Engel and ICECO both make 12V compressor fridge-freezers for overlanding, RVs, boats and trucks, and their sizes overlap closely. Engel is the long-established name, known for its swing motor compressor; ICECO uses SECOP compressors and offers more dual zone and app-connected models. This comparison uses only each brand's own published specifications. It doesn't include prices or our own test results, because we haven't run any.
Where the specs come from
ICECO figures come from ICECO's manuals and product pages. Engel figures come from engelcoolers.com. Engel's US site gives capacity in quarts only, so we show quarts for both brands; ICECO's quart figures are taken from its product names.
Size-for-size comparison
| Model | Capacity | Zones | Weight | Exterior (in, L x W x H) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engel MT35 Platinum | 34 qt | Single | 49 lb | 25.5 x 14.3 x 16.3 |
| ICECO VL35ProS | 37 qt (35 L) | Single | 48.7 lb | 28.1 x 15.9 x 15.7 |
| ICECO APL35 | 37 qt (35 L) | Dual | 32.0 lb | 27.0 x 14.4 x 15.7 |
| Engel MR040 | 40 qt | Single | 55 lb | 25 x 15.5 x 18.5 |
| Engel MT45 Platinum | 43 qt | Single | 55 lb | 25.5 x 14.3 x 20 |
| ICECO VL45ProS | 47.5 qt (45 L) | Single | 52.2 lb | 28.1 x 15.9 x 18.1 |
| Engel MT45 Combi Platinum | about 42 qt | Fridge + freezer compartments | 55.5 lb | 25.5 x 14.3 x 20 |
| ICECO VL45ProD | 45 qt (42.5 L) | Dual | 53.4 lb | 28.1 x 15.9 x 18.1 |
| Engel MT60 | 64 qt | Single | 85 lb | 31.1 x 19.3 x 17.4 |
| ICECO VL60ProS | 63 qt (60 L) | Single | 59.0 lb | 30.2 x 18.5 x 18.1 |
| Engel MT80 | 84 qt | Single | 100 lb | 31.1 x 19.3 x 21.7 |
| ICECO VL75ProD | 79 qt (75 L) | Dual | 69.6 lb | 36.5 x 18.5 x 18.1 |
| ICECO VL90ProD | 95 qt (90 L) | Dual | 75.1 lb | 38.3 x 20.7 x 18.1 |
Engel dimensions exclude handles.
Weight and footprint
At small sizes the two brands weigh about the same: the MT35 Platinum is 49 lb against 48.7 lb for the VL35ProS. ICECO's aluminum APL35 is much lighter at 32.0 lb. At the large end the gap widens: Engel's MT60 is 85 lb and the MT80 100 lb, while ICECO's VL60ProS is 59.0 lb and even the 95 qt VL90ProD is 75.1 lb. Engel's cabinets are shorter in length and taller, which suits a narrow drawer or slide; ICECO's are longer and lower.
Compressor and build
- Engel uses its swing motor compressor, built by Sawafuji, which Engel credits for its efficiency. Engel says its fridges run at up to 30° off level.
- ICECO uses SECOP compressors across the APL and VL Pro ranges.
- Refrigerant: Engel lists HFC-134a for the MR040 and MT45 Combi; ICECO lists R513A for the APL55, VL75ProD and VL90ProD.
Zones and features
- Dual zone: ICECO offers independent dual zone models from 35 L (APL35) up to 90 L (VL90ProD). Engel's Combi models have separate fridge and freezer compartments; on the MT60 Combi, Engel says the fridge side is cooled from the freezer by a thermostatically controlled fan.
- App: ICECO offers Bluetooth app control on models including the APL55, VL45ProD, VL45PLUS and GO20 (see our ICECO app guide). Engel doesn't list app control for its US fridges.
- Battery monitor: Engel lists a built-in battery monitor on the MT45 Combi; ICECO fridges have three-level battery protection.
- Power: both brands run on 12/24V DC and AC.
Temperature range
ICECO rates its APL models from -4°F to 68°F and its VL Pro models from 0°F to 50°F. Engel's US site says its fridges reach temperatures as low as 0°F; it doesn't publish a per-model range.
Power use: not directly comparable
Engel publishes a variable current range per model at 12V DC (for example 0.5-2.5 A for the MT35 Platinum and 0.54-2.35 A for the MT45 Platinum) without stating ambient temperature, set point or duty cycle. ICECO publishes lab kWh per 24 hours (for example 0.430 kWh for the VL35ProS and 0.510 kWh for the VL45ProS), also without stated conditions. A current range shows what the compressor draws while running, not how much energy it uses in a day, so the two figures can't be compared directly. For battery sizing with ICECO, see how long a battery will run an ICECO fridge.
Warranty
| Brand | Warranty |
|---|---|
| ICECO | 5 years on the compressor, 1 year on other parts |
| Engel | 3 years for personal use, 1 year for commercial use |
Engel says claims are void for failures caused by poor ventilation, excessive tilt or unstable power. More in our ICECO warranty guide.
How to choose
- Lightest at large sizes: ICECO, by a wide margin above 60 qt.
- Dual zone with independent temperatures: ICECO, from 35 L up.
- App control: ICECO, on the models listed above.
- Swing motor compressor and steep-angle operation: Engel.
- Shorter cabinet for a narrow space: Engel's MT35 and MT45 are about 2.6 in shorter than ICECO's VL35 and VL45.
- Longer compressor warranty: ICECO (5 years vs Engel's 3).
We sell the full ICECO range, with matching slides and insulated covers, in the ICECO collection. We also stock Engel's rotomolded coolers in our Engel collection; not sure whether you need a fridge at all? Read rotomolded cooler or 12V fridge for RV camping.
FAQ
Is Engel or ICECO more efficient?
The published figures can't settle it. Engel gives a current range and ICECO gives daily kWh, and neither states test conditions.
Which is lighter at around 60 quarts?
ICECO's VL60ProS at 59.0 lb, against 85 lb for Engel's MT60.
Which has the longer warranty?
ICECO covers the compressor for 5 years and other parts for 1 year; Engel covers personal-use fridges for 3 years.