Comments on: Comparing solar-powered mini-fridges

By: thistinyhouse

thistinyhouse — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:01:35 +0000

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.

By: Michael W

Michael W — Tue, 26 May 2009 15:41:07 +0000

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

By: thistinyhouse

thistinyhouse — Tue, 05 May 2009 02:33:51 +0000

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!

By: Sonja

Sonja — Tue, 05 May 2009 00:50:25 +0000

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.

By: thistinyhouse

thistinyhouse — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:12:54 +0000

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…

By: Jello Biafra

Jello Biafra — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 03:31:25 +0000

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.

By: Donna

Donna — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:13:24 +0000

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.