Norcold DE461 Refrigerator Replacement

[Rosebud]

My Norcold DE461 has finally failed and needs to be replaced. I am hoping to find something that will plug right into the old space, but don't want another Norcold. I am hoping to find something the same size that is much more efficient. Anybody have any recommendations?

[WKleiser]

We installed a Novacool RFU 9000 in place of the old Norcold DE461 that had reached the point of running almost constantly plus was noisy.   The Novacool cross reference list is here: 

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f3bfb120aae2d0e9e21afe5/t/5f3d3eadd4fc8b78ed5302d4/1597849262027/Crossreference_Norcold_Novakool.pdf

Things I like about the Novacool is that its quiet, the freezer is on the bottom which I like, and it's a bit larger inside than the Novacool.  Things I don't like is that it doesn't really have vegetable bins and I think the insulation should be thicker - not that it's thin, just more would be better.  Novacool offers the option of separate refrigerator and freezer compressors, I didn't do that since the current draw is twice but now that I've got a big solar array that wouldn't have mattered in the end.  The advantage of the two compressors would be the ability to independantly control the temperatures.     It will accept custom panels to match the interior of the boat.  

 So far the Novacool has been good (about 2 old now) and I'd buy it again.  They're made in BC which I consider a plus.   

- Bill Kleiser -

[Rosebud]

Hi Bill, 

Thank you for replying to my post. I have been looking very seriously at the Nova Kool. A friend recommended the same, so I am going to go with that. I was torn between the AC/DC single and double compressor models, but I think the single will suit my needs. We anchor out quite a bit, and only have two 8D AGM house batteries. 

Cheers! 

Steve Kodish

[William Kleiser]

Glad I could help.  If you anchor out a lot I really recommend adding some solar.  I did my own, whole thing cost maybe $1000.  The hardest part was running the cable down to the engine room...too many wires in the chase, but many are abandoned over the past 40 years.  With our solar (400W nominal) on we more than cover the refer draw.    Its all plug and play these days.

---

From: tollycraft-boa...@googlegroups.com <tollycraft-boa...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Rosebud <sko...@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 5, 2025 9:37 PM
To: Tollycraft Boating Club Forum <tollycraft-boa...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: Norcold DE461 Refrigerator Replacement

 

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