Brass Monkey 50L Dual Zone Fridge / Freezer GH1642
MPN: GH164251 reviews
Had a Waeco 40 l fridge since 2016 and never missed a beat, It just failed (my fault!) and I could not find a new PCB for it so now it lives as a 240 fridge. I just picked up a 75l brassmonkey fridge and out of the box the compressor was so loud it was like a car had pulled dup next to my camper. It was powering on every 5 minutes and the inside… Read more
compartments were always out of wack- like -2 +6 or -4 +3 etc. Returned it. Second unit with the internal battery upgrade sounded just as bad so I guess that's the way they sound. It also sounded like it was chilling the fridge constantly again. Power draw was unto 80 w too- so huge.
Solution was to turn off at night and cover with a sleeping bag. Not ideal at all. Anyway the second unit with battery drew a constant 20 w and never got past 60% charge. And it also failed today refusing to run my external power only the internal battery. Bluetooth failed. App refused to connect. Taking the battery out fixed issues temporarily. Returned it and picked up another 57l (Waeco) dometic fridge and the second it fired up the quiet hum returned and it kept its temperature well and coming on to chill maybe every 30 mins vs 5 of the brassmonkey. The power draw was back to 40w too.
As a full-time vanlife they just cannot be trusted. Noisy, near zero insulation and electronics fail. I cannot recommend brassmonkey fridges at all.
I gave the brassmonkey a good go but honestly spend a few more bucks and save yourself a real headache. They are awful.
I have only had the 50 litre dual zone for five days and it won't get under -3 which is useless and it runs constantly using about 7 ah. Cheap garbage...... And Jaycar seem to think that is quite normal. Show details
Don't buy it – In the last 3 years we have had 3 60lt brass monkey fridge/freezers, 2 were under warranty. When we took the 3rd fridge back to rtm they said because it was our 3rd fridge under warranty they would NOT give us another fridge with warranty. We'll guess what, 3 months on and it broke down again. Take warning when buying a brass monkey, if you need… Read more
to take It back a third time thy won't give it to you with a warranty. They need to make better fridges simple as that or honour their warranty, won't be buying another one , get a different brand.
Reviews with attachments
- +5
Issues with dual zone – I have a single 15l and a dual zone 45l. Firstly the single has been brilliant. Not an issue to date, it was an absolute godsend throughout the pandemic as we travel a lot for work. Late 2023 I upsized to the 35 litre as I needed more capacity. After returning 2x 35 litre fridges with the same fault and set of symptoms. When I returned the second… Read more
unit I paid the difference and upsized to a 45litre.
Well this week when I was packing for a multiple overnight work trip the same set of symptoms occurred again. The fridge was loaded and left to run from the mains overnight to cool the drinks down and charge the battery. In the morning there was Low voltage, fridge body was very hot, one side was cold but the other was room temperature and battery was depleting and not charging. Usually if left this will result in overheating codes.
These are all the signs of a valve failing inside the fridge that regulates the temperature in the zones. The zones were set 8 degrees apart as recommended and also the fridge was running on mains at the point of failure. This is the third fridge it’s happened to now. Usually the fridge runs on mains overnight, van and battery during the day. It’s disappointing, however brass monkey have a 3 year warranty so expect there will be plenty of replacements by the time it’s done.
- +2
Brass monkey good for the price – I have just bought my second brass monkey 30 ltr fridge , I have not used it yet out camping but have played around with the settings, so far so good . I have nothing in the fridge.it took about 30 minutes to cool to 4 degrees. I have my own thermometer inside and it's slightly out but I guess that depends on where it's placed in the he fridge and… Read more
also have no food in it. I believe this fridge is very good value I got it for $199 half price, only time will tell and it comes with a 3 year warranty.
My previous fridge is a 15 ltr and it works perfectly I use it for freezer and have been Nth WA it may drop a few degrees when very hot temperatures up north.. Overall it's a great brand for the price I would definitely recommend if just starting off in caravanning or camping .
Cheers Swany
Usually works perfectly – For the most part, I cannot complain... it works. My complaint is the readout is at times way off from my battery's actual voltages. This even causes the fridge to F1 error when the battery still has 11.5 volts according to the battery-side meter. Does not matter what settings you're on. I have had this fridge for a year now. It runs 100%… Read more
solar on my ute. I have a 170-watt panel and a 100ah Gel battery which should be and is more than enough to run this fridge 24/7 off-grid. It certainly worked with the previous fridge.
Seems like to me the fridge has a firmware glitch at this point. Luckily one digit of my readout has gone off, so I might be able to take it back for a warranty replacement.
It could also use a catch for the lid. the case helps but if the lid pops open, it doesn't take long to warm up inside.
would I recommend it? Yea, but you just gotta be aware that it sometimes errors when there's no error. I never had to reset my previous fridge. (i also upgraded to a larger panel and a fresh batter from the previous setup, so I know that's not the issue.)
Working Well - But Tech/Bluetooth support needed – Recently Purchased an 85L upright fridge for my caravan (purely 12V, 300W solar panels, 100Amp/hour battery.) Originally was set on a Bushman, but it was financially not viable, so with the 3 year warranty (and a promise from RTM) I went with something with limited reviews. Thrilled to report this has not let me down. Fits perfectly into the… Read more
existing fridge space for a ‘72 vintage van, with no ugly decals and aesthetically pleasing visage for the picky (me).
The only trouble I am having is (and especially as I am now in rainforest) is being able to access economical mode. I will be upgrading my solar system, but it’s a fine balance between hot as hell, and partial shade.
The app to use Bluetooth function is inconsistent with the manual.
Would really benefit from easy access “night mode” or low voltage mode, so save from having to turning it off at night, then attempting to reboot and recool in full sun. This is probably available, but for all of my googling, I can’t find the answer.
Very happy with purchase so far - aesthetically pleasing, fits into existing space without needing full Reno, works well AND FAST, but tech/app support is limited.
Positive reviews
Unable to save settings – 50l GH-164 dual zone Fridge/ freezer running on 100-amp hour battery econ mode. The fridge part is stuck on -4. I can change it to a desirable temp, but I cannot save it to the new temp. It is as though it needs a save key. I have tried to reset it as per other replies, but it is still stuck on -4. The cog button is useless except for trying to… Read more
return to factory settings while the fridge is turned off. Any suggestions will be appreciated. David Ch
Better than expected – I bought the Brass Monkey 60 litre dual zone fridge for a two month trip Melbourne to Darwin and back last year. I was a little apprehensive as it was too cheap so I ran it continuously for over a month before departure. The first thing I did was replace the cigarette lighter plug with an Anderson plug . For the two month Darwin trip the fridge… Read more
operated in the back of my 4WD connected to a 40Ah Companion lithium power supply, which in turn was connected to the vehicle's power supply. The temperature setting was : fridge 3C - freezer -15C and the fridge maintained these temperatures at all times, even in the tropics. Current draw was about 5Ah when the compressor was running which was about 25% of the time (I did have the insulated cover). Since then the Brass Monkey has been on several more camping trips and has never missed a beat. I was seriously considering buying a Dometic Fridge/freezer which is over $1,000 more. OK, the build quality isn't as good as the Dometic and the compressor is a bit noisier but, for the price and the fact that it's backed by a bricks & mortar retailer with a three year warranty the Brass Monkey is a bargain.
Good quality fridge/freezer – Good price, works well and keeps everything cool as. Easy to use. Does freeze things close to the walls and is a bit light weight. Could have better insulation (I don't have a cover for it) Show details
Negative reviews
Brass monkey 65L upright – Good fridge / freezer. Great functionality. Would have given it 5 stars if it lasted 5 years or more. Has stopped working properly after 2 years. Freezer keeps freezing to -16 and fridge temp just does whatever it wants. Because of the temperature going silly the Unit is running flat out and running battery flat. It’s probably still under warranty… Read more
but this doesn’t help when you’re out in the bush. Another hassle that will most likely take a few weeks to sort out.
dont like wasting money on plastic products that are made for landfill – Had one for 3 years now. on and off trouble with temp, yes for the first 6 months it was good. As its not working now and parts cant be purchased from seller. They said that after the 3 year warranty its now to go to landfill. Please be careful that you buy a fridge that you can get parts for over the years. Show details
Find out how Brass Monkey 50L Dual Zone Fridge / Freezer GH1642 compares to other Portable Fridges / Freezers
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A complete piece of garbage – Where do I begin? I thought it was great until one side would not work, so I had to remove the divider and use it at fridge settings until I could afford to buy another brand. I did not realize what a power drain the thing was until I finally bought a Kings 75L dual lid 12v fridge. It uses a fraction of energy than the Brass Monkey. Brass… Read more
Monkey's use an ultra cheap, noisy, inefficient compressor which is the heart of the machine. It is so inefficient that it runs almost all of the time, and rarely cycles off. (And the coolent makes a loud water rushing noise as it is moving through the coils and condenser).
It used so much power, (which I thought was the norm, and acceptable as it was my first 12v compressor fridge), that I could only run my Starlink internet for about an hour and half each day before the 200 a/h battery bank was drawn down to 11.9v. But with the Kings Fridge, I can run Starlink almost all day, until the sun lowers in the sky at 4.00pm
Yes, it has fancy features like Bluetooth, a USB charger, but that's all for nothing if the compressor is cheap Chinese garbage.
If you live off grid, or do extensive 4WD camping trips, do not buy this. Look at the reviews for King's Fridges compared to Brass Monkey, and you decide. Their fridges are around the same price, and have glowing reviews. They use Chinese compressors, but are far better quality and are a lot more efficient
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Recent reviews
Warm beer – I have the upright fridge/ freezer. I live in North Queensland and this fridge just can't cope with this climate. Freezer works great but fridge can't get things cold enough if you turn up dial the back just freezes up and things actually get warmer. Fridge is completely sealed outside gets hot. Think it would work fine in a cooler climate but no good in Queensland summer. Show details
Cheap Garbage – Had a 75lt for about 18 months......Worked sometimes....most of the time it was just a headache. Wouldn't cool down past 5deg C at times, then would freeze food over night. Jaycar Cairns were great in refunding me with no questions asked. Would not recommend. Ever. Have since purchased a 60lt Engel....worth every cent. Set & forget. Show details
Save your money buy an engel or dometic / waeco – I have had the fridge for 2 yrs. First thing you need to know is the massive power draw of this fridge. I have measured 7-8 amps continuous this then causes a voltage drop, so what ever you do run the fridge on low power setting. If your just going to use the fridge as a second fridge in the shed on 240v go ahead. If you want to use it for… Read more
boating or camping or mobile don't bother. Update I just took it back to Jaycar. They replaced the fridge no questions asked. This one doesn't drop voltage nearly as bad and also only draws 4A. So based on the customer service from Sam at Jaycar Joondalup i think i'll stick with it for a while longer.
Upgrade – I have the 50 litre single zone. The first thing you need to do as soon as you get your fridge home is cut that cigarette lighter plug off. there a hopeless fitting as far as contact reliability goes. And they create malfunctions with whatever brass monkey you have. Replace with an Anderson plug. I’m permanently on the road and run my brass monkey… Read more
24/7 after 2 years 9 months the cooling fan had had enough so I replaced it with a superior fan from Jaycar. (Durratech 120 mm) and it’s back on line. As soon as the 3 year warranty is up I will be selling it and buying the dual zone twin lid 75 litre no problem at all.
Piece of crap – Worse fridge I have ever owned, will work for a while then f3 codes , melts power plugs when it does work and won't keep cold in anything over 35°c doesn't matter the settings, going in the bin after 7 months Show details
This 60 litre fridge is nothing but trouble – I have had the 60 Litre fridge for about 2 years. Always had trouble with it running the secondary battery down. It doesn't get cold enough and as for any temperature below zero forget it. After just over 12 months the control panel packed up . Took it to Jaycar. The guy there was tops he replaced the control panel and it worked for about 9 months… Read more
but still doesn't get cold enough and is a battery drain. Also always had trouble with the Blue Tooth connection. So toady it has totally packed up. Simply does not operate at all. So I have invested in a slide and cover. All a waist. I doubt that I will buy another one. I think if you get a good one they are OK. BUT lots seem to have problems similar to my experience. 10 points to the Jaycar man for top customer service. 2 points to the fridge.
GH1644 60L fantastic Fridge – Hot price, $349 for 60L dual zone, bluetooth, and quiet as. Highly featured for the money. Friend has one and he loves it and no complaints, everything works, cover seems durable enough. Could not resist the price point special at Jaycar and the 3 year warranty sealed the deal. Also have a faultless and simple NH95 Evacool, its just a bit bulky for short stays. Show details · 1
Just got this, so early days – I bought the 75 litre dual zone with wheels from Jaycar on special for $350 with $12 delivery. Top price (50 per cent off). While I had some concerns given other reviews mine seems ok. Did have trouble connecting to the app but fixed that by turning the fridge off and then back on. Have checked the temperature with a digital thermometer and the… Read more
readings are with one degree (+ or -) of the digital readout. Best I've seen on the freezer (set at max of -20) is - 17.9 degrees. This is more than adequate. The unit is quiet, seems economical and the app is easy to use - much better than the control panel which is hyper sensitive to touch commands. Not at all unhappy - yet. Will update this later.
Now had this almostt two years. Currently using it as a back up wine/beer fridge. Works fine. Hasn't missed a beat.
Find out how Brass Monkey 50L Dual Zone Fridge / Freezer GH1642 compares to other Portable Fridges / Freezers
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ICE maker ,... NOT – I have three (3) brass monkey 12v fridges, NO problem they are great. But I also have a Brass bullshirt ice maker which does NOT make SHIRT. Bloody usless. Bought it to use in the vehicle, even got a BM solar panel to power it, (plug doesnt fit the battery) totally dissatisfied.
Fridge is perfect, Fridge cover is not – My Brass monkey fridge is a different model, I have the GH2028 (25 liter) & it is a little ripper so far & I would recommend them to anyone, especially when they are on sale for $249.00 with a 3 year warranty. I have had three portable fridges before and they have all cost more than double what I paid for this little ripper but this one works the… Read more
best. But please don't buy the insulated cover for this model because it is expensive ($79.95) poorly made and poorly designed. It is cheap quality nylon, with even cheaper cotton stitching, you know the type where the end stitching is never tied off at the end of a run so once a single thread pulls it all comes apart like a zipper.
But the dodgiest part is that you have to unzip the whole top area to get to the fridge door which is only half the size of the top cover, why it hasn't got a lift-up Velcro flap is beyond me. Using two damp towels would be a cheaper & easier option. But it does have a Velcro flap where you can put two batteries that you do not even need to open very often and in my case it is always left closed, and when I do open it I am usually at home. So why put the flap here? But this Battery access lift flap is really badly made and it has a clear plastic window in it so you can see the digital display underneath. Only problem is that it does not fit properly & keeps sliding all over the place and the clear plastic window never sits over the display & it always ends up down the side of the fridge every time.. For $79 bucks I expected better, even if it was $30.00 bucks it still wouldn't be worth it.
We have two of these, love them, never had an issue, would definately buy again – We have two work well in extreme heat, have used them non stop for a couple of months when on holiday. Show details
Lasted 3days then just stopped working – Only lasted 3 days Then a burning smell I tried to re set with 12 and 240 votes but no success. After reading other reviews it is apparent there has been many other people with this issue Show details
Still going strong – I have 2 Brass Monkey fridges First one was purchased about Feb 2119 (pre LG compressor model) and its had a flogging in the back of my ute. Its done the Gibb river rd and many other tracks of similar nature..Cape York corrugations its had the lot and never ever missed a beat, I was so impressed I bought another smaller unit with its own battery (… Read more
large battery) built in and solar panel package. This unit also has the cover for protection however its not a real good fit ...design needs work and the unit seems to use more power than the old one even though its a smaller fridge. But it keeps plugging along with 12/240 v power source so that will do me. Both are excellent value for dollar.
Help needed – Have a 75lt fridge freezer, showing F1 and right side will not come down to 2 degrees. Any ideas as to what is going on any advice would help thanks Show details
Not bad, great customer service at Jaycar – We've had this fridge a couple of years. Initially used mainly as backup/drinks fridge in c'parks so running on 240v and it's great for that. Did a 6 month trip last year, lots of free camping and off grid and it lived in the car running off a second 100ahr AGM battery. It took a beating on very tough roads and saw some VERY hot weather through… Read more
the Kimberley (mid 40s for 10 days straight). It chewed the battery up each day during that time and eventually died in those conditions.
We contacted Jaycar as it was still under warranty and after a little initial too and fro we got to speak to customer service manager who was very helpful - persistence pays off. We arranged to have a replacement shipped to a destination on our itinerary at their expense and easy swap over when we arrived, no hassles at all. Replacement fridge upgraded to Bluetooth which wasn't on the old fridge, so happy to get a brand new one after 2 years of use!
The replacement has thrown some errors but I'm suspicious that's a wiring issue at my end (more so after reading some of these reviews).
There is probably more rugged fridges on the market but not at this price point. No portable fridge will perform well in very high ambient temperatures, so dont expect miracles. This fridge has an easy enough to access drain plug and is fully sealed to the lid so you can give it a hand up with a bag of ice or sheets of Techni Ice if you hit a heat wave and are off grid.
We would definitely recommend this fridge for anyone using it mainly on 240v as we did initially given the price. If using on 12v make sure whatever you plug it into can handle a solid draw for an extended period, as I think this contributes to the occasional unexpected error code.
Good value for its price point – I have a 40 litre version of the Brass Money, which also cuts out at 10.5-6 and cuts back in at touch over 11 volt when set on low and eco. Most people expect the fridge will run til the battery is flat etc, however all fridges will have operating ranges and if you ensure there is enough voltage to keep the fridge in range these work fine. I am in… Read more
the battery business so we come across this often where the fridge cuts out at 11.8 etc so people think there is an error in the battery or the fridge, but its simply the way fridges work and the setting its on, including battery protection settings. Reading the manual is a good start albeit boring, but will save you a lot of grief.
Errors – Errors. Always errors. F1 f3 f everything. Sitting inside a cold room not even in a car. Just errors. I've had 3 so far... All 3 have had to be replaced. Do not buy Show details
Very dodgy and invasion of privacy due to the fact that one cannot operate fridge using Bluetooth without location – Big tech spying on you again. You cannot operate these plastic monkey fridges via Bluetooth without turning your location on. I'm satisfied after one year that my 39 liter jobby does the trick. Show details
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