My Engel 32lt fridge just died after 26years of use, bouncing around in the back of the ute, covered in dirt, mud and sand, hosed off now and then. I will definitely be buying another one, the price is well worth it
I purchased a new 60lt waeco, it never really worked. Had it repaired twice under warranty, then gave up and sold it. Subsequently went camping with a mate, he offered to bring his fridge. You guessed it, it was the very same 60lt model. We drove into our favourite high country camp and you guessed it his fridge was not working. He never bothered getting it repaired, just gave it away. True story !
Purchased the new model Dometic CFF 45 model a couple of weeks ago and have not turned it off, with a 3 year warranty... I'll be testing that out, I've been on one camping trip in 35 degree heat, works a treat with no problems , very quiet and I'm very impressed so far, we'll see how she goes as my fridge will be running all of the time not just on camping trips.
The Waeco outer shell is made from polypropylene, which doesn't conduct heat, so even if it feels warm on the outside from sunlight, it won't affect the cooling inside.
My 40 litre Engel is 15 years old and has never had an issue - it replaced a Waeco that constantly let me down - I wonder how many 15 year old Waecos there are out there still running
I have an Engel, I didn't buy it. It was given to me by my father, who also didn't buy it. It was given to him by his father who bought it new, decades ago. It's done over 1 million k's in the back of 3 different 4x4's traveling around this country. Never missed a beat, never broken down, Still freezes drinks if your not careful. It has been repainted several times though (knocked around in the trucks and dragged to picnic and BBQ's), wish pops got a cover for it though I don't think they made them back then lol
Typical one-eyed Aussie! Where the Engel is a status symbol to show others how seriously you take the 'outdoor lifestyle'. Unsure of your definition of efficiency, or your evidence to support that claim...
@@jackyeoman962 I’m an engineer. I often select less efficient pumps for services because for example they don’t rag up when debris goes into the sump. So the old adage we say to graduates is that efficiency is measured by how often it breaks down. If we installed high efficiency pumps with small clearances it would be awesome for the 10 minutes it ran properly before seizing. So it’s a colloquialism and quite frankly if you don’t like Engel then that’s fine by me. But they have a reputation for a reason.
i got an old first gen engel of my mate it was laying out in the weather with a broken base he said you can have it if you want i said does it work he said it should still work we pluged it in and i run still going strong to this day lol
When I was an Interstater - I ran 2 x 40lt Engels, One as a freezer, one as a fridge. One kept my frozen meals ready for the 12v oven and the other kept everything else. They both ran 24/7 without missing a beat. I'd swear by an Engel. Waeco's are good too, like a hobby fridge trusted with your beers at home. You decide the importance of your necessity.
If you bother to look up reviews on both the Waco cools quicker holds temp better and if you use a thermometer in both the Waco is closer to the actual temp my Waco is fifteen years old and only replaced the fuse in the twelve volt plug
@@ronald2321 only if you are in a colder climate ..steel construction of the Engel absorbs a lot of the outside heat , meaning it works that awesome compressor of it’s a lot longer .
Don't know where you got the current draw from, My Waeco draw 4 amps + ,Engel draws 1.7 + Waeco display lost digits after two year. Just thought I'd add, I have the identical fridge to you, also Engel lid is a pain for standing up bottle compared to the Waeco.
ENGEL = Land Cruiser. WEACO = Land rover. They are designed to do the same job.... Let me leave it there. I shall take the Japanese version of my 4WD and fridge thanks 😁
Agreed. My Engel has been switched on continuously for the last 10 years. Only time it's been off is when I carry it from the car to house. And when in the bush I seen it run as low as 9v . IT still had 1 deg and my beer and rump steak all good. It has never let me down. Now I have solar on car it lives in car 24/7 at 0 degrees and never had a flat battery.
you forgot the WLAN on the waeco. Its really cool if your car is outside or you are in your tent checking the temps of the fridge or what i like even more you can see your battery voltage in the app. its very usefull.
Yes I did that is a handy feature on the new ones with wifi , this fridge is the first cfx range, and I used it with the wireless monitor, without any great success always dropping out of range , have you used the new application ?and had success with that cheers
Most serious off roaders pack an Engel with a Honda Gen set. These 2 items have been an Outback staple since the 70's. The other guys have a long way to go yet.
Hi there, Thanks for the comparison. Really a lot of good information. Can you say something about the noise levels? I like to buy one of those for our camper-van and the noise is a big issue if you sleep close too it. We have a 15 year old Waeco that we like to replace for that reason. Thanks, Hendrik
The Waeco and dometic is a good fridge but rather untrustworthy as far as reliability is concerned. Here in the US, they've blown a few electrical connections because they cut corners. There was a massive recall just a few months ago. Engel seems to be the "trusty" out of the two. Not the highest performing fridge like the Luna for example, but it just keeps on going and going and going.
What a shame there was no comparative testing done. Measure power consumption from Ambient to 2 degrees Measure time it takes to reach 2 degrees Measure cycle times of compressors and noise levels Measure power consumption over 24hours Then disconnect both units and measure holding temp abilities
Facts hurt Hugh.. gee imagine if they did a comparison like that with ford vs holden, or collingwood vs carlton.. We would have a civil war.. ha ha I bought two waecos because they were on special. A two for one deal at BCF. Filling the lid with foam, putting a better pc cooling fan in it, also running a silicon hose from AC to the intake of the fridge and freezer.. Has run for two years like a champ, but i am not your typical aussie as in I don't feel a need to kick it, sit on it, throw it, headbutt it.. I just use it..
4x4 Touring Views & Reviews Cool. I'm thinking I'll have to go into a store and check them both out. Very tough decision. Needing a fridge to last the big loop around Australia
Interesting review. Engel fridges draw more power than the Waeco fridges. I have not heard many people bag out Engel fridges / fridge / freezers and have owned a few myself. If you buy any Waeco’s outside of theCFX ( Premium range ) it appears you have problems, if online user reviews are anything to go by
I doubt it. My 14-plus years of Engel-use had it running 24-47 at full capacity @ 2.74amp/32 WATTS (4 hours ON/12 hours off via a mechanical timer) the whole time. Confirmed the tag on the unit; try getting the ACTUAL 'power consumed'* from ANY of the modern manufacturers/vendors. More secrecy than my girlfriend uses to stop her husbnd from finding out about me! * In WATTS, the ONLY real measure. They waffle on about amps/amp-hours/ ad confuse the whole issue with weather/slope/ambiant temperature and all orts of other bullshit! Try getting the ONLY relevant figure: WATTAGE, by which EVERY OTHER electrical unit is measured. (Every see a 15ah lightglobe?? I just walk past such crap because it's clearly an attempt to hide something. aka 'Scamming'.
I am on engel number 4 i have 1 in the car 1 im my truck 1 in the house which i don't use should get rid of it. As for the truck it is fridge number 2 i got into a truck i have never driven before did not realize it was a 24v truck pluged in the fridge and lets just say no more fridge could not use the one in the house it is just to big for the truck was thinking about waeco but thought stick with what you know glad I did has not missed a beat.
G’day mate here in Australia the Engel 40ltr retails for $1399 even on there website but can always be purchased cheaper through retails and with special deals cheers
Dometic/Waeco are designed for modern day life, engel is still stuck in the past, Yes they are good but the old engels were made better and although engel makes wild claims about their power draw but Modern 4x4 fridges are streets ahead, Engel are a good solid fridge, But Dometic waeco were the first RV fridge makers dating back to the 1950's when they invented the first RV Fridge.
If they're "both good" WHY have you gone through so MANY o them?? My grandon s still using my first-ever purchase: a BASIC, simple (no electronics etc) Engel, which I used poblem-free for 14 years before I gave it ro him.
Engel 39lt still working 24/7 for 19 years where CfX40 lasts 4 years and needs a $296.00 repair to fix freezing problem -22 and unable to adjust to fridge temp, complete lack of assistance from Dometic Aust at Varsity Lakes.
Sorry. Trailer too long. I wanted to see the subject not a mad trailershow with tumb music. Didn't succeed to the beginning of the video --> Thumb down.
After having had both, Engel is superior in build quality. Waeco's are quieter and don't "humm" like Engel's do. Go that one step better and get a National Luna 👍🏼
My Engel 32lt fridge just died after 26years of use, bouncing around in the back of the ute, covered in dirt, mud and sand, hosed off now and then. I will definitely be buying another one, the price is well worth it
Just bought my first one yesterday
@@garyhost1830 22 years - just dying now :-)
I purchased a new 60lt waeco, it never really worked. Had it repaired twice under warranty, then gave up and sold it.
Subsequently went camping with a mate, he offered to bring his fridge. You guessed it, it was the very same 60lt model. We drove into our favourite high country camp and you guessed it his fridge was not working.
He never bothered getting it repaired, just gave it away. True story !
Purchased the new model Dometic CFF 45 model a couple of weeks ago and have not turned it off, with a 3 year warranty... I'll be testing that out, I've been on one camping trip in 35 degree heat, works a treat with no problems , very quiet and I'm very impressed so far, we'll see how she goes as my fridge will be running all of the time not just on camping trips.
Peter Scott they are an excellent fridge and one of the best investments you can have for your camping adventures enjoy👍
@@4x4touringviewsreviews45 Sure will... Cheers!
Hey Peter, you still liking that CFF45?
@@andrewford80 Has not been off... Good fridge so far.
Every time I go into a shop with Waeco CFF45s I have to play with the lid. Mint!!
The Waeco outer shell is made from polypropylene, which doesn't conduct heat, so even if it feels warm on the outside from sunlight, it won't affect the cooling inside.
My 40 litre Engel is 15 years old and has never had an issue - it replaced a Waeco that constantly let me down - I wonder how many 15 year old Waecos there are out there still running
I like where the compressor is located on the Engel
That seems like it would remove the heat from the compressor more efficiently.
Well I was kind of looking for a comparison of the Engel versus Dometic so far I'd have to say Engel is the best.
Carl Williams 🤷🏼♂️
Sheepishly takes a bag of pills outa the engel halfway thru 😂
I have an Engel, I didn't buy it. It was given to me by my father, who also didn't buy it. It was given to him by his father who bought it new, decades ago.
It's done over 1 million k's in the back of 3 different 4x4's traveling around this country. Never missed a beat, never broken down, Still freezes drinks if your not careful.
It has been repainted several times though (knocked around in the trucks and dragged to picnic and BBQ's), wish pops got a cover for it though I don't think they made them back then lol
John Doe wow that’s an awesome story, hopefully you get to pass it on too , that’s good value for money 👍
The efficiency is measured by how often it breaks down. Engel is therefore the most efficient
That durability
Typical one-eyed Aussie! Where the Engel is a status symbol to show others how seriously you take the 'outdoor lifestyle'. Unsure of your definition of efficiency, or your evidence to support that claim...
@@jackyeoman962 I’m an engineer. I often select less efficient pumps for services because for example they don’t rag up when debris goes into the sump. So the old adage we say to graduates is that efficiency is measured by how often it breaks down. If we installed high efficiency pumps with small clearances it would be awesome for the 10 minutes it ran properly before seizing.
So it’s a colloquialism and quite frankly if you don’t like Engel then that’s fine by me. But they have a reputation for a reason.
i got an old first gen engel of my mate it was laying out in the weather with a broken base
he said you can have it if you want
i said does it work
he said it should still work
we pluged it in and i run
still going strong to this day lol
When I was an Interstater - I ran 2 x 40lt Engels,
One as a freezer, one as a fridge.
One kept my frozen meals ready for the 12v oven and the other kept everything else.
They both ran 24/7 without missing a beat.
I'd swear by an Engel.
Waeco's are good too, like a hobby fridge trusted with your beers at home.
You decide the importance of your necessity.
If you bother to look up reviews on both the Waco cools quicker holds temp better and if you use a thermometer in both the Waco is closer to the actual temp my Waco is fifteen years old and only replaced the fuse in the twelve volt plug
well the waeco runs a battery down far quicker than an engel
@@ronald2321 only if you are in a colder climate ..steel construction of the Engel absorbs a lot of the outside heat , meaning it works that awesome compressor of it’s a lot longer .
Great comparison video. I was looking for a review like that. My only complaint is the large volume difference between the intro and the video.
Uber Jim in DC cheers mate, still learning on the editing side of things , practice makes perfect
No worries mate. Sorry, I couldn’t resist lol! Still a great video. Trust me, you’re not the only. You live and you learn. Cheers
Don't know where you got the current draw from, My Waeco draw 4 amps + ,Engel draws 1.7 + Waeco display lost digits after two year. Just thought I'd add, I have the identical fridge to you, also Engel lid is a pain for standing up bottle compared to the Waeco.
Can you remove the lid off of the Engel? I've heard there are spare hinges that you can add that allow for the lid to slide off and on easily...
ENGEL = Land Cruiser. WEACO = Land rover. They are designed to do the same job.... Let me leave it there. I shall take the Japanese version of my 4WD and fridge thanks 😁
👌👌👌👌👌
Wait? So what is your fridge choice? Japanese version...
Agreed. My Engel has been switched on continuously for the last 10 years. Only time it's been off is when I carry it from the car to house. And when in the bush I seen it run as low as 9v . IT still had 1 deg and my beer and rump steak all good. It has never let me down. Now I have solar on car it lives in car 24/7 at 0 degrees and never had a flat battery.
It's made in china
@@merdel9663 Thailand!!
you forgot the WLAN on the waeco. Its really cool if your car is outside or you are in your tent checking the temps of the fridge or what i like even more you can see your battery voltage in the app. its very usefull.
Yes I did that is a handy feature on the new ones with wifi , this fridge is the first cfx range, and I used it with the wireless monitor, without any great success always dropping out of range , have you used the new application ?and had success with that cheers
Most serious off roaders pack an Engel with a Honda Gen set. These 2 items have been an Outback staple since the 70's. The other guys have a long way to go yet.
Couldn't concentrate on the overview while you were using them both as bongo drums.
Hi there, Thanks for the comparison. Really a lot of good information.
Can you say something about the noise levels?
I like to buy one of those for our camper-van and the noise is a big issue if you sleep close too it.
We have a 15 year old Waeco that we like to replace for that reason.
Thanks, Hendrik
Engels hum, and Waeco's have a fan sound, both (and I've tested both) put out the same decibels.
The Waeco and dometic is a good fridge but rather untrustworthy as far as reliability is concerned. Here in the US, they've blown a few electrical connections because they cut corners. There was a massive recall just a few months ago. Engel seems to be the "trusty" out of the two. Not the highest performing fridge like the Luna for example, but it just keeps on going and going and going.
What a shame there was no comparative testing done.
Measure power consumption from Ambient to 2 degrees
Measure time it takes to reach 2 degrees
Measure cycle times of compressors and noise levels
Measure power consumption over 24hours
Then disconnect both units and measure holding temp abilities
Facts hurt Hugh.. gee imagine if they did a comparison like that with ford vs holden, or collingwood vs carlton.. We would have a civil war.. ha ha
I bought two waecos because they were on special. A two for one deal at BCF.
Filling the lid with foam, putting a better pc cooling fan in it, also running a silicon hose from AC to the intake of the fridge and freezer.. Has run for two years like a champ, but i am not your typical aussie as in I don't feel a need to kick it, sit on it, throw it, headbutt it.. I just use it..
Yup, had my Weaco for 15 years, still works every day
And i bought it second hand to begin with
I just purchased a National Luna. Based on this review for these two, I’d be going Waeco all day!
Good video 👍🏻
retry tobuy cheers mate , national Luna another great fridge and have never heard a bad review, they have a great reputation enjoy 👍
Can the Waeco hold a 2 litre bottle of coke standing up It seems the Engel is deeper to allow this.
Otherwise, tough call on what fridge is better....
El Scruffo McScruffy g’day mate yes both can hold 2ltr standing up
4x4 Touring Views & Reviews
Cool. I'm thinking I'll have to go into a store and check them both out. Very tough decision. Needing a fridge to last the big loop around Australia
El Scruffo McScruffy there both great fridges you won’t be disappointed with either 👍
How do you set the temperature inside the fridge
On the Engel there is a manual knob you turn to select temperature and on the waeco using the + & - buttons to select your temperature
Noise???
Interesting review. Engel fridges draw more power than the Waeco fridges. I have not heard many people bag out Engel fridges / fridge / freezers and have owned a few myself. If you buy any Waeco’s outside of theCFX ( Premium range ) it appears you have problems, if online user reviews are anything to go by
I doubt it. My 14-plus years of Engel-use had it running 24-47 at full capacity @ 2.74amp/32 WATTS (4 hours ON/12 hours off via a mechanical timer) the whole time. Confirmed the tag on the unit; try getting the ACTUAL 'power consumed'* from ANY of the modern manufacturers/vendors. More secrecy than my girlfriend uses to stop her husbnd from finding out about me! * In WATTS, the ONLY real measure. They waffle on about amps/amp-hours/ ad confuse the whole issue with weather/slope/ambiant temperature and all orts of other bullshit! Try getting the ONLY relevant figure: WATTAGE, by which EVERY OTHER electrical unit is measured. (Every see a 15ah lightglobe?? I just walk past such crap because it's clearly an attempt to hide something. aka 'Scamming'.
There's a reason they don't make eskys out of metal, plastic is a much better insulator
I am on engel number 4 i have 1 in the car 1 im my truck 1 in the house which i don't use should get rid of it. As for the truck it is fridge number 2 i got into a truck i have never driven before did not realize it was a 24v truck pluged in the fridge and lets just say no more fridge could not use the one in the house it is just to big for the truck was thinking about waeco but thought stick with what you know glad I did has not missed a beat.
Waecos can be plugged into 12 or 24. They auto switch for either voltage.
you sure those are 40ltr ? you stated the exact price of the ENGEL MT60F-U1
G’day mate here in Australia the Engel 40ltr retails for $1399 even on there website but can always be purchased cheaper through retails and with special deals cheers
I have always liked the waeco better. I have 3 of them and never had a problem. I don’t like the old style look of the Engel and the weight.
Good review, Ive have had a few of each and they’re both good
Waeco is far inferior
National luna eats both brands for breakfast. They were created to transport medicine.
Good comparison mate. Why owning two of same size? Planning to use one as fridge and the other one as freezer?
Cheers mate, I had actually sold the waeco and purchased the new Engel and thought while I still had both I would throw together a comparison cheers 👍
L
Dometic/Waeco are designed for modern day life, engel is still stuck in the past, Yes they are good but the old engels were made better and although engel makes wild claims about their power draw but Modern 4x4 fridges are streets ahead, Engel are a good solid fridge, But Dometic waeco were the first RV fridge makers dating back to the 1950's when they invented the first RV Fridge.
Waecos are so inferior.
Yeah my buddies all have issues with dometic problems in there RVs
biggest diffrence is the only after cost of an engel is a fuse every couple years. you'll be buying a new waeco every 2 years just dont have lifespan.
My first waeco is now 19 years old and been in constant use and abuse.
Try not talking crap just for the sake of it.
@martini carbine577/450 Show some details about the gift cards please
20 years now still going strong
Used a waeco as a beer frig in my cvan for years then sold it
They look so large for a 40 ltr fridge? See people use 60 plus.... I’m likening the capacity and the price of the Waeco. Thanks gotta start somewhere!
If they're "both good" WHY have you gone through so MANY o them?? My grandon s still using my first-ever purchase: a BASIC, simple (no electronics etc) Engel, which I used poblem-free for 14 years before I gave it ro him.
Thank you
Engel 39lt still working 24/7 for 19 years where CfX40 lasts 4 years and needs a $296.00 repair to fix freezing problem -22 and unable to adjust to fridge temp, complete lack of assistance from Dometic Aust at Varsity Lakes.
Why you would buy anything but an engel is beyond me.... There is a reason why every fridge in a truck is an engel
Engel
We got it. you like the engel
Have a look in any interstate truck drivers cab and there will only be an engel .
Only cos Waeco dont make fridges small enough to fit in a truck cab. Even the 28 ltr is iffy.
The waeco needs the extra warranty
Yes. Mine stopped working 3 months after warranty. Waeco/Dometic customer service is non existent.
Sorry. Trailer too long. I wanted to see the subject not a mad trailershow with tumb music. Didn't succeed to the beginning of the video --> Thumb down.
Angle is a better fridge by fire
24-18.5=5.5
if you want a fridge that works buy an engel. can't think of a good reason to buy a weaco.
After having had both, Engel is superior in build quality. Waeco's are quieter and don't "humm" like Engel's do. Go that one step better and get a National Luna 👍🏼
@@mikefoster7085 I wouldn't touch a national Luna. I have an Engel
@@6226superhurricane each to their own.
First world problem, Lol!