Opinions on this refrigerator?

[joelh]

Just spent a week in my new Burro and all is great, except for the icebox. It will have to be replaced. Found this ac/dc fridge and wondered if anybody has any thoughts. The savings between this and the norcold would pay for a nice solar setup.

http://www.amazon.com/Avanti-Superconducto...s/dp/B0028MOZI6

[Donna D.]

I can't help with an opinion, but it's cheaper here and FREE shipping: Compact Appliance Web Site, then you'd have more money for the solar!

[Harry Young]

Here are some reviews.

http://www.buzzillions.com/reviews/avanti-1-7-cu-ft-superconductor-refrigerator-reviews

As for the solar set up I would like the power consumption ratings.

This tech is a hybrid tech, it uses 134a (the stuff in cars now days) not just the electronic semi conductor found in earlier models. It must have an air flow exchange so do not box it in solid...How it preforms in high ambient conditions (hot out side conditions) is up for grabs...This tech is relatively new and the hype is promising if not untried. The danfoss d/c compressor tech just prior to this idea eats power, when first out the manufacturers made big promises...Check its consumption, not is voltage. These are at the big box stores now (target walmart ect) so look on the label...Get the amp rates and the volts, then multiply them for a rough power consumption number.

This is not a true figure under operating conditions, I do not know how often it draws power for instance, or the real life length of time to reach temps.

If you buy one set it up inside the house first on 115v, measure the time it takes to run and turn off, see how often it comes on. Set it in warmer conditions and do it all again.

Next do this under 12v power as this may present different recovery time issues.

PLEASE post what you find out for the rest of us...its eighther the best thing since peanut butter or its more hype.

Beware hype, the websites and ads are there to sell you, not be honest in real life conditions.

Happy Camping, Safe Trails.

Harry

[Per Walthinsen]

I have just replaced my old 3-way with a NovaKool DC, model R4500. Since I knew it would take more power I am now in the process of installing a 100w solar panel. If it does what it should do it ought to be quite an improvement. Tested it once without a panel, drew the batteries down to 50% in 48 hours.

So far I have gained much improved temperature control, about .8 more cubic feet, and much more simplified installation and operation. It is just about dead quiet. I'm looking for a run-time device at the moment, but I'll report back after the solar panel has had a chance.

[Matt in SV]

Harry & Joel:

I found the manuals, but there is no mention of the DC current draw other than a note about it having a 10A fuse.

http://www.avantiproducts.com/products/id/367

Harry: The schematic detail for the controller board suggests it is a Peltier unit with a big heat sink and fan. (you put current through the semiconductor and it pumps heat from one plate to another) Where were you getting the info about the cooling / hybrid design? I didn't see anything about a conventional refrigerant.

Regards,

Matt

[joelh]

Thanks for the feedback. I think I will take a chance on it. I will report back and let you know how it performs.

[Andy B]

Originally Posted by joelh

Thanks for the feedback. I think I will take a chance on it. I will report back and let you know how it performs.

It can't be very energy efficient or it would have an energy star rating. Other compact refrigerators on the Compact Appliance website have the energy star rating (DAR195BL $169). If you hope to use solar to power it, energy efficiency is the most important consideration.

[joelh]

Did a bit more googling and one site shows the power draw at 7 amps dc. Not sure how that compares to the higher end units? I guess a lot depends on the run time. If I could pre-cool it or run it on 12v while driving, it should drop down power consumption a good bit.

My wife found it through a company called P.C. Richards for $67 with free shipping, so it is coming to me. Will report back once I have it and use it a bit.

[Margaret R-J]

i heard somewhere that these units without compressors are not suitable for rv use, since the environmental temperature is so much higher than the desired temperature. is this so?

[Michel, Bouchard]

Originally Posted by Margaret R-J

i heard somewhere that these units without compressors are not suitable for rv use, since the environmental temperature is so much higher than the desired temperature. is this so?

Indeed this is a Pelletier effect unit, no more efficient than an electrical cooler, I wouldn't install that. If you want a DC/AC unit, go with one that has a compressor, this is what I have (Dometic), they just draw 3 Amps when working on DC, and this is when the compressor is running.