Last Updated: 01/01/2022
Today the Webasto X100 Diesel Cooker got some serious testing done, and for a very good reason.
Back when I did purchase it, I didn’t really pay too much attention to the installation manual. Yes, I did read it from cover to cover but one important fact did managed to escape my attention. In the installation manual there is no mention in writing of this particular requirement but on page 16, Figure 21 does tell you a very specific limitation of this unit: the distance between the exhaust outlet from the cooker and the end of the exhaust must be not higher than 1.2 metre and a maximum length of 1.9 metre.
I couldn’t believe it! I had purchase a very expensive Diesel cooker that I couldn’t use, unless I wanted to have an exhaust right under the kitchen window.. No! There is no way that I was going to have to close the window every time I started to cook. Does this mean that the Webasto model X100 is designed only for small vehicle where the 1.2 metre drop is standard? It just didn’t make any sense.. After some good search online, it seem that the Webasto X100 unit is just a Wallas 88 DU unit (but not as easy to install as the Wallas)..
Actually the Webasto X100 does look exactly the same as the Wallas 85 DT, but the 85 DT does not have the underbench box
So if you don’t want to read the whole review and you are in the market for a Diesel cooker and don’t mind the rear gas discharge, the Wallas 88 DU is the way to go, as it is much easier to install and/or simpler to service, if you prefer! There is also the Wallas XC Duo, if you need an heater combine with the cooker..
All these units are identical as far as power, fuel consumption and design but for some reasons that I can’t comprehend, Webasto managed to stuff it up. The Wallas unit is one piece. You cut the benchtop, drop the unit in, four bolts, two plugs, one exhaust, the fuel line and you are ready to go. To service it is just a matter of reversing the installation order and the unit just comes out.
The Webasto has being split into two completely separate pieces. The unit itself and a metal box (they call it the cooling unit as it has a fan on the front). To install the Webasto you need to cut the benchtop, drop the unit in, again the same four bolt, then you will enjoy yourself trying to attach this metal box on the underside of the bench by using 14 (yes 14 screws) including the 4 at the back of the unit, where you may have 25mm space (like I did), between the metal box and the back of the cabinet. Beside being a major PITA, you also need to remember that around every 500 hours the unit has to be remove for service.
Oh great.., I’m really looking forward to those four screws at the back in two years time.. And imagine how good those screws will held considering that the cabinet is chipboard. The plan here, when the time come for a service, is to make the box a fraction smaller so to fit and work like in the Wallas unit (88 DU), where the box is attached to the unit instead of the underside of the benchtop..
The X100 system also won’t work, as it is, if you benchtop is granite or stainless steel, unless you are willing to drill your granite or using rivets to attach the box.
Webasto also manage to misguide his customers as well with the exhaust length. I mean, the units are virtually the same (Wallas makes them all) and for some reason while the Wallas unit allows for a 2 metre exhaust in any direction (or 4 metre with an extra cooling pipe for the 88 DU), Webasto reckon 1.2 metre (vertical) is the limit and yet, Wallas (the manufacturer) gives you a 2 metre stainless steel exhaust in the package. I had the feeling after reading the two identical manuals, (except for the lack of some error codes and the wrong vertical length of exhaust in the Webasto manual), that the Webasto unit was going to be fine with a vertical 2 metre exhaust.
Sure enough, it does work just fine, and there is a good reason for it. Considering that all these units are built virtually the same, other than how the box is attached and the different name on the glass in the Webasto, and a two (or 4) metres hose is possible for the Wallas, there is absolutely no reason for the Webasto model to be any less.
I have tested the unit for six hours now, by boiling 12 times 4 litres of water in a large spaghetti pot. With the 2 metre vertical exhaust, I repeat, it works just fine!
As you can see from the picture on the right, that’s water boiling without the need of a lid. Every time it took an average of 25 to 30 minutes for the water to reach the boiling point, so I’m sure with the lid on the pot, the 20-25 minutes mentioned in the manual is quite accurate..
The next test will be to check what temperature each number on the dial actually gives you as it seem to be the same or perhaps it takes long time to record the change in the dial. The only difference I notice was the frequency of the fuel pump increasing a little when on 6..
I did managed to find another misguide info from Webasto in their FAQ question 22:
Q: Where is the combustion air sourced from?
A: Outside of the vehicle via the combustion air tube
Oh boy… The combustion air is provided by the second internal fan visible under the unit inside the box. It is like they are selling it but don’t really care much to make it right.. Do yourself a favour and just use the Wallas manual as it is actually the correct one in every aspect.
All units feature a controller with a power button and a dial. The Webasto also feature an extra button for altitude above 1800 metre. All the button seem to do, it increase the fan speed (combustion fan). Again people have reported no need to use the button even at 2500 metre high.. Maybe Webasto worked on an average… Who knows…
Now the good bits, because after all, this was meant to be a review of the cooktop…
Wallas makes quality products and this X100 (85 DT with the extra underbench box) works well and it use very little fuel. It doesn’t smell and it doesn’t heat up the room as much as gas does. It easy to clean, like most ceramic glass top and it does look good. Once you pass the obstacle of the installation of the box, it is actually very easy to setup and it doesn’t take too much room. One thing that I was originally worried about was noise either inside or outside the vehicle. Great news.. This unit is as quite as a mouse both inside the vehicle and outside where the exhaust comes out. The controller cables are long enough to allow the installation as you please. Like the manual suggest, the controller unit is best mounted vertical and away from possible water spills, as it is not a waterproof sealed unit.
Spare parts are available (from both companies) and also from other retailers and a service kit required every 500 hours of use, (including a glow plug, burner mat and fuel needle) will set you back around the $150.00.
If Webasto did managed to fix the under benchtop conundrum, it would be a great choice for customer that want/need a downward exhaust unit instead of backward like the Wallas. Or you could buy the Wallas 85 DT and make yourself an aluminium box to go under..
In conclusion, all these unit are very good diesel cooker, but remember that the Webasto will take an extra hour of your time, every time you need to work on it..
Built Quality
Ease of Use
Performance
Value for Money
You are an excellent webmaster. The
website loading pace is incredible. It kind of feels that you’re doing any unique trick.
Moreover, The contents are masterwork.
Thank you for your comment Penelope..
My husband is seriously looking into converting our RV appliances from LPG to diesel after a small fire did start behind our fridge.
As in your review you only did mention 30 minutes for water to boil, my question is if you have found any other problems or cocking issues with the diesel stove?
Hi Karen
First, not sure if you are aware, but if your fridge is/was either a Dometic or a Norcold there is a class action going on toward both company for selling defective gas fridges, apparently since 1997. Links are HERE, HERE and HERE
Perhaps is worth looking in to it and see if it applies to your situation.
Now, regarding the X100 cooker, I have been using it for the past 18+ months and beside being slower than a conventional gas cooker, I haven’t had any problems what so ever. My cooking is mainly based on the Mediterranean (Italian) style.. You can comfortably cook a full meal for two people and I ended up buying and using all the time Scanpan pottery in the 25/30cm size. They fit perfectly the glass ring, and they are professional cookware.. I would tempt to say that the X100 diesel is comparable to most electric stove. They will never be as good or as fast as gas..
Bottom line is that you will need to adjust your cooking habit, as in to turn the stove on about 5-8 minutes before you would normally turn the gas on.. Do that, and you will enjoy this product, in particularly the running costs!
I’m so glad I found your site. You have reviewed all three webasto products I’m thinking of using.
My benchtop is granite, so perhaps I’m out for this one. Did you find any other negative issues with it?
It looks like you too are going down the Webasto range of products path…
Now regarding the granite benchtop, not so fast. You can still use the X100 and completely omit the under bench metal box as long as you:
1) Install a fan to draw fresh air into the cabinet where the X100 is mounted
2) Have at least 20 cm of space below the x100.
When my unit will require its first service, that’s what I’m going to do. Remove that silly metal box and install the fan instead onto the side of the cabinet.
I have already fit a grille on the side to aid cool air circulation, so adding a fan to it is not a big deal. To protect the back wall of the cabinet I will use just a simple piece of steel sheet.
Finally, other than the much longer cooking time compare to Gas, no, I don’t have any other issues..
Thank for posting your comment..
Cheers
Interesting article but the Webasto X100 was designed for Caravan & Motorhomes. The Wallas 88DU is for boats. That could be the reason for the Webasto having a gas downward vertical limit.
Hi Stuart
I thought of that at first too, but no. Wallas make all four units and even on the Wallas XC Duo (same unit again but with the extra lid and listed under Camper Products), there is no written/picture exhaust vertical limitation.
All units including the XC Duo and the 85DT do come with the 2 metres SS exhaust pipe… Out of the four (same/similar units), only Webasto literature has that limitation mentioned in a picture..
I had a very good look at the Wallass 85DT and it really is identical to the X100 minus the box. I wonder why they omitted the box while Webasto does give you one?
Thanks for sharing your findings.
It seems to me that the while the 85 DT is practically the X100, Webasto decided to take a different approach regarding the cooling of the unit possibly due to the different environment of the unit. One unit sit at sea level in a constant breeze, while the other could be working in the Desert at +45° or up 2000 metres high in the mountains. While that could explain the reasoning of the extra cooling box, copied from the 88 DU, it doesn’t explain the different length allowed for the exhaust.
The X100 seem to be half way between the 85 DT and the 88 DU. If Webasto did manage to get the X100 with the metal box attached under like the 88 DU unit but with the exhaust facing downward, it could have been the winner.