Engel Drawer Fridge, SB30 Unbiased Review

[@n.ull.]

There's literally no other channel (to my knowledge, if there are please link them here to let me know) that do what you do, from mechanic to literal episodic vacations to product reviews and car showcases, honestly mindblowing the amount of content and variety. Keep it up

[@PHION1X]

AGREED!

[@DASHOffRoad]

Maybe not in the same league yet, but this is what I'm working towards.

[@jailbreakoverlander]

theres a few but Ronnies been around for a long time. I fashioned my channel like his for a reason.

[@mavdog87]

Red dirt diary is only new, seem like they will be great in a few more eps

[@bilalzaydan6672]

null k

[@timetogodoug]

Yes, please do the ARB and Engel large frig reviews.

[@dubious6718]

Do both and maybe compare them

[@andrewgolding3497]

For what it might be worth, I've got a 60l Engel, metal body one. Had it for a few months. Brilliant as a fridge and freezer. Currently sitting outside my caravan inside an open annex running as a freezer. Been 40 degrees for about 5 days and sitting on -15 to -17. Even when it's in full sun. Also have a plastic body 38l Engel in the car. Same deal with temp and sun. Running perfectly as a fridge.

[@wtforce5512]

Holy cow so many videos this week we're being spoiled. Excellent review very important info here. YES review the big fridge and maybe VS the ARB fridge even though there is many fridge vs fridge videos I'd like to see your experiences with them. I'm currently in the market for a camping fridge so all of your info helps as always!! Thank you AGAIN Ronny Dahl

[@jayrobbo6304]

Three Ronny Dahl videos in a row! This is awesome!!

[@roocrew86]

Ronnie, really enjoying the constant variety and regular uploading, it is much appreciated by all I'm sure. Please keep it up!

[@JosephVE3GKT]

Ronny, your video quality has greatly improved as of late! You seem to have become more comfortable on camera, and you are able to articulate your points more quickly. Some of your old content was quite slow. It's much more fun to watch you videos now. Keep it up! Thanks for all you do.

[@rockspyder3970]

Thanks for a great review, I am considering this fridge (or 2) for my campervan build, and you have just convinced me. They will work perfectly stacked on top of each other, and the idea of remotely locating the motor is the best. It took me about 3 sentences in, to identify the language as Aussie English 🙈😂😂 Greetings from South Africa

[@jimjones7821]

Hahahaha....great name there Rock Spyder. From a Roi Nekker.

[@rockspyder3970]

@@jimjones7821 haha yes not everyone will get it!

[@SM-wq2fe]

Here in the UK we have specialist seal suppliers who supply a huge variety of seal shapes and sizes and I have replaced mine with a small D seal which comes in a length and you form it, cut it, and simply bond it on. Mine gives up to 6mm of movement without breaking the fridge seal and letting in hot air.

[@shadyderbas]

Review everything rohni! Honesty at it's best. That's why everyone of us luvs ya mate. Cheers for effort.

[@joelturpin4]

I reckon keep reviewing everything you buy/get! It's great to see an unbiased real world review, cheers

[@LeDruide25]

Great to see those drawer fridges explained, they are so convenient ! I have the WAECO CD 30 (drawer too) and I'm so pleased with it. I use it as my one and only fridge in my prado 120, I don't need more space as I travel alone with my dog. The Waeco doesn't seem to have the sealing problem. And again : so convenient to organize the truck, it just takes place like a regular drawer and is half the price of a fridge+slide. =)

[@OneOut-SoloTravels]

4 years later - Appears that the seal hasn't been changed or a mechanism added to lock the door. However, Engel have updated the positioning of the control knob, now it is at the very back of the drawer - I guess that is probably ok as it would be rare that you would need to adjust the setting but I wonder if it would be knocked by items in the drawer when the drawer is closed.

[@jimjones7821]

as of today, when I look at current marketing material for this fridge the control knob is in the same spot

[@OneOut-SoloTravels]

@@jimjones7821 just had a look on Engel's site and you are correct - it's been so long since I made the post so I have no idea where I got the idea it had been changed.

[@evil17]

Great vid mate, you covered some really great thinking points. The movable motor mounting scenario, definitely has some great implications for the dedicated 4x4er too. The door mounted control is an obvious & simple brilliance, Engel should pay you for having to bring it to their attention. I would further suggest Engel to consider a frost free &/or fan forced scenario to overcome the obvious ice build up potential. The Velcro idea is a great proof of concept addition, and Engel should also steal this great idea from you in the form of a travelling lock either side to help stop the vibration issues also and better firm the seal area for less door seal leak potential. Engel always have been a great fridge generally, and I swear by them. A brief comment on power consumption woulda been good, but thanks for a well presented and informative vid!

[@Mechman0925]

Thanks for the review Ronny! This fridge will actually work great in my JK ( 2 door) as it is currently set up.

[@jailbreakoverlander]

Sweet series of vids Ronnie. keep em coming

[@888johnmac]

nice small second fridge & the thing that proves it's handy is all the footage of other people diving into it for stuff..

[@WildTouring]

Good review mate. Looks like a good little unit. I bought two of the evakool 40L drawer fridge, absolutely love them. BTW Nail VPA is a cracking drop hey! Cam.

[@christo4376]

i got the evakool after seeing your review. been awesome so far! i use it as a main fridge and can chuck in the waeco as a freezer if i need!

[@WildTouring]

Glad you're happy with it Christo! And cheers for watching my review!

[@OTWD]

Honest..thanks, love these previous gen vids😬. Agree a great touring fridge for day stops.

[@TheSleepy99]

Yes please do the fridges but also interested in the new set,up for the canopy 👍

[@0825Krispy]

Definitely keen for the review on your other fridges used ronny!

[@Ian-le3bu]

Hi Ronny, thanks for the information and your review. I found it pretty useful.

[@tentworld]

Great review Ronny. Drawer fridges are getting very popular and this gives a great overview of the Engel model! Would love to see your review of the Engel MT45FP! Keep it up!

[@Danielsgamingchanne1]

Another awesome video Ronny I was really curious to see how the slide out fridge was thanks for that It would be good to get a review on your other fridges 3 videos in just a couple days that’s awesome hahah nice video Ronny keep it up

[@MrMug4d]

Yes please. Review on the ARB and Engel fridge would be great. 👍

[@tomisthename10]

I'm looking into getting a fridge, a video comparing the different brands / types with pros and cons would be very interesting coming from someone that has used a lot of them

[@wesleymcgonagle3394]

Watching this video again today, got me thinking that you should include a review the Slide out Bar Mate, that is just as awesome as the fridge.

[@ryanambler8580]

Thanks for the intel, Ronny, much appreciated!

[@kmtischer]

This guy really likes his "roadside snacks"!!

[@Bemoderso]

Yes fridge review please, i'm currently in the market for one.

[@mike-pl8sn]

I would’ve liked to have seen more on moving the refrigeration unit you said you could set it remotely

[@drmm3936]

Ronny you are GOLD..!!!

[@jsoverland]

Great video Ronny! I will add a card of this video on my ARB Fridge video!

[@SamanthaHAgastin]

Thanks for reviewing this guy. Great add up as a secondary fridge. Where can I get your hat type? Writing from FRANCE ❤️ Love your channel

[@DyanMaguirsFilms14]

yes ronny more reviews mate love your videos.

[@unondwayzauyashinga1735]

Great Ronnie, please do a review of the Engel vs Waeco/ Dometic and the ARB FREEZERS.

[@dubious6718]

I'd have the draw fridge as my only fridge I don't go on long trips, but I want the fixes Ronny talked about, like better seal and the controller moved

[@MADBONE0]

Evakool 40L Drawer Fridge Freezer ??? ( similar but 10L more )

[@BCBtrucks64]

yes a review on the big main engel

[@danmacka4425]

Thanks mate. Def keen to get one but one concerned about the power draw. Says in Alexa it’s 2.7amp p/h which I assume is due to the reduced insulation. What was the real world figures? Ta dan.

[@Aidan.17]

Not sure if that Engel is an 80 combi but if it is hell yes we would love an unbiased review. Im looking to buy 40L combi in like 2 months time.

[@CroakerOutdoors]

Saving up for my Engel 45 fridge/freezer. $1099 USD good god but I am done with ice and swamped out coolers. After that, solar.

[@jessb4535]

Hey Ronny, is it actually a freezer though? Looking it up found it only cools up -8 needs to -18. Any other drawer freezers out there like this ?

[@MOOSEDOWNUNDER]

Geez mate, very fancy brother. I have a dodgy old Eski and a slab of ice for my piss and scoff. lol. :-) Old School over here in Northern Vic. Cheers Moose.

[@geoalberta7711]

Yes main frige review. Secondaire frige was good.

[@OleoKoong]

What is the latest drawer fridge that with remove able compressor?

[@jaydenweaver1117]

would be interesting to see how it compares to the others drawer fridges on the market. The engel is the most expensive

[@alexcruz6737]

Could you tell me about the drawer slide table that you have fitted beneath this small fridge please?

[@DRTYWKND]

Any chance you can do a comparison on all three drawer fridges, Weaco, Engel and Evacool? I looking at one of the above mentioned and I've noticed that there is not a video on this subject?

[@chrisp8328]

I would have been interested in the actual power consumption per day. I've got a 30l chest style fridge. From what I've heard draws use a lot more power as you dump all the cold air out the sides when you open the draw (cold air sinks). This would be a major con if true.

[@northzero2390]

A true Aussie would only find room for his beer lol. Great channel mate.

[@adamb1671]

Mine’s died after 3yrs, not cooling and very rusty compressor & coils. Fridge located inside a caravan that only goes to the beach 2 months a year. So roughly 6 months use out of it.

[@gardyjeanplong3638]

arb and engel review please ronny keep up the good work

[@robertrodgers1423]

Two questions: Why not use plastic bottle drinks that can be sealed back via the lid rather than cans that can't? In emergencies you now have more containers to hold water or whatever liquid you might need.; Have you ever used a stainless steel vacuum sealed cup such as the Yeti Rambler? I know it gets hot there as it does in Alabama, the thing keeps ice from melting or coffee hot forever. Thanks for sharing.

[@SomervilleMetalWorks]

because beer doesnt come in plastic bottles

[@Dammo-ud1vu]

The slide out table you have under your 30ltr fridge draw, what brand is that? By the way great review.

[@thomasurquhart507]

Curious as well...

[@InMused]

It's custom made. Not off the shelf.

[@phillipgauke4299]

Ronny. Please do a review on the toyos!

[@kitegirl83]

You mentioned that you wouldn't recommend this as a primary fridge but I wasn't sure why. Is this purely based on size? The reason I'm asking is because I am about to convert my tiny VW caddy into a camper but it would purely be for weekend getaways, so I wouldn't need to stock up on that much food.

[@EmMa-hg3ql]

Is it a secondary fridge just because of the size? I couldn’t really get the reason why it couldn’t be a main fridge other than that... if anyone could help me out that would be awesome. We’ve got a tiny van that won’t fit a whopper but I recon this could do us, calling on you experienced guys!

[@-WondersofCreation]

I would suggest DC25 Projecta for battery charging solution. Works like a charm.

[@vincepalaa]

Are you looking to upgrade your batteries to two? Or are your considering Lithium? I just purchased a lithium for my 200's 2nd battery. The battery has twice the (usable) capacity and half the weight of a standard Lead Acid AGM. Plus they charge faster and last longer.

[@joshuamcdonald6125]

please do a review on the arb and the large engel

[@KaizenOz]

How does this one compare to the dometic version?

[@coreybernhagen7557]

Hey Ronny I came across this video of your review on the engel fridge and you convinced me to buy on haha. But did you have to do your own wiring on the fridge to the battery my cam with 2 exposed wires and no plug or sig socket nothing just though I would ask you cheers man.

[@ian9toes]

Another con I see is the low sides, allowing cold (heavier) air to fall out the sides.

[@Overallsbloke]

Hey ronny whadaya think of the 63litre ridge ryder with draw?? I reckon thats pretty kewl!!

[@JohnHendicott]

Great video!! Just wondering what pull out table that is? Cheers

[@MrGgraham76]

Any long term review on Dobinson remote res (79) vs ARB (luxxy)? Are the extra $$ for bp51 worth it...?

[@StohlTara]

I think this fridge would only be good if you have a wagon or a ute with a canopy. Probably should get a canopy for mine but sort of liking it without one :)

[@kevindeibler346]

Random question about how much power does it use per hour with nothing changing the battery im really wanting to get one but a little worried about the power drain

[@borisjohnson1944]

It draws 2.7Amps, so 2.7Amp/Hours. www.tentworld.com.au/buy-sale/engel-drawer-fridge-sb30g-30l

[@Suzykid007]

I believe this fridge is getting hot due to draw and seal not being up to standard not the external temp. It is not as bad as but similar to the door on our fridge at home being left ajar which leaves the compressor trying to maintain the cabinet internal to temp but it cant due to door being open which means it just keeps running and running instead of its normal on and off just to maintain the temp. The outcome of a compressor that continues to stay on is it gets hotter and hotter till it fails or causes a fire. As for the idea of putting the control mechanism on the draw I can not see that wearing well I believe the dial needs to be rotated to horizontal so the mount is very thin I also noticed the light panel being quiet large which it could be just a small Led. For the dial I believe it should be graduated so it clicks in to the setting and does not rotate freely to avoid it being knocked accidentally. also the housing should for the control dial and led light should be tapper to the back of the draw so if something does catch it is less likely to crack or bump the bracket off completely. Im also pretty disappointed that Engel would put out a product that is not well thought out nor engineered to work properly as other brands that in my opinion are a less quality item have a decent locking mechanism to the draw.

[@Titanium308]

Yes, as per doug's request :)

[@Warhorse469]

Ronny, you change the back of your 79 more then I change my underpants.

[@craigwaitoa5667]

Hey Ronnie, What beer do you guys drink in the green cans? I'm from QLD and have never seen that brand ? Curious ? It must be good because you are always drinking it Cheers

[@guidonelliot5926]

Thanks mate

[@Nate_K111]

Thanks for the video

[@joejojo4751]

Hi Ronny, been watching you for a while now and love the videos, I have an L200 dual cab with a plastic / glass fibre canopy. The canopy has sliding glass windows in the sides but they can only be opened from inside the canopy. Do you know of any conversion gull wing kits that would fit a more useful box in the window space that could be accessed from outside and lockable ? Cheers keep up the good work from Joe in France.

[@joejojo4751]

I think they are called Tritons where you are (L200). Joe

[@aussiecarpfishos8423]

Thanks for this. Have they changed anything with the newer versions? Hoping to install a draw fridge in the back of my Pajero soon but undecided on which one. Waeco is out because of price, size and the temp control placement.

[@robsvidacc]

Aussie Carp Fisho's I have the everkool in my wagon. It uses a fair bit of power as the compressor in my car doesn’t get much airflow. Otherwise its a great fridge.

[@aussiecarpfishos8423]

@@robsvidacc if I'm not mistaken the Evakool is a 40L. I was looking at them but they are too big for my design. It has to fit under a shelf that forms a bed. I'm planning to put a old PC Case Fan in to help extract hot air from the back.

[@robsvidacc]

Aussie Carp Fisho's they are 40l and the compressor cannot be removed (I think) and moved like the Engel. I’m about to use another fan as well, I think that is a good idea. The mods are half the fun, well as we can’t go anywhere, all of the fun at the moment.

[@aussiecarpfishos8423]

@@robsvidacc I'm redesigning the back end of mine to suit the fridge and new electronics. Currently no second battery. It means a full rebuild of the back but as you said its part of the fun. There is a video in my uploads of the set up I currently have.

[@robsvidacc]

@@aussiecarpfishos8423 im about to switch my AGM second battery that in the back for a lithium. Ridiculously expensive but the weight saving and power availability is so much better. Because there is such limited space and weight in a wagon, its probably worth the expense. ill check out your vid.

[@NISMO-OFFROAD]

top review ron

[@ghorman1]

@ronny - why did you go engel over ARB for your main frig?

[@SomervilleMetalWorks]

Because ARB are rubbish Engel are and have been best fridges on market for 30 plus years

[@ghorman1]

Really? Because most of the overland videos I see ARB has been the main choice in frigs. What facts are you using to backup your claim? I'm on the market for a frig, that is why I'm asking.

[@SomervilleMetalWorks]

www.4x4australia.com.au/gear/electronics-gadgets/1608/eight-way-fridge-comparison Thats from a quick google ARB use to be better when they were basically an Engel fridge but now like most they've moved to cheaper secop (danfoss) compressor to obviously have a better profit margin. You'll see the best fridge use different compressors where the Secop/danfoss all perform similar depending on insulation and how well they seal at lid. Really most of your fridges use same compressor. ARB, Ironman, Companion, Tralblazer, Nation Luma. Waeco is considered to be a copy of a danfoss but they seem pretty good from my 2ndhand experience. Not saying ARB are Bad fridges theyre just average.. I run a Companion Fridge Same compressor as ARB. Mine is powdercoated Steel Its retails $400 less than ARB and touch Wood works like a charm.

[@brad2442]

Did you say you run a single battery Ronny?

[@lx406]

I have one of these and I have mixed opinions about it. It only goes to -8 degrees. Wont keep food frozen. Also it's only 12v /24v, not 240v. Big downer. Mine failed after 6 months and had to be replaced under warranty. Beware these fridges. Cheap and flimsy feeling. But access is very convenient. I wouldn't buy it again if I had the choice.

[@adamb1671]

Mine has stopped cooling completely, although compressor still runs and inside light is on. Was horrified to see how much rust had formed on the coils compressor side. Maybe the cause, but was still working until i parked up on the beach in the caravan. It’s had very little use, maybe 6 months over 2-3 yrs. 🤬

[@dancotter7050]

Nail VPA - great choice

[@tharindu6]

Hi Ronny ! First of all let me thank you for the amazing content you are sharing with all of us. I have a bunch of questions about fridge / freezers. I own a 2007 mitsubishi outlander 4WD wagon. I do understand that the car is no where near a proper offroader or an overlander. However I have to make do with what I have :-) . The car is mainly used for running around the city and school runs. But we as a family do few longer trips every year.( roughly about 1000K s per trip) I have been thinking of having a fridge / Freezer for these trips. My questions are 1) Can I run a fridge off my car battery ? ( The fridge will be only plugged in during the drive and will be connected to mains immediately after we reach our destination. 2) what would be the recommended size for me ? ( We only have 3 in our family ) 3) Any recommended brands ? ( I'm trying to keep the cost below 1K if possible ) 4) Given the fact that I only use the fridge for long trips would I need to get a fridge slid ? Thanks In advance ! Sam

[@paulp6386]

1. Yes. As long as you only run it while the caris running. 2. I had 3 in family and a 40L is perfect. Now I have 4 :) It's ok but 50 would probably be better. Any bigger you can't lift them full of food, too heavy. 3. I have a Waeco 40L. To be honest, all off the new ones are ok. Just look at what configuration of the fridge would work best for you. Some are side open, some long end open, some have a handle, some a manual latch etc. Most importantly, measure the HxWxD that you can fit in your car. Then look at what fridges fit. 4. No. Only need a fridge slide if it's permanently mounted. Hope this helps :)

[@tharindu6]

Paul P hi Paul ! Thanks heaps for your reply ! Answers are to the point. Thanks again :)

[@paulp6386]

You're welcome. Always happy to help :)

[@backwardsaussie9677]

i would recommend buying a deep cycle battery just to throw in the back and hook it up to the fridge with simple electrical work then obviously plug into the mains. Your car battery is not made for huge power draws like fridges and it will effect your battery. with this deep cycle set up just get a battery charger so once you're done with the trip you can charge the deep cycle battery in your own home ready for the next trip :)

[@timfreeman2603]

Similar situation here. I run a 27L Engel it fits neatly on floor behind the passenger seat. Runs off main battery but have option of 240v.

[@ppha7665]

Reviews on the ARB fridge plz

[@dtec30]

hmm wonder why the control is not digital and on the front panel

[@backwardsaussie9677]

love the video!

[@leongerber9408]

Hi where did you buy your fridge for $550 thanks

[@svoceanghost7734]

Awesome man. Thank you

[@yxcvmk]

I wish Engel would have listened, but they didn't, did they? It seems to me they totally stopped development a long time ago. Still good products, with pretty steep prices however.

[@duikerlosmond4161]

what are those beers Ronnie????

[@cyclemoto8744]

Ronny, The question is...why did you ditch this fridge? Cheers

[@Ronny_Dahl]

I don’t have space for it and the 40l combo is more practical

[@Ronny_Dahl]

Sold it with the canopy

[@cyclemoto8744]

@@Ronny_Dahl I've been contemplating a drawer fridge but you've now confirmed my thoughts. I'll stick to my National Luna and get a console fridge for the front instead. Cheers!

[@edstar81]

Review ok both would be great!

[@HeliMicky]

Would be a great only beer fridge :-)

[@Norms259]

review on the ARB vs engel Please :)

[@Flemberg27]

Hell yea!!! Arb vs Engel :) :)

[@SomervilleMetalWorks]

WHY ARB are average and expensive use same compressor as my cheap companion fridge. Theres better fridges on the market than ARB even waeco's outperform them.

[@CircuitAce]

Old ARB vs The Engel... pros and cons of both

[@johndiaz7240]

Thanks

[@nnoddy8161]

Evakool 40 litre review please.

[@damienfrizzell9394]

Honestly mate the king's one looks heaps better has deeper sides to it

[@HDXFH]

The compressors in those are shit, they always break apart at the winding, BD 35 danfoss units are a good replacement for these

[@CarloKuhn]

Why can't Engel change it to a digital controlled thermostat ?

[@rognvaldurvikingsson9083]

They can, but they are now already one of the most expensive it would be too expensive no one would buy, i think.