T&T: 12vdc Refrigerator

[Robin]

What does the List think of a straight 12v dc refrigerator?

As usual, depends on how you plan to use it.  Good for some, not so good for
others.
I prefer 12v dc based on my use.

There is little advantage to a 12v dc frig if you are dockside all the time or
always have a genny running, say for air conditioning,  when refrigeration is
needed. Just use some of the available ac power. And avoid the need for a bank
of batteries. And perhaps avoid the need for a large alternator and or battery
chargers.

It could be argued that for large cooling/freezing requirements, say a walk in
freezer, a 12v dc unit may not have the power required. Household frigs are
cheaper to buy per cubic foot of space. But a 12v dc unit sure is quiet when
you'd rather not run a genny all day.

On the other hand, you can buy water cooled 12v compressors such as the Adler
Barbour Super Cold Machine for improved efficiency. But the puny pumps often
used die a fast death; larger more durable ones are required.

There is little reason to have a 120v ac frig if you anchor out most of the
time and would not rather run a $10,000 genny to power a $1,000 frig.

Most 12v dc frig compressors are made by the same European
company.....DANFOSS...and any marine refrigeration technician knows
them....but most carry a different brand name, like Adler Barbour,etc. These
are sealed compressors so are very durable (unlike automobile air conditioning
compressors, for example).


 Are there any distinct advantages to being able to run off either AC or DC
that warrant the extra cost?

Maybe.  Such units have a built in inverter to make the conversion.  But an AC
only unit requires your genny to be operational. Genny doesn't run? then you
don't cool /freeze your food supply without the dc function.  But if you have
a back up genny, why worry about  one genny  failing...

Finally, if you can't get a new frig installed because it won't fit thru a
doorway, then converting an existing 120v ac box via a 12v dc conversion works
well...

Lots of good data at Glacierbay.com .... I think they make a proprietary
compressor of their own.

Rob Brueckner