Eating out at restaurants is nice, but after a while the bills can really rack up. A fridge is an absolute necessity for sustainable living in a campervan. But with so many fridges on the market, how do you know what fridge is the best choice for your camper van?
In this guide we will look at some of the very best campervan fridges, including 12V compressor fridges, 3-way fridges, and thermoelectric coolboxes.
Index
Shane, the founder of The Van Conversion, is a campervan professional dedicated to helping people transform ordinary vans into homes on wheels. He has authored Roaming Home, and teaches The Van Conversion Course, guiding many people through their van builds. Shane also writes The Van Conversion Newsletter, where he shares practical tips and insights. After completing two van builds and living on the road full-time since 2020, he is passionate about sharing his expertise with others.
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To Cut to the Chase - Our Top Picks
Our overall top pick is the Dometic CFX3 45. This compressor fridge stands out as one of the best campervan fridges due to its blend of energy efficiency, durability, and advanced features. The 45-liter CFX3 45 boasts an impressive average energy consumption of 1.03 Ah/hour (about 25 Ah/day), making it ideal for off-grid trips where energy conservation is key. Its powerful compressor maintains low temperatures even in extreme ambient conditions, ensuring reliable performance across various climates.
Another advantage is its quiet operation and rugged design, built to withstand the rough conditions of van life. The CFX3 45 is also equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to control and monitor the fridge remotely via a mobile app. With dual power inputs (12V/24V DC and 110V AC), it easily adapts to different power sources.
Our Top Pick for the Best budget Campervan Fridge
The BougeRV 53 Quart Portable Refrigerator is an excellent budget option for campervan setups, offering a solid balance between capacity and performance. With a generous 53-quart (50L) capacity, it easily stores groceries, drinks, and perishables for longer trips. Despite its affordable price, this fridge can cool down to -4°F (-20°C), making it suitable for both refrigeration and freezing needs. The dual-zone feature further enhances its versatility by allowing users to divide the fridge and freezer areas based on their storage preferences.
In terms of power, it runs on a 12V/24V DC system and consumes about 3.5 Ah/hour (roughly 84 Ah/day), which is reasonable for most budget campervan solar or battery setups. While it may use more power compared to high-end models, its low price point and dependable performance make it a standout choice for van lifers looking for affordability without sacrificing essential functionality.
Types of Campervan Fridges
There are three types of campervan fridges:
The 12V compressor fridge
The absorption fridge
The thermoelectric coolbox
In the Roaming Home 2023 study we found that 82% of people have a fridge of some sort in their van. Of these, 14% are absorption (gas) and 86% are compressors.
Note: No matter which fridge you go for, I recommend installing it as low in the van as possible - somewhere dark and cool. This will make the fridge a lot more efficient.
Energy Consumption and Efficiency
Understanding energy consumption is crucial for choosing the right fridge for your campervan, especially when living off-grid. The efficiency of a fridge can significantly impact how long your battery system lasts between charges.
Typical Energy Consumption by Fridge Type
12V Compressor Fridge: These fridges typically consume 40-70Ah per day, depending on size, ambient temperature, and whether it has a freezer. A large, front-loading compressor fridge might draw 5-7A when running, cycling on and off throughout the day.
3-Way Absorption Fridge: Absorption fridges consume significantly more power when running on 12V, up to 10-15A continuously. While they’re efficient on gas, they can drain a battery quickly when operating on 12V as they do not cycle on and off.
Thermoelectric Coolboxes: These coolers are less efficient, typically drawing 4-5A continuously. This can result in 96-120Ah per day, making them less suitable for long-term off-grid use without frequent recharging.
Ensure your battery bank and solar system are sized correctly to handle your fridge's power consumption. For accurate sizing, use our Battery Sizing Calculator to determine the optimal system for your specific fridge and energy needs.
12V Compressor Fridges
110V/230V AC Compressor Fridges
The compressor fridge is the most common fridge you will find in people’s homes, and is fully electric. In your house you will find a 110V/230V (mains-powered) compressor fridge, and while you can use these in a campervan, most people opt not to as they must be run full-time through an inverter. Running appliances through inverters results in a loss of efficiency due to the voltage conversion process.
Therefore, an AC fridge is only really appropriate if you'll be running it when plugged into mains power at a campsite. If your campervan holidays involve a lot of stays at campsites, the reduced cost of an AC fridge makes them a very good option.
12V DC Compressor Fridges
12V compressor fridges are much better suited to off-grid use as they run directly from your leisure batteries. These fridges are known as 2-way fridges as they can also run on 110V / 230V mains power.
A compressor fridge is quite economical; the compressor only turns on when the fridge temperature increases above a specified range that you choose with a dial on the fridge. Once the refrigerator cools to the desired temperature, the compressor turns off. This means that the fridge only draws power from the batteries when the compressor is on.
Apart from being energy efficient, here are the other benefits of using a compressor fridge:
Pros
Easy to install
Efficient
Safe
Low electricity consumption suited to solar power
More compact than absorption fridges
Durable and low-maintenance
Some models are 2-way, running on either 12V or mains
Cheaper than absorption fridges
Cons
Operation isn't silent, turning on and off throughout day and night
More expensive
The two most popular brands of 12V compressor fridge are Dometic and Vitrifrigo.
Front-loading 12V DC Compressor Fridges
A front-loading fridge is a permanent installation. It’s very simple to install, requiring only the connection of its positive and negative terminals to your leisure battery. ‘Front-loading’ simply means the front door swings open like a normal house fridge. The Vitrifrigo C series and Dometic CRX series are go-to for many. I have a Vitrifrigo C50i in my van - it’s truly a great fridge/freezer. However, I've found it to use a lot of energy. It’s the single biggest draw on my system by a long mile. Large, front-loading fridges can use a lot of electricity, especially if they incorporate a freezer. Hands-down the best campervan fridges in this category are the Dometic CRX CoolMatic 2-way fridge/freezers.
Note: The Dometic Coolmatic series are considered some of the best 12V compressor fridges on the market. However, they are pricey. More budget-friendly options like this one are available on Amazon. BougeRV also have a good selection of good-quality, lower-cost fridges.
Magnum Motorhomes did an excellent study comparing three of the most popular front-loading 12V compressor fridges. They found the Vitrifrigo C51i came out on top in energy efficiency and temperature tests. This is a drawer-style fridge, which are generally lower-capacity but higher-efficiency. Dometic's CD series are also drawer-style, and are a great option if you’re tight on space.
Top-loading 12V Fridges
A top-loading compressor fridge is normally portable, with a battery you can charge up in case you want to take your fridge out for some exercise. Top-loading fridges have become phenomenally popular in the campervan community; not least because they are a lot more energy efficient than their front-loading counterparts.
The most popular top-loading fridges are the Dometic CF series. The smaller models are fridge only, whilst the bigger models have a fridge and freezer. Unfortunately, these fridges tend to be very expensive. However in my opinion, a top-loading fridge-freezer is the best option for an off-grid campervan. The Dometic CFX3 45L is a good example in this category.
Price Comparison of 12V Campervan Compressor Fridges
We researched the 10 most popular 12V compressor fridges for campervans (as of September 2024). They are all of a similar capacity, but have vastly different prices and lifespans. Below are the results:
Fridge Model | Capacity | Price (USD) | Lifespan (Years) |
Dometic CFX3 45L | 45L | $999 | 10-15 |
BougeRV 53 Quart | 50L | $369 | 5-10 |
Alpicool CF55 | 55L | $350 | 3-5 |
Vitrifrigo C51i | 50L | $950 | 10-15 |
Dometic CRX50 | 50L | $900 | 10-15 |
JoyTutus 12V 42L | 42L | $290 | 3-5 |
Euhomy 45L | 45L | $300 | 3-5 |
ARB 50QT | 50L | $1,050 | 10-15 |
Dometic CRX 1050E | 50L | $1,200 | 10-15 |
Bodega 12V 36L | 36L | $320 | 3-5 |
Analysis of Pricing and Long-Term Costs:
High End Fridges (e.g., Dometic, Vitrifrigo, ARB):
Upfront Cost: Compressor fridges are generally more expensive, ranging from $900 to $1,200.
Long-Term Efficiency: While they have higher upfront costs, these fridges are more energy-efficient in terms of power consumption (20-40 Ah/day), which translates into lower long-term costs for battery usage or solar charging.
Durability: With a typical lifespan of 10-15 years, compressor fridges are durable and require less maintenance, making them a good long-term investment.
Budget Fridges (e.g., JoyTutus, BougeRV, Bodega):
Upfront Cost: Budget-friendly options, priced between $290 and $370, are suitable for those looking for short-term solutions.
Energy Usage: However, these fridges tend to consume more power (up to 90 Ah/day), which means higher costs for off-grid power setups and solar charging.
Durability: With a lifespan of only 3-5 years, budget fridges often require replacement sooner, increasing long-term costs.
Mid-Range Fridges (e.g., Alpicool, Euhomy):
Upfront Cost: Priced around $300 to $350, mid-range fridges provide a balance between affordability and performance.
Energy Consumption: These models consume moderate power (around 9-36 Ah/day), providing a good compromise between upfront costs and long-term efficiency.
Compressor Fridge Power Consumption
We decided to dig a little deeper on the ten most popular campervan fridges to compare power consumption.
Fridge Model | Energy Consumption (Ah/hour) | Energy Consumption (Ah/day) |
Dometic CFX3 45L | 1.03 Ah/hour | 24.72 Ah/day |
BougeRV 53 Quart | 3.5 Ah/hour | 84 Ah/day |
Alpicool CF55 | 0.38 Ah/hour | 9.12 Ah/day |
Vitrifrigo C51i | 1.5 Ah/hour (on average) | 36 Ah/day |
Dometic CRX50 | 1.2 Ah/hour | 28.8 Ah/day |
JoyTutus 12V 42L | 3.75 Ah/hour (45W) | 90 Ah/day |
Euhomy 45L | 3.75 Ah/hour (45W) | 90 Ah/day |
ARB 50QT | 0.87 Ah/hour | 20.88 Ah/day |
Dometic CRX 1050E | 3.3 Ah/hour (40W) | 79.2 Ah/day |
Bodega 12V 36L | 3.75 Ah/hour (45W) | 90 Ah/day |
On average, popular 12V compressor fridges consume between 20 to 90 Ah/day, with smaller models like the Dometic CFX3 45L using around 24 Ah/day, while larger models like the BougeRV 53 Quart or Bodega 12V 36L can draw up to 90 Ah/day. This range highlights the variation based on size, efficiency, and cooling needs
Effect of Ambient Temperature on Power Consumption
The ambient temperature (the termperature in your campervan) significantly impacts a fridge's power consumption, particularly in off-grid systems. As temperatures rise, the fridge must work harder to maintain the desired internal temperature, leading to increased compressor activity and power draw. Conversely, cooler external temperatures reduce the load on the compressor, leading to lower energy consumption.
Typical Relationship Between Ambient Temperature and Power Consumption
At 25°C (77°F): Most fridges operate at their standard efficiency level, consuming their typical energy values, e.g., 40-50 Ah/day for an average 12V compressor fridge.
At 30°C (86°F): Power consumption can increase by 15-20%, meaning a fridge that usually draws 50 Ah/day might now consume 60 Ah/day.
At 35°C (95°F) or higher: The increase in consumption can be as high as 30-50%, resulting in a power draw of 65-75 Ah/day for the same fridge.
Why Does This Happen?
Increased compressor runtime: As the ambient temperature rises, the compressor cycles on more frequently and runs for longer periods to maintain internal cooling, consuming more energy.
Higher thermal losses: Warmer air requires the fridge to expend more energy to offset the heat that leaks in through the insulation, especially when opening and closing the door frequently.
Optimizing Power Consumption in Hot Weather
Ventilation: Ensure your fridge has adequate airflow around it, particularly for the compressor and condenser coils, which release heat. Proper ventilation can reduce power consumption by up to 15-20% in hot conditions.
Insulation: Adding external insulation, such as reflective covers, can minimize heat ingress, maintaining the fridge’s efficiency.
In this example, a fridge that consumes 40 Ah/day at 20°C sees its power consumption increase to 80 Ah/day at 40°C, doubling its energy needs due to the extra cooling required in hotter environments.
Absorption Fridges
The absorption fridge is also known as a 3-way fridge, so called because it can run on three different energy sources. You can either use LPG gas, a mains electric supply (110V/240V), or 12V (batteries).
If you don't have much power in your van (ie. no solar power, split charging, or shore power), the absorption fridge is likely your best option as it can run off gas instead. The nifty thing about 3-way absorption fridges is that you can usually get them in bigger sizes than 12V compressor fridges or thermoelectric cool boxes - perfect for big families.
One of the biggest pros of using a 3-way fridge is that they run silently. The silent aspect of absorption fridges is not to be understated; to be honest, I have found the noise my compressor fridge makes during the night to be a little annoying.
The Dometic RM series and the Vitrifrigo VTR series are the best on the market. They use propane, electricity (12V/230V), and an electric/gas thermostat. SMAD and Norcold are two other well-known brands of absorption fridge.
Pros
Runs on 12V, 240V, or LPG gas
Silent running
Larger range of sizes
Cons
More expensive
LPG tank must remain topped up
Trickier installation involving gas piping
Require routine maintenance and servicing
Slower cooling speed
Produce more waste heat than 12V compressor fridges
Require good ventilation and a flue to the outside
Performance of some models suffers in hot weather
Absorption Fridge Installation
An absorption fridge is an LPG gas appliance; as such, the utmost care must be taken during the installation. An absorption fridge requires a flue (an exhaust for the LPG) and two vents: one at the bottom, and one at the top. An absorption fridge installation should be checked by a professional. If you're not confident in your installation, don't hesitate to hire a professional to do it for you.
Thermoelectric Coolboxes
Thermoelectric coolboxes are a good choice for those on a very tight budget.
The Dometic thermoelectric cooler is one of the best campervan coolers in this category.
Thermoelectric coolboxes work in a simple way, keeping your food cool by heat reduction. A thermoelectric coolbox uses an electric fan to remove hot air from the inside of the coolbox. This makes the temperature in the coolbox up to 20°C cooler than the temperature outside in the campervan. They don't chill air as effectively as compressor or absorption fridges, but are cheaper and use less power. This makes them good for budget-conscious campervan users who don't need a fridge running 24/7.
Pros
Durable
More environmentally friendly
Easy to install and use
Quiet running
Come in smaller sizes
Run on dual voltages; 12V and 110V/240V
Cons
Less effective cooling
Poor performance in warmer climates
Small sizes
No freezer
Unpowered Coolboxes
Last up we have the coolbox. Just a plain old cooler; no electricity or gas. These are really not a long-term solution, but can do the job for short stints in your van. Make sure you keep it in a cool and dark location.
The best-known brands are Yeti, Igloo, and Coleman.
Noise Levels: Compressor vs. Absorption Fridges
One critical factor to consider when choosing between compressor and absorption fridges for a campervan is noise level. Both technologies have different operating mechanisms, leading to distinct sound profiles.
Compressor Fridge Noise Levels
Compressor fridges work by compressing and circulating a refrigerant, similar to home refrigerators. The noise is generated by the compressor motor and the fan.
Noise Range: Typically between 35 to 45 dB (comparable to a quiet conversation or a soft hum).
Noise Characteristics: The sound is intermittent because the compressor only runs when cooling is needed. Once the desired temperature is reached, it turns off. The Dometic CRX50 produces around 40 dB, and is often noted for its quiet operation despite the compressor mechanism.
Absorption Fridge Noise Levels
Absorption fridges are silent when running on gas because there are no moving parts like a compressor. However, when running on electricity (12V or 230V), they may emit some noise due to heating elements, though this is usually minimal.
Noise Range: Close to 0 dB when running on gas, but can be 20-30 dB when running on electricity (a very soft noise, quieter than compressor fridges).
Noise Characteristics: Continuous, but extremely low-level hum or none at all, especially in LPG mode. The Dometic RM8400 is silent in gas mode but produces a faint hum (~30 dB) in electric mode
We researched the decibel noise levels of some of the most popular 12V compressor fridges and didn't find a great deal of difference between the different models. The quietest 12V compressor fridge is the Dometic CFX3 45L at 35db and the loudest is the Euhomy 45L at 44db.
Factors Influencing Noise Levels
Ventilation: Poor ventilation can make both compressor and absorption fridges noisier as they struggle to cool efficiently.
Cooling Demand: In hotter conditions, compressor fridges run more frequently, increasing noise levels, while absorption fridges may operate at higher noise levels in electric mode.
Cooling Speed and Temperature Control in Campervan Fridges
When selecting a fridge for your campervan, cooling speed and temperature control are two critical factors that affect both performance and energy efficiency. Let’s dive into how various types of fridges perform in these areas and what you can expect in real-world conditions.
Cooling Speed
Compressor fridges typically offer superior cooling speed compared to other fridge types. They use a compressor to circulate refrigerant, rapidly removing heat from the interior. For instance, the Dometic CRX50 can cool down from ambient temperature to 4°C in under 30 minutes when powered by 12V. Most compressor fridges reach the desired temperature within 1-2 hours, even in warmer environments, due to their ability to actively cool regardless of external conditions.
In contrast, absorption fridges (3-way fridges) are significantly slower in cooling speed. These fridges rely on heat absorption through a chemical process, and when powered by gas, they can take up to 4-6 hours to reach the same temperature. Absorption fridges also struggle to cool down quickly in high ambient temperatures due to their reliance on the environment to aid the cooling process.
Thermoelectric coolboxes, while useful for short trips, are the slowest. They only cool to about 20°C below ambient temperature and can take several hours to reach their lowest point. They are best suited for mild climates and short-term cooling needs.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is vital to ensure food stays at a safe temperature for consumption. Modern 12V compressor fridges like the Dometic CFX3 series and Vitrifrigo C series have digital thermostats that allow for precise temperature settings, often down to 1°C increments. This level of control makes compressor fridges ideal for maintaining consistent temperatures, especially in fluctuating weather conditions.
In comparison, absorption fridges offer less precise temperature control. Many models, such as the Dometic RM8400, come with manual thermostats with basic temperature settings for 12V, gas, and mains electricity modes. The cooling efficiency can vary significantly with changes in ambient temperature, requiring frequent adjustments to the thermostat.
Comparing Cooling Speeds of Popular Campervan Fridges:
Dometic CRX50 compressor fridge: Cools to 4°C in under 30 minutes.
Dometic RM8400 absorption fridge on gas mode: Takes 4-6 hours to cool to the desired temperature.
BougeRV 53 Quart compression fridge: Drops from ambient to 5°C in approximately 2 hours when powered by 12V.
Thermoelectric coolboxes: Only cool to 20°C below ambient temperature, with slow cooling rates, especially in hotter climates.
Efficiency Impacts
Compressor fridges maintain stable temperatures more efficiently, cycling on and off to conserve power. This is important for van-lifers relying on solar or battery power, as energy consumption is optimized when temperature control is precise. For example, a compressor fridge like the Dometic CFX3 uses only about 1.03 Ah per hour once down to temperature, making it highly efficient.
In contrast, absorption fridges struggle to maintain low temperatures in warm weather and may draw continuous power on 12V mode, significantly impacting your battery’s lifespan or LPG usage.
Quick tip: If you need fast and reliable cooling, especially for perishables like meat and dairy, 12V compressor fridges are the best choice. If you're in an environment with constant warm temperatures, they will continue to function efficiently. For longer, off-grid trips with gas supplies, absorption fridges provide silent operation, but you’ll need to plan ahead for their slower cooling speed.
Choosing the Right Size Fridge for Your Needs
Selecting the ideal fridge size for your campervan is essential to balance storage capacity, power consumption, and available space. To make the best choice, you’ll need to assess your typical food storage needs, the duration of your trips, the number of travelers, and the available energy in your van’s electrical system.
I don't know your specific circumstances, however here is a rough guide to fridge sizing:
Solo travelers or weekend trips: A 30-40L fridge should be enough to store fresh food for a few days, especially if you're planning on short trips or frequently resupplying. Fridges in this size range are compact and suitable for solo van lifers or minimalists.
Couples or longer solo trips: For two people, a 40-60L fridge is ideal for longer trips. This size offers sufficient space for fresh food, beverages, and possibly a small freezer compartment, giving you more independence when traveling off-grid.
Families: If you’re traveling with a family, you’ll likely need a larger 60-100L fridge. These provide ample storage for perishables, leftovers, drinks, and possibly separate freezer compartments.
Don't forget: Fridge size correlates directly with power consumption, so larger fridges typically draw more energy. However, some compact fridges can still consume significant power depending on their efficiency. A small fridge might use 20-30 Ah/day, while larger models can go up to 90 Ah/day.
Longevity and Maintenance of Campervan Fridges
When choosing a fridge for your campervan, longevity and maintenance are key considerations that impact both cost-effectiveness and performance over time. Campervan fridges are exposed to constant vibrations, fluctuating power sources, and varying ambient temperatures, making durability essential. Here’s what you need to know about the longevity of different fridge types and how to maintain them for optimal performance.
Compressor Fridges: High Durability, Low Maintenance
Compressor fridges tend to have a longer lifespan compared to other types. With proper maintenance, they can last 10-15 years or more. The compressor itself is a robust, sealed system with few moving parts, meaning there’s less wear and tear over time.
However, maintaining a compressor fridge requires regular attention to a few aspects:
Ventilation: Ensure there is adequate airflow around the fridge to prevent overheating. Blocked vents can reduce efficiency and increase strain on the compressor.
Cleaning: Periodically clean the condenser coils (typically located at the back of the fridge). Dust build-up can reduce cooling efficiency and cause the fridge to overwork.
Electrical connections: Inspect and maintain clean, secure connections, as poor wiring can lead to inefficient performance or failure over time.
Absorption Fridges: Longer Lifespan but More Maintenance
Absorption fridges are known for their silent operation and long lifespan, often up to 20 years, but they require more frequent maintenance due to their reliance on multiple energy sources (LPG gas, 12V, and 240V).
Key maintenance steps include:
Flue Cleaning: Absorption fridges run on gas and produce combustion byproducts. It’s crucial to clean the flue annually to remove soot and other buildup that can hinder efficiency.
Leveling: Always ensure the fridge is level when running on gas. Absorption fridges rely on gravity to circulate the refrigerant, and improper leveling can lead to cooling issues or permanent damage to the cooling unit.
Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is vital to ensure the fridge cools properly, especially in warm climates.
Thermoelectric Coolboxes: Low Durability, Minimal Maintenance
Thermoelectric coolboxes have the shortest lifespan of the three types, often lasting 3-5 years under typical use. Their Peltier cooling system, which relies on an electric current to transfer heat, is less durable due to the constant cycling required to maintain temperature. They also don’t have moving parts like a compressor, which makes maintenance simpler but contributes to their reduced efficiency and lifespan. These coolboxes require regular cleaning of fan and vent areas to prevent overheating, as they can struggle to maintain low temperatures in high ambient heat.
Factors Affecting Longevity:
Vibrations: Fridges in campervans are subjected to constant vibrations while driving, which can cause loose wiring, damage to components, or even leaks in absorption fridges. Using shock-absorbing mounts can help mitigate this.
Power surges: Variations in power input from solar panels or batteries can cause wear and tear on the fridge’s electronics. Using power regulators or surge protectors can help avoid damage.
Ambient Temperature: High ambient temperatures force fridges to work harder, leading to faster wear on cooling components. Compressor fridges handle extreme temperatures better than absorption and thermoelectric models.
Conclusion
Whatever fridge you end up getting, it should have these features:
Energy efficiency
Safety
Quiet operation
Extra insulation
Airtight doors
Handle road vibrations sufficiently
My Recommendations
For a high-end fridge I recommend The Dometic CFX3 45, or if you want to save some cash, the BougeRV 53 Quart Portable Refrigerator is an excellent budget option.
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If you're looking for some guidance with your van conversion, you might be interested in our book Roaming Home, or in our online course The Van Conversion Mastery Course. You'll learn directly from our founder Shane how to convert a van into your dream home - no prior experience needed.
Until next time.