NATIONAL LUNA 52L
GIVEN the National Luna 40-litre fridge is due for a revamp we opted for the newly released 52-litre stainless steel version.
With a 60mm-thick wall, high-density insulation and complete coverage of integrated internal wall cooling plates, it should use minimal power and show consistent temps in all parts of the fridge.
The smooth mirror-finished internal walls are easily cleaned, while there is no protruding evaporator plate to damage. Three black ABS plastic baskets are fitted: two stacked on one side and a smaller unit for the dairy section.
12/24-volt DC and 240-volt AC are all built-in. The unit will automatically select to run on mains power whenever it is available (if both plugs are plugged in) but it will revert to battery power if the mains go off. The controls also detect battery voltage: when the battery is charging (via the engine) the compressor will run at high speed for maximum performance, but it will revert to Battery Save mode when the engine or charger is off – Turbo mode can be used to over-ride this function.
The side-mounted digital thermostat is easily set and provides info on battery voltage, lid alarm, battery protection levels and fault-code LEDS. It also features a turbo button to over-ride the automatic compressor speed to increase cooling, as well as an LED temp control and readout.
The wide rubber seals attached to the lid are similar to residential fridges, with an air pocket to keep cool air in and hot air out. Triple hinges hold the lid open in lieu of a cable stay. The dual over-centre, lockable stainless-steel catches compress the rubber to ensure an airtight seal, while stainless-steel, spring-loaded, fold-flat handles double as tie-down points.
This is the only fridge supplied as standard with a proper Merit plug for use with 12-/24-volt power.
IMPROVEMENTS
THE triple baskets can be separated, but they don’t permit tall bottles to stand upright. A flip-up base of the upper basket would be more practical, but that all depends on what you’re trying to pack in. The price is high comparatively, but you’re getting a top-of-the-range unit.