holden.

[threedogs]

Thinking about this thread a bit and dont think Waeco were in Aust when I brought my 40ltr Engel.
Think having seen both for a few years now its an even playing field and both will throw in extras to get your business
transit bags/covers etc, current draw is similar, both are solar compatible. Down to who has the best price when you're ready to buy.

[Winnie]

I can get Waeco at wholesale price but still got the Engel. As said it's just like Holden/Ford
My old man has had the same Engel fridge for over 30 years in his truck, got it regassed once and that's it. Mate from work has a Waeco and has had nothing but trouble with it. Not saying all Engels will last over 30 years and all Waecos are crap, just my experiences. I got the gold 40L Engel at a great price with the transit bag so snatched it up.

[threedogs]

I ended up getting a second set of hinges so I can make the lid open from the side.
Just makes it easier as it mounted behind driver where passenger seat was.
Would like to fit a two zone but not sure if I'd get the full benefit from it.
@ Winne Gold Engel will maybe outlast even the 4.2 lol

[Winnie]

It's exactly the same as the normal 40L engel just a different colour.

[Swazi]

I have had a 40l Engel since 2004 and it has travelled all over the southern African countries. I got it with the cover and it has definately helped to limit the bump damage. The Engel has worked full time throughout the time I have had it and it has never given the slightest problem - this despite being powered by the low voltage swings that have ensured having to replace compressors on the domestic deepfreeze in the kitchen in Malawi. No experience of Waeco, but out of principle would stick with Engel because of excellence service on my first one.

Incidently it has been my experience that larger units are not suited to carrying in a vehicle - even a Patrol. My very similar sized Landcruiser 100 basic with ambulance doors (the UN spec version) carried 7 people and a large camping trailer through may varied travels. The fridge fit perfectly inside and kept the drinks icy as well as the baby's milk fresh, and the steaks chilled for the evening campfire. My mates 80l unit was too big for his car and although great in his off-croad caravan, mostly got left at home in the caravan because it was too big to fit his Patrol.

[macca]

Had Engel fridges since 1982, had the first one re-gassed. Bought a newer one in 2005 as they used half the power of the first.
Haven't owned any other brands but my brother is a fridgee who has worked on lots of 12VDC fridges and he said stick with Engels.
He has stories to tell and all the issues are with other than the Engel. Our immediate family own 5 of the anniversary models and they never have given trouble.

[liftlid]

My engle is still a young un at almost 20 years old and has run almost continually the last 7 years, just replaced the cooling fan as the bearings were noisy, great fridge, know people who have had several of other brands in that time, got a 38 lt model and found this is big enough even for 6 week trips

[James2014]

I am not sure which to buy, the 40ltr or the 60ltr engel? Do you guys find the 40ltr large enough?

[Winnie]

I am not sure which to buy, the 40ltr or the 60ltr engel? Do you guys find the 40ltr large enough?

Yeah I reckon it's perfect size.