Two single-zone base packages with AC and vehicle DC cords: compare published capacity, closed size and handles, ventilation, setting range and the energy evidence each maker publishes.
The decision in brief
How the options differ
Both are single-zone base fridges with AC and vehicle DC cords and no battery. VL45ProS advertises more capacity, 47.5 against 43 quarts, and documents either-side lid opening; the MT45 Platinum documents a 6-inch ventilation allowance, a built-in battery monitor and a linked current-draw chart. Measure the installed space with the lid open, and treat Engel’s weight and handle figures as unresolved.
Review due. Check the current source before buying.
By CompareFoundry · Published · Editorial review · Manufacturer documentation, not hands-on testing.
The buying guide
Package and specification details
Compare published capacity, not model names
Engel lists 43 quarts for the MT45 Platinum, and its owner’s guide gives 43 quarts / 40 liters; the MT45 name and the page’s 45 quart wording are not its published capacity. ICECO advertises 47.5 quarts for VL45ProS. Both are single-zone fridges, so neither offers separately set fridge and freezer compartments.
Review due. Check the current source before buying.
Measure the body and the handles
Engel’s sources all give 25.5 × 14.3 × 20 in, but its US page and catalogue exclude 1.5-inch handles while its service manual calls the figures the largest measurement including latch and handles. ICECO’s v7 manual gives 28.1 × 15.9 × 18.1 in (L × W × H) without stating handle treatment, and documents either-side opening and lid removal. Neither maker publishes a numeric lid-opening envelope.
Review due. Check the current source before buying.
Leave room for ventilation
Engel’s owner’s guide asks for at least 6 inches from solid walls, and its service manual at least 150 mm from each wall. ICECO’s v7 manual requires adequate ventilation without a numeric spacing. Airflow space adds to the closed body size and is separate from lid clearance.
Review due. Check the current source before buying.
Compare the setting ranges
Engel publishes a setting range of -18°C to +10°C, which converts to -0.4°F to 50°F. ICECO lists 0°F to 50°F for VL45ProS. These are setting limits, not measured food temperatures or pull-down results.
Review due. Check the current source before buying.
Check the supplied power connections
Both base packages include an AC cord and a vehicle DC cord, with AC conversion inside the fridge. Engel documents 12/24 V negative-ground DC, a 10 A fuse in its DC plug and automatic switching to AC when both cords are connected. ICECO documents 12/24 V DC with DC sockets at opposing ends. Neither package includes a battery.
Review due. Check the current source before buying.
Treat weight and energy figures carefully
Engel’s weight is unresolved: 55 lb on its US page against 52.9 lb in its catalogue and service manual. ICECO’s v7 manual gives 52.2 lb. Engel links a typical MT45F chart showing 0.54 Ah per hour at 12.8 V with no load, 25°C (77°F) ambient and +5°C (41°F) cabinet air; no comparable daily-energy result was verified for VL45ProS. Neither figure supports an efficiency winner or a battery runtime.
Review due. Check the current source before buying.
Common questions
Is the Engel MT45 Platinum a 45-quart fridge?
Engel’s published capacity is 43 quarts, or 40 liters in its owner’s guide. MT45 is the model name; the US page’s 45 quart description wording is not its specification-table figure.
Review due. Check the current source before buying.
Does the MT45 Platinum have separate fridge and freezer zones?
No. It has one compartment and one temperature control. Engel’s MT45F-U1CD-P Combination, with separate fridge and freezer sides, is a different model.
These manufacturer specifications do not establish measured performance, noise, long-term reliability or running cost. We have not independently tested these products. Check current prices, stock and operating-space instructions with the seller and manufacturer.
MT45 Platinum US package (MT45F-U1-P)Engel MT45 Platinum Series Top Opening fridge-freezer, SKU MT45F-U1-P (store variant 33052491808901, barcode 816219023637); not the Transit Bag bundle or the MT45F-U1CD-P Combination.
The US page lists a DC power cord, an AC power cord and one interior wire basket. The owner’s guide says the lifting handles are packed loose inside the fridge and fitted with the screws provided.
Transit bags, transit slide locks and batteries are separate. The MT45F-U1CD-P Combination and the MT35F-U1-P are different models.
Public US listing reviewed on the stated date, when the store showed the item as sold out; price and live stock are not tracked.
Review due. Check the current source before buying.
Where to buy
MT45 Platinum US package (MT45F-U1-P)
Select: Engel MT45 Platinum Series Top Opening fridge-freezer, SKU MT45F-U1-P (store variant 33052491808901, barcode 816219023637); not the Transit Bag bundle or the MT45F-U1CD-P Combination.
VL45ProS US base package47.5 US qtManufacturer-advertised US quart capacity.Source · 2026-09-14ICECO: VL45ProS single-zone US product pageChecked 2026-09-19. Read the original source and its check date before relying on this value.
Review due. Check the current source before buying.
Independent temperature zones
Number of independently controlled temperature zones.
Choose two zones for simultaneous fridge and freezer settings. A partition alone does not establish separate temperature control.
VL45ProS US base package1 zonesSources · 2026-09-14ICECO: VL45ProS single-zone US product pageChecked 2026-09-19. Read the original source and its check date before relying on this value.ICECO: VL45/60 ProS operating manualChecked 2026-09-14. Read the original source and its check date before relying on this value.
Review due. Check the current source before buying.
Minimum temperature setting
The lowest temperature setting published by the manufacturer.
This is a setting limit, not a measured food temperature or pull-down result. Read any source conflict and operating conditions.
VL45ProS US base package0 °FSource · 2026-09-14ICECO: VL45ProS single-zone US product pageChecked 2026-09-19. Read the original source and its check date before relying on this value.
Review due. Check the current source before buying.
Maximum temperature setting
The highest temperature setting published by the manufacturer.
The available setting range does not establish suitability for every food or ambient temperature.
VL45ProS US base package50 °FSource · 2026-09-14ICECO: VL45ProS single-zone US product pageChecked 2026-09-19. Read the original source and its check date before relying on this value.
Review due. Check the current source before buying.
Empty unit weight
Published weight of the fridge itself, excluding food and separate batteries or accessories.
Consider the loaded carrying weight. A shipping or battery-bundle weight is not substituted for the base unit.
MT45 Platinum US package (MT45F-U1-P)Sources disagree
The sources give different answers, so we have not chosen one as fact. Read the attached notes and confirm the current specification before relying on it.
VL45ProS US base package52.2 lbCurrent product-page-linked v7 manual, printed page 5, labels this Net Weight for the exact model. It is not a battery bundle or shipping weight.Source · 2026-09-19ICECO: VL35/45/60 ProS v7 manual linked from the current US product pageChecked 2026-09-19. Read the original source and its check date before relying on this value.
Review due. Check the current source before buying.
Closed body dimensions
Manufacturer dimensions with the original axis order and units, including handles only where specified.
Measure the intended space and verify protrusions. Do not use these measurements as lid-opening or ventilation clearance.
MT45 Platinum US package (MT45F-U1-P)Sources disagree
The sources give different answers, so we have not chosen one as fact. Read the attached notes and confirm the current specification before relying on it.
VL45ProS US base packageL × W × H: 28.1 × 15.9 × 18.1 inCurrent product-page-linked v7 manual, printed page 5, gives 714 × 404 × 460 mm. Original axis order and inch figures retained. Handle inclusion is not explicitly stated, and no operating envelope is inferred.Source · 2026-09-19ICECO: VL35/45/60 ProS v7 manual linked from the current US product pageChecked 2026-09-19. Read the original source and its check date before relying on this value.
Review due. Check the current source before buying.
Lid-opening clearance
Documented space required to open the lid in the stated configuration.
An unknown value needs a dimensioned drawing or measurement. Slides and reversible lids can change the space needed; ventilation is a separate requirement.
MT45 Platinum US package (MT45F-U1-P)Not verified
We have not verified this value. It is not a confirmed no or zero. Check the original source or ask the manufacturer if it affects your choice.
We have not verified this value. It is not a confirmed no or zero. Check the original source or ask the manufacturer if it affects your choice.
Current v7 manual page 1 describes opening from either side or fully removing the lid, but gives no numeric lid-opening envelope. Pages 23 and 25 require ventilation without a numeric spacing; the earlier manual's three-inch recommendation is not presented as a current v7 measurement.Source · 2026-09-19ICECO: VL35/45/60 ProS v7 manual linked from the current US product pageChecked 2026-09-19. Read the original source and its check date before relying on this value.
Review due. Check the current source before buying.
DC input connection
Documented DC voltage and connection arrangement for the fridge.
Check the power source current limit, plug and cable. A USB charging outlet is not a fridge power input.
MT45 Platinum US package (MT45F-U1-P)12/24 V DC, negative ground, via the supplied DC cord to a vehicle power port or hardwired with a 10 A inline fuse; switches to AC automatically when AC power is connectedThe owner’s guide requires wiring no lighter than AWG #12 when hardwiring and places a 10 A thermal glass fuse in the supplied DC plug. Its battery monitor offers LO and HI cut-out settings of 10.5 V and 11.5 V on 12 V supplies.Sources · 2026-10-21Engel: MT35F-U1D-P / MT45F-U1D-P dual-voltage refrigerator/freezer owner’s guideChecked 2026-10-21. Read the original source and its check date before relying on this value.Engel: Engel MT45 Platinum Series Top Opening fridge-freezer — US product page, SKU MT45F-U1-PChecked 2026-10-21. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
VL45ProS US base package12/24 V DC; DC sockets at opposing ends; vehicle-outlet cable suppliedSources · 2026-09-14ICECO: VL45ProS single-zone US product pageChecked 2026-09-19. Read the original source and its check date before relying on this value.ICECO: VL45/60 ProS operating manualChecked 2026-09-14. Read the original source and its check date before relying on this value.
Review due. Check the current source before buying.
AC supply included
Whether the selected US package includes the AC cable and required conversion hardware, either inside the fridge or as an adapter.
Check the permitted AC supply and US plug. Included AC power does not mean a battery is included.
MT45 Platinum US package (MT45F-U1-P)YesThe US page lists an AC Power Cord, described as a 120 volt lead with a three-pin house plug, and the fridge’s internal power supply handles AC. The US page lists 110/120 V AC; the service manual gives 120 V AC input. An included AC cord does not mean a battery is included.Sources · 2026-10-21Engel: Engel MT45 Platinum Series Top Opening fridge-freezer — US product page, SKU MT45F-U1-PChecked 2026-10-21. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.Engel: MT35F-U1D-P / MT45F-U1D-P dual-voltage refrigerator/freezer owner’s guideChecked 2026-10-21. Read the original source and its check date before relying on this value.
VL45ProS US base packageYesIncludes 110 V AC wall-outlet cable; the fridge contains the AC power conversion hardware. Follow the manual for other AC supplies.Source · 2026-09-14ICECO: VL45/60 ProS operating manualChecked 2026-09-14. Read the original source and its check date before relying on this value.
Review due. Check the current source before buying.
Vehicle DC cable included
Whether the selected package documents a cable for its supported vehicle DC outlet.
Verify the supported voltage, cable length and outlet current capacity. Other connectors or extension cables may require separate accessories.
VL45ProS US base packageYesIncludes 12/24 V vehicle cigarette-lighter cable.Source · 2026-09-14ICECO: VL45/60 ProS operating manualChecked 2026-09-14. Read the original source and its check date before relying on this value.
Review due. Check the current source before buying.
Rated or maximum input power
A documented electrical input rating or maximum setting, with the source definition retained in the note.
Do not multiply this by 24 to claim typical daily use. Compressor cycling, temperature, loading and conversion losses change energy consumption.
MT45 Platinum US package (MT45F-U1-P)Not verified
We have not verified this value. It is not a confirmed no or zero. Check the original source or ask the manufacturer if it affects your choice.
We have not verified this value. It is not a confirmed no or zero. Check the original source or ask the manufacturer if it affects your choice.
The manual qualifies MAX-mode watt figures as laboratory data subject to conditions; they are not used as an unconditional rated-input limit.Source · 2026-09-14ICECO: VL45/60 ProS operating manualChecked 2026-09-14. Read the original source and its check date before relying on this value.
Review due. Check the current source before buying.
Energy-use evidence
Manufacturer energy-use claims with their published measurement conditions and limitations.
Compare tests with matching ambient temperature, setpoint, load and mode. These are manufacturer claims; CompareFoundry has not measured fridge energy use.
MT45 Platinum US package (MT45F-U1-P)Engel MT45F typical chart, 12.8 V DC input, no load: 0.54 Ah per hour (24% running time) at 25°C (77°F) ambient with +5°C (41°F) average cabinet air; 1.19 Ah per hour with -5°C (23°F) cabinet air.Engel links this chart as Performance Data from the MT45F-U1-P page, which repeats its 0.54–2.35 A span as Power Draw. The chart is labelled MT45F (TYPICAL), carries 00.12.21 drawing dates and uses thermostat control positions rather than the Platinum digital control, so its applicability to the current unit is not stated. These are amp-hours per hour at 12.8 V, not CompareFoundry measurements or runtime guarantees.Sources · 2026-10-21Engel: MT45F (typical) performance chart, 12.8 V DC input, no loadChecked 2026-10-21. We read the original PDF on the check date.Engel: Engel MT45 Platinum Series Top Opening fridge-freezer — US product page, SKU MT45F-U1-PChecked 2026-10-21. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
VL45ProS US base packageNot verified
We have not verified this value. It is not a confirmed no or zero. Check the original source or ask the manufacturer if it affects your choice.
No daily energy result with sufficient model-specific test conditions was verified. MAX-mode watts are not daily energy.Sources · 2026-09-14ICECO: VL45ProS single-zone US product pageChecked 2026-09-19. Read the original source and its check date before relying on this value.ICECO: VL45/60 ProS operating manualChecked 2026-09-14. Read the original source and its check date before relying on this value.
Review due. Check the current source before buying.
Questions to check before buying
MT45 Platinum US package (MT45F-U1-P)
Engel’s owner’s guide and service manual identify the model as MT45F-U1D-P, while the US store SKU is MT45F-U1-P; the store links both documents from this listing without explaining the suffix.
Weight is unresolved (55 lb on the US page, 52.9 lb in the catalogue and service manual), and the sources disagree on whether the 25.5 × 14.3 × 20 in dimensions include the handles.
The linked performance chart is a typical MT45F chart with thermostat control positions; it does not name the Platinum digital-control model.
Setting limits are published in Celsius only; the Fahrenheit values are conversions.
VL45ProS US base package
VL45PLUS, VL45ProD and non-Pro models are separate identities; their values are not imported.
Net weight and closed dimensions are documented in the current v7 manual. Handle treatment, numeric lid-opening clearance and numeric ventilation spacing remain unverified.
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