Help Please ARB 47L VS ENGEL 40L

[Gravity]

Guy's I need some help with this, ARB has there Christmas sale on offering $100 off all fridge ranges and throwing in a free cover 47L now…$1200
The Engel 40L is $1250 without a cover.

Between the two there isn't much price difference and both have great reviews so please help me decide as I really don't know and haven't had a portable fridge before.
The only thing I can see is that the ARB maybe more robust as the Engel steel case could dent easily.

Thanks for any feedback.
 

[gronk]

The only thing I can see is that the ARB maybe more robust as the Engel steel case could dent easily.

Thanks for any feedback.
 

It could dent if you were really rough with it, but between the 2 , I'd personally buy the Engel 45....  Has the runs on the board and hopefully reliability is still as good as it once was.

Have a look at both and see which interior suits you better ??  I bought a Waeco 60ltr once because the inside setup was ( to me ) heaps better than the Engel !!

[tracker]

I agree with gronk on the engel .....runs on the board ...but it's set up is what matters ....So long as what you buy suits YOU...thats what counts.

                                             Cheers Tracker.   

[jetcrew]

I am in similar situation mate ..I need new fridge for the Breakaway and i have been an engle man for many moons having used them in marine environment for the past 10 yrs I cant fault the engels.

that said the orientation of the new fridge slide and the width have me looking at weather the 60ltr engel is the best choice for me ..the contender is the ARB fridge that you spaek of but in a bigger size.

My research indicates its a good well thought out fridge with excellent product support, I am haeding to NW WA and the amount of ARB stockists up there is very good as well as a company store in Geralton ..so support is def there.

I like the design features of the ARB with drain bung , lid arrangement and the way the bag still allows ease of use, anyone with an engle that runs a cover will attest to the bloody nightmare of the cover and latch arrangement.

The arb also has the controls at the front and motor at the back, this is esp good if you are using a fridge slide, tie downs are well thought out and the overall unit is well finished.

That said I love my 40ltr engle but the 60 has few niggling issues with design and incorporating it into my camper like hinges sitting proud and side mounted plug  . so based up fitment and ease of use I am leaning towards the ARB 60/78 over the engle in similar size offerings.  the other big plus is the units weight in the 60ltr the ARB is 8.5KGS lighter and in the 78 it is 11.1KG lighter that's a big difference in unit weight alone that is also factoring in my decision as it will sit over the front of the camper. Noise of motor is also in play as it will slide under the bunks it will be inside with us at night and the swing motor is a few Db higher than the secorp in the ARB.

be aware the engle offers no low voltage disconnect ..this has never bothered me but just good for you knowledge.

Both units are very sound from my research

All in all I dont think you could go wrong with either offering and it will come down to what fits and suits you best, I am still undecided and will take the bride to look at the internals of the ARB unit this weekend as she is used to the engle baskets so need her to see it (apparently you cant see anything in a photo )    For me it will come down to what fits best and what is the most usable in that space ..as I feel both are high quality ..both are backed by good product support, both offer good resale value and both have good reports from consumers.

Best of luck     

jet

[broncos11]

You can get the 38L Eclipse for $750.00 at BCF. They do a special every now and then on these for $600.00. I love mine and it never leaves the back of the Cruiser. Draws nothing and tough exterior. Hell, get 2 and and compare price to 80 litre Fridges?

Dave

[Alan Loy]

Another option is the Bushman..  about the same price as the Engel, adjustable size 35  - 52 (which I find handy),steel body, made in Australia and a good reputation.

The clincher for me is that it is made in Melbourne so I can deal with them direct.  They have provided excellent service.

[barrel01]

I have both a Bushman and an Engel in that size. The Engel is about 9 years old and has never let me down. Runs in the work car all the time.

I like the bushman for its digital thermostat and the flexibility with the storage sizes.

Both are great products imho


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[Palmer]

Agree with Jetcrew, I don't think you will go wrong with either.
I've got an ARB 78 that pretty much lives in my bus and it performs great.  Before I got that I was using a engel 45, and it performed as well.
Find the one that appeals to you the most and go for it.

[Trrrumping Beast]

At the Brisbane Caravan show 4yrs ago i bought the ARB 47l and my FIL bought the Engel 40l. Since then neither has missed a beat, and to me that is the single most important thing: reliability. Having after sales support is great, but not ever needing it is even greater in my book.
ARB removal lid is fantastic if using in tight spaces where lid can't be opened fully - just pull it off. If you get the ARB i would cut the standard cig socket plug off though and install a merit plug or anderson. Thats my only criticism. Uses stuff all power, gets cold from room temp in 15-20 minutes and isnt too noisy. Extremely happy. I like the temp set gauge rather than just an arbitrary "number" on a dial that is meaningless. My father bought an 80l evakool combi fridge and thats what it has - setting needs varying according to whats in it, how often its opened etc whereas the ARB is set and forget.

Good luck, cant go wrong with either in my opinion.
Nigel

[Griswold]

Guy's I need some help with this, ARB has there Christmas sale on offering $100 off all fridge ranges and throwing in a free cover 47L now…$1200
The Engel 40L is $1250 without a cover

Aussie disposals had a special on last week I think, not sure if still on but they had a 40lt Engel including cover and a 8lt cooler/warmer for $1299.

[Sol150SX]

What about the 50l (CF50?) WEACO that RAYS/BCF sell? I have one and it is great. Controls at the end. Lid that you can change opening sides on. Mine has been great and looking at buying another one for camper trailer.

SOL.

[trevc]

I've had the 47L ARB for about 5 years and it's been permanently mounted in my Prado for the last 2.
Never had a problem, has low voltage cutoff, and intuitive controls at the front of the unit.
Can't speak  highly enough.of it. Ive also got an Evakool that bounced it's way around Oz in the back of out CT, also has not missed a beat.
Trev

[Gravity]

Thanks for all your responses guy's….It's definitely a tough dissuasion $1200 on a portable fridge to keep our fav drinks cold certainly up's the price of a can or wine…
We already have a 3-way in the Swan OB but it's way to small for a Family of 4 when we are free camping, the freezer can only hold a small amount of meat and the rest is really only for all dairy products.

The portable fridge is purely only to keep our drinks cold as most foods will be vacuum sealed for longer life in the main fridge.
I must be honest the New Engel 40L has a dual zone can freeze and fridge at the same time , this is great for even just an ice cream for the kids when the freezer in the 3 way is full…

Why are the most simplest of simple dissuasions always the hardest ?

[jetcrew]

If you looking for a freezer capicty and fridge then the engle wins out as it offers this .

its a win/win which does not happen often these days mate

jet

[speewa158]

You can get the 38L Eclipse for $750.00 at BCF. They do a special every now and then on these for $600.00. I love mine and it never leaves the back of the Cruiser. Draws nothing and tough exterior. Hell, get 2 and and compare price to 80 litre Fridges?

Dave
[/quote
l have 2 Eclipse  , l have travelled with 1 as freezer , & other as cooler . Twice the usable space & 1 can be shut down when not required .Two units also gives you back up . Just my 2cs worth          :cheers:Cold

[akarosco]

I've I've just ordered a 42l fridge/freezer from Kogan.
5yr warranty, delivered for $420.
Just sayin.



Relax, put the diff lock on, climb another sand dune & enjoy the view.

[ian_baker58]

I agree with gronk on the engel .....runs on the board ...but it's set up is what matters ....So long as what you buy suits YOU...thats what counts.

                                             Cheers Tracker.   

I agree with Tracker - either option has runs on the board (albeit Engel a few - well a lot of years more actually).  Both companies stand behind their products.

Its the setup of the fridge (inside and opening etc) that best suits you that should be your guide... 

Personally I've had Engels (only 2 in the past 35 years), but others I know have ARB and also Waeco which are a 3rd reliable option....

[TheWall]

My 40l and 65l Techniice fridges (inc covers and postage) still did not pass $1200...


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[Trrrumping Beast]

Original post asked for input on ARB & Engel fridges. I cant see where it was asking for opinions on every brand. Weigh in if you know or have experience with these brands, otherwise move on.

[MarkVS]

I have an Engel Eclipse 40L. Its the 'non-metal' version. I didn't need the metal exterior as it was going to be in the back of my 4WD.

Its price is MUCH cheaper than the metal version and the rest is the same. AND you get a cover normally standard.

So if the function works for you, here is one you can get that will make the price of the Engel more attractive.

I've had it for 3 years, a couple of big trips, no issues.


MarkVS

[GeoffA]

We have owned a 35L ARB for 5 years, and have a couple of other brands of fridge too.
The ARB goes very well indeed. I'd have no hesitation in buying another, but I'd get a 60L instead.....

I've seen the Engel Eclipse in use by others on a few big trips. As said above, they do perform very well.
I can't see why you'd pay the premium for a metal cased version of the same thing.
If buying again, they'd be on my shopping list. They're excellent value.

 

[akarosco]

Original post asked for input on ARB & Engel fridges. I cant see where it was asking for opinions on every brand. Weigh in if you know or have experience with these brands, otherwise move on.

Oh lookout, we have a "forum nazi" weighing in.



Relax, put the diff lock on, climb another sand dune & enjoy the view.

[jwb]

I went for an ARB 47 as it was the largest capacity I could fit in,
which replaced a 32lt engel ( almost 15lt gain)
Also it accommodates a section which can be used for dairy & greens?
I believe the engels now have adjustable  low voltage protection
A hard chice tho!
Cheers

[Bird]

I'd say go with which ever you get the best price on.

[alnjan]

If you can get the units side by side and get everyone that is going to use the fridges to use it, which is the easiest to open and close.  Which catch system works for your hands and fingers, which has the best controls for you to operate.  We can all say what we think is best and for you it may not work.