Michael and I are trying to decide between these 2 mini-fridges as a replacement for our current full-sized one. Both are big ticket items ($600-700) so comprehensive research is necessary. We would like to be able to eventually use the new fridge in our tiny trailer and/or other remote, off-grid applications.
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| The Engel MT45 Volume: 43 quart (40 liter) Ext. dimensions: 25.5″ x 14.3″ x 20″… Shipping weight: 66 lbs |
The Sundanzer DCR-50 Volume: 52 quart (50 liter) Ext. dimensions: 36.8″ x 26.2″ x 34.5″ Shipping weight: 70 lbs |
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The SunDanzer is roughly twice as efficient as the Engel, largely due to the fact that the insulation is twice as thick. The Engel, being smaller, is more well suited to travel and is a trusted name in the vehicle expedition community. We’re leaning towards the Engel. However, the SunDanzer is to our knowledge the most efficient mini-fridge out there — the manufacturer claims it can run on just one 45 watt solar panel, but no reviews currently exist to back that up.
It’s a game of flexibility vs. efficiency. Any input from you, dear readers?
***Update 1/27/11***
It occurred to me that I should update this post. Since we bought our house, we eventually purchased an Energy Star rated 10 cubic foot “apartment sized” Summit refrigerator. It’s quite efficient and suits our needs. There may be a solar-powered mini-fridge in our future, but for now the search is off. Still curious if there are any reviews on the Sundanzer…
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
If you have room..and I don’t believe the better Sundanzer takes up THAT much more space, does it? So, I would go with the more efficient and larger refrigerator. We like to store leftovers so we eat cheaper instead of wasting food.
You could be the first to write a review on it. Your description states that it is more efficient…so, if you don’t like it…send it back for a refund and get the other one.
We live off-grid and last year we found a solution for this problem that works great and is way cheaper…. Basically you get the most energy effecient chest FREEZER you can find and then use an external thermostat to turn it into a fridge.
We shopped the energy star tags at our local home improvement store and found a super efficient whirlpool freezer, way cheaper than the solar specific solutions mentioned above. When turned into a fridge it uses less energy that the expensive models too.
Here are helpful links. The second link contains the thermostat you can order instead of having to make it yourself…
http://mtbest.net/chest_fridge.html
http://www.groovygreen.com/groove/?p=792
Get a small one for a tiny house.
We were so happy with the set up we bought another identical whirlpool to use as a separate freezer, without the external thermostat.
Wow, are you the real Jello Biafra? I am honored that you read this site and thank you so much for your input.
I have to admit I had been leaving freezers out of my search but that’s an excellent idea. Gotta love those Australians! I’ll definitely research those links. We were aiming for a weight limit of 70 lbs or so.
Have you measured the total watt hours of your setup? I’d be curious to know…
I’m thinking of taking the kitchenette out of my VW Westfalia Van and putting in shelving/more useable storage.. I’ve been looking at different coolers or mini fridge options and had been looking at the Koolatron brand thermo-electric fridges until I realized that they only keep things cold about 30 degrees below whatever temperature is around them. No good. I’m now thinking very seriously about putting solar panels up on the roof of my van and having a little energy efficient Engel fridge inside instead. The SunDanzer is way too big for my little van. I’m thinking about the 40 quart Marine Engel fridge, though, which is a little smaller and less expensive than the 43 quart EngelMT45.
Hi Sonja,
Thanks for pointing that out. Yes, we’re still leaning towards the Engel and will consider the MR040. The Sundanzer may be twice as efficient but it’s just too big, and the Engel is still pretty darn efficient. It’s a matter of something like a 70-85 watt panel versus a 45 watt panel. Good luck with your Westie!
If you’re leaning towards the Engel, but would like to have more efficiency coudn’t you build a custom box to insulate the Engel when it’s in it’s final resting place (or buy a travel bag)? Then you would still enjoy the portability of the Engel when you used it for travel. just a thought.
BTW here’s a nice review of the Engel 45 (not my sire).
http://www.expeditionportal.com/equipment/equipment_reviews/fridge/engel/index.php
Thanks Michael, that’s a great idea to build an outside shell so as to have a travel and non-travel option. I’ll check out that link too.
In addition to the two units mentioned, you might consider one of the EdgeStar models as an economical alternative, costing about 30% less than the Engel and SunDanzer ( http://tinyurl.com/4roykn5 ). They have three sizes, each can be used as fridge or freezer (set digital control to desired temperature) and operate off of 12- or 24-volts DC as well as 120-volts AC. I own the smallest one and am very happy with it. I use it in my motorhome on 12-volt solar system.
Great find — thanks! We’re still using Coleman extreme coolers for travel but will look into this when we’re ready.