Fridge Freezer Comparisons(mainly focused on 12vdc compressor fridge)

Fridge/Freezer Types:

• 1. Compressor fridge - Uses 12vdc/24vdc/120vac/240vac to run a compressor that moves a refrigerant(usually 134a) Works like your standard household fridge. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vapor-compression_refrigeration

  2. Absorption fridge - Common RV fridge, uses Ammonia, Hydrogen gas, and water, can run on propane/12vdc/120vac by using heat https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absorption_refrigerator

  3. Thermoelectric cooler - not a real fridge, uses the Peltier effect, they sure are cheap, but they sure do SUCK! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_cooling

  4. Portable Ice Chest - It's an insulated box, uses ice to keep things cold. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooler

12v compressor fridge or 3 way RV fridge?

I don't even really consider a 3way fridge a serious option for me anymore(aka: would never buy one new). Travel coolers that "cool up to 30/40° F below ambient" aka thermoelectric coolers, not even a contender, don't waste your cash. Ice chests have their pros for a short trip, but not for longer trips to the middle of nowhere.

Absorption/3 way(propane/120vac/12vdc) fridges:

• 1. Have to be kept very level all the time or permanent damage occurs(even if running into the store, has to be parked level), 3° side to side and 6° front to back for newer ones, even less for the really older ones.

  2. Pilot/flame can blow out on really windy days

  3. Can only use on 12vdc with engine running(uses a 12v heating element)

  4. Increased maintenance(cleaning flue, baffle, and burner assembly)

  5. Requires opening to the outside for air inlet and outlet venting

  6. Uses propane supplies that are also used for heating/cooking/hot water.

  7. Affected by high altitude

12v compressor fridges rock because:

• 1. Can be used off angle(usually 20-40° max depending on model)

  2. No outside venting required

  3. Not affected by high altitude

  4. Powered by a 12v battery(charged by alternator, solar, shore power)

  5. With enough solar and battery they can be left running 24/7.

  6. Inside space isn't taken up with ice like an ice chest, no soggy messes.

Portable 12v Fridge Footprint size comparisons: LxWxH

Looking for a 12v fridge/freezer, thinking about sizing, durability, compressor, cost, warranty, power consumption.

http://socialcompare.com/en/tools/compare-sizes click on advanced and copy the following for a visual representation(exclude whichever ones you don't want to compare)"

Edgestar 80Qt FP861|28.1875"x18.750"x23.375"|

Edgestar 63Qt FP630|28.125"x17.875"x20.6875"|

Edgestar 43Qt FP430|24.7"x17.7"x18.96"|

Engle MT-45|25.5"x14.3"x20"|

Engle MT-60|31.1"x19.3"x17.4"|

Engle MT-80|31.1"x 19.3"x21.7"|

ARB 472 50Qt| 11.2”x13.3”x15.8”|

ARB 602 63Qt| 17.7”x33.3”x16.9”|

ARB 782 82Qt| 33.3”x17.7”x20”|

http://www.arbusa.com/uploads/Newsletter/ARBmegaFridgeComparo.pdf