DC Fridge or AC fridge with inverter?

Wasn't this the stated use case:

Offgrid cottage or cabin used on the weekends.
Owner wants to turn off the inverter but keep the fridge running during the week.

So obviously the DC fridge wins hands down here.

I'm new here with little to no experience with solar. This discussion seems to be off the rails.
I'll offer my opinion to the OP. It's your money do what you want with it! As a licensed HVAC, Refrigeration and electrical contractor, you will likely not be repairing any of it yourself. If your refrigerator is down and it's that small you could take it to be repaired but it's probably cost prohibitive. Just buy another and go again. Even a $500-$800 unit is likely the same. If you can do it yourself pick your want even experiment a little. If it's me I go 120 volt. Less amps (not less watts) to the refrigerator and more redily available for repair although I did not look to see if I could find a DC compressor available. Just saying they probably aren't laying on the shelf downtown.

Power efficiency is one part of the equation. Space to put stuff in is another. I run a Dometic CFF45 in my van. Space inside the van is at a premium. I want a top loading fridge because we are on rough roads (if you can even call them roads). I want a power sipping fridge since the house battery is small. However, for the price of the Dometic I could get a pretty much full sized regular fridge. I've been very happy with the Dometic.

In a cabin or at home, I'd rather have the space to put stuff in. It is so easy to make sure the power system can accommodate it. I can save some cash to put towards the power system buying a regular fridge. I can go to the local appliance store for a replacement or service if needed.

As to buying quality and you get what you pay for, in my life I have found that to be true. There are a few things that one can buy on the cheap but most of the time it is a waste of money. My grandma used to say that I was too poor to buy cheap. I think she was right.

For you folks that are replacing an absorption refrigerator with a DC or AC fridge, how does the depth of the old and new units compare?

My Dometic RM2852 has a specified 24" depth. Many of the alternative refrigerators have a depth that is at least 1.25" more, while the width is an exact match.

HRTKD said:

For you folks that are replacing an absorption refrigerator with a DC or AC fridge, how does the depth of the old and new units compare?

My Dometic RM2852 has a specified 24" depth. Many of the alternative refrigerators have a depth that is at least 1.25" more, while the width is an exact match.

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Part of the reason we went with DC is the internal size- I can't recall the specific absorption fridge that would fit the same hole, but it was significantly less internal space, the one we got is 3 cu ft. On top of that, venting. Instead of having a vent to give fresh air and exhaust to the outside, we just have to have enough vent for cooling the coils.

alfaeric said:

Part of the reason we went with DC is the internal size- I can't recall the specific absorption fridge that would fit the same hole, but it was significantly less internal space, the one we got is 3 cu ft. On top of that, venting. Instead of having a vent to give fresh air and exhaust to the outside, we just have to have enough vent for cooling the coils.

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More internal space is looking like a given for something that fits the opening (height and width). But any DC or AC fridge that fits that opening, is deeper than what my current absorption refrigerator specs say.

boondox said:

Power efficiency is one part of the equation. Space to put stuff in is another.

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Well your post surprised me cuz I agree with the above but in an entirely different direction. I understand your purpose snd if that’s what works for you- fantastic.

Space to put stuff in is why I need a bigger fridge than the cooler ones.

For me, however, I have used an AEG (magicChef) gas/electric ammonia fridge for years. 7+ cubic feet. I live out of it every day. I’m not keeping a six pack and some cold cuts- I need a small freezer and daily use milk, juice, condiments, meat, cheese, etc.

For the idea of a 12V $200 electric cooler... not interested. Too small. So if it’s 1/5 the size it should be no surprise at 1/5 the Ah/day a.k.a. KWh/dy.

I’m currently running a 1.4A-labeled fridge that varies 140-160W on the cc meter right now. 5+CF. Barely enough space and no freezer. plus when it comes on it’s a split spec at 850-900W.
My 500W system seems to run it fine.
I am awaiting delivery of a 4.7CF with a tiny freezer compartment so even tighter but it’s only rated 0.8A

I guess for overnight or weekend use one of those dometic 12V electric coolers is ok but I don’t think I could deal with it. But hey, if that works for you- great!

I think we actually agree. The dometic is in my van where space and power are at a premium. At home (which is off grid) I use a regular, energy star type fridge.

MrNatural22 said:

I still have two Massimo (Alpicool) China built LG compressors 54qt fridges operating 24/7 @ 32deg F for almost a year now on LiFePo and solar.
Never had a problem with operation.

So if your fat wallet needs some emptying go get ya a trendy box and you'll be in the club.

Both Massimos together cost less than 1 of those worshiped shiny trendy coolers and probably could have bought three and still spent less.

Bought at Costco so warranty is not a concern.

BTW, those Amazon reviews are regularly bought and sold...................

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Thats true enough for the positive ones, of course theres no reason for a seller to buy negative reviews, is there? They certainly are holding purchasers hostage over warranty service and negative reviews. It seems SOP is the product breaks, the seller doesnt answer phone calls or emails, purchaser posts a negative review, seller contacts buyer and offers a full or partial refund- depending on how long they had it- on the condition the review is removed or changed. The outside window seems to be a month or two, in fact a costway reviewer says their CSR outright stated the warranty was really 90 days.
My experience was complaining to amazon within a week, they promptly refunded the purchase price, told me to keep it. However they also wouldnt post an honest critical review even after several rewrites. (About six months later I persisted and it did post) The freezer still ran at that time, but the temp control was stuck, the lid warped, insulation non existent, too frustrating.
All indications are that Iceco is in a better class of product than the Costways/other cheap copies, though it remains a mystery if theyll actually be able to honor warranties any better than Costway does, since theyre in the same boat- no factory or service personnel here so no repair possible. They can only offer refund or replacement.
Some Iceco reviews and comments mention they didnt answer the phone until a "nasty" review was left.
It looks like Iceco began as a copy rebrander a few years ago and moved up the ladder to now doing their own manufacturing of copies of premium brands. Last year they offered an uncanny copy of the National Luna legacy 60l dual control I have. Now they have copies that look like newer ARB models, though have reached the $1000 price point.

As for your Massimo, some interesting discussion here:


Mostly positive. Not sure if Costcos additional protection amounts to a warranty, per se, or should be considered an extended return policy, and how long that is. Costco probably dictates policies to vendors, and their contract probably makes allowances that some of these will be eaten when they break.
Anyone familiar with Chinese imports realizes that none of these companies have a production facility here, there are no qualified service personnel, no spare parts stateside. Not getting shipped to China for repair, no way no how.
The takeaway is that what we know as a warranty on things we have purchased in the past, isnt possible on any Chinese products today.
The only resolution is refund of funds, the amount and time wholly dependent upon how much damage the disgruntled buyer can do through the internet to the sellers reputation.
Buying from costco prolly best case scenario. Others, Id buy thru paypal. Amazon wont get you a return past a month.

I think people come back to review a product that failed. They're mad. If everything is good I have less incentive to post a review.

Bubba1 said:

I think people come back to review a product that failed. They're mad. If everything is good I have less incentive to post a review.

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Anger may be initiative for some, another angle is a duty to inform others so it doesnt happen to them too.
Just as we would hope others would warn us so we could make informed decisions.
Id guess I have reviewed hundreds of products by now on the internet, most at the ends of the spectrum of ratings, isnt that usually the case?
And nowadays they can be used to get action you cannot otherwise get.

Negative reviews can be posted for many reasons, bs return scammers who got caught, those who wait beyond warranty times, those making unreasonable requests, people who don’t like the seller, the competition, etc etc etc …
Amazon reviews are always taken with the proverbial grain of salt.

To rely on them as a trusted indicator of quality is foolish.

MrNatural22 said:

Negative reviews can be posted for many reasons, bs return scammers who got caught, those who wait beyond warranty times, those making unreasonable requests, people who don’t like the seller, the competition, etc etc etc …
Amazon reviews are always taken with the proverbial grain of salt.

To rely on them as a trusted indicator of quality is foolish.

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You mean people he knows in real life, that just dont like him, post bad reviews on amazon? When the seller is in China and Amazon knows the reviewer is in the US?

You can filter reviews by verified purchases only.

I agree reviews are imperfect, (did someone say they were a "trusted indicator of quality"?)I would offer its foolish to think Amazon customers dont take reviews into consideration when choosing products... but nobody said that either.
Its been my experience that reviews can be pretty accurate and the biggest trap one can fall into is wanting the product to fulfill your needs so badly, that you choose to ignore critical reviews thinking "maybe he was too dumb to figure out how to use it, but Im an expert" or "he didnt maintain it, I take care of my things" and I guess we can add to such exceptionalisms, "he is lying".
i cant be the only one to admit to such denials and later admitting, "damn, should have paid attention to the reviews"
This is also why for negative reviews to have effect, they must be reasonable, the user should sound intelligent, yet humble. Be nice! Like " I always get great service here, I dont know what happened this time?" Businesses will bend over to fix the problem, but they wont for "these idiots, never coming here again. Whole company is ****ed up!"
What they've done is give review readers, a reason to think you did something to deserve it and it couldnt happen to them. Vulgarity or abuse is a big no no.
Present it in a way that they can identify with and says, "this could happen to anyone, including me" and that review stings. Successful companies know this.
A few bad reviews are ok, especially for reasons you listed. So I will finish saying I fully agree with you. The unreasonable can be obvious, but a lot of good people write honest reviews of bad products, and its a great tool if youre savvy enough to use it.

Batvette said:

You mean people he knows in real life, that just dont like him, post bad reviews on amazon? When the seller is in China and Amazon knows the reviewer is in the US?
Are you aware you can filter reviews by verified purchases only?
I agree reviews are imperfect, (did someone say they were a "trusted indicator of quality"?)I would offer its foolish to think Amazon customers dont take reviews into consideration when choosing products... but nobody said that either.
Its been my experience that reviews can be pretty accurate and the biggest trap one can fall into is wanting the product to fulfill your needs so badly, that you choose to ignore critical reviews thinking "maybe he was too dumb to figure out how to use it, but Im an expert" or "he didnt maintain it, I take care of my things" and I guess we can add to such exceptionalisms, "he is lying".
i cant be the only one to admit to such denials and later admitting, "damn, should have paid attention to the reviews"
This is also why for negative reviews to have effect, they must be reasonable, the user should sound intelligent, yet humble. Be nice! Like " I always get great service here, I dont know what happened this time?" Businesses will bend over to fix the problem, but they wont for "these idiots, never coming here again. Whole company is ****ed up!"
You see what youve done is give review readers, a reason to think you did something to deserve it and it couldnt happen to them. Vulgarity or abuse is a big no no.
Present it in a way that they can identify with and says, "this could happen to anyone, including me" and that review stings. Successful companies know this.
A few bad reviews are ok, especially for reasons you listed. So I will finish saying I fully agree with you. The unreasonable can be obvious, but a lot of good people write honest reviews of bad products, and its a great tool if youre savvy enough to use it.

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Yes, indeed, it is foolish. It is a fact that companies employ people for the specific purpose of disparaging a competitor's product, to sew the FUD, as it were. It's pretty obvious with a lot of products. It's been a part of marketing practices for a long time, however unethical is really is. Fear, uncertainty, and doubt.

This goes for negative, as well as positive reviews.

Here is another bit of chicanery that has been going on. Trusting amazon reviews is not good advice.

I have two danfoss type permanent magnet motor refrigerators, they draw 41 watts at 24 volts with a run time of less than 20 % at 12 or 24 volts. These were marketed by Grape Solar and sold by Home Depot at about $750 each. They will run on one 100 watt solar panel and one 12 volt 100 a.h. Battery with lots of room to spare.......There is NO AC POWERED FRIDGE THAT CAN DO THAT......Adsorption fridges do not even come close at >6kwh/day. Grape Solar has exited the dc referigerator business but there are others, they are now common in over-the-road diesel tractor-trailer rigs. I have a smaller one which was salvaged from a New Volvo Truck that was wrecked, Also Danfoss compressor......

AstroBob said:

Massive database of fake Amazon reviews exposed

Buyer beware. A major source of fake Amazon reviews lurks out there.

www.foxbusiness.com

This goes for negative, as well as positive reviews. If you bother to search a bit, you will understand.

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OH! The irony!

I my 1.7cu ft Galanz AC fridge. !!

Perfect for me and many others. Energy is cheap....warranties are a hassle.

Saved a ton, cools very quickly, energy efficient, no problem with my 2 100 watt panels .....and did I mention I SAVED A TON ???

Tecnodave said:

I have two danfoss type permanent magnet motor refrigerators, they draw 41 watts at 24 volts with a run time of less than 20 % at 12 or 24 volts. These were marketed by Grape Solar and sold by Home Depot at about $750 each. They will run on one 100 watt solar panel and one 12 volt 100 a.h. Battery with lots of room to spare.......There is NO AC POWERED FRIDGE THAT CAN DO THAT......Adsorption fridges do not even come close at >6kwh/day. Grape Solar has exited the dc referigerator business but there are others, they are now common in over-the-road diesel tractor-trailer rigs. I have a smaller one which was salvaged from a New Volvo Truck that was wrecked, Also Danfoss compressor......

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lol
Hold my beer......?
Actually, it uses about 500Wh per day total. I get about 8 hours of sunlight where I am. (see posted test results this thread)
So yeah, I can run this AC fridge 24/7 on ONE 100 watt solar panel and my 120Ah battery no problem, with plenty left over for my needs

Offgridsteve said:

Hi!
I have a small off grid (very) house (16’x20’) and am getting ready to purchase a refrigerator. Originally I was going to use a propane fridge but would rather not have the monthly bill of propane.

As of the other day I was dead set on a DC Unique fridge (6 cubic foot) and still may go that way but...

I’m wondering now if I would be better off (spending about the same amount of $$) buying a much cheaper small AC fridge and putting more money into panels, batteries, inverter etc. My house is wired with AC outlets so going this route could also allow me to start using my outlets for other things such as vacuuming, charging my laptop etc.

I was looking at probably spending around $1,500 for the DC fridge, battery, panel, charge controller etc.

Would I be able to spend about the same amount if I went with an AC fridge and inverter but also be able to have some more power to power other things as well ??

Thanks!

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To trim all the hassles, get this instead Portable Refrigerator Freezer - 63 Qt. AC/DC - EdgeStar. It runs both 12/24VDC and 120VAC.

No no no !!

That's $800 with tax.

OnTheRoadAgain said:

No no no !!

That's $800 with tax.

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Well, I bought it in Feb 2021 for about $500 with tax. I guess the price went up due to 10% inflation (according to Fed Reserve). I doubt it, the inflation is 20% now. Anyway, it will go up more too if you wait till Fall 2021.
The fridge I have is to offer flexibility while you are building your DC system. Just like what I did in Feb 2021.

Oh Yeah???? If i don't see what i like.................LOL

Most AC Inverters draw 20 watt idling , putting out no power at all......that’s 480 wh/day by itself.....with no loads...the best of the best...the Exeltech draws 8 watts idling ...that’s almost 200 w.h./day.....and that’s with the very rare low idle draw option which is $700 extra.....no my Exeltech is not the low idle draw model....it’s the standard 20 years mean time between failure model....I would have to see that one to believe it....

Tecnodave said:

Most AC Inverters draw 20 watt idling , putting out no power at all......that’s 480 wh/day by itself.....with no loads...the best of the best...the Exeltech draws 8 watts idling ...that’s almost 200 w.h./day.....and that’s with the very rare low idle draw option which is $700 extra.....no my Exeltech is not the low idle draw model....it’s the standard 20 years mean time between failure model....I would have to see that one to believe it....

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My Renogy 1000 draws 400mA at idle.
Is that 4.8 watts ?