EXHIBIT 23.1


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

         We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement (Form S-8) and related Prospectus of Recovery Engineering, Inc. for
the registration of 30,000 shares of its common stock of our reports dated
January 26, 1999 with respect to the financial statements of Recovery
Engineering, Inc. incorporated by reference in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for
the year ended January 3, 1999 and the related financial statement schedule
included therein, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Minneapolis, Minnesota
June 28, 1999