With so many nice campervan fridges choices on the market, selecting the perfect van conversion fridge is usually a problem. From discovering the perfect 12V fridge to the perfect transportable fridge, there’s a number of info to navigate earlier than deciding.
It’s essential to think about dimension, energy draw, and your finances earlier than you begin procuring. When you’ve discovered your wants and dimension restrictions, you need to use these tricks to discover the perfect camper fridge.
In our van life kitchen, our 12-volt fridge is a staple that we couldn’t dwell with out. We’re capable of run it utterly on solar energy, which is nice for off-grid residing. So in the event you’re on the hunt for a brand new cellular fridge, don’t miss these 10 finest campervan fridges.
Black minifridge in our campervan, Benji
FAQs About Campervan Fridges
Can I exploit a standard fridge in a campervan?
Technically sure, however we wouldn’t advocate it. A generic dorm fridge must run on 120V energy to operate. So that you’ll must be working it off of your inverter, which makes use of far more energy than 12V DC. So, whilst you can use a standard fridge, different fridges are way more sturdy and energy-efficient.
What dimension fridge will slot in a camper?
This actually relies on your construct however most camper vans solely have house for one thing akin to a mini-fridge. You’ll have simply sufficient house on your necessities and a small freezer compartment.
How a lot energy do fridges use?
Figuring out the ability draw of a campervan fridge relies on many elements that we’ll get into beneath. Typically, a 12V compressor fridge would be the most effective, drawing between 30-55 Ah (amp hours) per day.
What dimension camper van fridge must you get?
You’ll must base your fridge dimension in your wants and your format. The right vanlife fridge is completely different for everybody based mostly on how a lot you cook dinner and the way typically you go to the grocery retailer. Our campervan mini-fridge is barely 2.2 cubic ft nevertheless it fits our wants completely.
Forms of Campervan Fridges
There are A LOT of camper fridges on the market so listed here are some issues to think about to select the perfect campervan fridge for you.
12V Fridges vs 120V Fridges vs 3-Means Fridges
12V Fridge
A 12V fridge is the most effective fridge for camper vans as a result of it runs off of DC energy. This implies that you would be able to run your camper fridge fully off batteries fueled by photo voltaic panels.
Additionally, most 12V fridges are compressor fridges in order that they solely draw energy when they should as a substitute of working always. They don’t must be stored degree and require the bottom energy consumption to maintain meals cool. The one disadvantage is that they are often fairly costly.
120V Fridge
A 120V fridge is the common dorm fridge that you would be able to choose up wherever. It requires AC energy, which comes from shore energy or an inverter. So whereas it could be low-cost and accessible, you’ll must run it out of your inverter which finally ends up being a significant energy draw.
3-Means Fridge
Gasoline fridges was the one fridges for campervans earlier than photo voltaic expertise actually developed. Being 3-way means they’ll run off of fuel (propane), DC, or AC energy.
Sadly, whereas they work effectively on propane, they falter in power effectivity when run on DC in comparison with 12V fridges. One other disadvantage is that they must be stored degree, which isn’t at all times doable if you’re tenting.
Absorption Fridges vs Compressor Fridges
Compressor Fridge
Compressor fridges operate like residential fridges, utilizing refrigerant fuel to create and flow into chilly air. They solely want to finish the method when the fridge reaches a sure ambient temperature so it’s not working always. They make wonderful cellular fridges due to the low energy draw and environment friendly cooling.
Absorption Fridges
Absorption fridges use propane to warmth an ammonia answer that turns into fuel and rises as sizzling air. The fuel then travels by means of a condenser to take away sizzling air and flow into chilly air. Gasoline fridges use a a lot older expertise that must be stored degree with the intention to work correctly. The necessity for fuel and to be stored degree means they’re not the perfect fridges for campervans.
Upright Fridge vs Chest Fashion Fridge
Upright Fridge
An upright tenting fridge seems to be identical to a dorm-style fridge. You open the door and have entry to cabinets and door storage that’s excellent for chilly drinks. This model of van fridge solely works in a built-in cabinet the place it should dwell completely. Personally, we knew we needed an upright fridge so we deliberate our kitchen format to accommodate one however they’re not as versatile as transportable fridges.
Chest-Fashion Fridge
Chest fridges look extra like a cooler the place you load issues in from the highest. Many can be utilized as both a fridge or a freezer whereas some have twin zone compartments. A chest fridge is nice if you need extra portability choices because it doesn’t must be built-in. Chest-style fridges maintain your meals chilly simply since much less chilly air escapes if you open them.
Deciding between the 2 is a private selection based mostly on how you want to arrange your van life fridge. It actually boils all the way down to loading/unloading groceries and which one works higher along with your format.
Inquiries to Ask Your self When Looking for a Camper Fridge
- Would you like an upright fridge or chest fridge?
- Would you like a separate freezer compartment or have it multi functional fridge house?
- Will you may have entry to shore energy or will you be working solely on solar energy?
Greatest Campervan Fridges on the Market
Vitrifrigo
That is our camper van fridge and in our opinion, the perfect fridge for van life! The VF62 is a 12V upright fridge that works completely with our electrical system as a result of it solely attracts 40 watts. The two.2 cubic ft camper fridge has cabinets, separate compartments for fruits and veggies, and a built-in freezer.
The corporate that makes the fridge is from Italy however they promote 12-volt fridges worldwide through Amazon and in some RV retailers. The one draw back of this Vitrifrigo fridge is that like many different upright fridges, it may be costly—these vary from USD $700-1200.
Bushman
Bushman makes wonderful upright campervan fridges that run off of 12V DC. The Bushman DC-130-X is a fridge-freezer with a giant capability of 130L, which is about 4.5 cubic ft. It has loads of shelving, a built-in mild, and very low energy draw.
In case you’re in Australia, that is the perfect 12V campervan fridge round however sadly, they don’t ship wherever else. The one hitch is the value tag at AUD $1645 (USD $1200) however smaller fashions begin at AUD $1195 (USD $870).
Photograph Credit: Bushman Australia
ARB
ARB makes a fantastic fridge for any van lifer or overlander. The Basic Collection II Fridge provides chest-style tenting fridges from 37 qt – 82 qt (1.2 – 2.75 cu ft). They’re extraordinarily sturdy and work effectively as a conveyable fridge that you would be able to depend on for weekend journeys or full-time van life. Simply understand that you could choose a cooling or freezing temperature because it’s not a dual-zone fridge.
ARB merchandise are made in Australia however bought worldwide in shops and on-line. The Basic Collection II campervan fridges vary from USD $1080-1630.
Photograph Credit: ARB
Dometic
Dometic produces many motorhome fridge fashions however the most well-liked of the chest-style fridges is the Dometic CFX line. These vary from 27 qt – 93 qt (1 – 3.1 cu ft) so there’s an ideal dimension for each camper van. They boast spectacular options like a dimmable LED display screen, detachable wire baskets, twin zone cooling, and Bluetooth capabilities.
Photograph Credit: Dometic
Although Dometic is an American firm, they’re globally synonymous with the thought of an energy-efficient campervan fridge. The CFX line ranges from USD $1000-1900 and ships worldwide.
Evakool
Providing a wide range of heavy-duty fridge freezers, Evakool crafts upright and chest-style fridges for campervans. They work off of 12V DC energy and have a conveyable fridge for everybody. Starting from 1.5 – 3.9 cu ft, they’re spacious, rugged, and have dual-zone compartments with separate doorways.
Evakool is Australia-based and solely provides native delivery. Their compressor fridges price AUD $1000-2500 (USD $725-1800).
Evakool Platinum Upright Freezer/Fridge 90L. Photograph Credit: Evakool
Thetford
Thetford makes absorption and 12-volt fridges for European and Australian van lifers. All of their fridges are upright and have a a lot skinnier design than different campervan fridges. They’re tall and slim with a great deal of shelving and a separate freezer compartment.
You’ll must plan your van construct round a Thetford fridge as their distinctive form isn’t as versatile. Thetford is USA-based however ships throughout Europe and Australia. Fridges are dear at USD $1200-2250.
175L Compressor Fridge. Photograph Credit: Thetford
Isotherm
Isotherm makes a number of the finest campervan fridges which might be additionally common within the marine world. They’re quiet, draw little or no energy, and have a variety of sizes. The Cruise line has a 12V compressor fridge from 1 – 4 cu ft, which features a freezer compartment.
The primary disadvantage is that they’re fairly costly at USD $900-1600. Isotherm is made by Indel Webasto, an Italian-German firm that sells worldwide.
CRUISE 49 Magnificence mannequin. Photograph Credit: Isotherm
Nova Kool
Nova Kool makes a number of the finest fridges for tenting as a result of they’re sturdy and might face up to a 30° angle. They provide 1.3 – 4.3 cu ft fashions with a separate freezer and a number of wire cabinets for group. Nova Kool is a pacesetter in fridge effectivity with whisper-quiet compressors which might be excellent for off-grid residing.
We love that Nova Kool is a Canadian firm based mostly in British Columbia. They promote to the USA and Canada with an providing starting from USD $800-1500.
Novakool R1900 Fridge with 52L capability. Photograph Credit: Novakool
Norcold
Norcold is a maker of many upright-style fridges generally used as RV fridges. Whereas usually absorption fridges, they now make a 12V camper van fridge much like our Vitrifrigo fridge. The DE105 is the proper dimension at 3.3 cu ft with an approximate energy draw of 5.2 amps. It has a built-in freezer, wire shelving, and an inside mild.
Like different upright fridges, Norcold fridges include a hefty price ticket. Count on to pay USD $900-2000 from sellers within the US and Canada.
Norcold DE105 Fridge. Photograph Credit: Norcold
Engel
In case you’re on the lookout for a 12V fridge that’s sturdy and transportable, Engel makes a number of the finest campervan fridges. The Engel MR040 chest fridge is tremendous low voltage, utilizing 40% much less amps than a daily compressor fridge. It’s constructed to be rugged and face up to all of the bumps of the highway with its ABS physique.
The primary draw back to the Engel transportable fridge is that it’s fairly cumbersome and doesn’t have an actual temperature setting. Even nonetheless, the MR040 is the perfect compressor fridge for campervan use due to its power effectivity. They are going to run you USD $800-1100 and whereas Engel is an American firm, they provide worldwide delivery.
Engel MR040 chest fridge. Photograph Credit: Engel
No Title Ebay/Amazon Transportable Fridges
In case you’re on the lookout for a extra inexpensive fridge, you’ll come throughout many thermoelectric coolers on Amazon. Whereas a thermoelectric cooler works effectively on brief journeys, it’s not designed for use for full-time van life. They maintain the fridge cool by eradicating sizzling air however not cooling the identical approach a compressor fridge does. They’ll battle with the ambient air temperature in sizzling climates and draw extra energy than different campervan fridges.