Boat Guy
Well-Known Member
- May 15, 2013
- 2,289
- Boat Info
- 400 DA
- Engines
- CAT 3116s
I've seen and read many "I need to replace my refrigerator" threads...In fact, I might have even started one years ago. The prevailing consensus is Vitrifrigo > Norcold...
So, when I did my replacement, I opted for Vitrifrigo... Now, as you know, none of this would be a big deal if it was easier to get the units in and out of the boat...Why it's such a commitment is, for most of us, you have to pull stairs and cabinets apart to do the replacement...
With this in mind, I offer a converse opinion and my experience...
Bottom line is if I had to do it all over again, I'd go with the Norcold that lasted a decade or so...
Reasons:
1. The Norcold bottom bin was much better than the BS two containers Vitrifrigo uses.
2. I was also able to store more food in the Norcold.
3. The Vitrifrigo frosts up on the ceiling of the fridge section like no-one's business... I had about a 2" thick block form... I can live aboard for awhile. So, I'm utilizing the fridge...I don't use it for an over-night or weekend trip...I use it for weeks at a time.
4. The door trays were deeper on the Norcold so you could put larger items in them.
Below, I've taken some comments from a group of sailboats I'm a part of to give you an idea of their experiences.
"I haven't been very happy with my Vitrifrigo freezer or fridge units from factory. They seem to sweat a lot in certain temps/humidity. Our Fridge unit has a small freezer that has always frosted shut quite quickly, plus it begans to ice up on the bottom side and then continually drips moisture. because we have a large freezer we rarely use it.."
"we've had the same issues. very difficult to combat even if you insulate the gaps above the fridge and the door. Opening it regularly obviously lets a lot of humidity in. maybe someone else has a good suggestion but we just wipe the inside regularly and chip the ice away. Definitely don't let it get too close the thermostat, it will make it hard to remove the ice and it will cause it to switch off."
"We are NOT impressed with Vitfrigo refrigerators
They are not energy efficient due to poorly insulated with lots of ice and water build up.Our brand new unit died 13 months after purchase and the company DID NOT STAND by their product. Has a 12 month warranty. We had to jump through all kinds of hoops to get them to agree to at least cover the cost of replacement parts. The service manager was surley on the phone and could have cared less. WE WILL never purchase any products from this company again."
"We had Vitfrigos' on our 420 and hated them. Lagoon smartened up and put Frigonauticas' on or 450. Not much ice and a nice drain when you do need to defrost."
So, basically, I'm not alone in dealing with the issue...I have included a picture of what can happen.
Note: This is not my fridge, as mine has separate doors and fridge/freezer sections. But the issue is the same.
So, when I did my replacement, I opted for Vitrifrigo... Now, as you know, none of this would be a big deal if it was easier to get the units in and out of the boat...Why it's such a commitment is, for most of us, you have to pull stairs and cabinets apart to do the replacement...
With this in mind, I offer a converse opinion and my experience...
Bottom line is if I had to do it all over again, I'd go with the Norcold that lasted a decade or so...
Reasons:
1. The Norcold bottom bin was much better than the BS two containers Vitrifrigo uses.
2. I was also able to store more food in the Norcold.
3. The Vitrifrigo frosts up on the ceiling of the fridge section like no-one's business... I had about a 2" thick block form... I can live aboard for awhile. So, I'm utilizing the fridge...I don't use it for an over-night or weekend trip...I use it for weeks at a time.
4. The door trays were deeper on the Norcold so you could put larger items in them.
Below, I've taken some comments from a group of sailboats I'm a part of to give you an idea of their experiences.
"I haven't been very happy with my Vitrifrigo freezer or fridge units from factory. They seem to sweat a lot in certain temps/humidity. Our Fridge unit has a small freezer that has always frosted shut quite quickly, plus it begans to ice up on the bottom side and then continually drips moisture. because we have a large freezer we rarely use it.."
"we've had the same issues. very difficult to combat even if you insulate the gaps above the fridge and the door. Opening it regularly obviously lets a lot of humidity in. maybe someone else has a good suggestion but we just wipe the inside regularly and chip the ice away. Definitely don't let it get too close the thermostat, it will make it hard to remove the ice and it will cause it to switch off."
"We are NOT impressed with Vitfrigo refrigerators
They are not energy efficient due to poorly insulated with lots of ice and water build up.Our brand new unit died 13 months after purchase and the company DID NOT STAND by their product. Has a 12 month warranty. We had to jump through all kinds of hoops to get them to agree to at least cover the cost of replacement parts. The service manager was surley on the phone and could have cared less. WE WILL never purchase any products from this company again."
"We had Vitfrigos' on our 420 and hated them. Lagoon smartened up and put Frigonauticas' on or 450. Not much ice and a nice drain when you do need to defrost."
So, basically, I'm not alone in dealing with the issue...I have included a picture of what can happen.
Note: This is not my fridge, as mine has separate doors and fridge/freezer sections. But the issue is the same.