12V Fridge Comparsion || KINGS vs DOMETIC vs EVAKOOL || Which fridge should you buy?

#12vfridge #dometic #kings
In this review we are testing 3 popular brands of 12v fridges. Kings, Dometic and EvaKool. Which is better?
Your Test results may vary depending on environment and temperature. Please use as a guide only
Test conditions
22 c degree days
4c degree nights
Dometic CFF45
~ 12volt testing results
~ 3.5amps peak 24ah
~ Avg 1amp per hour for 24 hrs on 12v
~ 24ah/45L = 0.53 amps per litre
240v testing results
~ 240v peak 49watts
~ 290watts for 24hrs
~ Avg 12w per hour for 24hrs on 240v
~ 290watts /45L =6.4w per litre
Kings 45L
~ 12volt testing results
~ 4.45amps peak 33ah
~ Avg 1.37amps per hour for 24hrs on 12v
~ 33/45L = 0.72 amps per litre
240v testing results
~ 240v peak 63watts
~ 370watts for 24hrs
~ Avg 15.4w per hour for 24hrs on 240v
~ 370/45L= 8.22w per litre
EvaKool RV 62
~ 12v testing results
~ Eva cool 5.2amps peak 36ah
~ Avg 1.5amps per hour for 24hrs on 12v
~ 36ah/60= 0.60 amps per litre
240v testing results
~ 240v peak 67watts
~ 392watts for 24hrs
~ Avg 16.3w per hour for 24hrs on 240v
~ 392/60= 6.5w per litre

[@GetCampingOz]

One of our Subscribers - Cycle Touring Oz has spotted the Dometic CFF45 on sale at BCF for $499 including the cover! www.bcf.com.au/p/dometic-cff45-fridge-freezer-and-cover-pack/602254.html

[@MegaTaurus30]

Thanks for uploading this review. I just bought the Dometic CFF 45 pack with cover from BCF and wanted to see what the power consumption would be. Glad to know it’s not going to kill my deep cycle battery after a weekend away.

[@xunsallis4181]

Back to $999 now🥺

[@GetCampingOz]

@@xunsallis4181 ohh bugger!! They were a great price at $499 :)

[@xunsallis4181]

@@GetCampingOz yea would have loved to get it at that price but now it's doubled I'm giving it a miss 🤦

[@pamuk7]

Kings has now a new range.

[@adamads7004]

Great review. Just wish someone could test these fridges at 40 degrees ambient, eg inside a heated room. This would be a more realistic current draw for in vehicle use or using in the top half of Australia. Cheers.

[@GetCampingOz]

Yeh absolutely. I am looking to do another review on a fridge in the next couple of months and would like to do some real world testing and put it through its paces and test it over a week in the back of the Ute. It would be much more of a realistic view on how the fridge performs

[@devilsadvocate2548]

@mrdefence speedjammer no need to yell!

[@BaberJacks]

I would assume constant running. Had my engle 40l combo on the back of the ute and drove from eildon to Hotham in about 30/35 degreese weather somewhere around there the freezer side was around neg 13 on the freezer side while driving( i had the temp set to neg 18. The sun beats on the lid/ cover. Sun shade when parked on top i thing is effective at the cover being alot cooler. Might be good idea to cut out a sunshade and stick some velcro to it and the cover.

[@andycain4364]

I bought a Kings 60L fridge/freezer in 2018. I must say that I have not been letdown by it's performance. We used it as a freezer for an 8 week WA/NT trip. It kept everything frozen for the entire trip. My tow vehicle didn't have a canopy. It only had a tonneau cover in which I had a zipper installed for easy access. It coped with the cold of southern WA. Then the heat of Northern WA and NT. Great job on the comparisons as many of us are looking for a good cheaper alternative to the big names. Keep up the good work.

[@GetCampingOz]

That’s great to hear. Friends of ours just bought a second Kings fridge and it appears that have a bit of a different lid which leads to believe that Kings knew about the issue. It’s great that they listened and rectified it in the new model. Cheers

[@hecticgerva1192]

one of my mates has the same kings fridge that you have in this video, been going strong for the last 6 years and not missed a beat. Now he run's it 24/7 for the last 6 months and working good.

[@GetCampingOz]

That’s awesome. For the money they are a great value. They just need to improve on there quality control. Thanks for watching

[@hecticgerva1192]

@@GetCampingOz agree, I think if they made them look like they have a premium feel and a good compressor in them and a good seal.

[@dieselmick3003]

The Evakool is a great fridge. Metal bodied and also 50% larger than the tested kings and domestic fridges. Food for thought regarding the power consumption readings

[@GetCampingOz]

Yeh mate EvaKool is a great fridge. Good value for money

[@dgregor2240]

I've had my Evacool GX75 2 CHAMBER FRIDGE FREEZER for 13years. Never leaves my Prado it does have WiFi. Not quite faultless as the chain attach point compressor end failed last month & the lid rotated fully & sheared the two plastic hinges (no damage to door. Eva Cool supplied the new hinges by post. Provided the fridge has some frozen & chilled contents in respective compartments my large Century Overland Aux battery will keep the respective contents at set temps for up to 5 days charging input. BTW my Evacool is fully insulated with 5mm flex insulation & external vynil trim. The latter makes a huge difference in the tropics. DG Brisbane.

[@dieselmick3003]

I rate the Evacool. I have had 2 of them. 80l and a 62l. Downsized from 80l to fit the new camper trailer Both metal bodied. Stand up well to living on a fridge slide in the camper trailer full time.

[@kwikflikzyakadventures3795]

I watched Your video 3 mths ago, went out and Brought a Kings 60ltr +cover, has Run continuously for the last 2 mths hasn’t missed a beat, If you had a cover on the fridges the Consumption rate would have been considerably less. cheers for the review.

[@GetCampingOz]

Thanks for watching! I will be reviewing one of the newer Kings fridges soon, some I will be interested to see how it compares to the older model. They are very good for the money

[@kevinreincastle6701]

Thanks for the review however it would be goid if your compared an evercool 40lt with the kings and dometic. The evercool has 50% more capacity so it was naturally consume more power than the kings and dometic. Keep up the great work

[@GetCampingOz]

Thanks! I didnt have a 40L available at the time of filming otherwise I would have. Cheers Adam

[@LiquidAudio]

I've got the Dometic CFF45, done lots of camping with it. The high build quality, great lid, low power consumption / high efficiency are its best features IMO. Build-wise it smashes the Kings and most others I looked at. It's a little small, but the CFF70 looks like it might be a good option for people wanting something bigger.

[@GetCampingOz]

Yeh absolutely. It’s a great fridge! We won’t be replacing it anytime soon. 👍🏻

[@adventuredownunder2131]

How many days worth of food can u pack into it?

[@LiquidAudio]

@@adventuredownunder2131 Depends on many things like how and what you eat, how many of you there are, drinks etc. For two of us, being careful and loading drinks as we need, 5 days no worries. BUT - it is a smaller fridge. I'd like something a little bigger.

[@GetCampingOz]

We only use ours as a drinks fridge, but I’d say if you just a couple then easily 5 or 6 days

[@Wiradjuri217]

This is a really well done review. I am currently having trouble with my kings 60L and this and videos like it are making me realise how bad it is

[@GetCampingOz]

Thanks Chris. Unfortunate the Kings gear is not well known for reliability. From the people I talk too, it seems hit and miss. Thanks for watching

[@TreadTheNet]

Why oh why wouldn't you just compare with Watts. Watts are Watts, regardless of the underlying geeky technical terms like voltage and amperage (and then formulas for conversion to power metrics). Some people just don't want to "geek out", and it's easy enough for you to help them out with simple comparison by converting those "geeky" terms to watts...so you provide maximal transparency that allow everybody to follow your comparisons The only reason that I can think of, that you didn't "just" stick to "watts" is that you "didn't want such transparency for the full public". If you're already throwing around terms like voltage and amperage, what else am I to assume? (that you were lazy? and didn't want to do a simple single multiplication?). But otherwise, good review and thanks for your efforts. Maybe I was a little abrasive, but my intention is to motivate you to stick to Watts, when you can. There are some appliance circumstances where you can't....but that doesn't apply to these refrigerators. (I like --> KISS - Keep it Simple Stupid).

[@robert.j.forrest]

Awesome vid! Thanks for the data. You mentioned "some more sophisticated coolers on the market". Do you have any older fridge reviews? Experience with Kickass at all?

[@GetCampingOz]

Thanks for the comment. No unfortunately I don’t have any other reviews on fridges yet. I have heard really good things about the Kickass products. Cheers for watching 👍🏻

[@neilwilhelmsen6879]

I have an everkool 45L fridge and it is exactly the same as the 45L Kings right down to the poor lid, 12v transformer, and the electronic controls/gauges. The pins, on the lid, that fit into the slots for the hinge also had to be replaced. I added 2 overcentre catches and cut off 6mm bolts to replace the hinge pin. My Everkool is older than the King's outlet.. I would buy the King's at $399 and $5 for the catches. It's made in the same factory as my Everkool. I bought 2 everkool before Kings started business.

[@GetCampingOz]

That’s very interesting. I’m sure manufacturers sell designs and make versions of the originals.

[@jodibond5286]

I believe the Kings fridges that had the white seal on the lid did have an issue with warping and the replacement/updated lid with a black seal was to resolve this issue. It would be good to see how the kings fridge performs in terms of power with a lid that sealed correctly.

[@Vacublaster1]

I have a King's 60L fridge of the same style, my lid isn't warped and fits perfectly, plus it keeps everything nice and cold. I paid less for this fridge than you did for the 45L and in my experience, it uses far less power than the 45 L you tested.

[@GetCampingOz]

Thanks for sharing! The prices vary a fair bit on the Kings fridges and I have seen the 60L ones cheaper sometimes. Cheers

[@petermahoney636]

I got a ENGEL 40LT .from a hock shop almost like new for $450 . That's how you buy a fridge.

[@GetCampingOz]

Nice buy!

[@HMan1999]

Good review for that level of product. Would be good to see varying budget levels but nonetheless enjoyed your commentary.

[@GetCampingOz]

Thanks mate. Glad you enjoyed. Looking to do some other fridge reviews later this year

[@darrenmoore2]

i brought an eva kool back in 2006, it finally died christmas 2023, i brought another eva kool just on that reliability. oh it is always on.

[@GetCampingOz]

That’s awesome! Got to be happy with that run. Evakool do make good fridges. Thanks for watching

[@dtpprojects]

Awesome video mate! Will help with my choice to buy

[@GetCampingOz]

Thanks mate!

[@joc469]

Great review Adam

[@GetCampingOz]

Thanks!

[@jed2055]

I've got a 50 litre Kings el cheapo and an expensive CFX 75 litre Dometic (formerly Waeco). Both are working right now in my shed and have been working non stop for 4 years at a guess. Coupla things tho Adam: My Kings has good seals and runs well and is a little bit hungrier than my old long gone TechniIce 50 litre. Not a lot in it though. The TechniIce died just sitting there. Will not be throwing any more money at a Techni that's for sure. The Dometic (Waeco) CFX models all use its OWN in house compressor, NOT a Secop. It's been that way ever since Dometic which owns Waeco had a branding rename. Not sure about the one you are reviewing here but the company's own compressor comes with a 3 year warranty. Maybe you have that compressor type wrong? I love having two separate compartments. That Evakool here does not have that so not being able to have one a fridge and the other a freezer is a real loss I feel. The Dometic 75l and 90l also have Bluetooth connectivity. With a virtually unknown compressor this EvaKool model you review isn't a bargain imho. As you said yourself, unknown compressor and where you say, "similar to a Secop" what does that even mean? The Evakool 60 litre Infinity is a whopping $1600 and does use a Secop compressor. It comes with a 5 year warranty. It can be "Marinised too" Great for a boaty but you lose running two separate compartments feature.

[@GetCampingOz]

Thanks for the comment. The CFF range (same as the one tested) runs a Secop compressor which is the old Danfoss type. It also comes with a 3 year warranty. Ive actually just bought the 70L Dual Zone which I'll be doing a review on soon, but will be a much deeper review, looking at the power consumption in more detail, in real life use. Cheers Adam

[@MichelleGu-yj2xw]

Antuncle car fridge is ready to be tested. Our car refrigerator R&D team is from Dometic, so we have sufficient strength and experience, and our products are guaranteed.

[@GetCampingOz]

Sounds great!

[@kiethygeorge85]

Hey legend we just saw xtm 100L dual zone fridge freezer at BCF for $949 price. Do you have any knowledge or reviews for their gear? Love ya work and content, keep up the great work.

[@GetCampingOz]

Thanks for the support mate! I haven’t had anything to do with the XTM fridges but from what I have heard they are just a rebadged EvaKool. So in saying that I reckon they would be great 👍🏻

[@kiethygeorge85]

@@GetCampingOz right on, so a good entry level for a family starting out in camping trailer adventures.

[@andrewb5887]

Cff45 was just at aldi/BCF for $499 with cover

[@GetCampingOz]

Oh wow!! That’s a great price

[@ColinCampbell-h5c]

Is comparing a 62litre fridge with 45 litres a fair/true comparison?

[@GetCampingOz]

When they are similar prices i think it is. Most fridges these days have the same size compressor in them, and its only the insulated box that changes size.

[@chrishewitt4220]

Bought two at the special price of the Dometic 45. The plan is to use one for drinks and the other as a dedicated food fridge/freezer. At the special price of $499, it's got to be a bargain, right? And because we have two, we can take one or both as needed for what we are doing. Now just need to set up a battery box and solar system. Also, put power into the tray of the Triton for when transporting. It's all very confusing but I'm trying to get my head around it.

[@GetCampingOz]

That’s awesome mate. They are a great fridge! I’m sure you will be happy. To work out your battery size that you need, you’ll have to work out how much power your going to draw. I.e. I’f you going to draw 50ah a day, then you’ll need to double that figure plus 20% for safety. So in this case 50ah x 2 = 100 + 20% =120ah battery. For your solar calculations you know you need to put back in 50ah so you’ll need a panel that is capable of putting it back in within around 5.5 hrs (peak sun light). Sure there is more sun than that but industry uses this figure to allows for overcast days ect. So if you divide 50ah by 5.5 you get roughly 10. This means you’ll need a panel that is capable of producing at least 10amps per hour. Hope that helps

[@chirantha]

@@GetCampingOz Thanks a detailed response. Thanks for sharing it!

[@matthewrodbourn2857]

Should have included the brass monkey fridges. Kings prices but quality looks way better

[@GetCampingOz]

I’d like to look at the brass monkey 🐵 fridges. Have heard great things about them.

[@sparkyfz1948]

Can't stand the dometic my cff70dz was useless up north over Christmas break and mates small new cfx also couldn't cut it but annoyingly the king's and early model waecos run like a champ in the heat

[@GetCampingOz]

Oh wow! That’s very interesting that the newer Waecos struggled. I haven’t had any issues with this fridge at all even on 38 degree days in the canopy. Thanks for watching 😀

[@paulzden6870]

So true . I gor a 65 lt kings fridge. Never had nothing bot problems with there Cigarette lighter plug. Hard wire it now n seems fine.. Price wise ok but yesh the lid n there plugfare not so good. Draw a lot more power then the main brands.. I guess you pay for what you want..

[@GetCampingOz]

Yeh they do have their issues that’s for sure. I would be interested in testing a new version out to see if they have addressed these as they were common. Thanks for watching

[@paulzden6870]

@GetCampingOz all good mate. Been a few weeks now and haven't had it switching on and off. Did pull the plug apart. Was a bit melted It's like a plug you would use for a phone charger..

[@adventuredownunder2131]

Heavily considering buying the cff 🤔

[@cycletouringoz5760]

Get on BCF mate. $499.00 including the cover + $29.00 delivery 👊👊💥💥👊👊

[@GetCampingOz]

They are a great fridge. No complaints here 👍🏻

[@GetCampingOz]

That’s a cracking price!!

[@Stevvros]

I bought one last week for $499 👌

[@cycletouringoz5760]

@@Stevvros great stuff mate. Mine arrived today. Will run it 24/7 in lieu of full time 🚐 life

[@steveans]

Eva Cool HO is Caloundra. Had two. Both good.

[@mikecarr7436]

i have a CFF45 Dometic and power it by a PLD 40 on my ford ranger, how do you power yours on your ford ranger ?

[@GetCampingOz]

Ive got a dual battery setup behind the rear seat which i have wired into the rear tub to an Anderson Plug. Works great. How do you find the PLB40? they look really good

[@Stevvros]

Do I run my domestic cff45 constantly or do I only turn on when wanted ?

[@GetCampingOz]

I run mine all the time, it never gets turned off. But if you dont use it all the time I'd only turn it on when needed

[@story1234]

Hi I am curious to know what happens to the temperature and watt if you didn't close a fridge and left a gap like 1cm? Can the fridge compensate for it since cold go to the bottom?

[@GetCampingOz]

Thanks for the question. If the fridge is left open a little and Warm air outside the fridge can absorb more moisture than the cold air inside the fridge. A small hole in the door seal will continually allow warm air and moisture into the fridge, which will condense or form as ice on the inner wall. The fridge will also consume more power trying to cool

[@davidfletcher4560]

I have 2 kings fridges and 1 waceo no difference and my 45 litre kings uses less power than my waceo considering they both have the same compresser

[@GetCampingOz]

That’s great to hear. Kings definitely have a place in the market

[@petersmith446]

you need to look at the new kings fridges they are different now

[@GetCampingOz]

Yeh I’m keen to have a look.

[@petersmith446]

@@GetCampingOz i have there new 20l fridge and at 0c it is using less than one amp per hour only had it for 2 weeks

[@GetCampingOz]

@@petersmith446 oh wow! That’s great numbers! How do you find the build quality?

[@petersmith446]

@@GetCampingOz the lid seams to seal better and it has a new LCD display in my opinion its quieter and and better than the 15l i had my fridges run 24/7 and it lives on my back seat

[@GetCampingOz]

@@petersmith446 sounds great. I’ll definitely take a look

[@leei6680]

Temperature not turning down on my kings 45l , could you please help , it's a Model YCD45K

[@GetCampingOz]

Sorry, no idea. You’ll have to contact 4wd Supacenta

[@gort3969]

I can't see the domestic cff45 anywhere selling for less then $849 and that's at bcf with some sort of membership card

[@GetCampingOz]

That sale was about 7 months ago, when I made that comment.

[@andreflavell3453]

Cheap things arnt nice ! and nice things arnt cheap

[@GetCampingOz]

You got that right!

[@mickdodds2135]

Kings fridges kill batteries. Don’t buy. Their products are all poor man pays twice. Totally crap

[@GetCampingOz]

I havent experienced that with any of the kings fridges. Thanks for watching