Am looking at Kick Ass and Opposite Lock fridges, any feedback would be great
KJB said
04:57 PM Sep 6, 2017
Make sure you look at Bushman and also Trailblaza . Both companies produce excellent performers and also both offer an honest ,obliging and efficient back up service (rare these days). I have both brands (Trailblaza since 1988 and more recently a Bushman as well)
KB
Mike Harding said
07:39 PM Sep 6, 2017
Bill Brealey wrote:
Am looking at Kick Ass and Opposite Lock fridges, any feedback would be great
I wouldn't buy anything from a company which was so uncouth as to label their products "Kick Ass" - no doubt they are as stupid as they sound.
And "Opposite Lock" strongly suggest they have bought a container load of no-name Chinese fridge and stuck their own badge on it.
The usual brands will probably give good service and my TechniIce fridge/freezer has done well for the past 18 months.
Moose2 said
07:34 AM Sep 7, 2017
KJB wrote:
Make sure you look at Bushman and also Trailblaza . Both companies produce excellent performers and also both offer an honest ,obliging and efficient back up service (rare these days). I have both brands (Trailblaza since 1988 and more recently a Bushman as well)
KB
Absolutely spot on. Have had a Trailblaza for yonks. Excellent fridge. Son has a Bushman - recently broke a hinge - company sent 2 immediately. He's very happy with the fridge and the backup service.
No knowledge on the 2 you mentioned but suggest you stick to the well known ones. They may be dearer but you want something reliable and with good backup in case something does go wrong.
Aus-Kiwi said
08:35 AM Sep 7, 2017
Called into local fridge repaire the other day to look into going compressor fridge . I have forgot what he said about model numbers . But it's a good place to ask about what model" is best . In this case not just brand . He seemed to have ALL of them there ., He said one or two models of popular brand has never been through his doors and they've been out for 8 years or so . The worry was the one I have . He had 4 in for repair !! Another thing .. Some fridges get treated bad . Some where only 2 years old and looked 20 years ., I guess outside conditions ?
Papou said
10:25 AM Sep 7, 2017
Apart from price doubt you can go past Waeco.
They freeze so clean and run quiet.
keiron said
10:40 AM Sep 7, 2017
"EvaKool", made in Qld.
Mine is 6-7 years old and runs 24/7 -- in my garage when not on the road.
Has operated in 40+ degree outback environment, also minus 8 degrees in Bungendore recently. Never missed beat, and is mostly full of food and fluids.
And does not need a "blanket" to help it keep things cold, unlike some of the European stuff, which are designed to operate in europe, and need the insulation cover to assist it's operation in the temperature extremes' that we encounter here in Oz
I am a happy "EvaKool" user. KB
macka17 said
10:57 AM Sep 7, 2017
Had Waeco. Land and Marine split units, for over 30 yrs.
Only ever changed one slightly warped lid. and a front fan.
Keiron.
That's a slightly SILLY outlook.
My Waeco's are\work fine. inside Patrols in the 40+ deg's etc.
Been round Central and Eastern Aust about a dozen times and more.
BUT. I bought a 2.5mtr length of 17mm hard ducting insulation
when they newish. Grey with silver backing sheet.
Covers both my 80ltr and 18 ltr. Including a Flap lid.
The efficiency of fridge improves about 40%. Just ticks over as a freezer.
In rear of Patrols.
Lift the top flap. Freezer lid is covered completely in Condensation.
Cold as.
Much higher efficiency results in cooler contents in ALL climates.
aLess fuel used to do so.
and LESS wear and tear on freezing components.
SOrry mate.
I think alternately to you.
PS. I've had mates and others travelling\sailing with us.
after seeing the results of mine,
a lot. Modified theirs too.
ANYTHING you can improve. IS a bonus. Is the way I think.
Cheap and easy for max results, believe me.
Des and Jane said
04:17 PM Sep 7, 2017
Bought a Kogan 6 months ago (on price alone)and it didn't work right from the start. Notified them and was told to return it at their cost for inspection. Turns out that the compressor was faulty, was offered an exchange but I said NO and was given full refund.a Still looking for one for the coming summer. Mate got one from ALDI last year and it hasn't missed a beat.
-- Edited by Des and Jane on Thursday 7th of September 2017 04:19:11 PM
Onedodger said
05:18 PM Sep 7, 2017
We have had an Engel since 1995 and so far still working great. It has been in the vehicle when we have done many 4wd tracks without a problem.
toglhot said
05:26 PM Sep 7, 2017
I got the Waeco fridge from Aldi also, rebranded as a Stirling. It's a CF40 model so not the latest tech but it works well and was cheap at $499 for a 40 litre, it also came with a padded cover. There are quite a few sites that have reviewed most of the fridges, that's where I'd start. 'Product Review' is also a good site for research as the reviews are by actual owners, and the reviews are sometimes over an extended period giving you an insight into their longevity!
Years ago when I was looking for my first, I went to a local stockist/repairer who sold and repaired both Waeco and Engel. I asked what he thought was best, his reply: "I'm an agent for both Waeco and Engel so it wouldn't be appropriate for me to say one is better than the other; however, I can tell you I see far fewer Engels returned for warranty repairs". Based on that I bought the Engel, never had any problems with it, it was extremely frugal battery wise and kept everything at the right temp, only sold it because it didn't fit in our vehicle at the time - too high. I've had two more since, both Waeco CFs, still have them, a 25 and a 40, never had any problems.
-- Edited by toglhot on Thursday 7th of September 2017 05:36:08 PM
buffy61 said
05:35 PM Sep 7, 2017
We got a cheap brand fridge online about 6 yrs ago. Had no problem with it until recently. It died. But at around $500 I was quite happy with that. Have just bought another online...$380 approx for 65l. Running as an extra freezer at home now. For that price, if we get 5yrs out of it, I'm happy!
dirvine said
11:30 PM Sep 7, 2017
I have an Engel. Bought in 1974 and still going strong, and never been repaired. I do serious 4wding and it has been through all sorts of trial and tribulations- roll overs, +45C heat, been dropped off the back of the car and it still keeps going. It has been my garage fridge, beer fridge, overflow fridge, and holiday fridge. All I will say is that when people compare fridge makes, one name comes up as the name that all others are compared to. And in my opinion there is only one reason...because it is the best. It has a motor that is unique to the brand and has been in their fridges since inception. Clearly it has stood the test of time. In my opinion you dont need back up, because nothing goes wrong because it has been built to last in the first place. If a selling point is that there are service agents all round Australia, then my thought is it cannot be a very reliable unit. Also I cannot understand when people outlay money, only get a few years service and think thats OK as it was cheap! I guess it depends when and where it breaks down, and what it had in it at the time. I need a fridge that will work reliably in the extreme remote areas and I do not want to be worried about will it break down. Just buy the best and buy ONCE!
Ger08 said
11:35 PM Sep 7, 2017
Mike Harding wrote:
Bill Brealey wrote:
Am looking at Kick Ass and Opposite Lock fridges, any feedback would be great
I wouldn't buy anything from a company which was so uncouth as to label their products "Kick Ass" - no doubt they are as stupid as they sound.
And "Opposite Lock" strongly suggest they have bought a container load of no-name Chinese fridge and stuck their own badge on it.
The usual brands will probably give good service and my TechniIce fridge/freezer has done well for the past 18 months.
I'm pretty certain the Opposite Lock fridges are from South Africa
Juggenaut said
10:06 AM Sep 8, 2017
Kick Ass gear is excellent, I have the fridge which comes with a 5year warranty through Eva Kool, Anderson plug connectors, usb. also have their compressor, Battery box. Have had no problems whatsoever.
WRV said
09:26 PM Sep 11, 2017
Agree with David Irvine, bought an Engle because most recommendations from 4x4 drivers i know were for the Engle, never looked back.
mr glassies said
06:35 PM Sep 12, 2017
Ever kool chest camping fridge is a weaco
Esperian said
11:02 PM Sep 24, 2017
I bought 1 year ago fridge with small freezer for 186.00 A$ at Aldie. It is a 129 litre small 240V AC fridge. I used it on camping for 6 months with no smallest problem, with my 200Amp battery bank 370W of solar panels and small 600W inverter. I did run all on 240VAC, and never run out of power - except if there was couple of rainy days - despite my using my laptop for many, many hours a day, plus fan, and light for about 4-5 hours each night, which happened last summer few times in SA. I just run then my small inverter-gennie for one hour and all was great again. I use it now where I live in Lightning Ridge, together with my big domestic fridge. Just recent I have fitted it to my caravan. Those fridges are excellent, use little power, only some 38W or so, and run just perfect. I did run it, until only a few days ago, in full sun outside of caravan, and never seen a difference in its freezing and cooling power. Always runs just great.
-- Edited by Esperian on Sunday 24th of September 2017 11:09:34 PM
Code4 said
07:54 AM Oct 29, 2021
The five year Kick Ass warranty is one of the best. Would seem to indicate faith in their product. Replacing dudd items has a cost for the distributor.
Possum3 said
08:50 AM Oct 29, 2021
John, Welcome to G/N's. Unfortunately you have clicked on to a four year old link - and as your Code 4 name indicates - the post is no longer urgent.
Take the time to look around all the various areas of the site, and I'm sure you will enjoy it and get the hang of it all - it's a bit clunky, but then aren't we all.
Bicyclecamper said
05:30 PM Oct 29, 2021
My first fridge was a Finch in 1977, it died a slow death in 06'. and I bought a new 41 litre Finch in 07' does what it is supposed to do, very happy with it.
Buzz Lightbulb said
12:49 PM Oct 30, 2021
I bought an XTM back in 2019 for our Tassie trip. Itworked really well and we still use it to quarantine cold food from the shops to the home fridge. I think that XTM is Waco after they changed their name or bought out?
Sarco Harris said
08:05 PM Oct 30, 2021
I have two Engel fridges, number one being an old green coloured one bought second hand in about 1990, the label indicates it was made in 1986. The other, a grey coloured model bought my my late father on his retirement in 1997.
The grey model, while it still functions, is unreliable due to a gas blockage (diagnosed by a Engel technician at the importers) circulating in the system. 80% of the time it operates fine, the problem is the other 20%. It is according them and several other refrigeration techs as unrepairable.
To me, a REAL fridge tech would be able to drain the gas, flush the lines and re-gas, yes it may mean actual "work" but it seems nobody does that "work" anymore.
The old green model still functions to this day perfectly well. As such we use it anytime we do a trip.
Whenarewethere said
08:22 PM Oct 30, 2021
A friend repaired office printers. He said the company imported complete printers by the container load & pulled them apart for the parts. It was cheaper & simpler. The remaining parts which they had far too many, go to landfill.
peatop said
05:55 PM Oct 31, 2021
Sarco Harris wrote:
I have two Engel fridges, number one being an old green coloured one bought second hand in about 1990, the label indicates it was made in 1986. The other, a grey coloured model bought my my late father on his retirement in 1997.
The grey model, while it still functions, is unreliable due to a gas blockage (diagnosed by a Engel technician at the importers) circulating in the system. 80% of the time it operates fine, the problem is the other 20%. It is according them and several other refrigeration techs as unrepairable.
To me, a REAL fridge tech would be able to drain the gas, flush the lines and re-gas, yes it may mean actual "work" but it seems nobody does that "work" anymore.
The old green model still functions to this day perfectly well. As such we use it anytime we do a trip.
Your right about nobody likes to repair anymore, I bought an Electrolux 240 or 220 ltr gas fridge in the early 90's for somewhere around $2000 maybe $2200 I forget it was back when could remember stuff, but anyway 3 years later it found a hole in the pipework and leaked the gas out, the only place to get it repaired was Elelctrolux in Richmond after calling them and being told that it's best to tip it and just buy another, I went to town on the guy and said dude who the #%*^ would pay 2k for a fridge that only lasts 3 years? I did tip it and never bought another Electrolux product. it just needed to be soldered and re gassed, damn really easy job I used to build refrige units but I didn't have access to the gas so couldn't repair it myself.
In the case of something in the pipework though that can be a big job as all or most parts need to be replaced if there has been an inclusion within the system, but if it's gas not compressor then you just roll it and leave a couple of mins the roll again, this circulates the liquid refrigerant and move the object out of the jets (usually) but rolling it can kill a compressor if it has one.
lffoar said
07:10 AM Nov 1, 2021
+ 1 for Waeco, simply great
StewG said
12:10 PM Nov 1, 2021
I bought an Engel 36 litre 10+ years ago for ~$1,200. A couple of years ago the 12V system stopped working although it still ran on 240V. What to do? Repair cost me ~$500. I could have bought a new other brand for that, but It is the right size, looks like new, uses little power and keeps accurate temperature under all conditions. It has operated all year round in the garage, on trips, has only let me down once in over 10 years. I'm happy with that.
Make sure you look at Bushman and also Trailblaza . Both companies produce excellent performers and also both offer an honest ,obliging and efficient back up service (rare these days). I have both brands (Trailblaza since 1988 and more recently a Bushman as well)
KB
I wouldn't buy anything from a company which was so uncouth as to label their products "Kick Ass" - no doubt they are as stupid as they sound.
And "Opposite Lock" strongly suggest they have bought a container load of no-name Chinese fridge and stuck their own badge on it.
The usual brands will probably give good service and my TechniIce fridge/freezer has done well for the past 18 months.
Absolutely spot on. Have had a Trailblaza for yonks. Excellent fridge. Son has a Bushman - recently broke a hinge - company sent 2 immediately. He's very happy with the fridge and the backup service.
No knowledge on the 2 you mentioned but suggest you stick to the well known ones. They may be dearer but you want something reliable and with good backup in case something does go wrong.
"EvaKool", made in Qld.
Mine is 6-7 years old and runs 24/7 -- in my garage when not on the road.
Has operated in 40+ degree outback environment, also minus 8 degrees in Bungendore recently. Never missed beat, and is mostly full of food and fluids.
And does not need a "blanket" to help it keep things cold, unlike some of the European stuff, which are designed to operate in europe, and need the insulation cover to assist it's operation in the temperature extremes' that we encounter here in Oz
I am a happy "EvaKool" user. KB
Only ever changed one slightly warped lid. and a front fan.
Keiron.
That's a slightly SILLY outlook.
My Waeco's are\work fine. inside Patrols in the 40+ deg's etc.
Been round Central and Eastern Aust about a dozen times and more.
BUT. I bought a 2.5mtr length of 17mm hard ducting insulation
when they newish. Grey with silver backing sheet.
Covers both my 80ltr and 18 ltr. Including a Flap lid.
The efficiency of fridge improves about 40%. Just ticks over as a freezer.
In rear of Patrols.
Lift the top flap. Freezer lid is covered completely in Condensation.
Cold as.
Much higher efficiency results in cooler contents in ALL climates.
aLess fuel used to do so.
and LESS wear and tear on freezing components.
SOrry mate.
I think alternately to you.
PS. I've had mates and others travelling\sailing with us.
after seeing the results of mine,
a lot. Modified theirs too.
ANYTHING you can improve. IS a bonus. Is the way I think.
Cheap and easy for max results, believe me.
Bought a Kogan 6 months ago (on price alone)and it didn't work right from the start.
Notified them and was told to return it at their cost for inspection.
Turns out that the compressor was faulty, was offered an exchange but I said NO and was given full refund.a
Still looking for one for the coming summer.
Mate got one from ALDI last year and it hasn't missed a beat.
-- Edited by Des and Jane on Thursday 7th of September 2017 04:19:11 PM
We have had an Engel since 1995 and so far still working great. It has been in the vehicle when we have done many 4wd tracks without a problem.
I got the Waeco fridge from Aldi also, rebranded as a Stirling. It's a CF40 model so not the latest tech but it works well and was cheap at $499 for a 40 litre, it also came with a padded cover. There are quite a few sites that have reviewed most of the fridges, that's where I'd start. 'Product Review' is also a good site for research as the reviews are by actual owners, and the reviews are sometimes over an extended period giving you an insight into their longevity!
Years ago when I was looking for my first, I went to a local stockist/repairer who sold and repaired both Waeco and Engel. I asked what he thought was best, his reply: "I'm an agent for both Waeco and Engel so it wouldn't be appropriate for me to say one is better than the other; however, I can tell you I see far fewer Engels returned for warranty repairs". Based on that I bought the Engel, never had any problems with it, it was extremely frugal battery wise and kept everything at the right temp, only sold it because it didn't fit in our vehicle at the time - too high. I've had two more since, both Waeco CFs, still have them, a 25 and a 40, never had any problems.
-- Edited by toglhot on Thursday 7th of September 2017 05:36:08 PM
I'm pretty certain the Opposite Lock fridges are from South Africa
Kick Ass gear is excellent, I have the fridge which comes with a 5year warranty through Eva Kool, Anderson plug connectors, usb. also have their compressor, Battery box. Have had no problems whatsoever.
Ever kool chest camping fridge is a weaco
I bought 1 year ago fridge with small freezer for 186.00 A$ at Aldie. It is a 129 litre small 240V AC fridge. I used it on camping for 6 months with no smallest problem, with my 200Amp battery bank 370W of solar panels and small 600W inverter. I did run all on 240VAC, and never run out of power - except if there was couple of rainy days - despite my using my laptop for many, many hours a day, plus fan, and light for about 4-5 hours each night, which happened last summer few times in SA. I just run then my small inverter-gennie for one hour and all was great again. I use it now where I live in Lightning Ridge, together with my big domestic fridge. Just recent I have fitted it to my caravan. Those fridges are excellent, use little power, only some 38W or so, and run just perfect. I did run it, until only a few days ago, in full sun outside of caravan, and never seen a difference in its freezing and cooling power. Always runs just great.
-- Edited by Esperian on Sunday 24th of September 2017 11:09:34 PM
The five year Kick Ass warranty is one of the best. Would seem to indicate faith in their product. Replacing dudd items has a cost for the distributor.
Take the time to look around all the various areas of the site, and I'm sure you will enjoy it and get the hang of it all - it's a bit clunky, but then aren't we all.
I bought an XTM back in 2019 for our Tassie trip. Itworked really well and we still use it to quarantine cold food from the shops to the home fridge. I think that XTM is Waco after they changed their name or bought out?
The grey model, while it still functions, is unreliable due to a gas blockage (diagnosed by a Engel technician at the importers) circulating in the system. 80% of the time it operates fine, the problem is the other 20%. It is according them and several other refrigeration techs as unrepairable.
To me, a REAL fridge tech would be able to drain the gas, flush the lines and re-gas, yes it may mean actual "work" but it seems nobody does that "work" anymore.
The old green model still functions to this day perfectly well. As such we use it anytime we do a trip.
A friend repaired office printers. He said the company imported complete printers by the container load & pulled them apart for the parts. It was cheaper & simpler. The remaining parts which they had far too many, go to landfill.
Your right about nobody likes to repair anymore, I bought an Electrolux 240 or 220 ltr gas fridge in the early 90's for somewhere around $2000 maybe $2200 I forget it was back when could remember stuff, but anyway 3 years later it found a hole in the pipework and leaked the gas out, the only place to get it repaired was Elelctrolux in Richmond after calling them and being told that it's best to tip it and just buy another, I went to town on the guy and said dude who the #%*^ would pay 2k for a fridge that only lasts 3 years? I did tip it and never bought another Electrolux product. it just needed to be soldered and re gassed, damn really easy job I used to build refrige units but I didn't have access to the gas so couldn't repair it myself.
In the case of something in the pipework though that can be a big job as all or most parts need to be replaced if there has been an inclusion within the system, but if it's gas not compressor then you just roll it and leave a couple of mins the roll again, this circulates the liquid refrigerant and move the object out of the jets (usually) but rolling it can kill a compressor if it has one.