Remember the classic 80s and 90s debate of Ford vs Holden? In the caravan and camping world, we’ve got our own legendary rivalry—Dometic vs Engel. These two brands dominate the portable fridge freezer market, known for their reliability, durability, and energy efficiency.
So, which one comes out on top for your next adventure? Let’s break it down and compare them side by side.
Capacity: Which Brand Offers More Options?
Capacity is key, whether you're heading out for a quick day trip or planning a remote off-grid adventure.
Dometic Range:
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Sizes: 25L to 94L
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Notable model: CFX5 25L – compact, perfect for short trips
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CFX595DZ 94L – Dual Zone flexibility (all fridge, all freezer, or both)
Engel Range:
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Sizes: 32L to 80L
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Notable model: MT80F 80L – tough build, trusted design
Winner – Dometic: Wider range of sizes, including front- and side-opening models.
Breakdown of Available Sizes:
Dometic
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Single- and dual-zone models
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Front-opening: 25, 36, 46L
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Side-opening: 55, 55IM, 75, 95L
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Bonus: 55L icemaker model
Engel
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Single- and dual-zone models
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Front-opening: 35, 45, 45Combi
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Side-opening: 60, 60Combi, 80, 80Combi
Weight: Which Fridge Is Lighter?
Every kilo counts when you’re travelling. Less fridge weight means more room for food, gear, and better fuel efficiency.
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Dometic CFX5 95DZ (94L): 29.5kg
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Engel MT80F (80L): 39kg
Winner – Dometic: 14L more capacity at 9.5kg lighter.
Features: Which Brand Packs in More?
Dometic CFX5 Highlights:
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Rugged ExoFrame construction
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VMSO3.5 compressor with adaptive motor speed
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Colour display with soft-touch controls
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Wi-Fi/Bluetooth control via Dometic CFX app
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3-stage battery protection system
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USB charging port
Engel MTV Highlights:
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Reinforced steel casing and corner protectors
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Swing Motor Technology – 1 moving part
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Lockable latch and heavy-duty baskets
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LED interior light with on/off switch
Winner – Tie: Dometic leads on digital tech and weight, Engel on rugged strength and compressor longevity.
Strength & Durability: Which Can Take the Hits?
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Engel: Known for its strong steel exterior and highly durable swing motor, which performs even on rough tracks and steep angles.
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Dometic: Made with heavy-duty ExoFrame construction and aluminium handles, still tough but not quite as robust as Engel.
Winner – Engel: Built to handle extreme off-road use.
Energy Efficiency: Who Keeps It Cooler for Longer?
Comparing two popular mid-sized models:
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Dometic CFX5 45 (46L): 0.86Ah/hr
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Engel MT45FC (40L): 0.5 – 4.2Ah/hr
While Engel can reach as low as 0.5Ah/hr in perfect conditions, real-world usage often equalises the difference.
Winner – Tie: Both offer impressive efficiency for off-grid use.
Performance: Cooling Power and Smart Controls
Dometic CFX5:
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Cooling range: –22°C to +10°C
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Adaptive motor speed for improved efficiency
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Fast USB charging in display
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Power draw: 0.77 – 2.83Ah/hr (depending on conditions)
Engel MTV:
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Cooling range: Down to –18°C
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Thermostatic fan regulates internal temperature
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Swing motor works at angles up to 35 degrees
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Power draw: 0.5 – 4.2Ah/hr
Winner – Dometic: Slight edge in smart features and compressor adaptability.
Price: Which Is Better Value for Money?
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Dometic: Generally more affordable, often a few hundred dollars cheaper across comparable models. Also offers the budget-friendly CFF range.
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Engel: Premium price point, but the compressor can last for decades. A true long-term investment.
Winner – Dometic: Excellent value for money with dependable performance. Still, Engel’s longevity makes it a worthwhile investment for some buyers.
Final Verdict: Which Portable Fridge Should You Choose?
Both Dometic and Engel deliver high-quality portable fridges that are suitable for caravanning, 4WDing, and off-grid adventures. The right choice depends on your priorities:
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Choose Dometic for lightweight design, tech-savvy features, and better affordability.
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Choose Engel for extreme durability, long-lasting performance, and premium build quality.
Dive deeper into our large range of portable fridge freezers from both these brands and more! What would you say the winner is out of the two? Let us know in the comments below.
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DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
