Reddit mentions: The best refrigerators
We found 75 Reddit comments discussing the best refrigerators. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 36 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. Dometic CFX-65DZ Portable Electric Cooler Refrigerator/Freezer Holds 106 cans, 2.2 cu. Ft. Capacity
- Capacity- 2.2 cu ft
- 12 Ounce cans capacity-106
- User-friendly digital temeperature display and suitable for solar operation, includes removable wire basket with divider
- Excellent cooling performance even at extremely high outside temperatures
- Store fresh food and drinks effortlessly with removable wire basket with divider
Features:
Specs:
Color | Blue |
Height | 22.0866141507 Inches |
Length | 28.5433070575 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | February 2015 |
Size | CFX65 DUAL |
Weight | 49.163084426 Pounds |
Width | 17.9133858085 Inches |
2. EdgeStar 1.1 Cu. Ft. Convertible Refrigerator or Freezer w/Lock - Stainless Steel
SKU: CRF150SS-1Finish: Stainless SteelManufactured By: EdgeStarDepth: 17.125 in.
Specs:
Color | Stainless Steel |
Height | 19.25 Inches |
Length | 17.75 Inches |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 18.5 Inches |
3. Dometic CFX-35US Portable Electric Cooler Refrigerator/Freezer - 34 Quarts
Capacity- 32 LitersRated Current (12/24V DC/120V AC) 7.0 / 3.2 / 0.72 ampere12 Ounce cans capacity - 47Weight-39 PoundsDimensions(L x W x H) 25" x 16" x 16"
Specs:
Color | Blue |
Height | 16.1811023457 Inches |
Length | 27.2440944604 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Release date | February 2015 |
Size | CFX35 |
Weight | 38.58089585 Pounds |
Width | 15.6692913226 Inches |
4. Frigidaire 64" Built-In All Refrigerator and All Freezer Combo with 18.6 cu. ft. Refrigerator and 18.6 cu. ft. Freezer in Stainless
- work great and this is that polish.
- Product Dimensions: 1.8 x 2.6 x 0.8 inches ; 1.6 ounces
Features:
Specs:
Color | Stainless Steel |
Height | 71 Inches |
Length | 26 Inches |
Width | 26 Inches |
5. Haier HC17SF15RB 1.7 Cubic Feet Refrigerator/Freezer, Energy Star Qualified
Half-width Freezer Compartment with Ice Cube TrayFull-width Slide-out Wire ShelfFull-width and Half-width Door Storage Shelf; 2 Liter Bottle StorageManual Defrost with Adjustable ThermostatRecessed Door Handle; Space Saving Flat back Design
6. Dometic CFX-95DZUS Dual Zone Portable Electric Refrigerator/Freezer 90 Quarts
PLENTY OF ROOM - Holds 117 12-oz. cans.KEEP IT COOL - Dual Zone model with two separate thermostats to configure the two separate compartments at the temperatures (-8 Degrees F to +50 Degrees F) of your choice.POWER OPTIONS - Runs on 120-volt AC, 12-volt DC or 24-volt DC power.EASY TO USE - Soft-tou...
Specs:
Color | Blue |
Height | 19.7 Inches |
Length | 38.8 Inches |
Size | CFX95 DUAL |
Weight | 70.5 Pounds |
Width | 21.9 Inches |
7. GE GTE18GTHWW 17.5 Cu. Ft. White Top Freezer Refrigerator - Energy Star
- Upfront temperature controls
- This product is easy to use
- This product is manufactured in United states
Features:
Specs:
Color | White |
Height | 70 Inches |
Length | 34.75 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Weight | 179 Pounds |
Width | 30.75 Inches |
8. 1.7-cu.-ft. Superconductor Auto Defrost Refrigerator - White
1.4-cu.-ft. capacity with full-range temperature controlThermoelectric technology functions on 110-volt 60Hz AC powerWhite cabinet with reversible, left- or right-swing doorIncludes slide-out shelf, tall bottle rack, and interior lightDimensions: 17W x 19D x 20.25H in.
9. RCA RFR832-BLACK, 3.2 cu. ft. 2 Door Fridge with Freezer, Black Bar Fridge
- 3.2 Cubic Foot Fridge and Freezer (Black)
- 2 Door Configuration - Top Door for Freezer and bottom Door for Fridge
- Adjustable Thermostat and Compressor Cooling for ultimate performance even in hot weather
- Space Saving Flush Back Design
- Built in Can Dispenser and Door Basket for 2 Liter Bottles
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 33 Inches |
Length | 20 Inches |
Size | 3.2 cu ft |
Weight | 70 Pounds |
Width | 21 Inches |
10. RCA FR180 RFR180 1.6 Cu Ft Fridge, Stainless Steel Refrigerator
- 1-7/10-cubic-foot refrigerator with stainless steel door
- Softline and reversible door; flushback design
- Slide out shelves; invisible door handle
- Low energy consumption; CFC free
- Measures 20 by 18 by 21 inches
Features:
Specs:
Color | Metallic |
Height | 20.5 Inches |
Length | 20.25 Inches |
Size | 1.6 cu ft |
Weight | 35.5 Pounds |
Width | 18.25 Inches |
11. Avanti FFBM102D0W Bottom Mount Frost Free Freezer/Refrigerator, White
- Bottom Mounted Freezer Section
- Adjustable / Removable Shelving
- Glass Shelves in the Refrigerator Section
- Full Range Temperature Control
- Energy Star Rated
Features:
Specs:
Color | White |
Height | 59.75 Inches |
Length | 27.25 Inches |
Weight | 127 Pounds |
Width | 24 Inches |
12. EdgeStar FP630 Portable Refrigerator or Freezer - 63 Qt. AC/DC
- SKU: FP630
- Finish: Grey
- Manufactured By: EdgeStar
- Cord Length: 72 in.
Features:
Specs:
Color | Silver |
Height | 20.8 Inches |
Length | 17.88 Inches |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 28.13 Inches |
13. Avanti AVARM3306W 3.3 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator with Chiller Compartment, White
Space-saving, flush-back design takes up very little floor spaceReversible door and recessed handle allow use in tight areasSeparate chiller provides short-term storage of frozen foods
Specs:
Color | White |
Height | 33.5 Inches |
Length | 17.5 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Weight | 38.5 pounds |
Width | 18.5 Inches |
14. VoltRay 6.1 Cu. Ft. DC Solar Refrigerator
- DC Refrigerator
- 12/24V Current Switch
- 7 setting thermostat
Features:
Specs:
Color | gray |
Height | 61.023621985 Inches |
Length | 19.0944881695 Inches |
Weight | 86 Pounds |
Width | 20.472440924 Inches |
15. Whirlpool ER4318046 Refrigerator, 1, white
- Manufacturer model # 4318046
- Genuine Replacement Part
- Whirlpool item
Features:
Specs:
Color | white |
Height | 3.5 Inches |
Length | 1.5 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 1 |
Weight | 0.88 Pounds |
Width | 2.5 Inches |
16. Bosch B22CS30SNS300 22.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth Side-By-Side Refrigerator - Energy Star
- Gallon Door Storage
- Adjustable Shelves
- Energy Star Qualified
- Water Dispenser
- External Ice Maker
Features:
Specs:
Color | Stainless Steel |
Height | 68.97624 Inches |
Length | 35.98418 Inches |
Size | Full Size |
Weight | 337.99951236268 Pounds |
Width | 23.97633 Inches |
17. RCA 3.2 cu. ft Fridge, Black Erase Board Refrigerator with Neon Markers
- Easily Write and Erase right on the Fridge. The Front Door is a Dry Erase Board!
- 3.2 Cubic Foot Fridge and Freezer
- Reversible Door. Door basket for 2 Litre bottles
- Adjustable Thermostat
- Slide Out Glass Shelves and Ice Cube Tray
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black Eraser |
Height | 33.25 Inches |
Length | 20 Inches |
Size | 3.2 cu. ft. |
Width | 18.25 Inches |
18. Danby DFF100C1BDB 10.0 cu.ft. Two Door Apartment Size Refrigerator, Black
- If you need a new fridge, check out this Danby refrigerator
- This sleek unit has a 10.0 cu. ft
- Manufactured in China
Features:
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 59.8 Inches |
Length | 26.42 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 10.0 cu.ft. |
Weight | 123.5 Pounds |
Width | 23.82 Inches |
19. GE PSE26KSESS Profile 25.9 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Side-By-Side Refrigerator - Energy Star
- Turbo Cool setting
- Frost Guard
- Water Filter Indicator Light
- LED Dispenser Light
Features:
Specs:
Color | Stainless Steel |
20. Whirlpool WRT311FZDW 20.5 Cu. Ft. White Top Freezer Refrigerator
- This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, and may arrive in a generic box
Features:
Specs:
Color | white |
Height | 64 Inches |
Length | 32 Inches |
Weight | 178.2 Pounds |
Width | 32 Inches |
🎓 Reddit experts on refrigerators
The comments and opinions expressed on this page are written exclusively by redditors. To provide you with the most relevant data, we sourced opinions from the most knowledgeable Reddit users based the total number of upvotes and downvotes received across comments on subreddits where refrigerators are discussed. For your reference and for the sake of transparency, here are the specialists whose opinions mattered the most in our ranking.
>Investors are bitching about that, but we should be OK that personal income has been stagnant for a decade.
I didn't say you had to be okay with it, I just tried to set an approximate timeline for the trend you were claiming existed. Besides, "stagnant" to me implies no motion, when the graph clearly shows that real median personal income has been increasing pretty quickly since it bottomed out in 2012 and is on its way to hitting an all-time high. Again, I'm in favor of redistributing gains so that they're Pareto efficient when doing so is practical and beneficial.
> And while I agree with growing the pie, I just don't see how the mighty get mightier and then agree to income redistribution.
I think it's important to design systems of government (and support reforms towards one) so that things like this are less likely to happen (there's a good book that gets into similar subjects called Why Nations Fail), but I don't think it's unreasonable to believe that it's possible to do these things in the US. Consider how different the world might be if the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact had been enacted years ago. It's also worth considering that the wealthiest, most densely populated areas of the country tend not to support the party famous for opposing redistribution.
>I use refrigerators as an example of this. You will notice that companies are coming out with $3000 to $5000 refrigerators with computers and LCD screens in them. Why? Because they realize that people making $50k a year can't afford a new refrigerator.
As far as I can tell, none of these things are correct.
>I don't want people to need safety nets.
By providing safety nets, you give people the freedom to leave dead-end unproductive jobs, retrain, and find useful work. This, in turn, is a good way to prevent them from needing safety nets. Nobody wants people to have to rely on safety nets, but there are plenty of reasons to have them available when people don't have a choice.
The money a company gets to pay its employees doesn't come out of nowhere; it only exists if that company can convince people to give it money in exchange for something those people value more than said money.
If you give everyone money no matter what they're doing, your economy (and your government) will eventually be dedicating so much capital and labor to useless things that it will collapse. You may be able to pay horse-and-buggy drivers, farmers, candlemakers, coal miners, and scribes for a few years, but the outside world is going to (not literally, but you get the idea) invent cars, modern agricultural techniques, light bulbs, other energy sources, and the printing press whether you allow those things into your country or not.
>People using safety nets have no buying power
You can really trivially design e.g. a NIT to give them exactly the buying power you think they should have without ever introducing a poverty trap (a point at which earning more money causes them to lose money because of the loss of benefits).
condition:good|
cylinders:5 cylinders|
drive:fwd|
fuel:diesel|
odometer:132500|
paint color:white|
title status:clean|
transmission:automatic|
type:van|
---
^| ^I'm ^a ^bot ^| ^For ^bug ^reports, ^suggestions, ^or ^if ^you ^want ^me ^in ^your ^sub ^message ^/u/Vendigroth ^|
Just to add to the fridge idea, I got one from Avanti that uses a technology they call "superconductor". It is a stupid name, since obviously no superconductors are involved, but I like it.
Instead of the traditional (and loud) compressor, it uses a peltier element, however it combines that with refrigerant lines to make it much more efficient than traditional thermoelectric fridges. The hot side of the peltier boils the refrigerant, it rises, and then cools and falls down the other side of the tubes where it zig-zags back and forth while it cools down. In this way, the refrigerant flows through the tubes, but there is no compressor or pump actually pushing it.
The main advantage of this setup is that it is quiet. The refrigerant is flowing only through heating up and cooling down, so there is no compressor to roar. I was really worried about having a compressor cycling on/off right at my desk, and this solves that nicely. The only real moving part to make any noise is a small fan on the inside of the fridge. It ends up just sounding similar to a fan in a computer, so it blends right in. There is no start/stop at all, as it just runs continuously and throttles up/down as necessary.
There are a number of models using this technology, but here is one example at a nice price point:
http://www.pcrichard.com/Avanti/Avanti-1-7-Cu-Ft-Compact-Refrigerator-Stainless-Steel-w-Black-Sides/SHP1702SS.pcrp
Star rating looks low on that page, but reading the reviews the main complaint seems to be that it was smashed in shipping, so not actually a fault of the fridge itself. Here's a fridge that appears to only be different in color, and has a nice high rating, but Amazon's price is quite a bit higher than pcrichard:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0045ALLYA
I paid $80 and I've had mine 3 years now and I'm happy with it. Current temp is 3 C (temp knob is roughly at 50%) and current power draw is 65 watts (continuous, no cycling). If/when it does break, I figure the fan is the most likely part to go and I can probably figure out how to replace that on my own. I haven't taken it apart, but just peering through the grill it appears to be a standard form factor 40mm fan like you'd find inside a computer.
Running a fridge like this will generally cost you around $5-6 a month in electricity.
Oh wow.... I can't imagine that situation. I really hope you're able to get your mom into an apartment with your GM and YS, because it seems that sharing with your brother and his friends is the most stable and ideal roommate situation. Everyone pays rent and their share of bills, and cleans up after themselves. Hell, you could even buy colored plates/dishes and each person is only allowed to use their color...so if they don't wash theirs then they have nothing to eat from! Also, is your mom paying additional money towards bills because of YS? Your rent and utilities should be split so you + DH are paying 2/7, brother 1/7, friend 1/7, and mom 3/7 for her plus YS and GM.
ETA: You should not be paying for everyone's groceries! Get a lock for your room and keep your food in there, hell, even get a mini-fridge if you can afford it. Amazon has one on sale for $115 that has a fridge and freezer. You'll save that much money in a month by not feeding everyone. Get into the "every man for themselves" mentality and save yourself from taking care of everyone in the home.
Lots of good suggestions here. The meal plans are a huge ripoff compared to cooking for yourself. In addition to the dorm fridge and microwave that everyone seems to have I would recommend getting a small freezer, an electric kettle and a slow cooker/crock pot.The kettle is great for coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and ramen in a hurry. A ten lb bag of chicken leg quarters can often be found for under ten bucks. Throw half a bag in to the crockpot (and the other half in the freezer) and you have a meal for yourself and a few friends.
If you've a high budget, think about a small Dometic fridge. We have a big 65 quart one that does Dual Zones - fridge and freezer.
This makes eating real food an option - not simply take-out. You can stick it with good, but easy food.
Hummus & pita. Veggies. Store that awesome Chinese take-out as leftovers. Keep milk cold.
Our big one looks like a big beach cooler, only it plugs in. Uses 4 amps when the compressor is running and almost zero amps the rest of the time. Very easy to keep powered.
I don't remember the link, but it's about a quarter the way down our projects page.
Projects Page
Update: Dometic DualZone
I'd start buying fresh fruit once a week to complement and sometimes replace the McDonald's and Taco Bell. I think that's the bare minimum.
Other than that I would get some sort of cooking facilities- maybe a crock pot as suggested elsewhere or a countertop oven and hotplate- probably better if you can get them combined. If I had room, and cash, after that then I might also want a minifridge. It's an expensive outlay initially but would save a lot of money in the long run as well as improve diet considerably.
Not actually "pure" nicotine, but probably 100 mg/mL nicotine. Much more potent than what you'll find in your normal bottles of e liquid. If I were a parent with small child I would keep my concentrated nicotine in a fridge with a lock and key or combination lock (example) for safety or just not DIY at home. It would probably also be worth showing them the safety equipment that I use because and explaining that they shouldn't ever go near my lab supplies. Actually talking to your kid is a big help.
I got the cfx 65 for my 140" sprinter: https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CFX-65DZUS-Portable-Electric-Refrigerator/dp/B00SZ7XJ8K/ref=pd_cart_rp_2_7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=8VA9R0WQ7PWHFTM1TBD4
I was quite happy it came in grey.
You're welcome, glad you found it useful. More info at the blog next to my name.
You're most welcome! I bought the following:
4x100W Panels
Panel Mounting
Solar Panel Connectors
Tool Crimper
Assembly Tool
Panel Connectors
Power Information
CTEK Charger
CTEK SmartPass
200ah AMG Battery
Fuse Block
300W Pure Sine Wave Inverter
LED Strip
Dometic 35 Fridge
I bought all these items with research into my solar needs and following the advice from here in the vandwelling subreddit and also information I gathered from Amazon. I am probably doing a bit of overkill on my solar setup but I thankfully have the money to do it and don't want to mess with adding anything later.
I will have to do research myself on how to combine the four panels into the battery but that will be a few weeks away so I haven't done much in that area. I do plan to buy 10GA wire from Lowes and use the crimping tool and connectors to form my own wiring harness so it will be clean looking. \
EDIT: Adding info.
This is the lowest energy consumption botton-freezer refrigerator in Energy Star: https://www.amazon.com/Avanti-FFBM102D0W-Bottom-Freezer-Refrigerator/dp/B013G786PO
It uses 370 kwh/year.
For the same price and size (narrower but taller) you get this in Europe: https://tiendas.mediamarkt.es/p/frigorifico-combi-balay-3kf6650mi-302-l-1367331#specifications
235 kwh/year.
So, basically, the most average fridge would have better energy efficiency than the most efficient Energy Star fridge in America. But, if you want to spend €629 (about $750) you get a way larger fridge (12.5 ft3) that uses 183 kwh/year!!!!!
https://tiendas.mediamarkt.es/p/frigorifico-combi-samsung-rb37j506msa-no-1382636#specifications
So basically what I say, it's not about mentality or anything. American appliances are designed worse and consume more electricity for no reason, because we have the technology and sometimes the brands are even the same (Samsung, for example).
Nick! Thanks for the quick and thorough reply.
>We are going to fit another fridge this fall and so will also need to add another 200-400w of solar to keep us energy neutral.
Are you looking to build a fridge with a plate, or buy an off the shelf fridge? For what it's worth, I have this in my Jeep. It pulls about 70ah in the summer at around 110f in the summer if the Jeep is closed up and not in use. If you have an ambient temp of ~70f, I pull about 65ah and 60ah with an insulated blanket. I have a cheapo 100watt flexible solar panel that keeps an aux battery that powers led lights, and the fridge always topped off, even in the winter when I only get about 8 hours of daylight that's mostly overcast. It will keep things frozen solid. I've been thinking of ripping it's guts out and building an insulated box.
I have tested real life refrigerators for a school project (around 2001). The worst one used 7.x KWh/day(build in the 1970s), the best 2.7KWh/d(late 90s).
My newest fridge(100€ after a bit of searching) uses 0.7(lab setting) and less then 2KWh/d in real life.
The older those thing gets, the less energy efficient they become. Insulation deteriorates, cycle loses coolant, rubber seal in the door ages, hinges might become unhinged. And there is the increased efficiency. The difference in energy consumption between a 20yr old fridge and a new one will be a lot more than 1KWh/d. (and then test that for an american style feed-a-family-of-12-monster).
There is nothing troublesome about it. The difference is so stark, you can see it with the naked eye. Please don't use fridges made before 2000.
The biggest issue with solar and camping is that most campgrounds have tree cover that makes solar useless. Where are you planning to use it? Will you be able to park your vehicle there, or will you have to move the panels and run a wire to your battery?
The most useful setup, honestly, would be an auxiliary battery in your vehicle with a solar panel you can use to maintain it. That way, if there is no solar at your campsite, you can still charge it with your car. The battery will have to be sized to run the fridge all night long.
A fridge like this will use about 0.55 kWh/day (computed based on this. That means you need a battery rated for 0.55 / (80% inverter efficiency) / (80% cycle depth) = 860 Wh, or 12V/71Ah. That's about the size of an SUV/diesel car battery (I have some BMW 105Ah batteries myself).
The bigger problem is how to replenish this with just solar. A 100W panel will only generate about 500Wh of electricity a day, so you will likely need 150W, and a good sunny place to put them.
Total budget is looking like $200 for panels, $100 for battery, $50 for charge controller, $100 for fridge, so somewhere between $300 and $500 total.
This is a tough one, as someone else has mentioned, it might be a little tough to do it on a budget of $300-$400... The solar panels and batteries could end up more than that. If you're going to end up with a system like that, you might as well just go all out.
This is 4x the cost yes, but as far a prep goes, they can keep food for longer as well. An actual DC refrigerator that is compressor driven and operates on 12V/24V will be more efficient and reliable. In terms of systems it would be more or less the same minimum specs.
200W-230W Solar (single panel)
300Ah 12v battery
https://www.amazon.com/VoltRay-6-1-Cu-Solar-Refrigerator/dp/B017MV6BF2/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1527519784&sr=8-2&keywords=voltray+refrigerator
I will be freshman at Texas A&M this fall studying Aerospace Engineering. I'm going to need an Ethernet cable to connect my computer to the university internet :D
There's really no hope for me if I can't have internet :P
For you, every awesome dorm HAS to at least have a mini fridge! :)
If you are even a little handy, you should be able to replace it with something like this one.
https://smile.amazon.com/Whirlpool-4318046-Refrigerator-Maker-Valve/dp/B00DM8JGR0/
I did it recently on an Amana also and everything went pretty smoothly because the kit has the tubing ends you need as well as any fittings. The only modification I had to make was the mounting bracket had to be bent a little.
By the way, on my Amana, there is a light where you get water. It took me a few years before I realized that.
http://imgur.com/a/5WLum5N I found the picture with the new valve getting installed.
From here one hour of video ~ 128 MiB = 134.2 megabytes (Am I doing this right so far?). 100 years is 876,000 hours so that is 117,559,200 megabytes or 117.6 terabytes of data per day uploaded. (As an aside this is larger than the entire Library of Congress library data)
An apple 1 TB drive has a weight of 1.6 kg (yes, I know there are bigger and more efficient drives out there but they don't post their weight online). A typical fridge in the US is 22 cubic feet. This one weighs 280 lbs or 127 kg meaning that 1.47 Fridge-weights of video are uploaded every day.
Alternately, the apple drive has a volume of 0.05 cubic feet, meaning that 0.27 Fridge-volumes of video are uploaded every day.
*edit: lol
Then yeah, a good quality UPS would solve that problem. Probably going to cost you north of $100 though. Or you could get a nicer fridge and sell off the old one cheap.
UPS:
https://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-1300VA-Line-Interactive-SMART1300LCDT/dp/B00AX9Z7W4/ref=sr_1_4?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1473445980&sr=1-4&keywords=ups&refinements=p_89%3ATripp+Lite
Fridge:
https://www.amazon.com/Igloo-FR326M-D-BLACK-Erase-Refrigerator-Markers/dp/B01D151EFA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1473445936&sr=8-2&keywords=mini+fridge&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011
Something like a Dometic chest-style portable fridge (top loading) will draw maybe half an amp when it has done the initial job of chilling everything so you can easily run both a fridge and a laptop and stuff off solar and some deep cycle (or better yet, Lithium) batteries. Heck, you can have a fridge and a freezer on batteries easily if you like ice cream.
https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CFX-95DZUS-Portable-Electric-Refrigerator/dp/B01GEK9ZAK (ok, granted, the 85 liter dual zone is the big one in the lineup and it's a thousand bucks, but it's also what I'm getting if and when I get my van project off the ground.)
I've got a smallish apartment fridge like this (fridge) found it gently used on craigslist for $100 and a small space heater, then an arduino and raspberry pi setup with fermentrackto control the temps.
I’m looking at something like
https://www.amazon.com/Frigidaire-Built-Refrigerator-Freezer-Stainless/dp/B013XG06QA
Or
https://www.amazon.com/SABA-Heavy-Commercial-Reach-Refrigerator/dp/B01FRKS0AY/ref=sr_1_19?crid=QPOV5V9GU39P&keywords=commercial+refrigerators&qid=1570401807&s=appliances&sprefix=Commercial+re%2Cappliances%2C196&sr=1-19
Thanks.
I updated my answers when you extended the contest time. Thank you
The item I want
GE PSE26KSESS Profile 25.9 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Side-By-Side Refrigerator - Energy Star by GE http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EZ2BB6G/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_YACwtb0A1ZTJD
I have a Dometic CF-35 that draws 4 Amps when running (48W) but it only runs 1/4 or less of the time, so that would come close to your requirement.
https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CFX-35US-Portable-Electric-Refrigerator/dp/B00T36NUYA/
But, it's pretty large.
The CF-18 is somewhat smaller outside: https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CF-018-D65-B-Portable-Refrigerator-Personal/dp/B0136TQ65Y/
The CF-10 is smaller, still: https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CF-018-D65-B-Portable-Refrigerator-Personal/dp/B005X97OHA/
Sadly I'm still slumming it with the tiny base model top/bottom freezer/fridge. But one of my life goals is to have one of these monstrosities: https://www.amazon.com/Frigidaire-Built-Refrigerator-Freezer-Stainless/dp/B013XG06QA
Actually that's pretty attainable albeit extravagant. If I were rich I would go for a full sized walk-in.
Well if you want to use a traditional fridge you will need a big system. But if you go with a fridge like this: https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CFX-65DZUS-Portable-Electric-Refrigerator/dp/B00SZ7XJ8K
Those can run nearly indefinitely on a car battery and a 100 watt panel.
My dad knows the seller, the seller almost never used it. I'll probably still get it checked out though.
I like the idea of a chest freezer. The top loading is obviously a plus. However, I did find this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N142GLI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3HNFJPL3ZEWY1&psc=1
What do you think?
Also, after insulation is installed, can I use wood or plastic paneling for the interior?
Those of us who aren't trying to be bourgeosie about our appliances, and just need something serviceable that is reliable have something more like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Whirlpool-WRT311FZDW-White-Freezer-Refrigerator/dp/B00QGAHGWI/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OWFBXEN8IYES&keywords=refrigerator&qid=1565487002&refinements=p_n_feature_five_browse-bin%3A3515404011%2Cp_36%3A2673999011&rnid=2673993011&s=appliances&sprefix=refri%2Caps%2C201&sr=1-1
How do you pull 790w from two 325w panels? Or are you saying you have some 100w panels in the mix also? I'm fine spending money to get a decent charge controller so no problem there. I may just go with the one 330w panasonic for now. I'm trying to power a fridge, two fans, charging phone/laptops, and occasionally running the sound system. What do you think?
The specific refrigerator is This One. It plugs into a 120VAC power source, but it can run off a 12VDC power source as well.
Technology for DC fridge compressors has changed. I got rid of my 3way fridge and bought this Nova Kool 3.5 cubic foot 2way fridge for my Alaskan Camper. The DC compressor is amazing.I just got back from a 3.5 month trip driving around in Central America - think hot and humid - and the fridge never had a problem keeping up and making ice! I have one 160 watt solar on the roof, and a portable 80 watt that I used maybe 10 days. I'd spend anywhere from 1 to 6 days in one spot. While I was driving I also used a Dometic in the back seat of the truck for cold water, beer, and a place to store cold groceries on the road.
Anyway, the DC compressors have come a LONG way in the last few years. Pricey though.
It's kinda pricy..
Dometic CFX-65DZUS Portable Electric Cooler Refrigerator/Freezer - 61 Liters https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SZ7XJ8K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_e82gzbQNP9S6Z
Actual 12v refrigerators are pricy, but they are the real deal. I'm talking popsicles on 100 degree days.
Dometic CFX-65DZUS Portable Electric Cooler Refrigerator/Freezer - 61 Liters https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SZ7XJ8K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Un59ybCA4FZ1K
One of these (Dometic RV fridge/freezer, top-opening)
https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CFX-65DZUS-Portable-Electric-Refrigerator/dp/B00SZ7XJ8K/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1480386758&sr=1-3&keywords=rv+fridge
Not to sure what could be causing it. Probaby won't get to far trying to figure out what it is unless you tear it apart and you know what you are looking for.
Haier is an option it is inexpensive as fuck.
I'm not a big fan of Haier or Danby or Avanti but those are the ones that will be around your Price Range. Frigidaire makes a 1.7 that is going for 250~ right now.
Someone asked for links because they are lazy. Understanding this issue at a deep level, here you are:
Dometic 90QT (what I'm considering) https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CFX-95DZUS-Portable-Electric-Refrigerator/dp/B01GEK9ZAK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
Dometic 65QT: https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CFX-65DZUS-Portable-Electric-Refrigerator/dp/B00SZ7XJ8K/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492478720&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=dometic+portable+fridge
Arb: https://www.amazon.com/ARB-10800472-Fridge-Freezer-Quart/dp/B002Q1INDM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492478738&sr=8-1&keywords=arb+portable+fridge
Whynter: https://www.amazon.com/Whynter-FM-62DZ-Portable-Refrigerator-62-Quart/dp/B008VX01P2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1492478772&sr=8-2&keywords=whynter+portable+fridge