Best Camping Fridges & Cool Boxes in the UK | Compressor-Based, Absorption, Electric, 12V, Gas & Hybrid Fridges | Reviews, Comparison & Buyer’s Guide

What is the best fridge for caravans, RV, motorhomes and campervans? Despite its power source the advanced RV fridge should provide efficient cooling/freezing with noiseless operation, regardless of ambient temperature. The majority of modern units are capable of running on AC, DC, LP or solar power systems. Besides, they should provide highly efficient energy consumption and additional battery-protection system for your vehicle. Despite the compact design of camping fridges, their capacity should be enough for food storage in separate temperature zones.

Camping Fridges Compared

At the moment, there are many different models that differ in size, power supply, output, etc. Nevertheless, typical camping fridges should be common in portability and space efficiency ensuring adequate suitability for RV/trailer/caravan use. Thus, we have prepared this article to give you the deeper insight in the principles of operation of caravan fridges and their difference from the residential models. Besides, we will review our top picks, so that you can easily choose the perfect option for your on-road or camping needs.

What should you know about RV/caravan fridges? | The Essentials

Camping fridges differ in design and power source. These two parameters mainly determine portability of a particular model. Small single-chamber units are commonly lightweight units and can be powered by a 12V car port with no need in additional connections or wirings to your motorhome. Larger refrigerator/freezer models usually come as free-standing units. They are heavier and require more space, accordingly.

So, if you are planning to purchase such a variant, a closer look at the layout of your RV will be the critical issue. Otherwise, you may face the situation when fridge configuration doesn’t fit into the interior design of your vehicle despite its super compact size. Thus, before making a purchase you should measure the dimensions, check if the shape of the fridge matches the layout, verify reversibility of doors to change opening direction, etc. Right, you might be baffled by all this. Nevertheless, such pre-arrangements are very important, as here we deal with the limited space and our main task is to get the maximum of it.

The caravan fridges can be powered by electricity or gas. However, some manufacturers already offer hybrid models with an ability to switch them from one type of power supply to another. Namely, there are electric models which run on AC or DC power; gas absorption units which run on liquefied propane, and hybrid models including 2-way (AC power or LP gas) and 3-way (AC, DC, LP gas) options. The Smad 3 Way Fridge, Gas Lpg/12V/220V Camping Fridge is a hybrid unit which can run on LPG, 220V AC or 12V DC, thus offering greater versatility and convenience in use.

This absorption-type fridge can be used for indoor and outdoor purposes with noiseless operation, thus offering greater versatility and convenience. The temperature can be varied with the help of the easy-to-use mechanical control within the range from 32℉ to 50℉. The desired temperature can be maintained by means of the integrated gas/electric thermostat. Besides, this lightweight and compact model comes with a reversible door which can be mounted depending on certain layout requirements.

Also, I’d like to pay special attention to cooling methods of RV refrigerators which are divided into compressor-based, absorption and thermoelectric ones. The more detailed description of each method with its pros and cons is mentioned below.

Types of camping fridges in terms of cooling method: compressor-based, absorption & thermoelectric fridges | Principles of operation

Compressor-based Electric Camping Fridge

These appliances consist of moving parts. The principle of its operation is most similar to an ordinary residential refrigerator. Cooling of a compressor-based camping fridge occurs due to boiling of liquid coolant in the evaporator which changes its state from liquid to gaseous, thus extracting the heat from the fridge/freezer chamber.

This RV refrigerator can cool down quickly, and with this it is the least energy consuming option. If necessary, such a unit is able to operate as a freezer and provide the temperature down to -6 °F. The capacity of its chambers is practically unlimited, although the most common volume of a compressor refrigerator makes 18-55 liters.

The majority of modern RV refrigerators operate at 110V AC outlet or at 12 /24V DC port. When being on a long-distance trip, you will have to charge the battery with a generator. But in this case, you'll have another opportunity to use solar panels as an additional power source. For instance, Alpicool CF55 12 Volt Car Freezer can be powered by an external solar system. Also, this model can be used in vehicles and houses running on 12/24V DC and 110-240V AC. With 55-liter capacity it has two separate rooms for cooling and freezing. So, this unit can maintain the desired temperature within the range from -4°F to 68°F thanks to the high-efficiency compressor. The latter can be switched to ECO and HH modes. The vibration-resistant design and ability to run on angles up to 45°from horizontal make the CF55 an outstanding option for RVs, trailers and trucks.

RV compressor refrigerators are ideal for traveling along the areas with the warm climate. Even if the ambient temperature is high, food will be preserved in optimal conditions, thanks to an appropriate cooling mode selected. We may indicate high cost and big dimensions as the main disadvantages of the compressor fridges. But these downsides will be overcompensated by multiple advanced features. The Dometic CFX-65 60 L Compressor Fridge Freezer offers the majority of them, including large capacity, separate dual-zone design for refrigeration and freezing, multi-voltage system, intelligent battery protection, and user-friendly operation with LCD display.

Also, compressor based models for RV can be offered in a compact design, thus proving great portability. The Alpicool C15 (15 Liter) 12 Volt Fridge Freezer for Car is a 2-in-1 unit with deep chilling down performance -4°F(-20°C). This mini fridge can run on 12/24V DC or 110-240V AC. Besides, it can run great with a small solar panel system. Also, the C15 stands from other compressor-based counterparts with low energy consumption rate, depending on the settings; and it features battery-protection system to power off your vehicle when overload occurs.

Absorption | 12V & Gas Camping Fridges/Freezers

There are no moving parts in this type of RV refrigerators. Ammonia is used as a refrigerant, circulation of which takes place due to absorption of ammonia by water and heating the ammonia-water mixture by the integrated heater. The latter may run either on electricity or gas. This heating element brings the mixture to a boil, with its gradual transition to the gaseous state. Then the substance enters the heat exchanger transferring its heat to the outside ambient-temperature air. Among other advantages of RV electric-gas refrigerators we can highlight almost silent operation.

The Smad 3 Way Fridge, Gas Lpg/12V/220V Camping Fridge is the absorption-type fridge which can be used for indoor and outdoor purposes with noiseless operation. The temperature can be varied with the help of the easy-to-use mechanical control within the range from 32℉ to 50℉. With these temperatures it can be used as a fridge only. The desired settings can be maintained by means of the integrated gas/electric thermostat. Besides, this lightweight and compact model comes with a reversible door which can be mounted depending on certain layout requirements.

In spite of the high cooling/freezing capacity of the above mentioned model, it is not recommended to use most gas refrigerators in areas with hot climate. This is due to their poor ability to dissipate heat. As a result, the work efficiency would be significantly reduced. Also, sometimes an additional exhaust system is required, if appropriate ventilation is not provided. And this factor may increase the total cost of the absorption-type equipment.

Thermoelectric options

These units have neither refrigerant nor moving parts. A thermoelectric portable fridge works on the principle of cooling of an integrated metal plate by means of electric current. The cold air flow is supplied to the chamber by the fan. 

The Amazon Basics Licensing DS-AMZCB26DA-UK Thermoelectric Cooler can be used as the 2-in-1 unit. It can keep your food and drinks cool within the range from 40°F to 45°F below ambient temperature.  Additionally, it can serve as a warmer with the maximum heating temperature of 140°F. 

With the compact capacity the EL6206 has smaller footprint, thus saving a lot of space for other road trip belongings in your vehicle. This unit is supplied with AC to DC 5 Amp power adapter, thus improving its versatility in use wherever needed.

Now it’s clear that you should not count on freezing with thermoelectric units. Don't forget that they are not suitable for long trips, due to several reasons like small capacity and high energy consumption rate. Therefore, owners of RVs or campers prefer getting other types of portable refrigerators, described above.

Trusted Brands

Alpicool - Foshan Alpicool Electrical Appliance Co., LTD is an industrial company founded in 1996 in China. Its main focus is on production and sale of home appliances, car accessories, portable refrigerators and freezers. The company has become one of the best manufacturers in the industry, and has a very solid reputation in China and abroad. Alpicool refrigerators are manufactured in compliance with the strict quality control system, taking into account the conditions of increased vibration and mechanical stress. The wide lineup of the company is made of high-quality wear-resistant materials designed for long-term operation.

Smad – it is a trademark of Qingdao Smad Electric Appliances Co., Ltd., which was founded in 1999 in China. Smad is the world-known manufacturer of residential and commercial electrical appliances. Specially, the company is famous as a manufacturer of refrigerators and freezers. The company has gained not only China CCC certificate, but also many international certificates such as ISO 14001, ETL, CE, ROHS and GOST.

Costway – this trademark is owned by Costway.Com, Inc., a company with the U.S. headquarters. Since 2009 the company has been providing its name-brand products on large retailers’ platforms like Amazon and eBay. Nowadays, the company sells their home appliances, furniture, automotive products, lawn and garden products, toys, etc. via its own online store and other multiple third-party retailers worldwide. More than that, Costway has become one of the leading retailers in the U.S. and Europe maintaining the high quality of their products at affordable prices.

Are residential refrigerators suitable for RV?

If you want to get a brief answer to this question, then it would be positive. Theoretically, residential refrigerators can be used in motorhomes. Conventional fridges are commonly cheaper than their RV counterparts and this make them especially attractive option. Besides, the residential style appliances grant more storage capacity, and it is also one of their undeniable benefits. But in practice, installation of such units will provoke a number of challenges including power supply and limited space issues.

In fact, residential refrigerators cannot be operated in RVs without a good amount of electricity. However, you may try to go with a portable power station which would feature an adequate capacity to support small electric appliances, including mini fridges that can go up to 250W. Modern power stations can be recharged by standard wall outlet, car port, solar panel or generator; so most probably there won’t be any recharging issues. However, be ready to spend a lot for a powerful model.

Anyway, you will have to bear extra costs and make additional arrangements when installing a residential fridge in your RV. Thus, I wouldn’t recommend going this puzzled way. It would be better to select the most affordable variant of RV fridge to keep your food fresh whenever you are on a road trip.

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