Cleaning an Engel fridge

[Dakkas Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Dakkas]

Hi all, I'm after some info from the educated.

I'm looking to downsize from my Waeco CF-80 car fridge to a smaller one.

Now without starting an Engel vs Waeco argument, I am open to either brand and have looked at both. Looking at between a 40 - 60 litre fridge depending on brand.

On looking at the Engel's I noticed that the cooler element is actually out from the casing/insulation as apposed to the Waeco where the element is actually built into the casing/insulation. My first thought was about the problems cleaning the Engel.

So my main question is, can you actually remove the cooler element from within the fridge to ensure a decent clean? If so what is required in doing so? If not, how do you go about cleaning?

[Schaffer Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Schaffer]

Re: Cleaning an Engel fridge

I've got an Engel 40l and no you can not remove the element. You have to remember this is loaded with gas. For cleaning after a trip I tend to remove the fridge from the back of the car and wipe down with a dish cloth. Can't get in behind the element but then you would have to be pretty unlucky for something to get in there. If you did then you could poor some warm water down between the wall and the element to wash it out. Following that I give it a quick dry with a cloth and then leave the lid open to dry for an hour os so before putting away in the box before next use.

If I was on a trip and needed to clean then I would pretty much follow the above but wipe and then store goods inside. Longest trip I've used on so far is about two weeks. There is no signs of mould or mildew in mine and always smells pretty clean. The only time it hadn't was when I didn't clean it after a day trip and went to do so the following day after it had been turned off and left closed.

Maybe you might want to look at the new ARB fridge. Slightly larger at 47l but very easy to clean without the esposed element plus it also has a removable plug in the base to allow to drain.

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

Re: Cleaning an Engel fridge

Hi all, I'm after some info from the educated.

I'm looking to downsize from my Waeco CF-80 car fridge to a smaller one.

Now without starting an Engel vs Waeco argument, I am open to either brand and have looked at both. Looking at between a 40 - 60 litre fridge depending on brand.

On looking at the Engel's I noticed that the cooler element is actually out from the casing/insulation as apposed to the Waeco where the element is actually built into the casing/insulation. My first thought was about the problems cleaning the Engel.

So my main question is, can you actually remove the cooler element from within the fridge to ensure a decent clean? If so what is required in doing so? If not, how do you go about cleaning?

What the heck are you carrying in your fridge that would necessitate having to go to that extreme for cleaning?

After 2 months away, all mine needed was to have the inner mat and basket washed. Then wipe out the inside with warm soapy water. A little spray of lemon scented multi purpose spray to lose the odours. Then a wipe down with a clean damp cloth to finish off. Never needed any more than that in the 6 years that I've had this particular Engel.

[photoprado Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close photoprado]

Re: Cleaning an Engel fridge

What the heck are you carrying in your fridge that would necessitate having to go to that extreme for cleaning?

Spilt Milk or eggs would do it.

If the fridge is running all of the time, it isn't a problem. But when you put it back in the shed the temp rises, the bacteria multiply and the smell starts.

You have to be able to clean your fridge.

Michael

[09PradoGXL Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close 09PradoGXL]

Re: Cleaning an Engel fridge

I have had my 40L Engel almost 10 years now.

I clean it by wiping the baskets and mat over with citrus multi purpose cleaner. Then wipe over the inside and outside with it.
I have only once or twice sprayed the cleaner down the insides of the colling element and then rinsed with water.

After I leave it dry, I turn the lid over so and zip up the cover bag. That way the fridge isn't sealed shut in storage.

Also, if I don't get time to clean it after getting home from a trip, I leave it running and do it later, usually the next weekend.

[Boomslang Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Boomslang]

Re: Cleaning an Engel fridge

I won't swap my ARB fridge for anything else. Very easy to clean, very easy to select the temperature you want (exactly to the degree). During our last outback trip, I had to do a few unscheduled cleanups and all I had to do was to slide the fridge back about 30cm so that the drain plug cleared the rear of the car, remove the drain plug and washed it out with clean water. Wipe dry and replace.

[RustyTruck Member Find all posts View Profile Close RustyTruck]

Re: Cleaning an Engel fridge

Warm water with dishwashing liquid, let it dry out for a couple of days then close it up with a few tea bags inside