Best Cheap Boat Fridge? (AlpiCool C15 / C20) 12V

We love a bargain-as long as it performs well. It looks like we found one in this line of portable refrigerator/freezers.
For this fridge, click here: amzn.to/3i3M1ew
To see some of our other recommendations, visit our Amazon store here:
www.amazon.com...
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[@SimpleLifeTreasures]

These are amazing until they fail. I've been through 6 so far over 5'ish years as a full time RV'er. The first 3 were these AlpiCool's. On the bright side they're inexpensive. I run one as a fridge and one as a freezer. When one dies, I can stuff what I can into the remaining one until I can get a replacement. I much much prefer these 12v coolers over the typical junk that some stock in RV's. I just wish they were more reliable!

[@todddunn945]

I put a Dometic 40 qt version of that in my boat 10 years ago. A 100 watt solar panel and a 200 amp-hr lead acid battery bank let me run it all summer here in Maine. It was nice to have on the boat so that I could keel cold "stuff" on board rather than bring it every time we used the boat. As you mentioned, these fridges cycle less often if they are full. If you are coming to the boat with stuff to put in the fridge, it is a good idea cool the stuff before coming to the boat. Also it is worth noting that pretty much all of this type of unit can be used as a fridge or freezer.

[@samspade7522]

Couldn't agree with you more. We have two that we use camping with our teardrop trailer. they are powered by the Subaru in transit (gotta have my snacks and drinks) and moved into the galley when stopped and run off the house battery in the camper. A 100 watt panel keeps everything humming along and the cold drinks are really tasty in the 102 degree heat.

[@crazycrab8578]

just got the 9It one, its for me Tramper van, plus home use, as I have turned my fridge off, £130, they are a lot better then the other type, they take to much power, dont need freezer, just milk, cheese, butter, bacon, and cans of beer :)

[@williampiotte396]

Thank you for this video. Personal recommendations from respected persons with long term use are the best. I use a yeti knock off on my Cape Henry 21 for weekends and a block of ice lasts just that long. With the freezer I could just store additional blocks of ice and stay out for 2 weeks, transferring the blocks to the cooler as needed.

[@EmilyAndClark]

I've seen that done a bunch. And you can slip some frozen goods among the ice blocks as well.

[@jeffdege4786]

I've seen a number of cruisers who instead of built-in fridge/freezer chose to build in places to put portables. There's a loss in efficiency, yes, but you buy a replacement for the cost of a minimum service call on a built-in.

[@TalkingOutOfSchool]

I have had the same one for 14 months used in an RV, except opted for the raised lid instead, which enables storing taller items. I use solar generators to power it, drawing 29 to 33 watts, and cycles about 6 times per hour in California summer. I recommend it too.

[@davidsfollys]

Bought a similar one last year for our cruising. VEVOR 12 Volt Refrigerator 22L(23Quart) Portable Freezer. A 100 ah LiFepo4 battery and a portable 100w solar panel ran it as a freezer for 6 weeks... Day time temperatures were in the 30C's. We were circulating freezer packs from it to the cold box to help keep that cool. One change I will make for next season, is have more freezer packs and keep the box full as we deplete the frozen goods. We packed pillows around it during the days (avoiding restricting the airflow from the compressor.) For the price its excellent. I've had Engles and such like on overland trips and the low current draw, non rusting plastic, and bargain price of this little freezer make it perfect for a couple for a multiweek trip.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks David

[@PyeGuySailing]

I bought the 40L alpicool 4 years ago, the control board just started acting up recently. I ordered a replacement part off aliexpress for $50 and it's really easy to switch out. I had 4 years of trouble free operation. I highly recommend it.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Gary

[@brownnoise357]

Great insight, thanks for that. 👍⛵️✨️✨️✨️

[@FirelockMike]

We bought the slightly larger BougeRv version for our 19’ Compac sailboat this summer for a week long cruise in the Florida Keys and it worked great! Takes up less space than our yeti cooler and we don’t have to fuss about getting ice constantly. I run it and a few fans off a 1500 watt hour battery connected to a 50 watt solar panel and it keeps us going for days. These are great options even on the smallest of boats.

[@kenmcclow8963]

I have a BougeRV version. I think one factory probably builds these in many sizes and they put different brands on them. I like them because they are efficient and you can set them up as fridge or freezer. My 3 way fridge in my travel trailer died and my boat just has an icebox, so I can just carry this between whichever I am using, plus I can have it in the car and just put the things in it at the store. I am used to not having a fridge on the boat, but I do have an ice cube maker which is nice when it's hot.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Great Ken, thanks

[@lenwhatever4187]

We have one that doesn't have the same name on it but looks the same, (same display, form factor, etc) We use it as a freezer. Aside from meats, we freeze bottles of water which we transfer to a cooler as a fridge. As the water melts, we have cool drinks as well :) The bottles can be refilled from either a 3Gl container or ships water.

[@brianmiley2109]

We have had one of these as a freezer on our boat for almost 3 years now. The insulation isn't the best so it does cycle a good amount, but keeps ice cream frozen and the price was right.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Brian

[@SoItGoesCAL34]

We use a 60 liter Alpicool fridge/freezer that we bought from Amazon over 5 years ago. Works well. We had problems twice with its blade-type fuse melting but have replaced that with a circuit breaker a couple of years ago. It would be a shame to think it is broken and throw it away when it was a 50-cent fix with a new fuse. It uses more power when the ambient temp is 95F as at 85F. But we are happy... Anyway, big thumbs up!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks. Some people have added a "helper" fan to keep the condenser cooler in the real heat.

[@SanDiegoSail]

We had the same experience. Ours is not a Alpicool but it looks almost identical even to the detail of the display operation, usb plug and price. It is a F40C4TMP. One is a rebrand of the other or something else. It has worked great for us for a few years now on several multi week road trips. We brought it on a week long trip to Catalina for extra freezer space. It worked great.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Chuck

[@jeffgriglack9624]

I have a fridge built into my boat, but I would like a separate, small freezer, so I'll keep this in mind.

[@tomraidna8421]

Hi Guys, I have been using this Alpicool fridge for two years in my teardrop camper and it's great!!! I also highly recommend. I use the Iphone app as well to monitor. I run it both with my solar generators (RockPals and Bluetti) or AC when at a campground. Much better than worrying about ice. It runs about 20 minutes every hour.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Tom. Especially for the run time data.

[@captainchristianguy3307]

Interesting. I've been an auto tech my whole life. Getting sick of the same old. I'm planning on a decent vessel of the sailing type and with my family there has to be food. I've started looking into refrigerators and was kinda surprised by the low use of power with the 12v system as opposed to say getting a generator to run a home refrigerator. They really use an amazingly small amount of power. I believe I'm going to give this one a shot. I figure even if I need to get and run 2 of them 2 separate batteries and some decent solar panels should help sustain it maybe with help from the alternator of a running engine every now and then. Thanks for the review!!

[@EmilyAndClark]

You might be ready for this in your research. www.emilyandclarksadventure.com/bbms

[@bobuncle8704]

Thanks a lot for this Clark. I’ve been looking for something like this for my work truck and all were so expensive. Looking forward to getting this as soon as I’m back to work come spring.

[@paladain55]

The best way to go is a chest freezer with a refrigerator thermostat conversion. They use basically no energy at all because of the great pump cop and having slightly more insulation they do great

[@dfhepner]

I have a BougeRV one that a use to transport my ice cream 30 miles home. It can cool down to -8 F.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Gotta get that ice cream home safe

[@oceansquatch1481]

I have an older Alpicool 45 that was donated to me. My boat has just an icebox. I retrofitted the Alpicool in to the top of my icebox. Works well and if it breaks I’ll throw it away and get a new one. Much easier and cheaper than rebuilding the box to modern insulation standards and then doing a full conversion.

[@EmilyAndClark]

I think for a lot of us that's the right idea. Sort of like the difference between outboards and a built in engine. Maintenance is so much easier.

[@DebraWilderMeditation]

I have that in my tiny car while traveling the country or just Florida heat. Much cheaper than other brands and more reliable thus far.

[@Mechone11]

I have same one ( different name bouge RV) and used it as a freezer on boat and it was a game changer ,keeping meat frozen solid love it ,actually mine is a little bigger 30L with a divider so you can make 1/2 fridge ,registered online and got an extra year on warrantly 3 years

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Chris

[@gefginn3699]

Great post Clark. I appreciate all the information you are sharing here. Take care my friend. 🌞🌴⛵️

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Gef

[@brucegarrison4999]

Thank you Clark

[@EmilyAndClark]

You're very welcome

[@kevinathans4191]

First time seeing one of your videos. I loved it! Keeping your video under 10 minutes is huge for me. We are looking to do some camping out of a van or small truck within the next 2 years. This looks like a perfect product for us that will give that little bit of luxury. It will go perfect with our mini dishwasher and can be powered by our solar generator. I look forward to checking out your other videos!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Kevin, A lot of our stuff is boat based but in many ways it's a similar lifestyle. I think you might like those videos as well. And yes our videos require more attention span but there is usually something in there that is worth the time. Tell the KZbin viewer to playback faster.

[@Lana_Warwick]

mini dishwasher??

[@EmilyAndClark]

Lena, check out Kevin's other comment. He goes into detail

[@kevinathans4191]

@@EmilyAndClark I agree. It's about small space and minimal power. Thanks for reading my comments!

[@captnron3530]

In Australia it's called a "Brass Monkey " we bought the next size up with the divide. 18 months of use and still going strong.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Cool Ron. Thanks for the info

[@captnron3530]

We just had a storm and I didn’t get the portals closed so the fridge got drenched - it died. We bought a 30litre to replace it

[@haydenwatson7987]

We have a 50L that fits perfectly in an otherwise unused space behind the companionway under the cockpit sole in our Catalina 30. Because it is portable, we also load it into the basement slide of our motorhome. It will keep stuff frozen at -4ºF and only uses about 25ah per day. It has Bluetooth connectivity so that we can check the temperature without sliding it out of its space. To access it, we lift the quarter berth cushion and slide it sideways to clear the cockpit sole.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks for the report Glad others are having good luck with these.

[@SV-Flying-Tigress]

Curious what model you have. Didn't see these with bluetooth.

[@haydenwatson7987]

@@SV-Flying-Tigress Mine was a ‎Donmende HC-50 and it was used extensively this summer with 30 days of use and since 10/25/22 it has been in operation 24/7. We use it for a deep freeze and it is usually between 0ºC & -4ºC. It list price was $289.99

[@kevinathans4191]

I apologize if this has been covered or is irrelevant, but I'm bored and wanted to share...we have recently downsized and moved into a house without a dishwasher. I work in food service so dishes aren't an issue for me, but my wife really wanted a dishwasher. She ordered a counter top dishwasher by KAPAS. I have to say I really like it. It washes dishes while I do others by hand. It's more of a luxury than anything, but can be great for camping. One of the things I like about it is that it has a setting for washing fruits and veggies. Really, you can use it to wash anything. It has a hose to drain. Ours sits on the counter, so our hose goes to the sink. It can be connected to a water source or filled from the top. A load of dishes takes about 5.5L of water. It also has an optional heated drying cycle. It certainly isn't a need, but it's small and helps out just that little bit.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks. Someone in another comment just asked about a dishwasher.

[@minirunt]

I have the one step up version of the fridge, it basically has a bigger lid. The only issues are the instructions. Apparently it has a menu to adjust battery voltage cutoff, or at what volts does the fridge will stop running so as to save battery. 12 volt batteries running unregulated outputs tend flutuated between 12.3 volts to 10.1 volts. I ended up finding it on the internet. Perhaps the

[@brownnoise357]

Love this Clark, they look to have a useful range of sizes available too. I may well pick up a couple when I get to the USA a large one, and one this size for some flexibility (eg, with a battery pack in the Tender, for picking up Refrigerated dairy stuff or some oddments of Frozen stuff to keep cold / Frozen, etween shore and boat. Thanks Clark, the sort of thing that can make quite a difference. Best Wishes. Bob. 👍⛵️❤

[@christopherberthelet3977]

Tank you once again for the great advice. Be blessed and be filled.

[@glynncleaver7398]

In NZ/Oz we have some called brass monkey they come in lots of different sizes. Also some have lithium battery backup/standalone. ¼ of the price of a Engle uses a danfoss compressor

[@EmilyAndClark]

I've heard a lot of good things about those.

[@christophermelo7889]

Thanks for a good concise review Clark! I've been running this same unit for a few years as a freezer on the Alberg 35 ive called home since 1999. It popped up on an Amazon flash sale for a price i couldn't refuse while i was negotiating returns on a similar unit i had bought on ebay. I ran lengthy tests using a plug in watt meter and the ac adapter (admittedly a low accuracy method) to see what sort of daily Ah use i would need to feed it. There was quite a range depending on setting temperature, ambient temperature, %full, frequency of opening, etc. In general i can power it and my installed Isotherm ASU box system on my 200W solar with some assist from my 200W air breeze turbine and occasional generator run to meet deficits. Notably, the power use drops considerably in cooler cabin temps, but then the days get shorter at 42N then as well.

[@SVFresh2Salty]

So we have two one from ARB and one similar to yours. I found there was a big difference in the number of amps. Our cheaper one uses more amps than are more expensive one

[@tonywrobleski5185]

Thanks

[@EmilyAndClark]

Your welcome Tony

[@blake9358]

I'm not a fan of flat fridge freezers, you can get upright 12/24 fridges for boats and caravans campervans that run on solar

[@caitlinterry3817]

Thanks so much for this recommendation, Clark!

[@roberto5537]

I have the exactly same one, Got it for my work Van to keep my lunch and a few drinks cold almost 2 years ago, works great I think it was $180.00 at the time Love your channel keep up the great work

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks

[@MiQBohlin]

Good one!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks MiQ

[@svapresski794]

after our ancient engel died in 2021 we bought a Vevor 40liter freezer for $220 with shipping that has been great, 4 months in Bahamas last spring then took with us up north for the summer. assume it is basicly the same chinese design (danfoss bd35 equivalent) with a cooling fan mounted on the coils. this one has a metal case but a plastic interior covering what I assume is a tube type evaporater.

[@glennr9913]

That's a deal for a 40L. I just discovered Vevor. They have a wide variety of interesting equipment. I just got a very nice pottery wheel from them last week for $220.

[@adelarsen9776]

Welcome to 2023. I wish for you both safe passage, fair winds, following seas and good health, happiness and prosperity.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Ade

[@stevetadlock5223]

Just bought one, 179.00 plus tax-free shipping should get it on 16 Jan!

[@deanrushing8909]

Clark, Thank you for doing this. I did go the engel route, how can you not love a sawafuji swing motor? I retro fitted an ice box (still fixing the leaky lid) with a converter kit, and now a 45liter engel,, my main reason is longevity. I lived in the outback of Australia with a 30 year old engel and it kept me with safe food for 3 years. but yeah I now have $1800 of kit. Cheers

[@EmilyAndClark]

Yeah, the swing compressor is very interesting. Always surprised it doesn't vibrate more.

[@deanrushing8909]

I also remember that 30 year old unit worked at 122 ambient and 155 heat index and championed along. they have their own sound.

[@dket2571]

Brass Monkey as in "freeze the balls off", Many sizes, 20 - 110 liter (we in the outside world prefer Metric) Multi select compatrments: all combinations( fridge- fridge, fridge- freezer, freezer-freezer -20C) on the fly. Very fast cooling, light on current 3 - 5 Amps@12v(depends on Size etc) 12,24, 120-240. approx 100 - 700 Wh per day (depends on size, temperature setting, ambient), Some have built in battery slot & solar ability. Good insulated & insulated coverings. I've used Engel, Waco etc Now I have 3 (75L van, 80L house, 100 Lyacht) I'm retired, travel a lot, need reliability - Brass Monkey. And they're not Chinese

[@glennr9913]

We have a 45L Iceco fridge/freezer and it seems like a good unit, but it's much larger & bulkier than this machine. I think it would be handy to have one of these too. We could use one as a fridge & the other as a freezer. Or just take the small one when we don't need the bigger one.

[@EmilyAndClark]

We needed the small unit because of available space. I like it. Even full of meat it's easy to move around. If I lived on land I'd have one for picnics and such. Mate it with one of those li power boxes and you have something special.

[@lissainkd2580]

We've got a dometic and love it , a real game changer . Aloha

[@okiedoke6373]

I got the 64 quart version I've had it for 4 years 5 years now being full-time in a van it is the perfect freaking icebox

[@EmilyAndClark]

So useful to hear these are holding up. Thanks

[@johnrathbun2943]

Hey that's a great idea. Thanks alot for the info and Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

[@EmilyAndClark]

You're welcome John. Hope you enjoy our other videos.

[@glenroberts7610]

Hi ,nice bit of kit thanks for sharing , sorry thank your mom for sharing .😉

[@EmilyAndClark]

I'll pass it on to her

[@Nerd3927]

Nice! But with your link I get $ 140,- shipping to the Netherlands. It is however also available on the Dutch Amazon site, in 12 18 25 and 35 liter versions. Thanks for the tip!

[@EmilyAndClark]

By all means buy it locally.

[@Laceridesbig]

I've got on my boat the alpicool 60 liter got it in Thailand for about $350 u.s. it's been about 2 years. I use it constantly. And I put an external cooling fan. We live in the topics in Philippines. You have to clean the cooling fins accaisoinaly just like an air con.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Good to hear it's holding up and a good call on the condenser cooling help, Lance

[@Laceridesbig]

I also after cleaning rust converted the compressor and the spray painted black again. It's paid for itself for sure cold drinks right at and on the saloon. Ice too

[@Laceridesbig]

Will buy another when this eventually fails. This is one great Chinese product and I'm very critical of most Chinese crap. But this one gets an A +

[@landrum3893]

Very good info. Youve convinced me. Thanks!

[@EmilyAndClark]

You're welcome

[@traumagas123]

I would love to take a yeti type cooler and convert it to a 12 volt fridge freeze Ever thought about a system similar to that ?

[@EmilyAndClark]

Seems like a lot of work when you can get one already made with a compressor like this one. I have to say I'm not a fan of yeti products. They seem overpriced and over marketed. For example their thermos products are cork filled while the Stanley is true vacuum.

[@MisterDusk007]

Hey Clark, I’ve got the exact same size and model…use it in my Prius when my son and I go beach camping on the TX Gulf, I was pleased to discover the Bluetooth feature with mobile APP control but I’m sure you already figured that out. When the hybrid was off, I ran it off my 12v jump pack I carry plus the usb port is handy to run a usb fan as well….I was fortunate enough to get it for under $200 about a year ago….happy trails and say hello to Emily 😊

[@EmilyAndClark]

Honestly I didn't know it had Bluetooth. For everyone reading how do you get the app? Don't include a link or KZbin will spam block your comment.

[@MisterDusk007]

@@EmilyAndClark Absolutely….I have an iPhone so for me I searched & found Alpicool (smart car fridge) in the App Store and it’s free. It works great plus there is an icon on the digital display the shows when you are linked.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Great. What do you have control of? Does it let you get into menu settings?

[@MisterDusk007]

In the app it displays the input voltage, current temperature, it has the fridge on and off button and you can adjust the temperature on the fly.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks

[@Allen-by6ci]

Nice job Clark.. good info

[@YTMegiddo]

Another thought instead of food... which I don't see it holding too much except hotdogs and hamburgers. Meds for those who need to have them refrigerated. As I understand some insulin meds need to be kept refrigerated or the person might not last long. 😲

[@Seafariireland]

Thank you!

[@EmilyAndClark]

You're very welcome. Hope you enjoy our other videos as well.

[@marknathanks7592]

I have one of these g22 model alpicool. Sadly in south florida it sweats like crazy. ( No air cond in my truck camper). I also have a dometic cfx35 it does not sweat. Parked the alpicool, nothing i did worked to stop it being wet on my floor, dripping off its sides.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Ses the Domestic has better insulation. Get what you pay for I guess. There is an insulated bag people wrap around the alpicool. We just threw a blanket over ours but we were in the drier mountains.

[@jerewheeler6679]

Great video thanks

[@RandomGaijin]

i have a fridge similar to this that ive been using for about 3 years now with no issues, wasting money on an expensive fridge is just crazy.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks for the input

[@robertfreeman2322]

I have an Engel that's a little bigger than this and it was pricey! I've had it for 10 yrs now and no problems at all. I use it 6 months a year during our season here in Connecticut. The Chinese have been upping their game with quality the past few years but I'm still not convinced. I'd be more inclined to see how it's performing after a couple years. I'm sticking with the non slave labor country and trying my best not to buy from China. For the money though...jeez - I've spent more on dinner and cocktails than that sucker costs.

[@charlesholt4097]

An interesting note is this company makes a version of its cooler with a low energy helical screw compressor which few offer. It’s slightly more $s but worth it in reduced energy consumption. Another note for warm weather sailers is to make or buy it’s companion. Insulation case with openings for air intake and exhaust. I’m hoping that soon they come out with a variable helical compressor which with the right chip and program will reduce energy consumption further by running the compressor at its slowest and most efficient speed to maintain temperature during low usage periods (when not being frequently opened). Thank you for all you videos and information. They are great!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Charles

[@arnebzumt4492]

Hi, which model is it? can't find it. Thanks!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Follow our Amazon link in the description

[@arnebzumt4492]

thanks for your answer but i'm looking for the one Charles talked about :)

[@EmilyAndClark]

Oh sorry. Hope he answers

[@UUBrahman]

Nice.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks

[@OMIF1]

Wow, that is crazy inexpensive! Have to get one of these for sure. Thanks!

[@OMIF1]

Is that the 16 or 20 Qt. you tested?

[@EmilyAndClark]

16

[@OMIF1]

@@EmilyAndClark Looks like a perfect solution for my Balboa B26.

[@marjolainecote6965]

Which Apicool model was this please? C15? Thank you

[@bryrensexton4618]

👍!!!(been wondering which of these to get..)

[@EmilyAndClark]

We like ours

[@markclayton2614]

Thanks for the video! I bought one and want to hard wire it into my boat’s electrical system but I have a stupid question… Which wire is is which when you want to cut the 12volt plug to do the connection? I could crack the plug open to trace it but thought I’d ask if there is an easier way to ID the wires.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Mark one side of the wire where you want the cut. Cut the wire. Plug in the cut off and check polarity with your meter. If the mark was positive your other mark will be too......

[@Gardureth]

Hi i'm Eric on a chair, and i want to say happy new year! Sail the world, see many places, meet interesting people and enjoy life and each other!

[@Gardureth]

Thank you for all the video's, from just sailing life to sailing-life-hacks i love watching them.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Eric, Glad you are enjoying our channel.

[@timhardman4764]

While your traveling in an RV, do you have any plans to build your land-lubber version of the low wattage 4K BTU air conditioner that you have already done for boat applications. The design and application I'd be interested in would be a deployable unit when needed that would hang on the glass of a partially opened car/van/RV roll down window. The inside portion would have the fans blowing the cool air and the outside portion would be the condenser piping. A bonus would be the ability to reverse the flow to use it as a heat pump, heating the air for those nights that get a bit chilly in the winter in the desert. If you need an early adopter "proof of design" and you think this heat/cool function can work let me know. On your original announcement for the marine air conditioners I did apply with my info and noted my interest in the RV application. Thanks, Tim P.S. - in some earlier communications with you, you mentioned your vision was to use a regular automotive a/c condenser that would be mounted below the car. That doesn't work for me. I don't want anything permanently installed and for my travel, it would quickly be damaged from rock strikes etc...I'm not a full timer RVer so I can put up with the hassle of setting it up on a window each evening and taking it down each morning just to improve my sleeping environment on a one or two week trip. P.S.S. - my idea of over the window is similar to a newer window mount heat-pump or mini-split called an "over-the-sill" or "Saddle Mount". Check out the company Soleus for an example. They have a 6K BTU that runs at 495 watts but is way to bulky and heavy for a car or van "hanging window" application. And I don't need 6K BTU....4K BTU is just right.

[@EmilyAndClark]

I have built a system into the camper. I haven't done any real testing yet. It works but it's been too cold here to get any good numbers. I don't expect I'll do the over the window thing but if you passed your request to Russell at MarineDCAC.com it's possible.

[@timhardman4764]

@@EmilyAndClark Thanks Clark for the reply. Does the system you built into the camper work in reverse such that you can use it as a heater?

[@EmilyAndClark]

Not yet but it's in the plans. Life gets in the way

[@haydenwatson7987]

I have one and a built-in icebox conversion. If my Adler Barbour Cold Machine gives up the ghost, I plan to buy another of these and cut it apart for the components to rebuild my icebox conversion.

[@EmilyAndClark]

You won't find a cheaper compressor I suspect.

[@haydenwatson7987]

My unit cost less than $300 and a Cold Machine is $2500. I have no problem with the splicing of lines and evacuating and charging of the rebuild system so this is a great way to get all of the parts needed.

[@haydenwatson7987]

@@EmilyAndClark That is the conclusion I have come to. It also has the advantage of digital control based on air temperature rather than the stupid capillary tube on the condenser which guarantees a short-cycling installation. I also like that it makes use of the variable speed capability of the BD50 compressor with the "ECO" mode built into the controller.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Does it actually have a bd series compressor in it? I should have looked.

[@haydenwatson5771]

@@EmilyAndClark mine did. I checked the specs before I purchased it and saw that it was the same bd-50 that I have in my icebox conversion

[@cyber_surfer]

Great video Emily (and your sidekick, Clark 😉) ... What would it take to modify this current fridge into a flash freezer. Adding dry ice? Just curious 🤔

[@EmilyAndClark]

Depends what you mean by flash. But just setting it real cold and maybe adding some mass would see it freeze a fish real fast.

[@mike57876]

I bought the same refrigerator only I bought the 30 quart model. I use it in the trunk of my Tesla and I’m worried that it’s not getting enough air to breathe. Is there anyway for me to test whether it’s getting enough air and won’t catch fire or shut down? Thank you.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Is the air around it hot? It would be more efficient if it's in a cool place. Refrigeration is like lifting rocks from a low place to a high place. The higher you have to lift the rock the more energy it takes. So cool to cold is cheaper then hot to cold. I really doubt it will catch fire. If it doesn't get adequate ventilation it will require more power to do its job or get to the point where it just can't do its job and your contents warm up.

[@edwardhart8449]

The Engel is not pretty good, it is very good. I have one that has been on my boat for over 20 years and has not rusted. You unit draws 2.5 amps. My Engel draws 1 amp.

[@rmcnabb]

Thanks for this - glad to know that Alpicool is a trustworthy brand. I have a Whynter 45 quart and so far so good. Please tell me - is it harmful at all to stop/start/stop/start a refrigerator? As a child we lived with the fear that if we unplugged the fridge, it might never start up again. Old wive's tale? Thanks!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Well if they have a tiny leak in the evaporator (happens with time sometimes) they could run forever if on but fail within days of being turned off. As the pressure in the evaporator is really low when running and cold but gets real high when off and hot. That situation probably led to that wives tale I suspect. I've owned an Engle that would literally run for years but if you turned it off you needed to recharge it. I never found the leak!

[@dket2571]

Fridges run intermittently all the time. Compressor on, temperature drops (-3, -4C), compressor turns off Fridge warms up (4, 5C) compressor turns on. Whether at the wall or thermostat, it turns on/ off.

[@dunk8157]

I think the quality control must not be good on these, I just bought one and the compressor is noisy. In all the youtube videos where the compressors are running you cant really hear it. Will probably have to return and get another one. Does seem good except for this problem.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Yep. That's how china works. We are their quality control department. Right off the production line to the customer. But very often they just give you another. -C

[@dreupen]

This is interesting, but your discussion on power consumption is rather vague and says nothing of the efficiency. Ok, at worst case 2.5 A running all the time would be 60 AH (0.79 kWH). I'm sure that once the unit is cooled down that it would run less, but given the limited insulation (R-Value 7 at most), it not clear that it would run less while operating on a hot boat. But given the price, I may just get one for a freezer and surround it by a cheap blue board insulation on the non-fan exhaust sides. My Isotherm 3751 fridge/freeze consumes 20 AH a FL summer day, but I spent close to $2k (including rebuilding a R-40 box). I partitioned off a small volume for a freezer, but it is too small to utilize beyond ice cubes. Thanks.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Yeah sorry. That didn't make it off the cutting room floor. For us it ran about 1/3 time as a freezer. Room temperature not extremely warm.. Extra insulation is a very good idea. Saves power and cuts down on condensation.

[@skesno309]

love the channel. 2 thumbs up

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Windsor

[@Janchez]

Thanks for sharing the wattage draw, during the video it seemed like it was holding steady around 30-32 watts. The spec sheet says 45watts, have you observed that high of a draw? Does it spike high up to 45 for the initial cool down the settles in around 30ish watts once cool? Curious what you have been able to observe.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Honestly it used so little power I never really checked until the video started. In the video I had just plugged it in so that was likely max draw.

[@Janchez]

@@EmilyAndClark Cool... that's music to my ears. A flavor of one of these will most likely be in my future.

[@JohnLee-im7iu]

Thanks for the video. Can you also put a link for the “big blue’ lithium ion battery you used in the video. Thanks from Orlando, Florida

[@EmilyAndClark]

It's in this playlist. CAPABLE CRUISING GUIDES: kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5pFpq8RX0oxjibknM2Gz361

[@EmilyAndClark]

PS. We are very near Orlando - just north

[@EmilyAndClark]

You might like this one as well kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYG0l4asad5qha8

[@slick8086]

Holy moley!!!!! OG rep-rap!!! JLCPCB represent!!!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Yes I love that company. I've even had them 3d print my new cases. I'll be doing a video on my BankManager soon. They are getting a shout-out. They have done such a great job for me on that project.

[@slick8086]

@@EmilyAndClark I use them to make and populate some analog synthesizer modules. 10 years ago I would never have imagined how inexpensive an fast you could order PCB of this quality Back then I was using what is now OSHPark.

[@EmilyAndClark]

I simply couldn't have produced BankManagers without them. And KiCad

[@valwix7779]

Great review video. Do you have an interest in unboxing a SUP Board?

[@EmilyAndClark]

Do you have contact with someone who would send us an inflatable board?

[@valwix7779]

@@EmilyAndClark We are looking for some premium creators to cooperate with, including inflatable board cooperation.

[@EmilyAndClark]

[e-mail]

[@bowdezaufa2609]

Does it give off much heat while you had it in your boat?. I'm here in Florida as well and don't want to add any heat to the cabin

[@EmilyAndClark]

Not a lot. It gives off exactly what it pumps out of the food plus waste due to inefficiency. Insulate it and you will reduce the latter, we put a towel over it a lot.

[@bowdezaufa2609]

@@EmilyAndClark thank you for the response.

[@jimjones7821]

16 hour battery keeping a freezer running for outages of up to 80 hours. ummmm. That may not work.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Refrigeration doesn't work constantly. Expect to average 1/3 the time. And there are much larger batteries in the world.

[@SoItGoesCAL34]

Does it keep your ice cream frozen? That's the true, and enjoyable test.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Yep. The boat fridge doesn't but this can easily

[@pete9501]

Our C20 Alpicool will freeze down a litre of water overnight with air temps about 25c. However, it does struggle to maintain -18c running at 45w probably 3/5th of the time. That's in freezer mode, as a fridge it compares to our built in 2cuft Danfloss kit which also runs at 45w, but 1/5th of the time during the day and less at night. We have it in the rear cabin and sleep with it on, so it is quiet, just a gentle hum. Since we don't keep frozen for for more than a couple of weeks, we have started to run it at -15c which seems to make a big difference in the time the compressor is on. We keep a bath towel over the top less the vents to increase insulation Sort of works but it does get damp from condensation. There is a YT video of some tearing a new one of these apart. The cooling element is in the foam insulation next to the inner surface. Therefore there is about 1" of insulation. Not great, but what do you want at this price point, so do what you can to help it with insulation. £180 in the UK btw. Would we buy it again? Yes, the next nearest is the Domestic range and they are now £600 after taking over Waeco, so this is an excellent buy, now 3 years old.

[@Paul-ou1rx]

Now that you're in FL any plans to visit an maritime museums?

[@EmilyAndClark]

I don't know. Didn't really know there were any around.

[@rob45ca]

I have a question for you about my refrigerator on my boat . I did like this video and like the idea of a spare. where can I send you my question ?

[@EmilyAndClark]

Depends on the question. If it's short and may benefit others here is good. If it's detailed or personal we have a tier on Patreon called "Dream Believers" where we can talk about it or any other issues on the phone. Have you watched our refrigeration playlist? kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5qNlstuF-fdlgjrimo18tq7

[@rob45ca]

@@EmilyAndClark I just have a old refrigerator that is run off an automotive style compressor . I wanted to replace that with 12 volt compressor and was told that can't be done. They say I have to put in new Refrigerator. I would like to hear what you think. Thanks

[@EmilyAndClark]

Anything can be done. The question is should it be done. Same Patreon offer if you want a full analysis of the system or just education. But if you have a holding plate in your fridge you likely want to rip it all out and start over. If you are the diy type I just found a way to save loads on the components but if not, buying a fridge kit from isotherm or whatever is easiest.

[@smcs]

That has a battery?

[@EmilyAndClark]

No you plug it into either 12v or 110

[@addictedtotreasuretrash108]

Hej I have just found you and emily on youtube were she talks about pressure cookers. I was going to message you on facebook but it said that it is better to contact on youtube. So i know alot about pressure cookers as my mum had one for years and years. I have tried WB in a large pan but it uses alot of electricity for 3 hrs. I only want to can jars of food at 2 or 3 at a time so have bout a pressure cooker new from Ikea. I also know about the american canners etc but as emily was talking about using a pressure cooker to do the same this seemed ideal for what i want. Is there anyway you can pass this onto emily or even comment on it yourself please ? I am a prepper who wants to stock up on jars of food. Thank you

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks. Yes we read every comment.

[@addictedtotreasuretrash108]

@@EmilyAndClark I would like a reply to my question so i can go ahead and start prepping my jars for storage. Thanx Any tips would help alot

[@EmilyAndClark]

I don't see a question there beyond passing it to Emily. I did that. What is your question?

[@eleutheros]

Do you have a rough estimate of wh/day for this fridge/freezer?

[@EmilyAndClark]

I'd guess it ran about 1/3 of the time in our cool camper set for 27f

[@christophermelo7889]

I tested this same unit for amp hour use when i got one a few years ago. At a 60 deg F temp differential (20 setting, 80 ambient) i saw between 30 and 35 Ah per 24 hours depending on how full it was, all contents being put in already frozen. Too many variable in thermodynamics to boil down to a precise rate of consumption but this was my ballpark estimated.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Very useful Christopher

[@eleutheros]

@@christophermelo7889 Good info, and yes there are a lot o variables. Freezing things from room temp, would definitely make it work a lot harder.

[@christophermelo7889]

In order to try to smooth the variables out I looked at Ah per 24 hours divided by temperature differential(ouside - inside box) in deg. F. At 3/4 full, few lid openings, the data smoothed out to a constant of 0.5 - 0.59 Ah / deg F. Still a range, but a little more translatable to latitude!

[@nealgrant7727]

👍

[@addictedtotreasuretrash108]

Also i have subscribed to you guys as well (Y)

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thank you. Many of our videos are what Emily calls evergreen, they don't have to be watched when fresh. Happy binging.

[@albindriver3074]

"unboxing" videos are just an slacker, easy way to make a KZbin video. No effort is required. I doubt that people who do this last very long or make any money.

[@johnq.public2621]

😃👍👏👏👏

[@kaihuang1851]

Hi!Emily & Clark's Adventure We are the inverter amazon seller.We want to invite you test our new 1500W pure sine wave inverter.It's really powerful and light weight.Are you interested?

[@EmilyAndClark]

Sure. Send us a note to [e-mail].

[@theonerealelvis7823]

What about condensate?

[@EmilyAndClark]

It stays in the food compartment. There isn't much as the lid has a great seal.