Reefers - electric or gas

[IC2]

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

The little LP flame is efficient and well-directed, but it doesn't make the fridge any colder than the electric heater. Once the ammonia coolant boils, it makes no difference how it got heated. And if it doesn't boil, the fridge won't cool at all. So it's possible the LP flame is a little more cost-efficient, but it won't make the fridge "work better", i.e. get colder or cool down more quickly.

You may be thinking of water heaters, where the electric heat elements produces less btus than the gas flame and thus takes longer to heat the water. That's a different animal than an absorption fridge cooling unit.

Gary I think you and I are walking down separate paths but mostly side by side. You are correct as far as how the coolant has to receive a sufficient amount of heat to boil and I am generally aware of how these heat absorption gadgets work. Btu's are Btu's regardless of where they originate and that they have to transfer heat to that coolant. What I'm trying to say is that the electric source may not be as well directed as the gas flame, hence an increase in efficiency for the gas flame. This is based on a foggy memory and if I recall, from the old Trailer Life (before CW/Lemonis ownership, i.e. 1970's)

[lonfu]

Go electric, filling the propane tank is a PIA. Electric should be cheaper.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by IC2

More of a curiosity question that others may have answered elsewhere
With propane, is it a more efficient 'fuel' for that fridge? Is it less costly to run on propane?

Originally Posted by Bob86ZZ4

You might want to consider switching to residential fridge. I suspect an Energy Star rated one might be the most efficient of all.

Bob86ZZ4
Because replacing an RV fridge with a residential refrigerator would cost many more $$$ than one would ever pay to run a RV refrigerator on either propane or electricity ...."switching to a residential fridge" to reduce "refidgerator operating costs" would NOT BE cost efficient.
Mel
'96 Safari

[Old-Biscuit]

1200 Series uses a 2200btu/hr burner which is equivalent to 645 watts

1200 Series uses TWO 225W electric elements........450W total


BUT electric elements transfer their heat directly to perk tube. Almost all heat generated is transferred.
Propane burner has to transfer it's heat via a spiral baffle hanging in flue therefore a portion of heat generated is lost to the baffle and up the flue....NOT transferred to perk tube

So it is basically an even wash........as far as efficiency

Cost......depends on kwh vs propane pricing

As for me.....I'm camping and could care less.
I use whichever is convenient for my camping situation