I can either buys a Dometic upright compressor fridge for $1400- $1600 or a bunnings version (Glacio I think) for $332. obviously there would be a difference in qualit, but are the better known brands 5 times as good? I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with these cheap fridges.
-- Edited by Mantas on Saturday 8th of January 2022 12:57:56 PM
I think Kogan has had them for sale, a nd their have been plenty of returns, but have also heard some people are getting a good run out of them. They are not known to last more then a couple of years.
Welcome to GN's Mantas,
I have no experience with the compressor fridges - Dometic uprights (3 way) are OK but very expensive and require fitting by licenced gasfitter - I suppose if the Bunnings one gets the job done it is 25% of Dometic - Bunnings also have a very good refund policy if it doesn't do the job within warranty period.
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The middle one says it has a "chiller" (not freezer) and that it reaches -5 degrees. Only the 2 door has a proper freezer going to -18 degrees.
For short term use I suppose a freezer is not necessary, so it looks like a good choice for the budget concsious. But if it only lasts 2 years that is not cheap at $4-5 per week.
The smaller one is 50 watts and the 2 door one is 72 watts. Being a cheapie, I would be concerned that it may run constantly on hot days, and struggle to maintain temperatures. If so, that's 96 or 144 amp/hours respectively. That suggests a fair bit of solar to keep up, and you would need a separate charging solution for those days with less sun. This is one of the reasons people pay extra for a 3 way fridge.
Update: I had a closer look at the Bunnings listing. It is not actually sold by Bunnings, so their T&C do not apply. Change of mind returns are only allowed within 14 days and then you apparently need to pay delivery to Melbourne plus 15% restocking fee. You don't get to see all the details until you ask to return it.
-- Edited by Are We Lost on Saturday 8th of January 2022 05:56:33 PM
I had my 3 way in the van and I couldn't fault it, now back to a campertrailer, I am using my 3 way portable Fridge, have had it since 2008, and I cannot fault it as well. As we have never had more then one battery in a van or this camper, those compressor portable or upright fridge/freezers would never have worked. Keep your funds in Australia, and go with an Australian built Bushman, excellent warranty as well.
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Sunday 9th of January 2022 10:58:34 AM
Thanks for all the feedback. I think Ill steer clear of the Glacio fridges. It just sounds too cheap. Im also looking at Brass Monkey 95 litre upright compressor fridge for under $700. With 3 years warranty. Most likely Ill buy a Bushman.
Im currently using a 3 way (absorption) fridge but find that all refrigeration function is lost during transit in our motorhome. Which can be hours. Yes. They work fine if parked up for a long period of time. Hence our reason to upgrade to a compressor fridge.
Im currently using a 3 way (absorption) fridge but find that all refrigeration function is lost during transit in our motorhome. Which can be hours. Yes. They work fine if parked up for a long period of time.
That is likely because the fridge is not receiving a full 12V+ at its supply terminals. They are current hogs and it can be difficult to ensure a valid supply.
This is not a linear issue; such a fridge at 11V works a whole lot less well than the same fridge at 12V or 13V.
Edit:
You could simply run it on gas when travelling, best to avoid petrol stations though :)
-- Edited by Mike Harding on Sunday 9th of January 2022 02:43:19 PM
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Thanks for all the feedback. I think Ill steer clear of the Glacio fridges. It just sounds too cheap. Im also looking at Brass Monkey 95 litre upright compressor fridge for under $700. With 3 years warranty. Most likely Ill buy a Bushman.
Im currently using a 3 way (absorption) fridge but find that all refrigeration function is lost during transit in our motorhome. Which can be hours. Yes. They work fine if parked up for a long period of time. Hence our reason to upgrade to a compressor fridge.
Cheers Mantas.
BTW. Im a refrigeration mechanic by trade.
Bushman fridge (Model SC 35/52) performance is excellent - and Bushman "after sales service " is beyond reproach .....I have experienced this for 2 minor glitches .... they went beyond the "call of duty" and quickly. KB
Hi Mantas,
Again welcome to the forum - I trust you with enjoy your time with us & learn a bit, perhaps teach us a bit.
I have no idea about your Bunnings special but I do have a 32L Brass Monkey. I have been spoilt by having a Qld built Trailblazer 60L compressor fridge. It has insulation by the bucket load unlike the Brass Monkey.
The isulation on that is about 10mm thick (I didn't believe it had any until I drilled the lid).
The compressor seems to cut in more often than I thought it should - something like every 20 minutes & that is to cool to 4 degrees. They are cheap, have a good warranty but I don't think I'd get another.
I bought the optional cover & added a cut up gym mat to try to improve it.
The power pack in the Trailblazer gave up after 22 years, had it replaced ..... for another ?? years but the missus wants me to sell it.
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