Beautiful but impractical.
The INOX series seems to be the standard for superyachts. So I thought I couldn't go wrong installing the 85l fridge in my camper. It's been in use for three years now. A quick summary: I wouldn't buy the device again.
Appearance
In contrast to many other devices, the Isotherm INOX is really nice to look at. No bright LEDs or unnecessary switches.
Refrigerator compartment
The refrigerator is deep and can therefore hold all kinds of containers, bottles, etc. I like that. There are no hinged lids in front of the compartments for fruit and vegetables, for example.
- It's a mystery to me why you can only move the shelves when the door is removed. Or am I making a fuss?
Freezer compartment
- The small freezer compartment, on the other hand, doesn't convince me 100%. In contrast to Dometic devices, for example, it doesn't hold champagne bottles that you want to cool down quickly. The compartment is too low for that. In addition, the freezer compartment is a sheet of metal that is bent 360 degrees and has corners that are inaccessible when defrosting. It takes ages for the water to drip off. External screws tear paper and pull threads in fabric. Not well thought out!
The size of the compartment is positive for me. It is not overly large, so there is more space for cooling food.
Usability
A rotary wheel in the refrigerator switches the device in five stages. That's how it should be. Easy to understand and no unnecessary electronics.
- The door can basically be mounted to open to the right or left. A good idea. Unfortunately, the handle is positioned in the middle to accommodate both types of opening. This is extremely impractical. As soon as the refrigerator is in use, it is difficult to open the door seal, for example due to condensation on the door seal. This is annoying. Other manufacturers solve this better.
- One of the biggest problems in campers is the refrigerator's locking mechanism. The door must be closed forcefully to lock. You either slam the door shut or close it normally and then press it again until you hear a quiet click. This is impractical for regular use. I have now dropped half the contents of the refrigerator on the floor a few times when cornering.
- The refrigerator has no ventilation setting. This is also not well thought out. A refrigerator that is turned off should not be locked. A musty smell is almost guaranteed. Other manufacturers build a vent function into the closing mechanism. The door is locked but ajar. The isothermal door, on the other hand, is either wide open or leans against the wall depending on the inclination of the camper. Unsightly and impractical.
- Power consumption Noise Cooling performance
Subjectively, I find the compressor to be relatively loud. But that could also be due to the individual installation situation. Although I can see the consumption, I cannot judge the power consumption. Here, too, a lot depends on the external conditions and the installation situation. When the compressor starts, it usually draws 4.2A in the 12V system. The cooling performance is good but variable. The temperature is not constant.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, I would not buy this device for a camper again. It is nice to look at but impractical. A refrigerator whose door cannot be opened and closed properly has no place in the mobile sector. Perhaps not all of the criticisms apply to operation on boats. I don't know. The price is now around 1350 EUR for an 85l INOX device. Compressor refrigerators are generally in a price range that makes you wonder whether you are actually buying high tech here. Isotherm takes the cake. But I would also expect a well thought-out solution for that.