If you are going to run Waeco, consider having one of them as a CDF35, the 12 volt only one. These are cheap as and are the most reliable Waeco fridge due to lack of clever electronics. I have just replaced my CDF35 (4 amps) with an Engel 40 litre (2.6 amps).
As a fridge, the CDF35 draws about 20 amps per day, as a freezer, it uses about 42 amps based on a test I did recently. I have yet to run the Engel through the same test. Eventually I will get a 21 litre Engel to use as a freezer.
Hey RodW,
Congrats on your new Engel. They are a good fridge for sure, but I prefer the Waeco for its fancy electronics, battery protection and light weight strong construction.
In regards to the power consumption of Engel and Waeco; I believe that you're not quite right about the whole power consumption issue. Although, I suspect you will confirm what I'm about to say when you do your tests.
This is how I understand it. As you mentioned, your CDF-35 uses 20 amps on average per day (0.83amps per hour). However, the maximum draw for the fridge as you mentioned is 4.2 amps. Which means, theoretically it has the capacity of having a maximum draw in a day of 100amps. This would be if you have left your fridge open, with nothing inside of it and it was a warm day. IE- Never stops cycling. Similarly the Engel would use
The difference between the Waeco and Engel in the maximum amps per hour consumption is the capacity of the compressor. Danfoss compressors can rev harder than Engels, and can cool quicker. Engels, cannot rev as hard as an Waeco so will take longer to cool.
Engel claim their compressor is the only compressor designed for off-road use, and is more efficient in that situation. However, this in my opinion is unimportant as when the alternator is running, most 4WDs alternators supply more amps than your fridge can handle. My 4WD supplies 150amps (not all of that is unused though)
The issues come when the car is stopped, and the fridges are running off battery. I believe at that point they are both very similar when looking at consumption on average.
Both Engel and Waeco are good for their own reasons, but average power consumption per day is not it. They are virtually the same, as I'm sure you'll find when you do your tests.
The best thing about Waeco & Engel is that there are a huge amount of repair agents around Australia and they're designed for use in a 4WD where space comes at a premium.
I'm unsure if the other models available that are essentially iceboxes with compressors tacked onto the side are best suited to 4WD situations. But more in long term camps running off solar power.
Cheers,
Jon
