Portable fridge /freezer

[Craig]

For the past 6 years we have done without a portable fridge/freezer but as we will be going out bush for an extended period soon, we are considering the various makes and models that are available. I was leaning towards an Engel but have been reading some good reviews about the Bushman. I particularly like the low power draw and also the fact it can be changed from a 35 ltr to 42ltr to 45ltr to 52 ltr with a simple addition various combinations of a collar and high and low lids.
Can anyone tell us your experiences with them (good or bad).

http://www.bushman.com.au/bushman-specifications

Craig

[BruceS]

Craig after looking at the pictures of the Bushman I think they may just be Engels rebranded.
Other than the raised necks etc I can't see any difference!!
Matter of price?

[Swisslulu]

Craig after looking at the pictures of the Bushman I think they may just be Engels rebranded.
Other than the raised necks etc I can't see any difference!!
Matter of price?

Ooh, this just raised my attention level. Looking for a 40l Engel or equivalent to fit our fridge slide. Any detail on the Bushman?

[Swisslulu]

Duh, just saw Craig's link. Blame it on monitoring too many forums at the same time!

[BruceS]

Lesley I noticed that those Bushmans seem to be just a single compartment that can be either deep freeze or fridge.
My Engel has 2 seperate compartments.... fridge & freezer.
What was your preference?.......

[Swisslulu]

Lesley I noticed that those Bushmans seem to be just a single compartment that can be either deep freeze or fridge.
My Engel has 2 seperate compartments.... fridge & freezer.
What was your preference?.......

Now that is a good I would have thought one or the other but not both at the same time. Does that make sense? I think probably a fridge. We have a 230L Vitrifrigo which has quite a large freezer so thinking of the Engel as more of a drinks fridge lunch box etc. and we have been having problems with the hinges of the van fridge so want to have a back up for when the doors fall off.

[Dot]

We had a 40 lit Waeco fridge/freezer but someone gave it away when we sold the winnie so now I also have to find something else. I want just the freezer type as our fridge is quite big enough. I will be following Craigs quest maybe if we get a few orders we might be able to do a deal somewhere???

[T1 Terry]

I love our 60ltr Waeco, they must have a shirt fitted (the insulated jacket) but they work great. If you want a freezer and a fridge, frozen stuff in the bottom, a layer of retro shield (foil covered bubble wrap) then the fridge stuff on top. Set the thermostat to below freezing and it works a charm, keep the lettuce and tomatoes near the top or in the plastic self section, they freeze easy. we did have an issue with the light slow flashing indicating low voltage to the compressor but doing away with the stupid plug and fuse set up fixed that problem. Appart from that, it has worked fine 24/7 for the last nearly 9 yrs, it's my beer fridge at home when not being used travelling.

[Craig]

Craig after looking at the pictures of the Bushman I think they may just be Engels rebranded.
Other than the raised necks etc I can't see any difference!!
Matter of price?

Not if you read the reviews. Different compressor, lid opening is different. and they are Australian design, the components are bought in from OS but assembled locally at each dealer.

[BobnBev]

By what I could see they seem nice, the compressor is right and the elect seem right and the wall thickness looks good . well worth a second look. Havent worked on one as yet but It looks better than the engel. But would use a little more power, 2.5 for the engel 40 lt againts 3.5 amphs for the BD35...
Some one has to make a good fridge soon, most are crap, ( no names) The ARBs are a nice item as well..

Bob....