OPPOSITE LOCK 40L
THIS newly released fridge from Opposite Lock is a stainless-steel unit designed in South Africa. It has a plethora of highquality inclusions, all at a modest price. There are only two sizes at present (40- and 72-litre) and we were the first to be given a sample 40-litre unit.
The compressor is a 66-watt Snomaster unit (not a Secop/danfoss), while the fridge electronics incorporate adjustable low battery protection and 12-, 24- and 240-volt power inlets. It has a 60mm-thick wall filled with high-density, high-pressure-injected polyurethane insulation.
Inside is a rippled aluminium inner wall with incorporated evaporator, an internal LED light and three separate baskets – two stacked and one for the dairy section. The inner wall lining is easily dented if you drop a heavy, hard-edged item onto it.
It’s supplied with a wireless temp and battery monitor readout, which plugs into the cigarette power outlet. A padded polycotton – with silver reflective inner lining – transit bag is a great inclusion given the overall price. We didn’t receive the bag, though, as we were early receiving the yetto-be released sample fridge.
A single lockable latch compresses the lid seal, which is a wide, multi-stage rubber that presses against a wide, smooth cabinet lip. Two spring-loaded, fold-flat carry handles double as tie-downs, and an external lid cord stops the lid from overopening on its two stainless-steel hinges.
The flush-mounted control/display panel incorporates temp controls, compressor speed control, battery monitor display and a mode button. The aforementioned wireless display simulates the main fridge display with temp and battery monitor info.
Like all stainless-steel fridges, expect fingerprints to show up – although the protective bag will hide this.
IMPROVEMENTS
IT MAY not be necessary given how sturdy the lid appears, but I’d like to see two lid latches to evenly compress the lid on its rubber seal. The stackable baskets prevent tall bottles from standing upright; a trap door in the upper basket would fix this. Other than that, this newly released fridge might take the market by storm.