I would like some advice on purchasing a camping fridge. I don't want a great big thing just something that would keep milk, butter, cheese and of course the wine cool.
I would like one that has a mains adapter and as I am travelling in France would I need any other sort of adapter?
I would also need a cable to conect it to the mains.
I have never used electric on previous camping trips so this is new to me.
its not going to be cheap and forking out £50 for a electric hookup ,£10 for a mains converter is half the way to a three way fridge which should last a lifetime.
you can get round the converter by choosing a cooler with mains and 12v but to be truthful the thermo electric (the ones with fans in) dont really work well in temps over 21 degrees ,it may feel cool but its not in the safe zone of 3 to 5 degrees C .
even in sunny periods they cant be trusted in england unless you pay for top rate versions which are almost as much as so so 3 way ones.
I bought a cheap 240v household mini fridge (half the size of a standard fridge) from a hotel that was closing down which works ok. - but they do tell you not to use household appliances in a tent because of the damp.
Avoid those 12v coolers they are pants.
Get a proper 3 way fridge if you can afford it & then you won't be tied to ehu sites.
I had a 3 way fridge and bless the day I sold it. They are BIG, awkward to move and lighting the gas is always a hit and miss affair. They are also very fussy about being level.
You really can't beat a proper compressor model, but they are bit pricey. We bought a Waeco CF35 for a trip to Morocco last year and it worked perfectly, even in the heat of the Sahara. Left it running for about 30 hours on a car battery with no problem.
Somewhat cheaper, but allow an extra £30 for mains adaptor, are the Kampa Aqua Super Coolers, 26 litre and 14 litre. They were more expensive on ebay when I checked. Digital temperature readout and they can be used as a Fridge or Freezer. They appear to be somewhat better than the thermo electric ones I've seen and used before.
half the problem with at least our 3 way is seeing if its alight ,a small clear plastic tube like in upright 3 ways so you could see from inside if it were alight wouldnt cost the earth to include in their manufacture.
a mirror poked over the back isnt the best way
it does though light first or second click which is good
Quote: Originally posted by fatbloke28 on 24/5/2008
half the problem with at least our 3 way is seeing if its alight ,a small clear plastic tube like in upright 3 ways so you could see from inside if it were alight wouldnt cost the earth to include in their manufacture. a mirror poked over the back isnt the best way it does though light first or second click which is good
Our Dometic (formerly Electrolux) has a sort of vertical vent tube for the flame and you can see whether it is lit by looking down that. Though, obviously, don't put your eye too close in case it is lit.
I've been looking for a small freezer cheaper than the Waecos & this looks ideal. Don't fancy running it off the caravan battery though as it takes 12.5A!
How about Igloo Coolmate 40, i have one, used it in France ,no problems in the heat kept everything cool including Beers and Wine ( the two most Important things).Works from 12v & mains adaptor. If i remember rightly i think it has a review on here some where.