Waeco/Dometic cf50 ac/dc fridge freezer

[AlanLoshbaugh]

Has anyone here have positive or negative experience with the waeco/dometic52 quart fridge freezer?
It seems to have the same low power draw danfoss compressor as other more expensive units, and, it reviews well in other forums.
It seems like a better, lower cost "alterna-fridge" than the edgestar stuff, which have a higher current draw, and some amount of bad reviews based on power cord connector failures (whcih also seems easily fixed most of the time.

The waeco/dometic seels for about $550-ish.
The Edgestar sells for $500-ish and sometimes less.

 

[AlanLoshbaugh]

The waeco/dometic is 52 quart.
The edgestar/whynter is 63 quart.
Having never used one, I don't know if 52 quarts is enough? It would be for just me and my dog mostly, with the occasional girlfriend tag-along

Whytner

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I own both

If you are serious buy the Waeco
Just a weekender buy the Edgestar

Scratch and dent Edgestars (43Q & 63Q) can be had for ~$285 I have owned both sizes stayed with the 43Q

 

[AlanLoshbaugh]

It'll get used a lot, hopefully. That's the plan anyway
thanks for the reply

 

[AlanLoshbaugh]

Because I'm not yet that savvy about these things; I never really noticed the arb/engle/waeco are "single zone" and if you want frozen meat or ice cream, I guess you really want dual zone.

So maybe something like the waeco cfx-65dz is more better for "gonna be living out of my camping trailer for a week or three at a time" use...?
Capacity (Liters) 61 total
(19 freezer, 42 fridge)

 

[Martinjmpr]

Wife and I have been using an Indel-B (Truckfridge 41 qt for a couple of years and it's more than big enough for the two of us.
.
I had a Dometic CF18 and it worked great. Sold it because it was too small and got the Truckfridge instead. Now I wish I'd gotten the Dometic just because it looks like the lid is hinged on the long side rather than on the short side, which makes my Truckfridge a PITA to open up while in the truck. Other than that it works great.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Waeco CF-50 actually has an area above the compressor that runs about ~15° warmer than the other part of the fridge. This feature is what made my decision to go with Waeco. For the day I keep the main fridge very cold and use the warmer area for fruits, vegges, and leafed produce. Personally I have never had a use for a freezer in my travels.

 

[AlanLoshbaugh]

Are you saying: if you set it right, the waeco 50 could really be both fridge and freezer, via that temp difference?

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Are you saying: if you set it right, the waeco 50 could really be both fridge and freezer, via that temp difference?

All the above fridges have the ability to be used as a freezer. The Waeco just happens to have an area that works great for produce when used as a fridge. The area Im referring is much smaller than the main compartment.

 

[AlanLoshbaugh]

can you keep ice cream in that section?

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

can you keep ice cream in that section?

The smaller section is the warmer side.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

If your needs are for a true long term top of the line 12volt fridge/freezer the link below is what you want.

http://www.nationalluna.com/NLR60.htm

They dont get much better IMO

 

[psykokid]

I love my CF-50. Runs for about 4 days on my Arkpak with a 80ah AGM battery set at 32 deg with the insulating cover. Lives in the back of my truck full time.

 

[4x4junkie]

Has anyone here have positive or negative experience with the waeco/dometic52 quart fridge freezer?
It seems to have the same low power draw danfoss compressor as other more expensive units, and, it reviews well in other forums.
It seems like a better, lower cost "alterna-fridge" than the edgestar stuff, which have a higher current draw, and some amount of bad reviews based on power cord connector failures (whcih also seems easily fixed most of the time.

The waeco/dometic seels for about $550-ish.
The Edgestar sells for $500-ish and sometimes less.

I've tested my 43qt Edgestar under controlled conditions and found it's power consumption to be well within the average for similar-size fridges. You are correct about the power cord & socket arrangement being subpar (also the flimsy carrying handles). I did have to deal with these items early on with mine. That aside, it's been a great unit.

In this review (kindof dated now), a Waeco had the highest power consumption. Just looking at pics of the units, they don't appear to have as thick insulation. That said, I have not personally used one.
http://expeditionportal.com/overland-journal-portable-12v-fridge-review/

 

[takesiteasy]

We've had the Dometic cf50 for about 3 years and have had a good experience with it. Keeps the food cold. I haven't measured any power use statistics but we run ours off a Diehard group 34 marine battery (small- 68 ah) which has been sufficient. We are usually driving during the day to charge the battery but it will run the fridge for a couple of days without charging depending on how hot it is.