Compressor fridge - which one?

I have been trawling through the Dometic website as need to buy a fridge. I have been told a compressor fridge is best but there seems to be loads that are really similar. Any recommendations? I am not confined to a specific size as the interior units will be custom built to house it. My initial thoughts where maximum interior size (no freezer required) but that's as far as I got.

 

In terms of supply the Dometic/Electrolux RM212 is the most plentiful if you're looking for a second hand one.

 

Was going for new...

 

Isnt RM 212 an absorption fridge? If money is no obect and space neither than why ask! You really need to know what spec (approximately) you want it to fit in. The only way it wouldnt matter is if that were all you were to fit or your fitting a 3/4 bed. What are your plans? Waeco CR50 is popular!

 

RM212 is absorption, so will kill battery at a glance unless you plan....
You're right there are lots of compressor fridges on the market.
Make your choice based on size and design, but try and make sure the manufacturer uses the Danfoss BD35 compressor as they seem to be about the best on the market for reliability and power consumption.
These are popular:
http://www.obrienscamping.co.uk/Fridges/waeco_crp-40.htm

 

Great minds think alike or.......
.....fools never differ

 

I resemble that remark!

 

fridge in a tiny van is a massive divide for me
It goes against the original spec of the paravan
My heater needs no electric input and id like my fridge to be the same
That leaves me with an o so cool or an easicool but both are hard to come by complete in good condition

 

Compressor fridge powered from leisure with top up from solar panels is totally sustainable but pricey. but hell- if your going to live in a avn fror a period of time including hot european summers Id say its a necessity. Might know someone thats done exactly this!!

 

I bought the biggest capacity leisure battery I could, have a hook up with split charger and I I have solar panel to top it up.

Have I got this right - some fridges have the compressor separately to maximize the internal space?

Not really got a budget - just want to get the best I can whilst I am doing the interior.

 

Yes - wrong fridge. I should never attempt to post advice while drunk.

 

I dont have hands on experience but the CR50 has a compromise on space and albeit expensive the cost im told they are effective and reliable but perhaps someone who has one could comment (funny that never seems to happen here anymore and then you see pics of peoples interiors and they have one fitted) anyway - yes you can get other models with the gubbins that can be mounted remotely to keep the depth down if thats an issue.

 

The cb-40 is a top loader 40 litre with remote compressor that they say is ideal for solar panels. However there are none in the UK until 26 May and I want one do hands off until then!! Depends where you want to put it and the space and shape you have available

 

I'm regularly flipping between the CR50 and the CB40 as to the one I will put in my van. One part of me wants to put the CR50 in behind the bulkhead in my first cupboard but another part of me is liking the CF40 as I can put it next to the r&r bed and have an extra cupboard for all the pots and pans etc...

Then, another part of me likes the idea of the CF40 put in the walk through...

 

I think I have made a decision. Just spoke to Jacksons Leisure (anybody dealt with them before?) and they talked me through the range. I am going for the CR80 - bigger capacity as there are 5 of us in the family and the dimensions aren't much more than some of the smaller capacity ones, which is ok as the units are being built around the fridge. Next day delivery available and in stock. Also having the power adapter so it switches from 12 to 240V automatically. Seemed like knowledgeable guys and very approachable. Fridge = £549 power adapter = £59.95 and next day delivery = £29.50

 

What's the typical run time on a leisure battery? I have an 85 amp battery and was considering one of these. I am guessing the planning bit involves freezer blocks?

 

I can recommend the CR50 so with a big family I don't think you'll regret getting the CR80. I'm not sure why you would need a £60 power adapter for when you're on hookup. If you fit a battery charger which is powered by the 240v then you will charge your LB on hookup and the LB will power your fridge. £60 saved gets you a long way to paying for an all singing all dancing charger. I've got one as recommended by Matty but I'm blowed if I can remember the name and I'm far too lazy to go outside and look.

 

Ctek?

 

the fridge can run as 240 or 12. The adapter automatically senses if you are on hook up or leisure battery and switches accordingly. I guess its a convenience thing not having to manually switch between 12 and 240v as well as saving the juice in the battery whilst on hook up.

 

cheapest place we could find when we bought our compressor fridge was from here

http://chandlery.force4.co.uk/search#w=compressor fridge&ts=ajax

remember to look at chandlers as most boats run compressor fridges as cutting a vent hole in a boat doesn't work