Dometic Waeco CF Series

Dometic CF/50 Fridge/Freezer – Bought the Dometic CF50 a few year ago (back in 2021) and travelled around this great country of ours during COVID without any issues and then we drove up to Cape York at the end of 2023 in my Dmax with the same fridge/ freezer and i must say it worked perfectly both times and didn't let us down at all. It kept the food nice and cold and beers icy… Read more

cold without any problems over the rough corrugated road to the TIP of Australia. I highly recommend this fridge and freezer for any adventure you may embark on.

Dometic cf50 – Absolutely a bucket sh%t let me down time and time again has been back to repairer 3times .was still in warranty had enough and through in bin.Still got the old Weaco equivalent going strong,new dometic version rubbish. Show details

20+ years and still going strong everyday – Bought a Waeco CF-35 secondhand 11 years ago, the previous owner had it for 10years before me. The unit has operated as expected every time Have never had a fault with it, even when i did flood it with the garden hose once while cleaning it post trip... A quick dry out and operated good as new. The CF-35 is very friendly on power consumption I can… Read more

run it for 3 days in 38 degree heat, and not run a 100Ah batter below 50% SoC. This is while camped with no charging of any kind taking place.

The old CF i have doesn't a temp set point, but rather it has 6 settings. It is light, very handy when moving to and from multiple vehicles The only downside, is this model doesn't have the built in 240volt adapter so you must use a external transformer

Over all, i have used this unit for 11years from day to day shopping to week long camping trips Has been trusty and reliable and the compressor noise is quite enough you can sleep next to it, handy if you have it mounted in vehicle.

EDIT JAN 2023. Now not happy at all. The 18L died after 2 & a bit years so it's a throw away – EDIT APRIL 2024>>> I think I worked out their SCAM..... The repairer prices the LABOUR on the repairs so high you don't accept it, yes, they (Weaco, not the repairer) give you the Compressor for free (Valued at $380) but the labour is 80% of the price to buy it new. So, who's going to pay that? No one & the repairer has a free compressor he can… Read more

install & sell it to the next sucker whose warrantee has expired & has to pay full price to fix his 80L freezer that he will pay to fix as it's way more expensive to replace than the smaller ones.

The "Approved" Weaco dealer in Sydney (Definitely approved as he went on about his paid trip to Germany for training) Alternate Gas Refrigeration. Totally wasted my time driving from Newport to Arndell Park, basically a 4-5hr round trip on a Saturday. WILL NEVER TOUCH A WEACO AGAIN. JUST BUY TO CHEAPIES FROM BCF, KINGS ETC.

EDIT JAN 2023. Well all that is written below comes to nothing. The compressor died on the 18L, Weaco guaranteed a compressor replacement but their recommended repairer want about $400 to replace it. So I might as well throw it in the lake. Wasted several visits, multiple phone calls, lots of time for a piece of crap. NOT HAPPY AT ALL.

Wanted a smaller freezer for smaller car use. Have the old CF-50 for the big 4WD. I do a lot for road trips now in the car & keep the CF-18 on the folded down rear seats behind the drivers seat. It's set up so the front passenger can reach in easily when I'm driving & get a cold drink etc. My thinking was the CF-11 was just too small & the CFX-28L too big for this type of use. I am careful not to overload it & ram the lid down so as to not break the hinges/latch. The CF-18 is working wonderfully after 2x 10 day & 1x 4 days trips & is now about 6mths old. It's very easy to carry into a Motel if no fridge is available.

The CF-18L are not a common unit so I couldn't see one in a store before purchasing online. The storage area is sort of divided into two adjoining compartments, one higher, one lower. The small & quite deep section has no freezer tubes inside the walls. The tubes are in the higher section & cold air falls into the deep section which freezes very well. There is just enough room for 2x 1.25L & 2x 1L bottles if one inverts some of the bottles. The other higher section can fit 4-6 shorter stubble 600ml water bottles lying down. You can use the higher section as a fridge esp. if the sun is beating down on the lid & in my case I only have it on half the time (say 2hrs on, 2hrs off) while driving & using the cig plug to charge other devices. It is suitable for a couple &/or a small family. This suits my needs perfectly.

If it's rigged up properly to a dual battery system like in my 4WD this little unit will fully freeze if running 24/7 easily. Unless I'm doing a round OZ trip with the 4WD & a camper trailer or staying in remote areas for a long time I can't see the 50L Waeco getting much use now.

Been perfectly reliable, no complaints – I bought my CF50 about 5 years ago and it has never missed a beat. I have never turned it off other than to transfer it from the house to the car or caravan in that time. Yes, I use it as a permanent beer fridge. It works perfectly okay with factory supplied cord and it works no problems with the car's factory wiring, even when the car is… Read more

turned off. I've had no issues running it on the caravan battery or my little 38 A/H jump kit. Heck, I've even used it with a 120w solar panel hooked into the caravan / jump pack.

I read someone had an issue with the plug not connecting properly into the cigarette socket over rough terrain. Here is what the Waeco rep told me himself about that -

1) Believe it or not, there are varying sizes of cigarette socket. So if you are plugging it into your car and having issues it is most likely the socket. (This is true, try putting a cigar lighter from a Volkswagen into a Toyota and you will see what I mean)

2) Waecos have 2 types of socket on them pull that red bit of plastic off and it becomes a Narva socket. If you have the RAPS 36 Battery, you will notice it has 2 sockets on it. The smaller socket is the Narva type. Plug it in there and it won't rattle loose. Waeco also sell a wiring kit that can be installed into a vehicle that has this socket with it along with the recommended thickness of wiring (which is pretty heavy btw)

Fantastic fridge – Has been on the back of various work utes for over 9 years now in outback NSW, never once covered or parked under cover. Had a couple new insulated covers and a couple new lids as the plastic hinges and latch are pretty crap but really can’t complain. Show details

Great fridge – I have two Engels and now this one it uses less power than my Engels the new Engels now are crap I’ve taken mine back 3 times the CF50 just keeps going pee who bag the Dometic have never owned one Engel ate over priced there’s other brands half the price that do just as good as Engel if anyone wants to buy/ Engels there for sale on market place Show details

Does the trick – I bought my CF40 about six years ago on sale at BCF. Since then it gets used a few times each year. It has spent days on the beach running off of a deep cycle during surf fishing comps, loaded in the back of the car for a couple of weeks for family holidays and used as an additional drinks fridge over summer running off 240v. Not once has it had… Read more

any issues with maintaining temperature or had any faults. I would 100% recommend this fridge to anyone.

Absolute 100%rubbish – Within in weeks the fridge failed on a trip had repaired under warranty n not used for a while. Try to use it and has sh#t itself again. My little kings works better Show details

4 days in, compressor rattling, told this is normal – Bought this fridge to come in the truck with me at work. Cools well, although gets a fair bit if condensation inside. After 4 days in the truck I started noticing a rattle, which became a squeaky rattle over every bump. Took it back to place of purchase, thinking they would just swap it over as had really only bought it 9 days before. Was told I'd… Read more

have to go through warranty to get it inspected, leaving me fridgeless for a week. Atlanta refrigeration came back and said it's all good and normal as the compressor is on springs so it will move around. Tried it truck for another trip, rattle still there, so in my opinion it's now useless, and I've spent over $500 On something that's not fit for the purpose. Do not buy this fridge if planning on having it in a vehicle with you.

Good old fridge – This was my first fridge that i bought back in 2004. Only had two issues with it in 19 years. After the first use, the lid cracked at the latch as i had it in direct sun. A bit crap i thought, but the repairer replaced it for me and gave me a cover for the fridge, and it has been fine ever since. The second issue i had with it was way later in… Read more

2015 where Waecos control board died (corrosion due to heavy beach use). As it was well out of warranty and i didnt want to spend $400 to fix an 11yr old fridge, I simply removed all the waeco controls and bought an STC-1000 off Ebay for $25 and fitted that to the fridge. To this day it still runs very well like the day i bought it. I have now bought a Bushman fridge to supplement this fridge and I have given the CF50 to my sis as she has just gotten into camping. I would have bought another CF50 if they made them still, but I bought a Bushman instead, and they are very nice too.

Perfect Car Fridge – Bought 16 years ago $890. Only replaced a fuse once. The coating a lot better than a metal casing, won't scratch and today looks as good as when I bought it. I cut an insulated cover to fit over the contents when only part filled. Only lift the lid slowly to keep as much cold as possible. Show details

Waeco. 50 Good – This fridge replaced a 3 way so difference is large. Cools quickly on 240, quiet running, the fridge section works well, the temp needs to be set a little higher to maintain freezing ie set on 9 or 10 Getting to know it and we love it Show details

Great for travelling – Just the right size for long weekend trips without taking up the whole car. Low power draw, will run from a 100Ah battery for at least 4 days when set to 4 degrees.

Top fridge – The cf 50 works perfectly on 240 and 12 volts. I've had this fridge 7to8 years and still counting. Never has it failed in hot extreme weather and I'm talking 45 plus degrees c. The power consumption is very good and with Sola set up on the 4wd it never stopped. The con is the Lach can break so be careful you can get a replacement for this. I have… Read more

read some of the reviews on this fridge and put it down to some people don't know what they are doing. Others just bag it because it's a waeco. All and all it's a fantastic reliable fridge

Very good and well priced fridge freezer – Bought mine back early 2017 and I must say its been very good since and no problems. I've had it in some very hot Qld weather and seems to run at -2 or-3 degrees without problem eventhough its using more power, drinks are still icy! It came with the insulated cover and I purchased extra warranty from tentworld. Overall I love it. I use it about… Read more

every 6 months, If I was in the market for another fridge it would be great to have a dual zone fridge freezer.

Great Product - highly recommended – I bought my CF50 on sale for $699 at BCF. I have had it for over 18 mths and have been running it 24-7 - 50% on 12volt on 1 x solar panel & 1 x 120 amp battery in my caravan for weeks on end & 50% on 240v. Always maintains my preferred temperature -3 deg C and gets there fast, Best $699 I have ever spent. Show details

Excelent Fridge/Freezer – I've only had it a year but has worked well each time we've used it. It does what it's designed to do and keeps food cool/frozen depending on the temperature you choose. No complaints and if you are in the market for a fridge can say I'm happy with mine and recommend you consider this unit. The only issue I can think of is that the lid feels a… Read more

bit wobbly when you open/close the unit. This is because with a removable lid the hinges aren't very tight. That's a small issue in the scheme of things and I can once again recommend this unit with a five star rating.

Buy an Engel - What I should have done – Barely lasted and the compressor went. When it worked it would drain my 135Ah battery in 1 day. Not really acceptable when you're running off battery and solar power. Jump the fence, spend the coin and you won't be disappointed with an Engel. As they say, a poor man pays twice and I've learned my lesson with Waeco  Show details

16 Years old and still running – What a great fridge, never had an issue with it. In the 16 years I have owned it it may have been turned off for 3 months in total. "It has been every were man". My missus broke the handle lock once, brought one from WA (Broome) on the net, they have all the spares. Never had a cover for it, it just keeps going and going. I have three other… Read more

fridges, two Engels and a Lumix.

The Engels are over 35 years old and do short cycle a bit but still run well..

Cools well and good on power BUT – I have purchased this unit and have been testing it for several days under different conditions. Everything about it seems a good product, except for the closing mechanism on top. On the basis of this alone, I would caution anyone against purchasing this or any similar waeco products. To click it shut I have to apply a fair amount of force and… Read more

sometimes it pops open on its own. This is not a one off defect, it is a serious design flaw that can easily lead to food wastage and flat batteries. The only way to fix this would be to modify the tooling and or use a higher grade of plastics. I regret rushing into this purchase, reading through other stories online and the wording in the warranty, I am not expecting them to be easy to deal with when i inevitably have to make a warranty claim.

Dometic Waeco CF-40 – For the price what you get is OK. A CFX model is obvioulsy much better and nearly double the price. I can live with fluctuating temps as we only use as a drinks fridge and use an Opposite Lock for the food. It does a great job for the drinks. I probably would not use it to keep my food in but I havent tried it in freezer mode as yet though.  Show details

Perfect addition to my camping equipment – This was the best thing I purchased to travel oz with,it kept all my food and drinks nice and cold when crossing from coast to coast and camping out on the Nullarbor. A great design,easy to use controls and with the insulated bag you can’t go wrong. Fits enough food for a family of 4 for 4 days.  Show details

Lid hinge points are weak plastic that snap and need to replace the lid – We have had the unit for 4 years and are looking to purchase our third replacement lid for the unit. The little plastic lugs that hold the lid in place are easily snapped if some tries to close the lid when the unit is over full or if the lid is simply not pushed all the way into it's track. This is a very poor design and I'm surprised that… Read more

Waeco/Dometic are still selling the same units with the same problems several years on.

At $65 a pop for a replacement lid this fridge is becoming an expensive unit. We are looking at almost $200 worth of replacement lids on a $600 item!!??

Definitely not something you'd want to take camping with kids as they would break the lid very quickly.

Once the lug is broken the lid cannot be closed and the fridge becomes a dust collector in the shed.

Waeko CR 50 – Purchased in 2010 and have run it non stop as beee fridge at home and hooked up to battery in car for holidays. Finally bit the dust!!! I have had an excellent run with this portable fridge. Changed the fuse but it sparked up and it does not look good  Show details

disappointing – I bought this unit 1 week ago, I use this in a motor-home. The temperature is erratic. The outside temperature is 31 degrees C. I set it to work at 2 degrees centigrade, but it hovers between + 7 to - 7. I will return the unit to the store where I bought it. I cant understand why it drops to minus 7 degrees C. It is easy to transport; I stored bread, butter, and some fruit in the unit  Show details

A Positive Experience – Purchased the CF-50 49Litre in 2009. Used as fridge. Used in the household and traveling on the road. 12V in back of vehicle and 240v at caravan parks. Very sturdy, totally reliable, holds temperature well especially in our Australian hot and humid conditions. Easy to transport. Great love the brand  Show details

When it works its fine – Does ok when it works, from day one ive had problems with this plastic fridge, was in the market for an Engel but was talked into one of these crappy units, waeco dont have after sales service or do they do their own repairs, they just send you to a agent where they rip you off by onselling and charging exhorbent ammounts of money for doing crap… Read more

all, just been ripped of again $75 inspection $200 thermistor then a further $187 for pcb, then i was told the lid was broken. What an absolute farce, this will be the last $ i spend on this crap box and will be going back to engel. Of which i have had for over 30 years whithout a hitch still going strong.