So my adler barbour frig died about 18 month ago and I am replacing it this spring. Defender has AB, Norcold, and isotherm units. My current unit is air cooled and worked great til it died. Any idea which brand has the best reputation for longevity? Any help appreciated.
new refrigeration
- Thread starter ssardone
- Start date
AB Fridge
Our 1991 model boat came equipped with air cooled AB fridge and separate freezer units. We purchased her in 2002 and have kept both on 24/7 ever since. When we took possession the freezer needed to be recharged ($50) because it would not reach freezing temperature.
In 2004 the fridge control module died and I replaced it myself ($250). If at some point these units need to be replaced I will replace with AB. Just sayin.
Our 1991 model boat came equipped with air cooled AB fridge and separate freezer units. We purchased her in 2002 and have kept both on 24/7 ever since. When we took possession the freezer needed to be recharged ($50) because it would not reach freezing temperature.
In 2004 the fridge control module died and I replaced it myself ($250). If at some point these units need to be replaced I will replace with AB. Just sayin.
I replaced mine with a Seafrost small holding plate system similar to the AB I had for the refrig. Perfectly happy with it for the last five years. At the time, I had it with AB's customer service. That may have changed.
My current 2001 boat has an AB system that is running just fine. My last 1988 boat had an AB original equipment system and it was running just fine.
thanks for the replies. I talked to Kollmann-marine last year and got nowhere with that after doing all the diagnostics I could. I just ordered a new AB compressor and evaporator.
Our 1990 H33 came with a Norcold, which was the bane of my existence. I hated the thing, and it drew an incredible amount of power. I told the other half, "We are ripping this out!" We ended up putting our Engel from our other boat in the quarter berth (this thing is amazing- it is about 10 years old- our complaints are, "Oh crap, I turned it down too low and everything has formed ice!") We have 2 old 20W solar panels (we have not upgraded with our new ones yet, as we need a new arch to do so), which outpower the Engel when we are not at the liberty of shore power. Seriously, if the Engel goes to hades, I would buy another one in a heartbeat. As for the old "refrigerator storage area"- it makes good storage for extra provisions/drinking water.
I have a brand new, in the box, AB evaporator as a spare. If you end up needing one, let me know!