A Legend in Reliability
About Engel
Since 1962
Our history
Engel Portable Fridge Freezers are renowned in Australia and New Zealand for their reliability, durability, and exceptional performance. Trusted since the 1960s, thousands of units still operate today. Known for their “Chest” type models, Engel also offers versatile upright units ideal for caravans, camper trailers, motor homes, boats, and more. Powered by the efficient Sawafuji Swing Motor, Engel ensures top-notch cooling.
Since 1962, over three million units have been sold globally, serving campers, caravanners, truckers, and boat owners. Engel is also a trusted choice for government departments, health professionals, armed services, universities, couriers, and food and beverage companies worldwide.
A trusted brand
Over 50 years
Over fifty years ago, Sawafuji Electric Co. Ltd Japan purchased the design for a unique product – the Swing Motor. They went on to develop this into the motor and pump system used to power the Engel Portable Fridge Freezer that we know today. From its humble beginnings back in the 1960’s, the Swing Motor system has evolved into a powerful and efficient cooling unit. Exclusively owned by Sawafuji Electric Co. Ltd Japan, it is the only compressor of its kind in the world.
While many other portable fridge manufacturers procure parts from numerous sources all over the world, Sawafuji are unique in having produced and developed each element of this unit independently. Over the years, continual improvements have been made to further optimise performance, reliability and power consumption. With the ability to operate at up to a 30 angle, and purpose built to withstand the shocks commonly encountered in bush or working environments, the Swing Motor is the integral core of an exceptional product.
Australia's and New Zealand's NO.1
Unique Technology
All Engel Fridge Freezers are powered by the unique Sawafuji Swing Motor. Japanese technology at its best, the Sawafuji Swing Motor has only one moving part. Unlike many rotary-type compressors, the Motor does not need to perform a full stroke on start-up, meaning that it does not have a high start-up current draw. The Motor operates at 30-degree angles and on rough corrugated tracks without any loss of efficiency, making it the most effective choice of motor for Engel.
The piston is connected to an electrodynamic device which is powered by the use of magnetic fields. With this technology, there is no need for bearings, cranks or con-rods, and fewer moving parts means less chance of failure.
With only one moving part, friction loss is very low, resulting in a highly efficient compressor.
A Legend in Reliability
Built tough
With the ability to operate at up to a 30 angle, and purpose built to withstand the shocks commonly encountered in bush or working environments, the Swing Motor is the integral core of an exceptional product.
Built Tough
Engel exclusively uses the unique Sawafuji Swing Motor, the most efficient motor available with only one moving part. Unlike many rotary compressors, it doesn't require a high start-up current. The piston gradually increases its stroke length, eliminating the need for a full stroke at start-up and ensuring smooth, efficient operation.
See all Sawafuji powered products