At the moment I have an Engel 39ltr fridge and another the same for freezer. Not happy with the small size when cruising or the constant cycling on and off. So thinking of making a fridge/freezer in the boat. After lots of looking on the net I've found Ozefridge who make kits with holding plates that remain cold for a long time. They look good on paper, but has anyone used them?
Insulation. Insulation. Insulation.
The Engels are great but the problem is you guessed it, Insulation.
Measure your intended fridge external dimensions.
Subtract at least 100 mm all round and the will give you the reasonably efficient space to refrigerate.
If it is smaller than what you have with your Engels, there is no real gain.
Either economically or thermal efficiency wise.
gary
Thanks Gary,
I ripped out the old insulation as there were problems, then put bearers and a flat bottom for the Engels. The area will be 400litres after 100mm insulation, so I'm thinking of freezer separate to fridge.
Sailor,
I replaced the heap of junk that was on my boat with an Ozefridge in 2017, its been fantastic, its kept thing cold on the hottest Sydney day., and hasn't missed a beat. I drove down to just outside Sheperton to pick the unit up and had a look through their operation, I was very impressed. Could not recommend them high enough. But as said, it does come down to the insulation of the fridge. I got mine with the water cooled condenser kit, I think it makes quiet a difference. Once down to temperature my unit runs maybe twice a day, depending on use.
Cold bottled beer is Gods gift to man!!
Mike
We ordered an Ozefridge this week, based largely on reviews. While I have no experience with them in action I've got to say I'm very impressed by the level of service. Louie, who is a university qualified refrigeration engineer, is readily available on the other end of the phone with info and advice. Everything is dealt with very quickly, very nicely and very well.
Have owned an Ozefridge on my boat for a couple of years now, cant say enough good things about it and the company, Louie and Pete, Louie's dad, and the product in general. I installed into an existing box without changing the insulation and regret not doing a complete revamp, as Gary said, insulation is key.
Ozefridges are great until something goes wrong with them that requires a fridge mechanic in person.
It is near on impossible to find a fridgie who is prepared to work on them. At least that was my experience in Brisbane.
Select to expand quoteWoohoo said..
Ozefridges are great until something goes wrong with them that requires a fridge mechanic in person.
It is near on impossible to find a fridgie who is prepared to work on them. At least that was my experience in Brisbane.
Good info. I'll make sure I can pull my unit out to ship it out for repair if necessary. Probably easier and cheaper than trying to get someone down to the boat where it's moored, anyway.
Select to expand quoteWoohoo said..
Ozefridges are great until something goes wrong with them that requires a fridge mechanic in person.
It is near on impossible to find a fridgie who is prepared to work on them. At least that was my experience in Brisbane.
Pretty much the case with any fridge installed on a boat, regardless of manufacturer. 
The Woodenboatshop in Sorrento uses Oz fridges in their builds. As already said re Insulation, they install 5 inch thick insulation. set up with solar panels and batteries gives 24 hour operation during summer no problem. They might offer some install advise over the phone.
