Engel MT45F vs Dometic CFX3 35 — Side-by-Side Comparison
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The Engel MT45F (~$1,449) and Dometic CFX3 35 (~$1,099) are two of the options Australian campers consider in the 12v fridges category. The Dometic CFX3 35 costs ~$1,099 — that's $350 less than the Engel MT45F at ~$1,449. Both are 12V camping fridges popular with Australian campers, but they differ in power efficiency, insulation quality, and long-term reliability. Below we break down the key differences to help you decide.
Quick Stats at a Glance
Full Specs Compared
| Spec | Engel MT45F | Dometic CFX3 35 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (AUD) | ~$1,449 | ~$1,099 |
| Capacity | 40L | 36L |
| Weight | ~21kg | ~15.5kg |
| Power Draw | 0.5–0.9A | 0.6–1.0A |
| Compressor | Sawafuji swing motor | VMSO3 variable-speed |
| Rating | 9/10 | 8.8/10 |
| Warranty | 3 years fridge, 5 years compressor | 3 years |
Engel MT45F — Pros & Cons
- Sawafuji swing motor — only one moving part, extremely reliable
- Lower average power consumption
- Built like a tank — heavy-gauge steel case
- Quieter operation once at temperature
- Proven track record spanning decades
- Strong resale value
- Australian company with excellent local warranty support
- No WiFi, Bluetooth, or app connectivity
- Heavier than Dometic equivalents
- Slower initial cool-down
- Higher price for fewer modern features
- Smaller capacity at equivalent size
- Fewer accessories available
Dometic CFX3 35 — Pros & Cons
- Compact size fits dual-cab utes and tight spaces
- Lightweight at just 15.5kg
- Same VMSO3 compressor as larger models
- WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Lower power draw than larger models
- Great for solo or couples
- Limited capacity for families
- Premium price for a 36L fridge
- Same electronic complexity concerns as CFX3 range
Our Verdict: Engel MT45F vs Dometic CFX3 35
Both the Engel MT45F (9/10) and Dometic CFX3 35 (8.8/10) are competitive options. The Dometic CFX3 35 offers better value at ~$1,099, while the Engel MT45F at ~$1,449 targets buyers who want most durable performance.
Rated higher overall: Engel MT45F (9/10)
Frequently Asked Questions
+ Which is cheaper — Engel MT45F or Dometic CFX3 35?
The Dometic CFX3 35 is cheaper at ~$1,099 — that's $350 less than the Engel MT45F at ~$1,449.
+ Which has more capacity — Engel MT45F or Dometic CFX3 35?
The Engel MT45F has more capacity — 40L vs 36L for the Dometic CFX3 35. That's a difference of 4 litres.
+ Which is lighter — Engel MT45F or Dometic CFX3 35?
The Dometic CFX3 35 is lighter — ~15.5kg vs ~21kg for the Engel MT45F.
+ Which is better overall — Engel MT45F or Dometic CFX3 35?
We rate both very closely — Engel MT45F at 9/10 and Dometic CFX3 35 at 8.8/10. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
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