Engel vs ARB fridge

[chorky]

A comparison of the two for those with experience.

So I originally was looking at the ARB ZERO 47 QT fridge. https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/fridges/10802442-arb-zero-fridge-freezer-47qt

Then, due to another thread, I looked up Eangle and saw this https://engelcoolers.com/collections/powered-fridge-freezers/products/45-combi-portable-car-fridge

Engle, compared to the folks over at expo forum, is regarded as the 'best' frequently. For comparison, I have a 68 quart Snomaster LP series (they dont make it anymore) fridge that I used as my main fridge when living out of my travel trailer for 5 years - it worked flawlessly and now, for the last 1.5 years, has been in the basement for an extra freezer and it has never batted an eye with working.

I am sure both fridge options, ARB or Eangle would work well. ARB seems to (probably a marketing thing) have a better 'rugged' nature behind it. Engle is just a no frills basic option that has been around probably far longer. I dont' know what compressors they use.

Engle is good with their spec sheet for power usage - average draw of 0.54a with up to 3a for compressor startup. I like the 'dual zone' to keep frozen veggies and pre-made foods frozen (can't forget the ice cream). But, I really am not a fan of the 'combination' fridge/freezer style of cooling. Although ARB also does this, only their 101 quart option is a true dual zone. Guess I got spoiled by the snomaster. I also am not a fan of the temp selector of the Eangle - it's old school like a cheap apartment fridge dial, so you dont really know what the temp is set at. But, it has a history and a well known name.

No clue what ARB draws, they only list their minimum draw of 0.8a - so they probably are in the 5-6a range for compressor startup? Of course they are also well known. This one does not have a freezer option though - but, honestly not sure if I would or would not want/need that option.

For comparison my snomaster drew up to a measurable 7a for compressor startup, is a true dual zone, and the compressor is mounted on rubber springy grommets.

Can anybody speak to either of these two options?

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[PlayfulBird]

Engel is an will always be an OG just like National Lunar

Also look at other SnoMaster options, >I prefere SnoMaster

 

[chorky]

Engel is an will always be an OG just like National Lunar

Also look at other SnoMaster options, >I prefere SnoMaster

My snomaster has done well thus far. I got it when they were pretty new to the market and took a chance but have been pretty darn happy that it hasn't had any issues! but they dont have a good bed mounting option that I am aware of whereas ARB and Engel, and probably National Luna all have slid mount options.

 

[PlayfulBird]

My snomaster has done well thus far. I got it when they were pretty new to the market and took a chance but have been pretty darn happy that it hasn't had any issues! but they dont have a good bed mounting option that I am aware of whereas ARB and Engel, and probably National Luna all have slid mount options.

meh, some will fit their fridges, the low profile ones are solid. alu cab has fitting slides. otherwise, go for diy

 

[ToJTornottoJT]

Engle uses the SAWAFUJI SWING MOTOR which just has the reciprocating mass as the only moving part. The original ARB's had SAWAFUJI SWING MOTOR also until they switch to the Danfoss Motor. I have two Engles, one that is over 25 years old that runs 24/7/365 days a year in my office, and a MR040 (plastic cased unit) that has been running 24/7/365 for about 10 years.

My nephew works for Doctors without borders and they use an Engle when they transport organs, vaccines, etc... but theirs cools and heats and maintains the same exact temp.

Engle all the way for me.

 

[chorky]

meh, some will fit their fridges, the low profile ones are solid. alu cab has fitting slides. otherwise, go for diy

Yeah I dont have fabrication abilities so DIY isn't really gonna happen unless it's super simple. No shop for this guy..... :-(

Engle uses the SAWAFUJI SWING MOTOR which just has the reciprocating mass as the only moving part. The original ARB's had SAWAFUJI SWING MOTOR also until they switch to the Danfoss Motor. I have two Engles, one that is over 25 years old that runs 24/7/365 days a year in my office, and a MR040 (plastic cased unit) that has been running 24/7/365 for about 10 years.

My nephew works for Doctors without borders and they use an Engle when they transport organs, vaccines, etc... but theirs cools and heats and maintains the same exact temp.

Engle all the way for me.

Oh interesting. I knew the snomaster has the danfoss motor, but what is so special about the swing motor in engle?? I've not heard of that one before.

 

[PlayfulBird]

Yeah I dont have fabrication abilities so DIY isn't really gonna happen unless it's super simple. No shop for this guy..... :-(




Oh interesting. I knew the snomaster has the danfoss motor, but what is so special about the swing motor in engle?? I've not heard of that one before.

like i said engel is th OG. Medical organs blood meds

the snomaster is a copy if I remember of the design, but it works imo

get someone to build something or look at clear view or someone/thing that fits. Shame to go for a fridge after the slide rather than other way around

 

[ToJTornottoJT]

Yeah I dont have fabrication abilities so DIY isn't really gonna happen unless it's super simple. No shop for this guy..... :-(




Oh interesting. I knew the snomaster has the danfoss motor, but what is so special about the swing motor in engle?? I've not heard of that one before.

The swing motor literally only has one moving part. Very little heat and very little to wear out or go wrong.

 

[ToJTornottoJT]

Yeah I dont have fabrication abilities so DIY isn't really gonna happen unless it's super simple. No shop for this guy..... :-(




Oh interesting. I knew the snomaster has the danfoss motor, but what is so special about the swing motor in engle?? I've not heard of that one before.

 

[Mbryson]

Timely thread. I'd like to have a fridge that fits on the floor behind the drivers seat and the rear passenger seat. Rear seat up or down would work fine for me. Anyone have anything sitting there? (I like my truck bed available for other "truck" things and sacrificing the drivers side rear seat footwell seems to be the best thing for me.)

 

[hjdca]

I have an Engel in my Gladiator bed always 24/7 and for over 2 very hot summers (almost 2 years). It is covered with a hard tonneau cover and has gone through many 4 wheel trips and about 6 badge of honor trails. It's reliability has been very, very impressive.

 

[Free2roam]

I've got the Iceco Vl60D. Honestly can't attest to the longevity of it yet. Waiting on my camper to install it. But I do believe it can tilt up to 40° and still function.

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