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are absorption fridges any good

by Mr. Raphael Hagenes II Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Absorption refrigerators are run mostly on gas, so users will need to ensure they have good ventilation. Absorption refrigerators tend to be inefficient when running on 12-volt power and will drain the batteries much quicker than a compressor refrigerator.Oct 19, 2021

Full Answer

Are absorption fridges more efficient on 12V?

I think it is more efficient on 12v than the absorption fridges, food (&beer) stay colder , one additional bonus is because it switches automatically between 12v & mains we no longer have to remember to do this ourselves....

What is an absorption refrigerator?

Absorption refrigerators, sometimes called three-way refrigerators, rely on a gas flow heat exchange system located in the back of the refrigerator to extract heat from the refrigerator and cool the internal temperature. Absorption refrigerators have three means of being powered; 12-volt battery power, 110-volt battery power, and LPG gas.

What are the pros and cons of an absorption refrigerator?

Pros: 1 Absorption refrigerators can run for an extended period of time because they rely on the gas flow exchange system rather... 2 You will not need to spend additional money on batteries and charging systems like solar power to run. 3 The heat exchange system of cooling means the refrigerator runs completely silent. More ...

Is a compressor fridge better than an adsorbtion fridge?

Compressor fridges are much more effcient than adsorbtion ones because they use a pump system rather than just a heat exchanger. However, the downside is they make more noise. Try sleeping in your kitchen and you will get the idea. In small vans as long as you can live with the noise they will be better.

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Which is best absorption or compressor fridge?

COMPRESSOR FRIDGES These types of fridges are known to work more effectively in particularly hot environments than absorption fridges. Now, compressor fridges are built to work on 12V power, so they run much more efficiently on DC than absorption fridges.

Are absorption fridges efficient?

That said, absorption fridges are extremely efficient on gas – this is where these types of caravan fridges are very popular; if you intend to free camp for longer periods then running your 3 way fridge on gas can last you around 2-3 weeks on a 9kg gas bottle (approx.).

Do absorption fridges use a lot of electricity?

Absorption fridges are terribly energy-inefficient, their efficiency is easily 3x worse than compressor fridges. An average 170l compressor fridge consumes about 180KWh a year. A decent one, about 120KWh a year. So 400KWh a year for just 30l is insane.

How cold does an absorption fridge get?

As a rule of thumb, an absorption refrigerator will cool the: Freezer compartment to 40 degrees below ambient temperature. Fridge compartment to 25-30 degrees below ambient temperature.

Why are Vapour absorption system better than compression system?

A Vapour absorption system utilizes the low-grade form of heat energy to produce Cold. Whereas the VCR system needs work energy to produce cold which is a high-grade form of energy and expensive to produce.

How do absorption fridges work?

An absorption refrigerator is a refrigerator that uses a heat source (e.g., solar energy, a fossil-fueled flame, waste heat from factories, or district heating systems) to provide the energy needed to drive the cooling process.

How many amps does an absorption fridge use?

Our Dometic Absorption Fridge (DM2652 / 6cu ft) pulls 0.8 to 1.0 amps DC constantly, when in propane mode. This presumably is from the controller board.

How much current does a caravan fridge draw?

The fridge on average draws 1.2Ah per hour..

How much power does a 12V Dometic fridge use?

Under normal conditions the 75DZW's power consumption is modest (1.3 amps per hour), however, used in high ambient temps or without pre-cooling, the fridge can put a big drain on your battery.

Can you run RV refrigerator while driving?

Conclusion: Yes, you can certainly run your RV refrigerator while driving. But you will need to decide on the level of RV travel safety risk you are willing to take.

Why is a vapour absorption system very popular?

The Vapour absorption refrigeration system uses heat energy for refrigeration, while the vapor compression system uses work energy for refrigeration which is much more expensive to produce. The Vapour absorption refrigeration systems are best for locations where heat energy is readily available at a low cost.

How do I keep my RV fridge cold in hot weather?

0:412:17How to keep your RV fridge cool on hot days with it off - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTop shelf as well either alongside the thawing food or by themselves. Remember heat rises and thatMoreTop shelf as well either alongside the thawing food or by themselves. Remember heat rises and that applies to your RV refrigerator. Those fins in the top back of the refrigerator.

Pros & Cons Of Each

Different types of refrigerators used in RVs (including coolers and chillers) will have pros and cons. With so many options on the market, the key factors like size, capacity, reliability, temperature, and ease of use, and price are often interrelated.

How Does All The Different Types Of RV Refrigerators Compare?

Comparing the different RV fridges can be based on the different priorities of each type of camper. These priorities aren’t limited to just price, size, efficiency, durability, or safety. Understanding one’s actual refrigeration needs for the current camping lifestyle will influence which RV refrigerator type is better than another.

RV Fridges, Chillers & Coolers Comparison

The table below summarizes general key factors, including pros and cons between the RV fridges, including coolers and chillers. These are based on the most common RV user feedback and technical guides and troubleshooting steps.

Which RV Refrigerator Is The Best?

Compressor refrigerators are often better since it cools faster and more consistently compared to absorption fridges. The temperature consistency helps prevent food spoilage, prolong perishable food and keep drinks cold.

What Size Refrigerator Do I Need For An RV?

The RV fridge you can get should also be able to fit in your RV – so remember to consider your RV’s weight limit and how much space you have in your RV for a fridge and its accessories (propane tank or battery, converter, etc.).

The Best Ways to Burp a Trailer Refrigerator

If your recreational vehicle refrigerator isn't keeping as cold as it used to or has stopped working altogether, you may be able to revive it with a process called "burping." This process doesn't always work, but you should at least try it, because it might save you the cost of a new RV ...

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What is a compressor fridge?

What are compressor fridges? A compressor fridge AKA 2 way fridge not surprisingly uses a compressor to generate cooling power. Given the compressor can be powered by both a 240 volt mains power supply or a 12 vol battery. Compressor fridges are sometimes called 2 way fridges.

How cold should a camping fridge be?

Ideally, a camping fridge should be 2-3°C. Depending on which you choose, most powered cool boxes will keep food between 15 – 25°C below the outside temperature. If outside temperatures are high though some can lose efficiency - a camping holiday on the continent will test your fridge far more than a trip to Wales.

What is a 3 way camping fridge?

3 way camping fridges AKA absorption fridges are called so because they can be powered 3 ways - 12-24 volt, 240 volt or LPG gas. A 3 way fridge is therefore very flexible in terms of power options. Unlike a compressor fridge, 3 way camping fridges utilise a gas powered heat exchange to remain cool.

What is a Swiss army fridge?

A large, versatile piece of kit with a powerful compressor as well as a thermoelectric cooler. It delivers some serious cooling power with options to use it as a cooler, fridge or freezer. The swiss army fridge...

How big is a fridge for camping?

If you're home camping, this isn't an issue. Fridges generally range from around 25-litres capacity all the way up to 80-litre whoppers.

What is a passive cooler?

Passive Cooler Camping Fridge. These are basically insulated cool boxes with a sealed lid. You keep them cool with ice-blocks or frozen drinks bottles. Passive coolers are cheap and as they don’t need a power supply you can use them anywhere. They come in a variety of sizes and are easy to transport.

How to use a cool box?

To use it as effectively as possible, minimise the number of times you open it, fill it as full as possible to prevent cool air escaping when it’s opened and make sure food is already chilled before you pack it. A cool box is great for portable camping though so don't count it out.

Why do refrigerators have absorption?

Because absorption refrigerators tend to be more heavily affected by ambient temperatures, they are usually only able to bring internal temperatures down to a certain amount below the ambient rather than setting to a specific temperature like the compressor refrigerators.

Why are compressor refrigerators better than absorption refrigerators?

Pros: Compressor refrigerators are able to chill to lower temperatures and cool more consistently than absorption refrigerators regardless of the outside ambient temperature, due to the more powerful compressor motor. Most compressor refrigerators can double as freezers because of the powerful compressor motor.

How many volts does a refrigerator compressor use?

Often they have two ways of powering the compressor either through 12-volt battery power or 110-volt power, hence the name two way refrigerator. The other option when looking at portable refrigerators are absorption-refrigerators.

What is an RV refrigerator?

RV refrigerators are available in two styles, either a compressor-powered refrigerator or an absorption refrigerator. Compressor-powered refrigerators sometimes referred to as two-way refrigerators use a small compressor unit to cool the refrigerator. Often they have two ways of powering the compressor either through 12-volt battery power ...

Why should an absorber refrigerator be level?

Due to the gas flow exchange system, an absorption refrigerator should remain level in order to function efficiently. Absorption refrigerators are run mostly on gas, so users will need to ensure they have good ventilation and they shouldn’t be run in an enclosed space.

Do compressor refrigerators work on incline?

Compressor refrigerators work well in uneven terrain, in fact most compressor refrigerators will operate just as well regardless of being flat or on an incline. Compressor refrigerators are built with 12-volt power in mind, which means they run very efficiently on battery power compared to the absorption refrigerators. ...

Is a refrigerator quiet?

Cons: Though modern refrigerators are extremely quiet, there is still some audible noise when the compressor is running, similar to that of your standard home refrigerator. May need solar to assist in powering the batteries which ultimately power the refrigerator.

Residential refrigerators

I first saw the residential refrigerators pop up in the RV market back in the late 1990s, but only on the larger diesel rigs. The reason was, people were getting frustrated with the RV refrigerators that didn’t cool very well in extreme temperatures. Also, there was the fear of fires as well as the recalls, which we will discuss later.

How the compressor-driven refrigerator works

A residential refrigerator uses an electrical compressor to compress the refrigerant inside. The compression results in the refrigerant raising its pressure while getting very hot and traveling up through the coils on the back outside of the refrigerator. Once the hot gas meets the cooler air in the room, it turns into a high pressure liquid.

The advantages of a residential refrigerator

The electrical compression method works better in hot temperatures and cools down faster when you are getting ready to take a trip. It also works better in high altitude, although I do not think this is a fair comparison.

Disadvantages of a residential refrigerator

Probably a better reference would be issues you need to know about, as everyone’s situation can be a little different. If you are planning to remove your RV refrigerator and replace it with a residential model, make sure the residential one will fit in the door.

RV refrigerators

RV refrigerators are commonly referred to as absorption refrigerators and run off either 120-volt power or propane. Some smaller units also run off 12-volt power. Older models, up until the mid 1980s, did, as well.

Here is how an absorption refrigerator works

A rich solution of ammonia, water, hydrogen, and sodium chromate is kept in the absorber vessel and flows to the boiler, where it is heated by either a flame on propane, or a heat element on 120-volt power. The ammonia turns to a vapor and travels up the pump tube to the condenser fins at the top of the refrigerator on the outside.

Dometic

According to my sources at Dometic and their website, they initiated a voluntary recall on units built between 1997 to May 2003, then again for units built from 2003 to 2006. This included 1.6 million units and more than 90% of these units have been contacted for the recall.

What are the problems with a refrigerator?

As you research different companies and refrigerator models, look out for complaints about cooling, ice makers, the water dispenser, or wi fi connection issues if you are shopping for a smart refrigerator. 4. Leaks.

Which brands make side by side refrigerators?

A: GE, Whirlpool, Samsung and LG all make some of the most reliable side by side refrigerators. But you will also find some other brands do a great job manufacturing high quality side by side fridges. We have even seen some highly-rated products in this department from Maytag or KitchenAid.

What is a French door refrigerator?

French door refrigerators feature a pair of doors for the fridge rather than a single door. Finally, one more option is a side by side model. With this type of fridge, instead of the freezer going above or below the fridge, the configuration places them next to each other, one on the left, and one on the right.

How much does a Viking refrigerator cost?

This company's appliances do not come cheap. You may spend anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 on a fridge and freezer from Viking. No one wants to spend that kind of money and run into problems.

Can a fridge leak water?

Also, if you are purchasing a water line for your fridge so you can use the dispenser for a constant supply of water and ice, watch out for potential leak issues there as well. Credits: https://www.freepik.com/fabrikasimf.

Is a new refrigerator a good investment?

A new refrigerator is a big investment. But if you purchase a product that is low in quality, it isn't just a waste of money–it can also endanger your health. Your refrigerator needs to work reliably to keep your foods and beverages at the appropriate temperature.

Does Whirlpool refrigerator need servicing?

Thankfully, it seems rare for a Whirlpool refrigerator to require servicing.

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1.10 Best Absorption Refrigerator of 2022 - Plumbar Oakland

Url:https://plumbaroakland.com/best-absorption-refrigerator/

2 hours ago Are absorption fridges any good? Absorption refrigerators are run mostly on gas, so users will need to ensure they have good ventilation and they shouldn't be run in an enclosed space. Absorption refrigerators tend to be horribly inefficient running on 12-volt power, and will drain the batteries much quicker than a compressor refrigerator.

2.Compressor Fridges VS Absorption RV Fridges:

Url:https://rvchronicle.com/compressor-fridges-vs-absorption-rv-fridges/

2 hours ago In an Absorption Refrigerator, the unit refrigerates itself by moving the hot air inside to the outside of the fridge. This process uses a sealed system containing a solution mixture of ammonia, water, sodium chromate, and hydrogen that is boiled by heat. The ammonia in the system is the main driving component, causing the change from liquid to ...

3.WOW! Absorption fridge vs compressor fridge - DIY Solar …

Url:https://diysolarforum.com/threads/wow-absorption-fridge-vs-compressor-fridge.22095/page-7

34 hours ago Smad Compact Mini Fridge Quiet No Noise Absorption Refrigerator with Lock... Buy on Amazon. 2. Techomey Mini Fridge With Lock 1.7 Cu.Ft, Camper Refrigerator 12V/110V,... Buy on Amazon. 3. SMETA Mini Fridge No Noise: Absorption Refrigerator …

4.Best Camping Fridge to Keep 'em Cool: Buying Guide 2022

Url:https://www.calltoadventure.uk/post/best-camping-fridge

14 hours ago If you’re a casual camper, who mostly goes camping during the summer weekends (based on the RVIA’s 2021 Go RVing RV Owner Demographic Profile survey), an absorption fridge in temperate weather would work fine since one only needs to store enough food and drinks to last 2-3 days.

5.Compressor vs. Absorption Refrigerators in the …

Url:https://www.lichtsinn.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-compressor-refrigerators-and-absorption-refrigerators/

33 hours ago  · Absorption fridges are not bad technology, just more difficult to install. Many RV designers I found have in general disregard for good engineering principles and rather draw a new fancy floorplan every few weeks. If you want great RV - you need to pick one of the manufacturers which are building the same floorplan over years.

6.Residential-type vs. absorption refrigerators in an RV

Url:https://www.rvtravel.com/ask-dave-residential-vs-absorption-refrigerators-rvt-1025/

1 hours ago Absorption Cooler Camping Fridge Also known as three-way fridges, these are big beasts, so are ideal for families and longer trips. They run on gas as well as mains electricity and 12V and tend to be more silent than other fridges.

7.Top Refrigerator Brands To Avoid 2022 - Kitchen Infinity

Url:https://kitcheninfinity.com/top-refrigerator-brands-to-avoid/

34 hours ago  · Absorption refrigerators are run mostly on gas, so users will need to ensure they have good ventilation. Absorption refrigerators tend to be inefficient when running on 12-volt power and will drain the batteries much quicker than a compressor refrigerator.

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