Hi MCW25, and welcome to UKS, that ambient spec is only to cover Mobicool for the FR40 performing to it's maximum rating.
So if you are using it as a Fridge there will be no issue, in fact it would have to get past 46 Deg C, before the unit would be cooling above +4 Deg C, and I would argue that the FR40 would be good in temps upto +50 Deg C, which ain't going to happen in trial word adventures in Europe.
I don't think many folk buy the FR40 with the intention of using it as a freezer, the spec says that it will go to -10 Deg C, which is not ideal for a freezer, OK for short term, but nothing longer than a week I would say, even within ambient range.
What you have to remember is that Mobicool is a Dometic brand, as is Waeco, so Dometic would not want the FR40 to outshine there highly priced Waeco CoolFreeze products.
On that basis I would say that the FR40 has been deliberately engineered to be of a lower performance spec, on paper at least!.
We have a Waeco CF25, bought new back in 2008 for £150, it is a truly brilliant piece of kit, and will freeze down to -20 Deg C, although I can count on one hand, the number of times that we have used it as a freezer.
If I were you, I would go for the FR40, it will be fine.
Thank you for your informative response, I'll definitely be using it as a fridge.
The whole multiple brand thing (Dometic / Waeco / Mobicool) caused me all sorts of headaches when I was searching! I like to do my research before making purchases to find the best option (usually with regards to price) and there seem to be multiple variations of each model but sold under a different brands for different prices!
However, your response has given me confidence in making a final decision and purchasing the Mobicool.
Getting a Waeco CF25 for £150 seems like an amazing deal! The compressor fridges I've come across on my searches of that size seem to be in the £200-£300 range.
Yep the Waeco CF25 served us well for 5 years, but in the end it's diminutive size was just not enough for a fortnight or more on the main campsite, so it is now relegated to in car use and for back up when there is no electric at the pitch.
The Waeco CF25 was a lucky find though at £150 but I did have to pay another £20 for a courier to send up from Southampton to near Manchester.
In 2013 we got the Mobicool CF40 from Obelink, £139 inc delivery to UK.
The C40 has been a godsend, although 240v AC only, but could be run of an inverter if needed, it could be another much less expensive option for you, problem would be that a decent inverter would add £100 to the price, so maybe not the best of ideas.
The FR40 definatley ticks all the box's for a proper portable camping fridge, and if my Waeco CF25 ever packs in, I would not hesitate in getting one.
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Topic: Mobicool FR40 OR 3 way fridge?
