Isotherm CR195 review

[dvarholy]

I recently replaced the Thetford/Norcold DE461 in my 1989 Tradewinds '43 MY. The 20 year old fridge worked well for many years, but was no longer supported by the manufacturer. Most notably, the door gaskets are no longer available. This was creating a serious issue due to air leakage and failing to maintain temperature. The air leakage also created a frequent need to defrost the freezer which, on these units, is not frost free. Below, I will outline my experience and observations after two months with the new unit:

The freezer and refrigerator are actually two complete separate units. The two sections can be disassembled to make installation much easier. This, by itself, is a huge advantage over everything else. Some boats, such as Sea-Ray, require cabinetry and built in furnishings be painstakingly disassembled for installation. I was able to disassemble the Isotherm in 20 minutes, carry the sections onboard, and then reassemble the unit in the galley. Installation was complete in a few hours and without any assistance. The two units could be installed as top freezer or top refrigerator. This is personal preference. Reversing the two sections will take about half an hour. There are separate thermostats for the freezer and refrigerator. This allows flexability in temperature control. There are separate power cords and DC connections as well. If one unit fails, the other will be unaffected. If the freezer is not needed,it can be turned off to save battery power. The separate refrigerator will continue running even if the freezer needs to defrost. The fit and finish are of high quality. The door handles and hinges are all metal and of good quality. This especially noticable when compared to the Norcold's plastic door catches. The door seals are also magnetic, which further improves their seal. The interior compartments are contoured in a way that is easier to clean, especially when compared with the Norcold's sharp angled inserts with so many inside corners. The unit is quieter than the Norcold it replaced. The freezer is frost free. This is most important for those living aboard or cruising full time. There are service access fittings for diagnosis and charging. This is surprising in that most commercial reach-in coolers no longer have such fittings. Some users may notice increased effort is needed when opening the doors, especially the freezer. The doors are not reversable. There is a seperate model for left and right swing. The manual was not very easy to navigate and not very detailed.

Daniel Varholy
'89 Tradewinds '43 MY
Journeyman HVAC technician

 

[Greg and Mandy]

Hi Daniel,

Many thanks for sharing your experience. Did you install the Cruise or the Inox model?

We are looking at installing an Isotherm Inox 195L fridge/freezer and were interested in your comment about dismantling them, and having the option to put the freezer on top.( The two units could be installed as top freezer or top refrigerator. This is personal preference. Reversing the two sections will take about half an hour. ) Because the space we have is above our benchtop, having the freezer on top would be beneficial. When we asked the Isotherm dealer in NZ, he advised that they can't be swapped over, however deals are limited by their own experience. Did you swap your over?

Kindest regards,

Mandy

 

[DDW]

If you do a Google search for the CR195 spare parts manual, the exploded view shows that they are two separate units held together by the facia and bracketry. The refrigeration units for top and bottom are completely separate.

Also be aware that the non-INOX version has plastic trim and plastic handles that are annoying to use. The INOX version is worth the extra price for that alone. Also the non-INOX has a slightly wider facia flange and some versions of the documentation mistakenly quote the INOX width.

I'll add my review comments: it is a better refrigerator than the NovaKool that it replaced in my case, in that the interior space (though spec'd as less) is better organized so that in practice you can put probably 30% or 50% more in it. The shelves are somewhat flimsy and do not allow storing a standard North American one gallon milk jug. I made new ones to replace them. The door storage is slighly too narrow for standard North American 1/2 gallon jugs. I 3D printed new plastic bits holding the door rails to increase the depth slightly.

It is too bad these manufacturers don't look at Dometic or Norcold RV refrigerators. They are much better organized. Shelves and door storage fit containers of food or drink you can actually buy, are more configurable, and generally more useable.

 

[Greg and Mandy]

Thank you so much, very valuable information. We are trying to decide between the Isotherm Inox 195L and the Frigonautica FR160RC which looks very robust and great volume. If we went for the second option we would use our Dometic CF45 portable freezer on a slide somewhere in the galley.

 

[dvarholy]

Mine is the Cruise 195. Never heard of Inox until now. My fridge has all stainless handles. Have been a refrigeration technician for 25 years and see no reason why the SC195 could not be reversed. The dealer may not want to reverse the unit because the documentation does not include such a procedure. Have had no issues with the shelving and no comments from passengers on my boat. No issues with the fridge whatsoever.

Daniel

 

[Greg and Mandy]

Thanks Daniel. We've looked at the Cruise and the Inox specifications and the Inox is slightly smaller in width, otherwise they are very similar. Thanks for your guide and experience on the reversing option, it makes sense seeing they are 2 separate units. If we can't get this model the space we have available, our next choice would be the Frigonautica FR160RC which looks very robust and offers more volume. If we went for the Frigonautica we would use our Dometic CF45 portable freezer on a slide somewhere in the galley. It's great to have your input, Thank you.

 

[Comodave]

We put in a CR271 a couple of years ago and absolutely love it. Cools and freezes extremely well.

 

[Greg and Mandy]

Thats great to know, thank you.