Here I’ve pictured the dometic CFF45 43.5L fridge and freezer and also the Dune4wd 45L. Does anyone have any advice / experiences with these fridges that would make me buy the other? Or alternatively have a better fridge with the same capacity and roughly same price range? They both are currently going for the same price which is $600AUD, but the dometic comes with the cover
If you’re on a budget, I highly recommend Setpower for 12V refrigerators. I own two and they’ve handled plenty of rough use without any issues. They often have good sales and have been very reliable for me.
@Harlow
That brand wasn’t on my list, but I see it has 4+ stars on Amazon. Thanks for the recommendation—I’ll check it out!
Zion said:
@Harlow
That brand wasn’t on my list, but I see it has 4+ stars on Amazon. Thanks for the recommendation—I’ll check it out!
If you decide on Setpower, look up the calibration process. Both of mine needed it initially, but it’s simple to do with a remote BBQ thermometer.
Does this brand have a front-wheel-drive (FWD) model? 4WD might be a bit much for a fridge’s compressor!
Four-wheel drive on a fridge? Sounds gimmicky. I’d be skeptical of any brand using marketing like that.
I bought a fridge with a compressor and Bluetooth control through an app on my phone. It plugs into my car and lets me manage the temperature and energy usage. I love it for road trips and camping—it’s so much better than relying on ice.
@Kirby
Was it similar to the Dometic or Dune model shown in the image?
Lennon said:
@Kirby
Was it similar to the Dometic or Dune model shown in the image?
It’s actually a random brand I found on Amazon called JicSuXi. It’s smaller than the ones you’re considering but works great for my needs.
Are these fridges reliable? I often see stacks of returned Dometic models at the REI resale store, which makes me hesitant.
Zain said:
Are these fridges reliable? I often see stacks of returned Dometic models at the REI resale store, which makes me hesitant.
I tried the Dometic CFX3-95 for camping and festivals, but I ended up returning it. The temperature swings were inconsistent—sometimes freezing food, other times it wasn’t cold enough. I switched to a cheaper Vevor fridge, which has been surprisingly reliable for four years now. It has slightly higher power consumption, but it’s been great as long as it stays out of direct sunlight.
I own the Dometic CFX3-75, and it’s been running flawlessly in my basement for two years. It’s efficient, quiet, and reliable. I monitor its power usage with a smart plug and a solar setup for camping. Highly recommend it if you’re looking for a dependable fridge for outdoor use!
I went with the Anker EverFrost 30, which has been a game changer. It has a removable battery, plenty of USB ports, and runs efficiently for about five days on a single charge at 41°F. I pair it with a 100W solar panel to keep it topped off while camping. It’s quieter and more versatile than the Dometic, and I find it to be a better value for the price.