Norcold DE0061 Refrigerator

[potis]

I have a 1998 400 DA. Original refer is a Norcold DE0061. It is dead, or at least on its way to to the grave. Looking to replace it. From the reviews I have read I am nervous about putting in another of the same model, and would prefer Vitrifrigo or Novacool, but between Covid-19 and tariffs, I cannot even find one unless I want to tack on $275 in shipping and wait 4 weeks. The reviews I've seen on the Norcold are split 50/50, half say it is a good unit for the price and the other half say it is junk. Looking for advice. thanks.

 

[R-and-R]

I’ve been struggling with this issue too.

Following to see further comments.

 

[dtfeld]

There have been some sales on the Isotherm Cruise CR 195. Its more on the high end, but I've been eyeing those as they have a double compressor...freezer stays frozen.

 

[sbw1]

A lot of people bash Norcold referring to them as Nevercold and what not. I have owned three of them and never had an issue. People who complain about them often have 15-20 year old boats and say the fridge is a piece of junk. If you buy a new boat you can expect the fridge to last about 15 years, just like in your home. Water heaters fail on average after about 11 years. That is the design life. So, buy a new Norcold that fits the opening and save the hassle of trying to make another model fit. It should last about 15 years.
Having said that, the best fridge was on my last boat. It was an Isotherm with a cold plate that froze every time the motors were running. It would then hold the cold temps without the compressor running. You could anchor out without running your genny or draining the batteries prematurely. Very sweet set up.

 

[Todd320]

I replaced my cockpit fridge with a norcold (Universal 1.7cf)from west marine, 3 years in the knob stopped working and door latch broke, but it worked, and would make ice really well. Replaced under warranty, and the new one is even better, several improvements. The salon fridge, did the same thing in 2020 (universal 2.3cf?), but jury is out. Not freezing as well, stopped working on the last trip, but after powering off and back on, working great again.

 

[dtfeld]

View attachment 89602
Having said that, the best fridge was on my last boat. It was an Isotherm with a cold plate that froze every time the motors were running. It would then hold the cold temps without the compressor running. You could anchor out without running your genny or draining the batteries prematurely. Very sweet set up.

What model was that?

 

[potis]

thanks for the feedback. I agree 100% about life expectancy. Mine is 20 years old, so I am happy it lived this long. I have also never had a problem with Norcold units unless again, they were old and at the end of their reasonable lifespan. But, I was reading reviews on West Marine that were bashing them, even when new or only a year old.

 

[Todd320]

I would add to my post, I would buy again from west marine. The ease of replacement under warranty and the overall functionality of the two fridges has been great. Also, the one I replaced under warranty, they sold me another 120$ warranty for 3 years, so great piece of mind...

 

[Stee6043]

I have a 1998 400 DA. Original refer is a Norcold DE0061. It is dead, or at least on its way to to the grave. Looking to replace it. From the reviews I have read I am nervous about putting in another of the same model, and would prefer Vitrifrigo or Novacool, but between Covid-19 and tariffs, I cannot even find one unless I want to tack on $275 in shipping and wait 4 weeks. The reviews I've seen on the Norcold are split 50/50, half say it is a good unit for the price and the other half say it is junk. Looking for advice. thanks.

Whatever you end up with it would be great if you'd post some thoughts on install!!! Whether or not the new fridges fit through our doors without dramatic disassembly is not a universally agreed upon topic...

 

[sbw1]

What model was that?

It was a 2004 model so things have changed in the past 16 years. I looked on the Isotherm web site and they show some "Cruise models" that look similar. For example the "Elegance 65" looks like the one in our boat. But the specs do not show it has the holding plate. The site talks about holding plates and how quiet and efficient the fridges are, but I did not see an exact copy of what we owned in that boat. The site has lots of info so maybe you could go through it and find what you are looking for. Sorry to not be of more help.

 

[bbwhitejr]

Last December I replace a 12-13 year old DE0061 with a new one. Price was reasonable compared to others. I have kept a thermometer inside where I can see the temps anytime I look at the receiver. The refrigerator runs 36-37* and the freezer runs 17-18 degrees. The freezer must be defrosted at a minimum of 1/month. The door seals on the freezer are terrible. Otherwise, no issues. I put an oversized NovaKool in the cockpit 2-summers ago. Out in the weather and heat, I just defrosted it for the first time about a month ago. Far superior unit to the Norcold. I agree that the Norcolds get a bad rap, but their quality overall is certainly not the best....

Bennett

 

[Carpediem44DB]

My Norcold freezer frosts up pretty regularly and was thinking it needs a new seal. When I searched for one I ran across a blurb that seems true and that is that the seals are not sold separately so you need to replace the whole door. It sounds like the freezer frosting up is very common and replacing the seal may not actually make me happier. Thoughts?
Carpe Diem

 

[Stee6043]

My Norcold freezer frosts up pretty regularly and was thinking it needs a new seal. When I searched for one I ran across a blurb that seems true and that is that the seals are not sold separately so you need to replace the whole door. It sounds like the freezer frosting up is very common and replacing the seal may not actually make me happier. Thoughts?
Carpe Diem

I've had two Norcolds (different boats) and both frosted in a very similar way. I've always found my seals to be in good shape. Sooo....no, I don't think a new seal will make you happier. More booze, however, that might do the trick

 

[bbwhitejr]

New Norcold installed last December in ‘07 44DB. Compressor much quieter than the original. It does seem to cool better, but the freezer needs defrosting 1/month. I installed some additional seal material, but did little to no good. Oversized NovaKool in the cockpit needs defrosting once every 2 years. The freight on the NovaKool is a lot, but the unit is much better than the Norcold.....

Bennett

 

[potis]

I ordered a Vitrifrigo. Put one in my last boat and loved it. Found it for the same price as the Norcold. Arriving next week. I will need to remove part of the cabinet inside the galley in order to get the new refer through the companionway of the boat. I'll try to post a few in-progress photos.

 

[markrsimon]

Freezers frosting up is because these type of units do not have an automatic defrost cycle like our home units do. Amount of frost depends on ambient humidity, frequency of door being opened, and free air space inside freezer. Each time you open the freezer door, air is exchanged, and the more open space you have, the more air exchanged, and more frost develops. Some units have a single evaporator (cooling element) in the freezer only, and thus an air channel in the back from the freezer down to the fridge - so the fridge can get cold to. Keep the freezer/fridge full and open the doors less - which may be impractical at time.

 

[Todd320]

My 2 Norcolds are working really well, just replaced the house batteries, and the last day on the water was perfect. Hopefully, that continues....8 day trip starting Saturday...

 

[SeasNT]

Have had a NovaKool in the gallery for 3 years. Needed to trim a little wood from the lower opening to fit. Really like the larger interior volume, 9 cu-ft, and freezer on the bottom. Need to defrost the fridge once or twice a summer. It's much quieter than the original Norcold.

 

[rumrunner]

Replaced the Norcold with an Isotherm on my 330. No issues, i did have to trim it out.

 

[STEEL TIME]

My 4 year old DE0061 NOTcold has failed. Never worked well from day one. Looking at a Cruise 195 Isotherm. Does anyone know if it will fit?