15L Brass Monkey Portable Fridge or Freezer Review

Hi all in today's video, I'm taking a look at the brass monkey 15l fridge freezer available from jaycar, roadtech marine or other various retailers.
I also purchased the additional expansion lid which offers extra capacity for the little fridge.
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[@deepsouthNZ]

Using that little BM as a companion freezer is a great idea mate, I just bought the 50 litre dual zone but I think Ill get that small one and use that as the freezer , cheers mate. And happy birthday

[@kombibob]

I love the way you chill Tyson's water. Well done

[@DENMONKEY]

Yeah Bob , gotta treat my little buddy well. His name is Titan (after Saturn's moon) but he gets called lots of different things. Tyson is very common and he doesn't care so long as you have food. :)

[@kombibob]

@@DENMONKEY Oh sorry my apologies to both Titan and yourself.

[@DENMONKEY]

all good Bob, neither of us require an apology, we've both been called worse :)

[@grantmcduling9760]

Thanks for a very informative review. Based on it, I am persuaded to buy one!

[@DENMONKEY]

Thanks Grant. It's been running 24/7 since I picked it up. I think jaycar are pretty good with their back up service too. Not overly impressed with the extra lid though.

[@grantmcduling9760]

@@DENMONKEY Yes I thought the lid looked pretty ordinary. I'll stick with the original.

[@grantmcduling9760]

Just letting you know I have just bought one from Jaycar. Love it. They now have an upgraded one on sale; it has the slot for the add on battery as well as two cup holder positions in the lid.

[@DiHandley]

Happy birthday big fella! Another year closer to retirement I hope. Then we’ll get more videos. 😉. My identical Brass Monkey fridge has a problem with turning itself on and off for no reason. I’ve checked all the connections and they are sound. I suspect it might be the H1, H2 and H3 voltage setting. But I can’t find any info about it. Very annoying. Excellent review. If I needed to secure mine down I would screw a coat hook into the handle or just drill a slotted hole right through the handle to take a tie down. That might be the neater option. 👍👍

[@TheMangrovejack1]

If you have afault they have a 3year replacement warranty, if you still have a receipt

[@DENMONKEY]

Thanks Dave. A bit of info on what those settings are would be nice that's for sure. I guess it's ready enough to change to find out. I'd say the h1 setting is pretty conservative I think. I think the handle option is likely the best way to go. Keep me posted how y go and if you use warranty. Would be good to know how they are with that sort of stuff.

[@benc7102]

Great review Cheers

[@DENMONKEY]

Cheers Ben

[@buggiesandboars]

One cool thing about using the internal battery that you can get on the bigger models, you can run it off a solar panel directly without the need for an external big car battery. They sell an the cord to do it as an extra for around $20. Really handy for taking it out of the car for the day not needing a big battery to keep it running.

[@DENMONKEY]

Hey Brett, yeah I spotted that and it would be interesting to test out. Might be a summer thing. Be great to be able to take the fridge down to the beach for a while day and just have it running. Great idea, if it all works.

[@user-oq5zi6sx2v]

As a second small portable we got the little 9 litre to run 'as needed'. Been great to quick freeze a few drinks then leave it off. Or move drinks out of a bigger fridge to save the open/close problem.

[@DENMONKEY]

I haven't fully convinced myself of the 2 fridge system just as yet but the drawer fridge is just so perfect for day to day 24/7 type duties. I just missed a 2nd hand 35 dual zone brass monkey last week. I figured I could have a frozen section as well as a little extra fridge space. I do like the idea of having the drinks in their own space though.

[@donaldbuttery7128]

Great review looking into getting one now

[@DENMONKEY]

Thanks Done, A mate just picked up the 25L with bluetooth. he's a bit fancier than me :) He seems to like it and so far so good.

[@aaronando1218]

@@DENMONKEY lmao at you not being able to count. you have 25 cans in your fridge

[@VasVN]

I reckon the prizes should be split up as apposed to a package. Great channel and have used and shared your videos to others for fixes for a Paj

[@DENMONKEY]

I think that will be best. Thanks for the input. Go the paj

[@TheMangrovejack1]

Hi , mate We have the 138lt in the caravan , 2 door fridge freezer, excellent unit, and 3 year replacement warranty, can barely hear it running at night, yes I recommend them.

[@DENMONKEY]

Thanks jeffrey. I think they need to promote their product a bit more, I didn't know they did half this stuff before I picked this one up. How did you hear about them doing van fridges?

[@TheMangrovejack1]

On line , mate, my son inlaw found them, last year when the 3way died.

[@robertboyd321]

I have the 25 liter Brass Monkey and its good, same length & width as yours but a bit taller and takes 36 cans comfortably, but still not tallies. I got it half price from Jaycar with a free battery. It will take 2 lithium batteries and I can also use either or both of my Dewalt & Milwaukee power tool batteries to run it too, but it Requires an adapter if U want to do that, and it cannot charge the power tool batteries but that is no big deal.You also either use it as a Fridge or Freezer not both at the same time It's a quiet little sucker too & no vibrations or shakes.. I also bought the dedicated thermal cover for it but wish I hadn't because it is pretty dodgy, the battery part of the cover & the clear plastic cover for the digital control panel is total CRUD. Mine has 4 big strong tie down points but it has to be kept perfectly level when its running which is a bit of a worry & a bad idea. Bigger would have been better too, but good for a weekend and you get what U pay for I Guess,

[@lesneilson5632]

jumpstart battery only lasted 5 hours on the fridge I tried it twice and was more hopeful the second time after a full charge over night, so a bit disappointing for me but matches the portable battery pack performance you mentioned. happy that my Paj start battery copes fine with the fridge load all day without a run of the engine but now to fix a solar panel to extend the power available

[@DENMONKEY]

Yeah I'm not sure those jump start packsv are always what they say in the side. Depends where they come from I guess, but I wouldn't expect much more than that. Solar is definitely the way to go Les and getting cheaper by the day

[@jamessolway3099]

I love my 60L brass monkey 2 years and it is still going strong i am going to get the 90L for my camp trailer brass monkey all the way

[@DENMONKEY]

I've got the 45 dual zone and looking for a 35 too. Second hand of course. I've been happy so far. With an the fridges I've had over the years, all second hand and no Top shelf brands 😉 they all still work just fine. Hope I didn't just jinx myself though.

[@foxtrotarmy]

Agree on the fridge, I have owned the 22L version for almost a year as my dedicated freezer on longer trips and the handle has been the only downfall so far. Great fridge to compliment your main fridges for the price and has not faulted yet. But who designed the handles! Splitting the prize would be my go.

[@DENMONKEY]

Hey Bill, thanks for the info. I can honestly say I've never owned one of the expensive brand fridges and I've had a few and none to date have let me down. Never say never though, but if this thing keeps going, it's an absolute bargain.

[@robbiecryer]

Happy birthday buddy

[@DENMONKEY]

Thanks Robbie

[@mickg9563]

Love my Dometic CD-30. Can fit about 36 cans in there easy enough or a few days food. Your position is a bugger spot though. Will be interested in seeing how this has gone after a few months and a few more trips. Considered a smaller one for the front of the car to use while traveling. Ive got a fridge in the garage about a 53L with no tie down points. Need a power cord for it so it doesnt get used atm.

[@DENMONKEY]

Don't get me wrong Mick, I love the little dometic. It's my fridge that gets used 24/7 at the moment and this in that hole nicely. But it's nice to have that little extra when needed without pulling it the big girls. These are so handy at Xmas too if you've got a power brick to run em. Stumps for yard cricket and a beer fridge. Perfect.

[@mickg9563]

@@DENMONKEY cool mate. I can tell you still love the Dometic. We still need to catch up so we can check out each other's Paj. One if these days I will get that remote compressor set up like you have done too. I'm hoping my big fridge works well as I want to put it in my trailer build but if not I will look at something like the Brass Monkey ones. They seem to be decent quality and cheaper than other brands.

[@buster_1972]

I brought a 25lt Brass Monkey before Easter as a second fridge for drinks. Sits in my home made camping trailer running of my 12v system. For the 5 days it was around 30 degrees every day and didn't eat into my battery running of solar. Yes no tie down point's. Very happy with it.

[@DENMONKEY]

Thanks for the info buster. Once summer gets here later in the year and it's sitting in a 50+degree car then we'll see how she works. Most feedback I've heard has been positive, not all but most.

[@mrp00n]

How good is the freezer function?

[@lesneilson5632]

haha I got the same fridge that is branded Kolner and it has the big lid and it only fits stubbies and little bottles of wine standing, but I love it cause I can change where I put it for a camping weekend, and I am now trying it for longevity on a jumpstart battery I just bought and hope it will go for at least a day will let you know the outcome

[@DENMONKEY]

Hey Les, I thought I replied to this already, utube doing weird things again. I'll go suss them out for curiosity's sake. It is a handy little size that's for sure. the wine thing doesnt bother me other than they advertise it on the website. I think the batteries on their websites have sizes and predicted times on there. dont quote me though

[@blueyhanson6253]

Thanks for the review. Although I'm an 'Engel Tragic' I was considering getting a small fridge/freezer. My original Engel 39ltr is over 40 yrs old and still runs and keeps the drinks etc cold. More recently I've had an Engel MT35FP 32L Fridge in the back of my 4WD. Its on 24/7 with power from a roof mounted solar panel feeding an AGM battery. It does the job, be it when out shopping or in the bush/camping etc.. A 750ml wine bottle or 2ltr milk container fit easily. Not knocking other makes but I find Engel to be excellent unit - although they aren't the cheapest. Stay cool and safe.. :)

[@DENMONKEY]

Hi Bluey, you know every time I see a 2nd hand engel pop up I nearly buy it. Not because I need it but because I want to see what all the fuss is about. It will happen one day. That said though, none of my fridges, giant, waeco, brassmonkey , campanion, dometic or vertigo (van) have given me any grief (fingers crossed). literally everyone was picked up second hand , so Ive had a good run. It would be hard to say I prefer any over the others because they all .....well cool stuff. they're different shapes and sizes that makes them more useful for certain uses but overall, I've been happy. Hope that stays true .

[@sharmaineedmund9052]

The give make it all in one.

[@4x4touring47]

Brass monkey are pretty average fridges. I have a 25L and it's not too bad but you can just tell the build quality isn't very good and just won't go the distance confidently. Got it to use as a dedicated freezer and it does perform pretty well. If it was a bit better insulated would be better but you just pay for what you get. And as for no tie down Points . . . . Big fail! You're spot on! How the FK are u supposed to fix them in place? 15L isn't too bad floating around but a full 25L definitely needs any easy tie down method. I rigged up a strap over the lid but very much less than a desirable setup. Has made me reassess my direction in fridges a bit. Have a 38L Engel eclipse which has been going 24/7 for about 7 years and still going strong 💪

[@DENMONKEY]

so the 25 doesnt have them either ? I just don't understand how they missed them . This one will run as a full time freezer for the most part. For 140 bucks I was willing to roll the dice. That said, I've never bought a new fridge and don't anything starting with an E and all of them are still running. I hope I haven't put the mockas on myself now.

[@bearfootbowhunter3054]

Hey bud have you had any issues with the popo with no back seat? Thinking of doing the same thing

[@DENMONKEY]

Not a thing mate. The first thing I do with all my cars it pull the back seats. no probs thus far but it only takes the wrong cop to spot them i guess.

[@jasonjon1969]

• Tie down points on each corner allows for secure mounting of fridge when cover added . yes another $80

[@DENMONKEY]

Cheers jas.

[@tiadanama]

I think the only way to for it down with them is to buy their cover. I assume they have one for 15 litres but will it fit with the expanded lid?

[@DENMONKEY]

ooh i didnt look to see if their covers have a handle or tie down points. Thanks mate. I will have a look to see. if they do I will get one for sure.

[@projectswithgreg601]

@@DENMONKEY Yes the Cover one my 15L has tile down points in each corner, However doesn't fully cover with the expanded lid, I just leave the cover top open. Moment sits in the lower rear truck of my tesla powers by the car battery, I love it

[@muralidharamysore2549]

Hi, I love your un biased reviews. I think you had 18 cans of Pepsi in there not 13 as you mentioned. Surely it wes an over sight.

[@DENMONKEY]

thanks mate. appreciate you saying so. I think it was 13 without the lid and 21 with. or there abouts :)

[@MudducksTouringAustralia]

Deal breaker for me is the lack of tie down. My little 12 litre Kings can be tied down. Cheers Steve

[@DENMONKEY]

I must admit, it baffled me as I looked at it, thinking there has to be some way to tie it down. As you know I'm not real smart and I applied some time to the search. But alas, not a tie down point to be found. Even bloody kings managed it.

[@Jonathan-L]

Hey Denmonkey, your fridge is different to the Jaycar one, because your lid is higher which gives more capacity.

[@DENMONKEY]

I got that lid as an extra from jaycar for $40. The original is the dark one.

[@Kayla-vz7xx]

is it noisy?

[@tgfcujhb7583]

How does the lid stay closed? Looks like it needs a bungee to keep it shut 👍

[@DENMONKEY]

it's just a press fit mate. it's nice and solid but wouldn't stay closed on really rough roads.

[@yindyamarra]

There’s a easy way to solve the wine problem, just replace it with a bottle of bundy

[@dankurtis5738]

Any update video's coming up about the lithium battery?

[@DENMONKEY]

Part way through editing. Anything you want to know in particular?

[@dankurtis5738]

@@DENMONKEY Nothing in particular mate. Maybe thing's you would do differently? Advantages/disadvantages over sealed units? I'm thinking about building one for my caravan soon. Just want a no BS real world review. I'll wait for your update. Keep the informative reviews coming.

[@procrastinator1842]

I've been using this fridge with the 15.6Ah lithium battery for a while now. At about 25 degrees ambient it will power the fridge for a good 24 hours. I got the fridge and battery for less than half price, and got the cooler bag chucked in for free due to a small bit of impact damage on the back ofm unit. I mainly use it in my work ute as it really simplifies the whole dual battery thing for a company vehicle that you can't modify. I also use it as a secondary beer fridge (to my 40L frodge) when my partner and I hit the road.

[@boomerpower6306]

Looking grey little brother

[@DENMONKEY]

Since when did you become a 'viewer' ? 😁

[@dentray]

You had 18 cans in without the ones on top not 13! 18 on the bottom + 7 on top is 25 with the big lid or 18 with the small lid

[@joannefitzpatrick3049]

the 15lt that can use a lithium battery costs $269 not $199 and the additional battery is $69 - so extra $139

[@DENMONKEY]

thanks for the update JFitz.

[@lesneilson5632]

yes go the multiple prizes gets more winners

[@DENMONKEY]

Seems to be the popular opinion Les. So that shall be the plan. Cheers

[@aaronando1218]

bro theres 25 cans in your fridge lmao

[@DENMONKEY]

you saying I cant count :)

[@dustinfrost5214]

If it cant fit a big bottle its not worth buying its such a pain😂

[@DENMONKEY]

Yeah. It's great for cans but i think at a minimum it needs to be tall enough to stand a bottle of 2l milk in it

[@ic4tp]

A video all about astetics. Nothing about cooling performance

[@DENMONKEY]

This is true but other than when I said they do their jobs as required it's hard to quantify cooling or power capabilities. Conditions, location, ambient temps, supplied voltage and more are all variants that can affect performance. So any results I get could vary greatly to the next persons. Plus I'm just a guy with a KZbin channel and not a scientist, so that's the only level of info I can offer. I'd love to have the time etc to go into more detail but alas I don't.

[@toshadavinci5379]

30 minutes for a review is too long turned off fter 5mins

[@DENMONKEY]

What can I say. I don't do anything quick