Engel MD40F 38L Fridge Freezer 12/24V DC

Check out the Engel MD40F 38L Fridge Freezer 12/24V DC here:
www.snowys.com.au/md40f-38l-f...
An entry-level option that gives you all the reliability that Engel delivers, the MD40F 38L is the simple Fridge Freezer unit for off-grid adventures.
This is a simplified version of the original Engel series of fridges, but with a lightweight polypropylene cabinet, soft bumpers, a reversible lid, removable handles, the Sawafuji Swing Motor, basic temperature selection through a single dial and operation from 12/24V DC power source - so it’s got all the basics for keeping food and drinks chilled on your adventures.
In this video, our gear guru Ben talks you through everything you need to know about this unit from Engel. He starts out with what you get included with the MD40F, the external dimensions, materials, construction, 12V compatibility, and shows you how to use the control panel.
He then talks you through the compressor and draw, what accessories are available to make it run from 240V, and shows you how much interior space there is - so check it out above for all the details.
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Weight & dimensions
1:42 - Materials
2:25 - Accessories to run 240V
3:02 - Fuse & control panel
4:13 - Sawafuji Swing Motor
4:47 - Adding a temperature gauge
5:40 - Lid latches & hinges
6:38 - Internal dimensions
7:27 - How many cans & bottles fit?
8:01 - Storage tray

[@treasurethetime2463]

At least this guy didn't try to pass off the missing 240v as a feature. Haha

[@SnowysOutdoors]

We don't try and sugarcoat anything. ~ Ben

[@rogerramjet1734]

Thanks for this run down on this fridge/freezer. Nice to see that it does come with a fridge😏. I am glad you showed that 240v adapter running it. How often do the fuses blow on this unit? You mentioned there was one in the 12v connecter plug, and another down by where it connects up to the fridge Edit for typos...sausage fingers!!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

You'd be disappointed if you bought a fridge only to find it didn't include the fridge. Roger Ramjet (there's a name from the past!) :). Regarding the fuses, they are only likely to blow if there is an issue with the electronics in the vehicle. I have had an Engel for about 15 years and despite carrying spares, I've never had to replace either of the fuses. ~ Ben

[@rogerramjet1734]

@@SnowysOutdoors awesome! Thanks a bunch for taking the time to reply. Appreciated! 👍

[@magicmechanic]

Hi Ben. Looking to fit a fixed panel to my roof rack to top my my second battery to run this fridge and nothing else, which size would I be needing. Cheers

[@SnowysOutdoors]

There's a bit more to this than just the solar panel. If we assume current draw is about 1 amp per hour then you'll need about 24 amp hours in your battery each day to keep the fridge running, this would be in hot weather though. So you'd need a solar panel that is capable of delivering 24 amps back into your battery during the 6-8 hours of sunlight you'll get during the day, which means you'll need at least 3-4 Amps at any given time. A 120W panel will deliver over 6A at full potential, but could quickly drop below the 3A you need in less than perfect conditions. A 200W panel, however, is capable of up to 11 Amps and will maintain an output above the 3A you require for longer. Long story short, invest in as much solar as your budget can afford, I have a portable 200W panel and run an Engel fridge as well as some lights and I have no problems at all. ~ Ben

[@magicmechanic]

Thanks for taking the time to reply Ben

[@wolfbiteaus]

one thing I dont hear much about is the NOISE level. whats the db level & is it constant?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

That's something we've discussed comparing for some time now, and something we'd like to do... we just need to pull the logistics together to make it happen. I would say that most 12V fridges share a similar noise output though. I can't make any promises right now, but we'll see what we can do regarding noise levels across a number of different fridge brands. ~ Ben

[@wolfbiteaus]

​@@SnowysOutdoors I ended up buying a "Brass Monkey 50L" (that ended up going back) ran it for a week on 240v (planned to use it as a unit fridge also) tested 5c fridge -10c freezer, as fridge only, as freezer only. the constant noise, hardly stopping drove me crazy. trying to find specs to compare was hard but managed to find some eventually for dometic & engel but none for brass monkey (android db test=65db from 10ft) so now DB is at the TOP of minimum requirements

[@wolfbiteaus]

nothing expected, just passing on what would be something that people SHOULD know while out TRYING to enjoy the peace & quiet :)

[@SnowysOutdoors]

@@wolfbiteaus thanks for your feedback, I was thinking of just using an app to measure noise, not sure how accurate they are though. But, if I use the same app on all fridges it will at least give a level playing field. ~ Ben

[@azclaimjumper]

It is approximately 12' from my head when I'm sleeping in my van & I don't hear it turning on or off. Any other frig/freezer with a Danfoss compressor & you'd definitely hear the compressor turning on or off.

[@Wastelander13]

How do the clips hold up? I find them to be a bit flimsy but maybe Im wrong.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

They are pretty good, Baroudeur, I understand what you mean by them feeling flimsy but we've not had issues with them to date. Replacements are readily available too should you run into any issues. ~ Ben

[@Wastelander13]

@@SnowysOutdoors Thank you for your prompt reply. Maybe its even possible to replace them by metal ones, I will check that. Its a very interesting fridge for an affordable price. Cheers.

[@samhunt9380]

Thanks for the review, my local shop was a little vague and I can see why. Definitely not buying that model......

[@SnowysOutdoors]

It's a good fridge, Sam, just been stripped down to make it more affordable. ~ Ben

[@Sea1fly]

That’s expensive for occasional usage there fretty dude

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Occasional use over many years though, Steve. ~ Ben

[@azclaimjumper]

It's INEXPENSIVE when you consider you've just bought a product that will reliably keep food frozen longer than you'll live. It keeps food frozen inside my van all day/night when it's 90ºF inside my van as I'm driving down the road. It's a product you'll pass on to someone in your WILL. Try & find anyone with an RV whose FREEZER reliably keeps their food frozen 24/7. My acid test is to store a supply of ice cubes in a ziplok baggie. The ice cubes have never changed shape because they melted & refroze. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada.