Dometic vs Engel - when it comes to camping fridges, who does it best?
Dometic has just launched its CFX2 range, which definitely gives Engel's MT-V fridges a run for their money.
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Let's Take A Look At The Details:
Dometic’s CFX2 series includes single zone and dual zone models, with sizes ranging from 28 litres up to 93 litres. Known for innovative technology, Dometic has consistently led the market with efficient, high-performance fridges. Their previous CFX3 range pushed boundaries with features like dual zones and built-in ice makers, and the CFX2 continues this trend with reliability, energy efficiency, and smart connectivity.
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That said, Engel fridges are known to never die! Their durability makes their portable fridges extremely popular with farmers, bush folk and campers. Engel's MT-V fridges include single zone and combi fridges with sizes from 40 litres to 80 litres.
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The Question Is, Who Does It Better?
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To help you decide on the best models for your rig, we put Dometic's CFX3 range and Engel's MT-V fridges head to head in a battle of the best fridges.
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Dometic vs Engel:
Camping Fridge Style:
Dometic’s CFX2 dual zone models allow independent temperature control in each compartment, giving you flexibility to run one as a fridge and the other as a freezer or both as fridges or freezers. Engel’s combi models operate with a single temperature control and a divider, meaning cold air flows from one section to the other. Dual zone units like Dometic’s give more options depending on your trip needs.
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Fridge Materials:
When it comes to comparing Dometic vs Engel, you need to look at materials. Dometic uses polypropylene. The fridges have an XOS skeleton, which is a single piece of plastic that covers the surface, known as a single engineered surface. This makes it highly impact resistant to suit rugged outdoor conditions while also being lightweight.
Engel, on the other hand, uses metal. They can handle being knocked and bumped around in a 4WD or Ute. They are exceptionally durable. Plastic portable camping fridges will never be as tough and strong as steel, but they are stronger than they've ever been.
But steel comes with a trade-off - they tend to be heavier than their polypropylene counterparts.
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Compressor Technology:
Dometic CFX3 models include the brand's new Variable Motor Speed Optimization VMSO3' compressor, which means it has the ability to change the speed it runs at depending on its conditions and variables.
The VMSO3 compressor combined with active gasket technology, which retains cool air, ensures low power consumption across the entire CFX3 range. Plus, you get peace of mind that it's been tested in Australia's harshest climates and terrains.
Can Engel match this? Well, their fridges include the Sawafuji Swing Motor. This slick peace of kit only has one moving part, which is the reason behind their famous longevity!
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The Best of The Rest:
Let's talk about features. Dometic brings all the bells and whistles. We're talking Bluetooth/Wifi enabled models, USB ports, and a smartphone app control and in past CFX3 models, built-in ice makers. The CFX2 focuses on energy-efficient cooling, precise temperature control, and easy organisation with removable baskets and LED lighting.
When it comes to features, the Engel fridges keep it simple. You can expect a switch for the interior LED light, lockable door latch and strong reinforced baskets. In short, Engel fridges don't dabble in anything that takes away from their strength and durability.
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Warranties:
There's no competition of Engel vs Dometic here: both fridge ranges provide 5-year warranties with national service agent support.
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Price:
There's not much in the price difference, though Engel is slightly pricier if you compare like for like. Another thing you can compare is whether a value add, such as a cover or icebox comes free with the fridge!
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The Verdict:
We love both! Whether you decide on Dometic or Engel depends on whether you want a fridge with high technology (choose Dometic) or you'd rather a fridge that can handle some more knocks (choose Engel). Either way, you're getting a high quality fridge from a high quality brand.
Overall, we would sell more Dometic fridges to our customers in part because they have ranges (good, better, best) to suit all customer types from entry level to the top performing camp fridges - check out the reviews on this one to help you decide.
Want to compare Dometic and Engel Upright Fridge models? Then check out the options here
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Still can't decide? Check out our range of portable fridge/freezers or give our friendly product experts a call on 1300 400 122.
DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
