The Wave 3 has stepped up in power compared to its precursor, allowing it to efficiently cool and heat larger areas than the Wave 2, which I assessed last summer. The unit boasts 6100BTU (1800W) for cooling and 6800BTU (2000W) for heating, making it ideal for smaller spaces such as RVs, tents, boats, and potentially even a small bedroom. The intake and exhaust hoses now come insulated, enhancing the heat pump’s efficiency, along with improved water drainage.
Powering the Wave 3 offers flexibility with options like a removable 1024Wh LFP battery for up to eight hours of operation, an AC wall jack, a 12V/24V car outlet, EcoFlow’s highly-regarded alternator charger, an EcoFlow power station, or 400W solar panels. According to EcoFlow, the unit can reduce temperatures by “up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit” within 15 minutes in spaces measuring up to 183 square feet. I’m currently evaluating the accuracy of EcoFlow’s claims in preparation for my upcoming review.
EcoFlow’s top-notch app enhances user experience for the Wi-Fi (or Bluetooth) enabled Wave 3, granting access to useful features from a distance. Features include a dehumidifier mode to lower moisture, an automatic mode to keep temperatures within a set range, and a new pet mode that notifies owners and activates the A/C if temperatures exceed 77°F. The package also includes stickers for your window to reassure onlookers about your pet’s safety in a closed vehicle.
Meanwhile, the Glacier Classic has forgone the ice maker from its previous iteration, as reviewed in 2023, to concentrate on maximizing internal volume—an adjustment I fully support, as these 12V fridges are designed for environments with limited water and electricity. The Glacier Classic offers 45 liters of dual-zone capacity, maintaining a similar size to the 38L original. It also comes in 35L and 55L capacities; however, the 35L version functions solely as a freezer or fridge without a dual-zone feature.
Each of the fridge sizes includes a built-in 298Wh battery, providing up to 43 hours of cooling, the manufacturer claims. The battery can be charged via a standard wall jack, a 12V/24V car outlet, or a 110W solar panel. Additionally, the Glacier Classic features a dual-opening lid, facilitating access in confined areas like a van or boat.
Enhanced with a more reliable temperature sensor, the Glacier Classic aims to offer consistent performance. This improvement addresses the issue some owners of the original Glacier faced, where malfunctioning sensors resulted in contents being excessively frozen.
The Glacier Classic is priced at $799 (35L), $899 (45L), and $1,199 (55L) in the US, with early bird discounts reducing these prices to $699 (35L), $799 (45L), and $899 (55L). Preorders are now open.
For the Wave 3 including the battery, the preorder price is discounted to $1,299 from $2,198, while the Wave 3 without the battery is available for $749, down from $1,299. An additional battery costs $599 compared to the list price of $899. Considering the substantial expense, even with early bird offers, I am committed to publishing the review before the discounts conclude on May 25th.
