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(More customer reviews)I started long ago with a Coleman thermoelectric cooler. When you plug it in, it is on all the time with no thermostat. That thing really sucked. Used lots of power and only cooled to 40 below ambient air temp. In Phoenix AZ it was worthless since its usually over 110 F here in the summer.
Then I purchased an Engel 45. That cooler rocks. Its size is 45 quarts. Cooling down power (BTUs) seems ok. Holds a temp real good, but does not cool down as fast as the Edgestar (Whynter) 86. It seems like the compressor capacity on the Engel is much smaller (45 vs. 86 quarts...that seems on par) but the Engel only uses 2.7 amps at 12 volts which is nice.
On to the Edgestar 86 which is a rebranded Whynter. Due to a defective fuse (not Edgestars fault) I almost returned it. Turns out the inside of the fuse was not soldered and the little fuse wire was making intermittent contact.
The Edgestar seems to have HUGE cooling capacity. Its FF fast freeze function is amazing. Built in digital setpoint and display is awesome. Of course you pay for this with 6.7 amps of draw, but hey you want fast and capacity and thats why you bought the big boy!!
Note: The first pic with the one latch is NOT the 86.....it has two latches like in the second pic.
Another nice thing about the Edgestar 86 is that even though it has double the capacity inside, it only takes 1.6 times the space on the outside as the Engel 45. It also has folding handles that dont take up space when not used. Some people complain that the latches are not tight enough, but they are just fine. This unit is pretty heavy since it does have a large capacity, but you cant knock it for that because again, its the big bad boy.
So I did a few experiments side by side Edgestar 86 quart next to the Engel 45 quart.
Now I know they are two different capacities, have two different compressor types, so results are not going to be conclusive or really fair. I just wanted to see how they reacted to the same load per quart, so to speak.
They sat side by side in a room at 70F ambient temp, plugged into AC through 2 Kill-a-watt meters so I could read time and watt hours.
On FF fast freeze the Edgestar 86 maxed out at -18F as measured with a temp probe and verified with a infrared temp gun.
The Engel 45 maxed out at -15F.
The Edgestar got there more than TWICE as fast !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Edgestar drew 77 watts, but was also variable....sometimes 63-79 depending on temp and compressor load.
The Engel pretty much remained at 33 watts all the time.
So I let them both stabilize at 36F as if you would be using as a fridge. This included a load this time like in real life. The Edge86 had TWO 24 packs of water bottles still wrapped as a case. The Engel 45 had ONE 24 bottle case still wrapped.
Killawatts were both reset and then checked 24 hours later.
Edgestar 86 used 460 watt hours - or 19.16 watts per hour average. At 77 watts average draw, this meant 19.16 / 77 = 25% duty. So in 24 hours it was on a total of 6 hours.
In 12 volt terms that means 38.3 amp hours total in a 24 hour period. It consumed AVERAGE 1.6 amps per hour over 24 hours. (remember it actually DRAWS 6.7 amps when running.)
The Engel 45 used 310 watt hours or 12.9 watts per hour average. At 33 watts average draw, this meant 12.9 / 33 = 39% duty. ???? In 24 hours it was on a total of 9.36 hours.
In 12 volt terms it consumed 25.8 amp hours total in a 24 hour period. It consumed AVERAGE 1.1 amps per hour over 24 hours. (it DRAWS 2.7 when running.)
So even thought the bigger hungrier faster cooling Edgestar draws more power, either the compressor and evaporator combo is more efficient, or the insualation is perhaps a little better.
It is double the capacity, but only used 310 vs 460 watt hours instead of double (620.)
I think the duty cycle difference has to do with the Edgestar 86 cooling a little further down before cycling off. The Engel seemed to have a more stable temp but cycled more often.
The huge factor in buying the Edgestar 86 was the price from Compactappliances.com . It was $499 shipped to my door!!!!!!!! WOW !!! Cheapest portable cooler of that size ever.
My Engel 45 is about $800. The Engel 80 is about $1400 !!!!
As soon as summer comes, the real test begins.....I may be back to revise.
BTW, I took it to the store and fit in it......3 frozen pizzas (full size), 3 - 10 lb bags of ice, 10 frozen dinners, 3 Breyers ice cream cartons and there was still some room and I wasnt even trying.
Click Here to see more reviews about: 86 Qt Portable Compact Refrigerator Freezer - EdgeStar
Keep your food cold while traveling with this deluxe and spacious EdgeStar FP860 Portable Refrigerator Freezer. This powerful unit packs the strength and insulation of a home freezer into a compact and rugged appliance. While only slightly larger than our 43 Qt. model this workhorse has twice the capacity. For ultimate portability, this unit runs off standard household voltage, or easily connects to the cigarette lighter outlet in your car. Forget about thermoelectric portable coolers - this portable refrigerator freezer features a full range digital thermostat that is adjustable from -8°F to 50°F and it will hold a stable temperature under most conditions. Plus, the insulated metal walls will keep your food cold for hours, even without electricity!If you're in a hurry to freeze something, press the "Fast Freeze" button to rapidly cool the unit to -8°F and maintain this freezing temperature. With side-grip comfort handles for easy transport, two removable wire baskets for efficient storage, and a drain for liquids, this unit is great for boaters, campers, hunters, medical transportation/storage, recreational vehicles, cabins and all your outdoor applications.
Click here for more information about 86 Qt Portable Compact Refrigerator Freezer - EdgeStar
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