CampFridge1 wrote:
Here is something to consider, ammonia absorption refrigerators are energy hogs, and should only be used if you are dry camping and of course some of you would say a Freon refrigerator will work just as well. If you can run your fridge with solar and batteries then your right, but if anytime you have to kick on a generator to compensates to keep your food cold then the fuel you use on that generator has to be figured into the power consumption. Ammonia absorption fridges when a generator vs a propane flame are way more efficient, at that point an 8 cu ft fridge in the winter time uses about a gallon of propane a week and remember winter the sun is not always out. So how much fuel would a generator use running the house fridge at that point?
First, they have not used Freon in years.
Now: Both Dometic, Norcold and at least one other company sell a high effiency Compressor driven fridge, Where as a common residential Fridge draws upwards of 100 watts running (That would be an office/dorm size) some nearly as much as an absorption fridge,, Plus they have deforsting heaters in them that add even more to the consumption.. These power sippers draw a great grand 35-45 watts door closed, Add 25 watts if you open the door (For the light) or more.
Norcold, as I recall, also sells a Chest style box with this same technology. I do not know how cold it gets (Fridge or freezer) but the Engel model next to me as I type can do either (Adjustable) I can take it all the way to ZERO (F)
And as I said, it sucks 36 watts running.
When I replace my Absorption unit.. assuming I live that long. I'm going to look long and hard at these high effiency jobs.
