History of Engel Australia / New Zealand

Over fifty years ago Sawafuji Electric Co. Ltd Japan, purchased the drawing of a unique product, a swing motor. They proceeded to develop this into the motor and pump used to power the Engel Portable fridge-freezer we know today. From its early beginnings in the 1960’s this unit has evolved into a powerful and efficient cooling unit. This is the only compressor of its type in the world and is wholly owned by Sawafuji Electric Co. Ltd Japan.

While many other portable fridge manufacturers procure parts from many sources all over the world Sawafuji Electric Co. Ltd alone have produced and improved this unit over many years. In this time changes made to this unique heart of the Engel portable fridge-freezers have further improved performance, reliability and power consumption. The swing motor is purpose built to withstand the shocks encountered in the bush or working environment. With its ability to operate at up to a 30 angle, this is a special product.

Engel Portable fridge-freezers have already established a reputation in Australia. They are trusted for their great reliability, tough construction, superb performance and longevity. Many people have related stories of car rollovers and collisions, units dropping off trucks and utes and still performing. Thousands of units, some built in the 1960’s still operate today keeping food and drink cold or frozen throughout Australia. Engel Portable fridge-freezers have been well known for their range of chest type fridge freezers however they also have a range of built in or freestanding upright units suitable for caravans, camper trailers, motor homes, boats, buses, four wheel drives and wherever else your imagination takes you. These “Uprights” also are powered by the Sawafuji Swing Motor that has been the heart of the Engel Portable fridge range we have grown to trust over many years.

This is the best Portable Fridge Freezer in world and is already used by caravanners, campers, four wheel drive enthusiasts and boat owners to name a few well known users of the Engel Portable Fridge-Freezers. In addition many government departments, small and large couriers and trucking companies, health organizations, and food and beverage companies all over the world find this product invaluable in their day to day operations.

Unique to Engel this purpose built compressor is designed to be a portable refrigeration compressor and is one of the key reasons why ENGEL is ‘A LEGEND IN RELIABILITY’.

What is the first rule in engineering? Keep it simple!

The Sawafuji Swing Motor is a true reciprocating compressor; it has only one moving part. It doesn’t get any simpler. The piston is connected to an electro dynamic device which is powered by the use of magnetic fields. With this technology there is no need for bearings, cranks or con-rods, so less moving parts means less chance of failure. With only one moving part there is a very low friction loss which means this is a highly efficient compressor.

The latest model, the tri-voltage “F” series has the advantage of 12 volt, 24 volt and 240 volt operation built into the unit as well as automatic AC/DC changeover. Add to this the capability of being able to run from a quality AC generator or from a solar panel through a battery Engel keeps getting better.

While Engel Fridge-Freezers are not made in Australia they have become an Australian icon. For over fifty years the best Portable Fridge-Freezer available in this country has demonstrated its strength and reliability of service in leisure pursuits, business, health and many other aspects of the Australian way of life. From the Red Centre to the Sparkling Coastline, from the Dusty Outback to the Steamy Tropics, Engel Portable Fridge-Freezers are a part of this magnificent country.

Since 1962 well over three million Engel Portable Fridge-Freezers have been manufactured and sold all over the world. From Australia to Africa, from Europe to the USA, campers, caravanners, four wheel drivers, truckies, health professionals, armed services, universities and people in many other pursuits and professions have relied on this proven portable fridge freezer for their enjoyment, pleasure and income.

siasts and boat owners to name a few well known users of the Engel Portable Fridge-Freezers. In addition many government departments, small and large couriers and trucking companies, health organizations, and food and beverage companies all over the world find this product invaluable in their day to day operations.

Sawafuji Swing Motor

It has no high start up current draw because when it starts up it can simply move down just a fraction then return. Then it slowly increases the distance the piston travels each stroke until it reaches a full stroke. The Sawafuji Swing Motor does not need to perform a full stroke on start up unlike many rotary type compressors that must perform a complete cycle and need much more current to start.

Because this is purpose built and designed to be a portable refrigerator compressor it has to be engineered to take the harshest of Australian conditions. The Sawafuji Swing Motor is located inside the compressor casing with pins locating in rubber bushes then suspended in between shock absorbent springs. It operates at 30 degrees angles and on rough corrugated tracks without losing efficiency.

The leading brand for over 40 Years, only ENGEL portable fridge-freezers guarantee to go anywhere. Their reputation speaks for itself. ENGEL’s commitment to continuous improvement means that the ENGEL of today is the most reliable, the most efficient ever, quieter and full of features to ensure it is easier to use than ever before.

A Legend in reliability.  Since 1962 well over three million Engel Portable Fridge Freezers have been manufactured and sold all over the world.  Proven portable fridge freezers for the African outdoors.  These units have all the features, efficiency and reliability you have come to expect from Engel, including being powered by the world renowned “Sawafuji Swing Motor”.

Supplied with both power cords, the 12 Volt cord plugs straight into your vehicle cigarette lighter and the 240 Volt lead with three pin plug.  Auto switching as a standard removes the need for the user to switch power sources manually.

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