Replacement Refrigerator Thread - Vitrifrigo vs. Norcold vs. etc....

[Creekwood]

Replaced my dead Norcord with a Nova Kool. With minor cut out, the replacement fit in the same space despite being 5.3 cu ft vs 3.1 cuft for the Norcold. Runs quieter and less power consumption too. Happy so far.

 

[JVM225]

Timely post. I've been looking at fridges...not a whole lot of feedback out there.

I have a Norcold DE-461 from 2001, door handle broke..no parts. Hate to have to replace due to a $75 part, but it does have other issues, frosting up being my major complaint (likely due to door not tightly shut from broken door handle).

I think there are a couple other options to Norcold and Vitrifrigo, namely Isotherm and Nova Cool. Here's my comparison so far, adding to it as I come to things. I was leaning Vitrifrigo, but the Isotherm is of interest with a separate compressor/thermostat in the freezer. I said this in another thread..I want a freezer that freezes and a fridge that doesn't.


View attachment 70737

Would this help?

https://thenorcoldguy.com/norcold-door-handle-621520-fits-the-de0041-de0061-vertical/

 

[dtfeld]

Would this help?

https://thenorcoldguy.com/norcold-door-handle-621520-fits-the-de0041-de0061-vertical/

John thanks, but unfortunately, no. The part I need is the lower plastic door corner that holds the handle in place, it has a small hole, the door hinge/pin slides into. For reference there is an upper and lower, I believe the lower holds a spring as well.

I think I can fix it with JB Weld, and get through the season, but I probably need to get serious about a replacement. It works still but leaves a lot to be desired.

 

[sbw1]

We owned mostly Norcold fridges on our boats and never had one fail even after 10 + years on two of them, so no complaints. The Tiara had an Isotherm which we really liked for the simple reason that it was energy efficient and had a holding plate that was cooled anytime the fridge was turned on and the engines were running. When you shut the engines off the cold plate kept things cold until it lost its coolness which took a long time. The fridge didn't run off the battery very often unless you were anchored out for a long time. Then you could run the genny and the cold plate got recharged while you were making ice, cooking, taking a shower or what ever. So I would give the nod to Isotherm, but only because of this design feature. But, have to say, the Norcolds never let us down.

 

[Todd320]

View attachment 70786 View attachment 70787 View attachment 70788 View attachment 70786 I recently replaced both fridges on my '07 320 DA with Norcold units from Hodges Marine. Found them online after talking directly with Dometic. Their customer service was second to none!.

This the exact mod I did to my 320 2 years ago, still okay, but the latch broke so the fridge will fly open when accelerating. Also, the knob in the back to turn it on/off is broken, so I’m not sure exactly what setting it is on, since the knob just rotates and never stops. I did purchase the warranty through West Marine, so I’m going to give them a call and get someone out to take a look at it. Works great though, makes ice for cocktails overnight (I have a tray that makes large 2”x2” ice and molds for 2” ice balls).

 

[JVM225]

John thanks, but unfortunately, no. The part I need is the lower plastic door corner that holds the handle in place, it has a small hole, the door hinge/pin slides into. For reference there is an upper and lower, I believe the lower holds a spring as well.

I think I can fix it with JB Weld, and get through the season, but I probably need to get serious about a replacement. It works still but leaves a lot to be desired.

Just checked mine and I think I see the piece you mean.
I’ve had good luck with Loctite’s product for plastic. One of the things I did with it was the plastic pin that goes up and down in the latch that holds the cabin door open.
It broke in half about two years ago.
I used the Loctite stuff and still going strong. Canyeven see the repair.
I imagine the JB Weld is pretty much the same.

 

[waynezworld]

Interesting idea. Unfortunately this probably wont work on the galley fridge/freezer on the 410 as its limited to about 60" high...2 of these stacked would be 68".

However, this would be an interesting (although expensive) idea for the cockpit fridge area with a combo fridge icemaker. But then again, you get what you pay for.

I’m my application they were side by side. It’s so nice not having to get on my knees with the old Sub Zeros’. In side by sides pullout drawers rule. By the way they were about 1/2 the price of the original refrigerators. I’ll post a picture.

Wayne

 

[dtfeld]

View attachment 71023 View attachment 71024
I’m my application they were side by side. It’s so nice not having to get on my knees with the old Sub Zeros’. In side by sides pullout drawers rule. By the way they were about 1/2 the price of the original refrigerators. I’ll post a picture.

Wayne

I think I have 19’itis...

 

[Boat Guy]

Just some more picts of the amount of ice I had to remove from the top of the Vitrifrigo... One of the interesting thing I picked up on this time is the placement of the temp probe... It seems to be wedged between the top of the fridge and the cooling plate.

Since the top ices up, it's not the best place to put it, because ice forms around it and the fridge thinks it's cold.

 

[CaptRonn]

Mine produces tons of ice. It’s a better ice maker than a fridge