We purchased the "slightly used" Whynter dual zone 62 quart freezer/refrigerator at the Mississippi gathering. We had our Dometic CF-050AC110 on the boat, and switched them out for the next 3 weeks of cruising. We have used two of the Dometic 50's--one as freezer (the one where we had the problem with the thermistor, which was replaced under warranted--and I replaced, the "non replaceable" thermistor)--and the new one. We have used this duo for two one month segments--on Powell and on the St. John's.
The question was could the Whynter duel unit replace the two smaller units? If so what were the advantages? What was comparable power consumption, and what were we going to go forward with? (The other would, be given to my son, for use on his 25.
The Dometic 50 has a measured refrigerated/freezer space of 2232 cu inches and the secondary space, over the compressor of 472 cu inches--but this extra space is at a lower temp than the other part. (total of 2704 cu inches= 47 quarts)
The Whynter has a total space of 3630 cu inches(=63 quarts=2.1 cu feet) 1845 cu in. is the larger of the two spaces, and includes the area over the compressor, which is at the same temperature as the rest of that section (either refrigerator or freezer) The other 1785 cu inch section\ can be either a freezer or refrigerator. One side cannot be turned off. There is only one compressor, so I have to conclude that there is a computer which shuts off a valve to the refrigerant flow to the cooling plate. The current draw seems to be the same, no matter which space is being cooled, or if both are being cooled. The draw is 4.7 to 5.5 amps. (This is with the battery at a resting voltage of 12.6 volts--I suspect that the 4.5 "advertised" current draw is when a vehicle's engine is running and the voltage is closer to 14.2.) I have not yet done equal cooling space tests (will be done on 110 volts). We know that the Dometic has the well respected Danfoss compressor. I suspect that the Whynter has a Chinese copy of the Danfoss compressor.
Looking at the units--the insulation on the Whynter is almost an inch thicker--but we don't know what the material is under the metal covers (both in the box, and outside are metal). The Dometic is closed cell foam, with plastic inside and outside. The lid is over twice as thick on the Whynter and there are more positive seals and over 1" wide gaskets on the Whynter. The lid on the Dometic is reversible, with is handy when we are using it in the car. (We have used the Dometic on a daily basis for over 5 months--running off a group 27 AGM battery, in the Yukon XL--used a Blue Seas Voltage Sensitive Relay, with an "on/off" switch, and a dedicated circuit to a cigarette lighter plug, via 12 gauge marine wiring in the middle seat of the Yukon). The Whynter would be too big to fit easily in this same seat.
We used the Whynter as only a refrigerator, since we did not have any frozen food--and did not anchor out or go to sand bars at night--as we normally do (because of crew injuries)... However, Marie feels that she could get by with the single dual space freezer (the smaller area) and refrigerator for a month/ vs two of the Dometic. This also has the advantage of less room taken up in the cockpit, and about 50% less current draw using the single unit, vs two Dometics. However, we would keep 3rd Group 31 AGM battery.
Reading, it appears that general satisfaction, and various issues are about the same between the Dometic and Whynter (which was a bit surprising to me, since the brand of the compressor in the Whynter is unknown, and probably a Chinese knock off of the Danfoss.)
All and all, from my reading, and looking at Pat Anterson's 50 quart ARB might be a better unit than the Dometic based on his apparent less power consumption when our boats were side by side at Lake Powell.
Now if you really want big: Dometic has a 95 quart two chamber: combination Refrigerator/Freezer....It is 10" wider than the Whynter...but still would fit in the C Dory22 cockpit. This even comes with I phone/android "apps" for control!
I need to test my Dometic 50, vs the Whynter under identical conditions (but it will be on 110 V rather than 12 V DC). From my limited 12 volt testing, the Whynter had more capacity with the same or slightly less power consumption--stay tuned!
The question was could the Whynter duel unit replace the two smaller units? If so what were the advantages? What was comparable power consumption, and what were we going to go forward with? (The other would, be given to my son, for use on his 25.
The Dometic 50 has a measured refrigerated/freezer space of 2232 cu inches and the secondary space, over the compressor of 472 cu inches--but this extra space is at a lower temp than the other part. (total of 2704 cu inches= 47 quarts)
The Whynter has a total space of 3630 cu inches(=63 quarts=2.1 cu feet) 1845 cu in. is the larger of the two spaces, and includes the area over the compressor, which is at the same temperature as the rest of that section (either refrigerator or freezer) The other 1785 cu inch section\ can be either a freezer or refrigerator. One side cannot be turned off. There is only one compressor, so I have to conclude that there is a computer which shuts off a valve to the refrigerant flow to the cooling plate. The current draw seems to be the same, no matter which space is being cooled, or if both are being cooled. The draw is 4.7 to 5.5 amps. (This is with the battery at a resting voltage of 12.6 volts--I suspect that the 4.5 "advertised" current draw is when a vehicle's engine is running and the voltage is closer to 14.2.) I have not yet done equal cooling space tests (will be done on 110 volts). We know that the Dometic has the well respected Danfoss compressor. I suspect that the Whynter has a Chinese copy of the Danfoss compressor.
Looking at the units--the insulation on the Whynter is almost an inch thicker--but we don't know what the material is under the metal covers (both in the box, and outside are metal). The Dometic is closed cell foam, with plastic inside and outside. The lid is over twice as thick on the Whynter and there are more positive seals and over 1" wide gaskets on the Whynter. The lid on the Dometic is reversible, with is handy when we are using it in the car. (We have used the Dometic on a daily basis for over 5 months--running off a group 27 AGM battery, in the Yukon XL--used a Blue Seas Voltage Sensitive Relay, with an "on/off" switch, and a dedicated circuit to a cigarette lighter plug, via 12 gauge marine wiring in the middle seat of the Yukon). The Whynter would be too big to fit easily in this same seat.
We used the Whynter as only a refrigerator, since we did not have any frozen food--and did not anchor out or go to sand bars at night--as we normally do (because of crew injuries)... However, Marie feels that she could get by with the single dual space freezer (the smaller area) and refrigerator for a month/ vs two of the Dometic. This also has the advantage of less room taken up in the cockpit, and about 50% less current draw using the single unit, vs two Dometics. However, we would keep 3rd Group 31 AGM battery.
Reading, it appears that general satisfaction, and various issues are about the same between the Dometic and Whynter (which was a bit surprising to me, since the brand of the compressor in the Whynter is unknown, and probably a Chinese knock off of the Danfoss.)
All and all, from my reading, and looking at Pat Anterson's 50 quart ARB might be a better unit than the Dometic based on his apparent less power consumption when our boats were side by side at Lake Powell.
Now if you really want big: Dometic has a 95 quart two chamber: combination Refrigerator/Freezer....It is 10" wider than the Whynter...but still would fit in the C Dory22 cockpit. This even comes with I phone/android "apps" for control!
I need to test my Dometic 50, vs the Whynter under identical conditions (but it will be on 110 V rather than 12 V DC). From my limited 12 volt testing, the Whynter had more capacity with the same or slightly less power consumption--stay tuned!
