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condensing cool boxes

Posted: 27 Jan 2010, 21:01
by _robin
Will be fitting out my van for camping soon. Storage will be tight as I've gone for a full width bed and so I'll only have room for a kitchen block. I thinking I could free up the space usually taken by the fridge for storage and get one of those waeco condensing cool freeze boxes instead. So, has anyone reading this got one of those things or an opinion on them vs a regular fridge?
Cheers

Re: condensing cool boxes

Posted: 28 Jan 2010, 13:14
by silverbullet
We've got a waeco cool box like that (3-way). It's ok but struggled to keep our sarnies and fizz cool on a day trip in the hot summer. That was with it pre-cooled overnight on 240v with ice blocks inside. Good otherwise.
If you want COLD, go compressor it would seem.

Re: condensing cool boxes

Posted: 28 Jan 2010, 15:54
by The Octave Doctor
I have a Waeco CF-18 I think it is - its really excellent - runs off 12v - will freeze if you want it to - but for "fridge" cold it will runs for 3-4 days off a 100a leisure battery no worries. I pump in charge thro split charger and solar panel so lasts for longer. Its small enough to have in a small cupboard - its a top opener - so I added some draw runners ( actually keyboard shelf runners from a PC desk..) to allow the unit to come out of the cupboard to access the lid easily.Also theres a bag with zip cover which adds more insulation

Re: condensing cool boxes

Posted: 28 Jan 2010, 20:43
by _robin
thanks guys. I was looking at the cf-18 but it difficult to get a feel for the size without actually seeing one. How do you find it is for space?
I was thinking I could keep it behind the passenger seat while on the move and inbetween the drivers/passenger seats when we're camped.

Re: condensing cool boxes

Posted: 29 Jan 2010, 12:27
by silverbullet
Ours is a Combicool (same/similar to the multivan type) lives inside the sliding door, behind the front passenger seat. It takes up a 500mm cube. Holds 40litres they say - 2 good sized carrier bags of grub, (just) enough for a weekend. Doubles up as a seat for the little'un.
We've got a small calypso storage box the other side, behind the driver's seat for crock and cutlery.

Re: condensing cool boxes

Posted: 29 Jan 2010, 23:15
by The Octave Doctor
I will try and check out my CF-18 between the seats tomorrow - will let you know -. It is more like a coolbox design so should be okay - - but really amazing performance off 12volt - I am between Liverpool / Manchester if you need of look - cheers