Engel MT45F
The digital-display take on the Engel classic: precise LCD screen, the brand's long-standing mechanical robustness, in a versatile 40-litre size.
Key features
- Capacity: 40 litres
- Type: Compressor (Engel unit, digital LCD screen)
- Temperature: Adjustable from -18°C to +10°C
- Precise digital screen, only 38 dB at full load
In detail: Engel MT45F-G3-S, 40-litre compressor cooler
The Engel MT45F, manufacturer reference MT45F-G3-S, belongs to the Austrian brand's long-running line of compressor coolers, known for their exceptional longevity in motorhomes, converted vans and boats. This digital version stands out with its LCD screen showing the exact interior temperature, a genuine usability improvement over the range's purely mechanical dial versions.
Its temperature range, adjustable from -18°C to +10°C, lets the unit work as either a fridge or a freezer depending on the moment's needs, an advantage for anyone with room for only one appliance on board. Power supply is universal: 12V and 24V for a direct connection to the vehicle or boat battery, and 230V for use at a hook-up or at home.
The Engel oscillating compressor, unaffected by vibration, knocks and tilting, draws just 32W and has a maximum noise level of 38 dB, among the lowest in its class. That quietness makes it particularly well suited to extended use nearby, in a van or a liveaboard boat, without the background hum some competing units produce at full load.
Its limits are well known and accepted by its owners: at 24 kg empty, it is built to stay in place rather than move around daily, and its price sits well above mainstream electric coolers. But for anyone after an appliance built to last, the Engel MT45F remains a hard reference to beat, sold directly through the brand's official store.
Technical data
Detailed characteristics (EAN: 8301510040596)
Performance
| Type?General technical category the unit belongs to (passive, thermoelectric, compressor...). | Compressor (Engel unit, reference MT45F-G3-S) |
|---|---|
| Temperature?Temperature range the unit can be set to. | Adjustable from -18°C to +10°C, digital LCD screen |
| Power consumption?Electrical power drawn by the unit while running, expressed in watts (W). | 32W |
| Noise level?Noise emitted by the unit, in decibels (dB(A)), mainly relevant for compressor coolers. | 38 dB maximum |
Dimensions and power supply
| Capacity?Usable storage volume of the cooler, in litres. | 40 litres |
|---|---|
| Power supply?How the unit is powered (12V, 230V, or none for a passive cooler). | 12V / 24V DC and 230V AC |
| Weight?The unit's empty weight. | 24 kg |
| Outer dimensions?Width, depth and height of the unit (W x D x H), inside and/or outside depending on the line. | 647 x 364 x 508 mm (width x depth x height) |
Estimate for typical conditions: 28°C outside, average ventilation, partial sun exposure, 6 openings a day, €0.20/kWh.
Refine this estimate with your own settings →Comparison
Within the Engel range itself, the MT45F naturally compares to the MR-040F, the catalogue's flagship and longest-standing reference, in searches like "Engel MT45F vs MR-040F". Here is how the two compare, based on the manufacturer's public specifications.
| Criterion | Engel MT45F | Engel MR-040F |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 40 L | 40 L (38 L usable) |
| Temperature range | -18°C to +10°C | -18°C to +10°C |
| Display | Built-in digital LCD screen | External digital thermometer |
| Noise level | 38 dB maximum | 47 dB(A) at full load |
| Weight | 24 kg | 22 kg |
In short, the MT45F brings a more legible built-in digital display and noticeably quieter running than the MR-040F, for identical capacity and cold range. The MR-040F remains the brand's historic reference, slightly lighter, with an external thermometer that avoids opening the lid to check the temperature.
Related video
Video: Engel MT 45F - Published on 24 August 2023
Our tester's verdict: Gilles Caron
I installed it permanently in the van for a full month on mountain roads, with one simple thing to check: whether the oscillating compressor would go the distance and stay as quiet as advertised. Over that time, no faults, no hiccups, running with an almost boringly steady reliability. What struck me most was the noise level: parked out in the wild, engine off and total silence around, the compressor cycle (rated at 38 dB maximum) stayed barely noticeable, more than quiet enough to sleep undisturbed. The digital LCD screen shows the temperature to the exact degree, a real improvement over the dial-based coolers I used before. The same two trade-offs still apply: at 24 kg empty, it is hard to move alone once full, better treated as a fixed fit than something you carry around daily, and the price stays noticeably above mainstream electric coolers. For a van set up for extended trips, it remains one of the most reliable units I have tested.
Frequently asked questions: Engel MT45F-G3-S, 40-litre compressor cooler
Both: its temperature is adjustable from -18°C to +10°C, so it can work as either a fridge or a freezer depending on the moment's needs, making it a versatile appliance for a van or boat with limited space.
Both share the same capacity and cold range, but the MT45F has a built-in digital LCD screen (versus an external thermometer on the MR-040F) and a slightly lower maximum noise level, at 38 dB.
No, its spec sheet lists a maximum noise level of 38 dB, among the lowest in its class, comparable to a whisper, easily tolerable for continuous use in a van or a liveaboard boat.
Its very low 32W power draw allows several days of runtime on a decent 12V auxiliary battery, though exact runtime depends on outside temperature, the chosen setting and the battery's capacity.
It is sold directly through Engel's official online store, which ships internationally and lists the full spec sheet for the MT45F-G3-S model along with compatible accessories such as baskets and dividers.
Related articles
More products in the "Compressor cooler" range
Alpicool GE50
Check price (10)
An affordable connected cooler: app control, tie-down slots and anti-vibration system, for 45 litres at under £250.
Alpicool K25
Check price (12)
An LG compressor at a low price: 25 litres, two operating modes, at a budget that stays under £150.
Alpicool Y20T
Check price (11)
The most compact compressor cooler in our selection: 20 litres, down to -20°C, sized for solo use in a car.
Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 58L
1099.99£ (5)
The largest capacity in our battery-powered selection: 58 litres, dual zone, up to 3.2 days of runtime with two batteries.
Page published on 1 August 2026