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Whynter AC/DC Fridge/Freezer review

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  • Whynter AC/DC Fridge/Freezer review



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    I picked up this fridge/freezer a month or so ago. Figured it has shown itself enough to give a review on it. The model I have is 65 quarts. Right now it is operating as a household freezer for normal household freezer items that will be used in the short term. Long term storage is in a larger chest freezer.

    Overall I'm happy with the quality of the hardware. Latches, hinges and handles seem to be sturdy. I wouldn't toss it around in the back of a pickup without tying it down, but overall it seems robust. The compressor is rated for operating at 0-30deg angles. Which was one of the buying points for me so it can be used on the move. The power supply is 110 vac, 12 or 24 vdc which I think is pretty darn nice since it gives a lot of options.

    Power consumption is right about as stated in the description. I've measured it drawing from all three power sources. There's some +/-, but that will always happen between real world and lab settings. Still, it's a low draw no matter how you shake it. I have mine operating set at -8 deg. I think the "fast freeze" mode is somewhat of a gimmick. I could see no more power draw when that was on. Without drawing more power I can't see how it could cool faster. It is a small space so it cools quickly.

    There aren't many cons. I would like to see more insulation. I think I will be adding some around it for an in home install. I will probably also add an external thermostat switch that has more of a range and measures from the top of the freezer instead of the bottom. I think one could get much more efficient operation overnight (saving battery power) with a larger temperature spread. Right now I have it turn off in the middle of the night and then back on at sunup. It holds temperature fine with an acceptable rise. I just think it could be better.

    Engel is a competing brand that is twice the price. They are supposed to be top of the line and used a lot in marine applications. I'm sure they are really nice, but I couldn't justify the cost.

    Overall I'm really happy with it and have plans to add a second (though probably smaller) as a refrigerator. So if you are in the market for such an item or looking to have lower power refrigeration for long term or backup it is worth checking out.
    Last edited by SeldomSeenSlim; 12-11-2012, 12:57 PM.

  • #2
    I checked out their website and noticed that the 45, 65 and 85 quart units all have the same power ratings. I would guess that they all use the same compressor/exchange systems. I really like the low power ratings. It looks like that'd make a great backup unit hooked up to either a solar unit or a generator/battery combination.
    "Common sense might be common but it is by no means wide spread." Mark Twain

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