EcoFlow’s new Glacier fridge and Wave A/C look like worthy successors
EcoFlow just announced improved versions of its Glacier refrigerator-freezer combo and Wave air conditioner-heater combo, two battery-powered off-grid appliances that can be recharged with the sun.
The Wave 3 is more powerful than its predecessor, which means it can cool and heat larger spaces than the Wave 2 I reviewed last summer. But that 6100BTU (1800W) of cooling and 6800BTU (2000W) of heating means we’re still talking small RVs, tents, boats, and maybe a tiny bedroom from a device that still punches well above its literal weight. The intake and exhaust hoses are now insulated, which should make this heat pump even more efficient than before, and water drainage has also been improved.
The Wave 3 can be powered in several ways, including a removable 1024Wh LFP battery for up to eight hours of use, an AC wall jack, 12V / 24V car outlet, EcoFlow’s excellent alternator charger, an EcoFlow power station, or 400W of solar panels. EcoFlow says it can lower the temperature by “up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit” in 15 minutes in rooms up to 183 square feet. I’m currently testing how much work that “up to” is doing in EcoFlow’s claim for my upcoming review.
The best-in-class app from EcoFlow makes it easy to access a number of useful new features on the Wi-Fi (or Bluetooth) connected Wave 3 when far from the device. These include activating a dehumidifier mode to reduce moisture levels and an automatic mode to maintain temperature within a defined range. There’s also a new pet mode that automatically alerts the owner and activates the A/C if temperatures surpass 77F. EcoFlow also ships window stickers inside the box that can assuage any concerned lookie-loos that might worry about your pet overheating inside the locked vehicle.
The Glacier Classic, meanwhile, has ditched the ice maker from the original version I reviewed in 2023 to focus on maximizing internal volume — a move I fully endorse since these 12V fridges are meant to be used in places where water and electricity are scarce. As such, the Glacier Classic is able to fit 45 liters of dual-zone capacity into roughly the same footprint as the 38L original. It’s also available in 35L and 55L capacities, but the former operates as either a freezer or fridge without the dual-zone divider option.
All three fridge sizes have a built-in 298Wh battery offering up to 43 hours of cooling, according to the company. The battery can be recharged from a standard wall jack, 12V / 24V car outlet, or 110W of solar. The Glacier Classic also features a dual-opening lid for flexible access inside tight spaces like a van or boat.
EcoFlow says the Glacier Classic uses a more reliable temperature sensor to ensure stable performance. That’s important because some owners of the original Glacier had to replace their units due to sensors going out of control and freezing everything inside. Oops!
The Glacier Classic will list for $799 (35L), $899 (45L), and $1,199 (55L) in the US, with early bird discounts dropping the prices to $699 (35L), $799 (45L), and $899 (55L). It’s available to preorder starting today.
The Wave 3 with battery is discounted to $1,299 at preorder ($2,198 list), while the Wave 3 sans battery can be had for $749 ($1,299 list). An extra battery costs $599 compared to the $899 list. That’s a lot of money even with early bird pricing, so I’m working hard on getting the review published before the discounts end on May 25th.