![ICECO VL45 ProS Portable Refrigerator, Multi-directional Lid, Dual USB & DC 12/24V, AC 110-240V, 45L Steel Compact Refrigerator Powered by SECOP, 0℉ to 50℉, Home & Car Use [Upgrade, 47 Quarts]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41pc4EhNeDL._AC_.jpg)
I bought this to replace a broken gas evaporator fridge in my RV home. As such, it is being used full-time. I needed something that was reliable, compact, able to work in varying climates, 12v/120v, and this certainly meets my needs. I am extremely happy with my purchase. So far it has been solid and dependable, and is a joy to use. As a bonus, it is so much fun to tell friends how much money you spent on a cooler :)
Q: Where can I get a good overview of this fridge?
A: Look at the official 4 minute video from ARB. The guy is a born salesman and is really good at highlighting all the special features of the ARB. You can find it on the official ARB website and also on Youtube. Enter "pvt6XsZiad0" in the Youtube search window.
Q: How does the ARB fridge compare to other products from the likes of Dometic, Waeco, Engel, Whynter, Edgestar, etc.
A: This is my first purchase of a fridge of this type, so I can't comment directly. However, I did do a bunch of research before I purchased. ARB has a reputation for unique features, high quality, durability and reliability. Most owners seem very satisfied. I'm sure the competing models are also good, but ARB was my choice and I stand by it.
Q: Are the special features truly special?
A: Things that you won't likely find on other fridges are the easily removable yet very secure lid and the drain-plug for easy cleaning.
Q: Do I have to level the fridge like a gas evaporator RV fridge?
A: Absolutely not and this is a wonderful advantage. In fact, on the ARB site they say you can use it up to 30 degrees from horizontal with no loss of efficiency or reliability.
Q: How sturdy is it?
A: It is very solid and constructed to take some abuse (though I treat mine kindly). The plastic portions are tough and thick and blemish free. The shell is constructed of sturdy powder-coated steel and is comfortable to the touch. I use my fridge as an extra seat and the lid doesn't budge a millimeter when putting my full weight on it. The whole unit is well made of quality materials.
Q: What is the proper temperature setting?
A: This was confusing to say the least. The built-in thermometer is inside of the bottom of the fridge. As such, it will always read much lower than the actual temperature in the fridge compartment. From my research, here are some hints and comments regarding temp:
- Preface: What follows is a bit over-detailed, but since I am using this as my primary everyday fridge, I figured it was worth the up-front effort to get it properly set.
- You can adjust the reading of the built-in thermometer to somewhat better reflect the actual temperature. This is not documented in the manual. What you need to do is press hold the + and - keys for about 5 seconds. You can then adjust the temperature up or down. I added 8 degrees to mine (the maximum).
- Keep in mind that a deep, top-opening fridge will always be coldest on the bottom and warmer up top. In particular, the smaller compartment above the compressors will be the warmest. Learning how to pack items to take best advantage of temperature zones is worth the effort. Also, a reasonably full fridge with already cold items will experience less fluctuation in temperature.
- I have a remote-reading thermometer that I put in the fridge to get a better idea of how it reacts over time and to choose the best temperature setting.
- I purchased a Valterra FridgeCool fan. It definitely helps to maintain a more even temperature throughout the fridge and is recommended. The only caveat is that the battery powered fridge fans I looked at are very cheaply made. The Valterra has some issues with the battery compartment being a smidgen too small, but overall I'm happy with it.
- The fridge will not cycle on until it is a couple of degrees above your target temperature and will not shut off until it is a couple of degrees below it. This is based on the reading of the internal thermometer, so doesn't really reflect the actual temp inside the unit. At first I didn't like this wide swing in temperature, but realized that a big benefit is less cycling of the compressor, which most likely increases its lifespan.
- It will cool down surprisingly quickly when the compressor is on.
- FYI, according to the USDA, a refrigerator should be at 40 °F or below and a freezer at 0 °F or below. I try to keep the lower half of the main compartment at about 35-37 degrees.
Q: Can you use this as a fridge/freezer?
A: My personal use for this is as a full-time fridge and I don't plan to use it as a freezer. Based on how the unit is designed, I can offer a couple thoughts:
- The inside of the unit is cooled as a single open area and thus the ARB is intended to be used as a fridge or a freezer, not both at once.
- I think you can perhaps use it as a fridge / freezer with a bit of care. If you keep the main compartment at freezer temps, the upper compartment (over the compressor) would probably be perfect for keeping things cold but not frozen. Or you could put already frozen food on the bottom of the main compartment, set the unit to just at the freezing mark and then layer unfrozen food on top of that.
Q: What is CH1, CH2, etc. in the menu for?
A: This is a new feature for a remote temperature display. This display is not currently available in the US (as far as I know) and this menu option is not documented in the manual.
Q: Where is the Merit / Hella 12V socket that is described in the user manual? The 12V cord has been replaced with a newer model and now has, in addition to the standard 12V adapter, two flat prongs that fit into a special adapter sold by ARB (for a strong, secure connection).
Q: Is it quiet?
A: Generally, yes. Not as quiet as my old gas evaporator fridge (which was completely silent). The ARB can be heard when it is on, but it is a gentle fan noise and there is no rattling compressor sounds like I've heard on many other fridges.
Q: How well does the internal light work?
A: This was a pleasant surprise. I expected a weak light, but it is bright and helpful. It is an LED bulb, so should last years and it automatically switches off when you close the lid via a magnetic sensor.
Q: The 3 year warranty is great, right?
A: In principal, yes, a 3 year warranty is superb. In Australia (where ARB is located), there are local service centers you can go to. However, in the US you need to ship your fridge to ARB in Washington state to get it serviced. Shipping a large 50 pound item is not cheap, plus the turnaround time might not be fast depending on shipping speed. In my case, it is worse because I rely on my fridge for everyday use, plus I am not able to keep the original box due to lack of storage space, so shipping it would be a big hassle. All that said, I decided on the ARB fridge because it has proven to be reliable and few owners have serious troubles with them.
Q: Is it worth the money?
A: It is very expensive, but the quality and utility I get from it are well worth the cost. This is the sort of purchase that will make you smile each time you use it.
| Manufacturer | ARB |
|---|---|
| Brand | ARB |
| Model | 10800472 |
| Item Weight | 2.98 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 5 x 5 x 5 inches |
| Item model number | 10800472 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 10800472 |
| OEM Part Number | 10800472 |
| Special Features | CONTINUES TO ACTIVELY COOL CONTENTS WHILE VEHICLE IS OFF |
| Item Weight | 1350 Grams |
| Capacity | 50 Quarts |
| Number Of Doors | 1 |
