Brand Comparison on 12V Refrig's?

[Bob Pullen HC-33 1981]

Would appreciate any reviews/advice/suggestions of Norcold, Dometic, Nova Kool, Isotherm, 12V refrig's (and the 12/24/110 switchables)for use aboard a Hunter 33 ('81) in the western Caribbean? Looking at 2.7 to 3+ cu.ft. models. Decision criteria will be power consumption & reliability. Would prefer a purely fridge model (without freezer), but not so easy to find...so if anyone can advise on "off the shelf" solutions, we would be in your debt.thanks in advance for all the assistance we have found from some very helpful folks at this site!great thanksgiving posts as well. makes us appreciate a bit more what we take for granted and for which we should just as easily give thanks. many thanks for all the great help.Bob

 

[RichH]

Best forum for refrig. questions is Kollmanns site

Kollmann is apparently the acknowledged 'guru' on boat refrig. Good open forum. www.kollmann-marine.com/phpBB/

 

[ConchyJoe]

I agree with Rich

Drop Kollmann a line.The booth next to me at Stricly Sail Is the Technautics guy, name is Randy. You can reach him at www.technauticsinc.com or 800-568-8979.He has a very compelling story, and follow most of what Kollmann recommends.

 

[Bob Pullen HC-33 1981]

Comparing NovaKool, Norcold, Isotherm, 12v refrigs

Hithanks for the replies. I have emailed Kollman in the past, but the advice I'm seeking is from owners of these models, just purely comparative from a reliability and energy draw comparison. Any sailboat owners who have used these ready-made 12v refrig's?thanks muchBob

 

[Stu Jackson]

Here's one

Bob1. We have a 20 yr old Adler Barbour, works just fine.2. Another of our colleagues did something different: http://www.c34.org/projects/projects-refrigeration-2.html

 

[Steve Dion]

I had a Technautic's & Isotherm

Bob:I have had a Technautic Marine unit and it worked well. I now have a Isotherm. One advantage with the Isotherm unit is the fact that they have a SP (self pumping) unit. The freon (or other gas) is cooled with a thru hull fitting that replaces your galley sink drain thru hull. There is no fan on the copmpressor. This makes the unit more efficient and does not produce much heat in the interior of the boat (important in warm climates). We have a very well insulated ice box on our HV'36 and I have the unit turned all the way down and it is keeping the box at 38 degrees. Hopefully we can maintain 40-44 degrees during the warmest days during the summer. Most of the units actually use the same Danfoss 35 or 50 compressors. One feature that I liked on the Technautic unit was the holding plate instead of the evaporator plate.

 

[Bob Pullen HC-33 1981]

AC/DC Fridge Comparisons / Reviews?

Many thanks for the input. Not being a proficient DIY'er (yet), I am opting to stick with a self contained unit (with a warranty). Several recommendations seem to lean my decision in favor of the Norcold AC/DC (0051) model due to better ventilation and heat elimination, but keeping an open mind towards Nova Kool and Isotherm.thanks for the help -- very kind of all of you to offer your experienceBob