You might not know this until now, but the cost to have a cold drink in your campervan is enormous. We were stunned at how expensive a good campervan fridge is, but in looking at all the alternatives, we realised that if you want something that is low energy, low noise, efficient and cools, you might just have to pay for it.
In any case, we’ve documented everything we learned about campervan fridges so that you can understand them more quickly than we did.
In this article you will find the key factors when choosing a campervan fridge. We cover the types of refrigeration, how they work, their pros and their cons, how to install a fridge in your campervan and, as always, we’ll tell you our exact set up and how we did it.
Considerations for your campervan fridge
Budget
Fridges are expensive, we couldn’t believe how expensive a 12v fridge is, but remember, quality often correlates with price, and a fridge should be considered a long-term investment. You should be budgeting north of £400 for a fridge, and for a good one you’ll need double that.
Fridge volume
Fridge volume is measured in litres, weirdly. To understand your sizing needs you will need to take into account the duration of your trips and the number of travellers (and their appetites and diets) when determining fridge size. For a couple, a fridge capacity of around 40-60 litres should suffice.
Powering your fridge
Campervan fridges operate on either 12V, 24V DC, 120V AC, or Propane. The best campervan fridges will be “combo” models, where you can switch between two or more power methods. Most campervan owners find 12V DC to be the best powered method as it’s the most efficient way to run power to your fridge.
Power consumption & energy efficiency
Keeping things cool can take a lot of energy, and that means looking at your battery capacity/ access to solar and shore power, and the energy consumption of your desired (or most affordable) fridge. If you have the budget, opt for energy-efficient models with a power consumption of less than 1.5 amps per hour or fridges with energy-saving modes to conserve power and extend your battery life. Fridges equipped with energy-saving modes or settings, such as “eco” or “night” modes, can help reduce your overall power consumption.
Temperature control
A fridge with adjustable temperature controls allows for precise cooling performance, ensuring the freshness of your perishables and reduced food spoilage. It also helps that if you don’t have anything that could go bad at certain temperatures, you can increase the fridge temp just a little and conserve some energy.
Noise level
Fridges make noise, and they will do so all night. A lot of fridges will turn on and off to regulate the temperature. If you’re sensitive to background noise, especially at night, try to find a fridge with low noise ratings (around 40 dB or lower).
Ventilation requirements
You will need to abide by the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper installation and ventilation to prevent overheating and maintain optimal fridge performance.
Ease of cleaning
You might want to opt for fridges with removable shelves, spill-proof surfaces, and easy-to-clean materials to simplify your van maintenance routine.
Spatial constraints
Your van’s size may dictate the fridge dimensions you can accommodate. Take into account the available space and how it will impact your overall layout. Does the space allow for the amount of food you (and everyone in your van) want to eat. Measure the dimensions of your available space to ensure a seamless fit.
Fridge types
Did you know that not just any fridge will suffice for your campervan conversion? Here’s what you can use.
Compressor fridges
A compressor fridge operates in a similar fashion to the one in your home. It uses a compressor unit powered by electricity to cool the interior. But here’s the catch: regular household fridges draw 240/110v (UK/US), which is far too much for your van’s leisure batteries (they run on a 12v system).
The solution? A 12v or two-way compressor fridge that can run off 12v power, and, if needed, 240v power.
Pros of compressor fridges:
- Low maintenance: No regular servicing required here
- Energy efficient: They run intermittently, which means they only draw power when the compressor is active, usually just a couple of times an hour.
- Campervan-friendly: Designed specifically for mobile environments these fridges don’t require a perfectly level surface to operate.
- Simple installation: No need to carve holes in your van’s exterior for ventilation.
- Versatile power options: With a suitable solar panel and leisure battery, the 12v set up should easily keep your fridge running without worrying about an electrical hookup.
- Resilient in hot climates: Compressor fridges perform well even when ambient temperatures soar.
Cons of compressor fridges:
- Cost: These fridges can put a dent in your wallet, but their advantages may outweigh the initial investment.
- Noise: While not deafening, the sound of the compressor running can be noticeable, especially at night.
- Power consumption: Although energy-efficient, they rely solely on battery power, with no LPG option available.
With their efficient cooling, low power draw, and minimal maintenance, compressor fridges are an ideal choice for campervan conversions. Just remember that regular household fridges won’t cut it—you’ll need a 12v or two-way compressor fridge designed for mobile use
Absorption fridges
Absorption fridges, also known as three-way fridges, offer a versatile cooling solution for campervans. These fridges operate on gas, 12V, or mains power (240V/110V/UK/US) and were the best option available for campervan-ers in the noughties. You’ll see them in a lot of ‘WOMO’s”.
How absorption fridges work:
An absorption fridge has no moving parts and operates based on the laws of chemistry and physics. An absorption fridge creates heat using a fuel (on of the 12V, 240V, or LPG gas options). The heat source causes a liquid refrigerant inside to evaporate into gas in a low-pressure vessel, absorbing heat from the fridge’s interior. The now hot gas passes through a heat exchanger, where the heat dissipates to the ambient air outside the fridge. The loss of heat causes the refrigerant gas to condense back into liquid form, repeating the cycle. Pretty smart stuff.
Pros of absorption fridges
- Quiet operation: Since there are no moving parts, absorption fridges work almost silently.
- Multiple power sources: Absorption fridges can run on 12V, 240V, and LPG gas, providing flexibility in many off-grid situations and travelling conditions.
- Efficient when running on gas: When powered by LPG gas, absorption fridges are highly efficient. The exact energy consumption will depend on the specific model, but when running on gas, they typically consume around 20-30 grams of propane per hour.
- Available in larger sizes: These fridges offer more size options compared to some compressor fridges or thermoelectric cool boxes.
- Longer lifespan: Properly maintained absorption fridges generally have a longer lifespan due to the lack of moving parts.
Cons of absorption fridges:
- Levelling requirement: Absorption fridges must be level to function correctly, which can be an issue when wild camping. Levellers can be used to overcome this problem.
- Proper ventilation needed: Absorption fridges require good ventilation (to the rear of the fridge). That means you will need to cut a hole in your van and install vents and maybe even a flue to the outside to allow them to function efficiently. Ugly, in our opinion.
- Regular servicing: These fridges require periodic servicing to maintain their performance.
- Inefficient on 12V power: Absorption fridges are highly inefficient when running on 12V power, even less so on 240v (unless you are hooked up to shore power). They will drink the juice from your battery.
- Less powerful cooling: Absorption fridges are more sensitive to changes in ambient temperature, affecting their performance in extreme hot or cold conditions. That’s not necessarily a big problem unless you find yourself in a heatwave, but if it does get real hot where you are, your fridge might not maintain desired temperatures.
- More involved installation: Installation is going to be a lot harder with one of these, courtesy of the hole cutting etc.
- Longer startup time: Absorption fridges may take several hours to reach the desired temperature after being switched on.
- Less precise temperature control: Temperature regulation may not be as accurate as with compressor fridges, which can be an issue for temperature sensitive food items, like milk.
- Environmental impact: Running on LPG gas can produce greenhouse gases, making absorption fridges less environmentally friendly compared to compressor fridges.
In conclusion, absorption fridges offer a unique cooling solution with various power source options and silent operation. However, their cooling efficiency, installation requirements, and maintenance needs should be considered when deciding if an absorption fridge is the right choice for your campervan.
ThermoElectric coolers
Thermoelectric coolers, also known as cool boxes, are portable refrigeration solutions that plug into the 12V socket of a vehicle, using the engine battery to keep the box cool. They are an ideal choice for car camping, portable use, and budget-conscious campervan builds.
How Thermoelectric coolers work:
Thermoelectric fridges work by passing an electric current through two plates made of different materials, creating a temperature difference. Heat from the fridge is absorbed and passed through the element into a heat sink, which releases it into the surrounding air. These fridges have no moving parts except for a fan.
Pros of Thermoelectric coolers
- Low cost: Thermoelectric coolers are more budget-friendly compared to other fridge types.
- Simple design: These fridges have a straightforward design with minimal moving parts, which can result in a longer lifespan.
- Environmentally friendly: No hazardous chemical refrigerants are used in thermoelectric coolers.
- Easy installation: There’s no need for ventilation holes in the vehicle, hurrah.
- Compact sizes: These fridges are available in smaller sizes, making them suitable for limited space. If you don’t have a leisure battery set up, they might be your best (/only) option.
- Quiet operation: Thermoelectric coolers operate with minimal noise.
Cons of Thermoelectric coolers:
- Limited cooling capacity: Thermoelectric coolers may not achieve very low temperatures and can struggle in warmer climates.
- Inefficient energy use: These coolers can consume more power compared to other fridge types, resulting in higher running costs.
- Smaller sizes: Thermoelectric coolers are typically smaller than other fridge types, which may not be suitable for those needing more storage space.
- Constant operation required: To maintain the desired coolness, thermoelectric coolers must run continuously.
Considering the key aspects of thermoelectric coolers, they offer a budget-friendly and portable option for campervan refrigeration. However, they may not be the best choice for those who require efficient cooling or larger capacity. Keep in mind that thermoelectric coolers consume more energy compared to compressor fridges, which can increase overall power consumption.
Which fridge type should you buy for your campervan?
| Fridge Factors | Compressor | Absorption | Thermoelectric |
| Cooling Performance | Excellent | Moderate | Limited |
| Energy Efficiency | Excellent | Good on gas, poor on 12V | Low |
| Temperature Stability | Unaffected | Affected by van levelling | Affected by ambient temperature |
| Power Source Flexibility | 12V, 24V | 12V, 240V, LPG | 12V |
| Installation Complexity | Easy | Moderate | Easy |
| Cost | High | Moderate | Low |
| Noise Level | Low, but some noise | Quite | Low, but some noise |
| Environmental Friendliness | Contains refrigerants | Contains refrigerants | No hazardous refrigerants |
| Size Options | Wide range | Wide range | Smaller sizes |
| Effectiveness in Hot Climates | Performs well | Struggles | Struggles |
| Portability | Moderate | Low | High |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance | Regular servicing needed | Low maintenance |
Fridge layouts
Top-loading or chest fridges
Top-loading fridges are popular among van lifers for a few primary reasons: they are generally more energy-efficient than front-loading fridges (since less cold air escapes when you open them) and allow for more storage space. Some models can be used as either a fridge or a freezer, while others have dual-zone compartments.
These kind of fridges are also great for those who want more portability since they don’t need to be built-in. You can take it out and use it as the world’s most expensive cool box, either whilst still plugged in via a lead, or unplugged completely.
Top-loading fridges, however, come with some disadvantages. They may not be the best use of space in your campervan, as you cannot store anything above them. To overcome this issue, you should try and think about installing the fridge on a slider or within a seating arrangement, depending on your van’s layout.
One other downside of top-loading fridges is that they can become cluttered, making access to the items at the bottom a pain.
Front-loading fridges
Front-loading fridges are the type commonly found in homes and are also popular in campervans because they don’t pose a problem when it comes to using the space above or below them. Although they may not hold as much as top-loading fridges, they offer easier access and organisation, with compartments for food and drinks.
With a front-loading fridge, you can store items like milk or juice in the door without worrying about spills, and meat can be placed at the bottom to prevent contamination. Front-loading fridges are also generally easier to clean than top-loading models.
But, you can’t remove them once they are in.
Front-loading drawer fridges
Front-loading drawer fridges combine aspects of top-loading and traditional front-loading fridges. These models have compartments that slide out like a drawer, allowing you to stack items similar to a top-loading fridge. This design offers more storage capacity than a typical front-loading fridge but less than a top-loading fridge.
Although not as efficient as a top-loading fridge (since the entire drawer must be opened for access), front-loading drawer fridges are convenient for those who want a top-loading fridge without needing a sliding drawer cabinet. These fridges are your top of the range models, and will cost you a lot of money.
How to install a fridge
For us, the winning fridge is a compressor fridge. It’s low energy, very easy to install, very quiet, comes in a range of sizes and you don’t need any vents cut into your campervan walls.
You can choose to plug a Compressor fridge straight into your inverter, and run it off 240v, if you want, but this is an extremely inefficient way to power your fridge, and you will unnecessarily deplete your leisure batteries. Instead, you should take the time to install into your 12v system.
Disclaimer: The installation process may vary depending on the specific fridge model and your campervan’s layout, so here is a general step-by-step guide for installing a 12V compressor fridge in a campervan:
Step 1: Choose the right location
Determine where you want to install the fridge in your campervan. Consider factors like accessibility, available space, and ventilation.
Step 2: Measure the space
Measure the dimensions of the fridge and ensure it will fit into the designated space. Allow enough space for ventilation around the fridge, as specified in the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 3: Build or modify a cabinet
Create or modify a cabinet or enclosure to house the fridge. The cabinet should provide proper support, (a bit of) ventilation, a way of locking the fridge in (if it slides) and if possible, some extra insulation.
Step 4: Wire the fridge
Run appropriate gauge wires from the fridge to your campervan’s 12V electrical system. Make sure to use an appropriate fuse according to the fridge’s specifications. You might find that the fridge comes with a 12v cable that goes into a cigarette lighter adapter. You can use this adapter, or cut it off and connect up the positive and negative wires using connectors and a terminal box. Check that it all works by leaving it on for a few hours.
Step 5: Secure the fridge
Place the fridge into the cabinet or enclosure and secure it in place using mounting brackets or screws, as recommended by the manufacturer.
Step 6: Re-Connect the fridge to the power source
Connect the fridge’s wires to your campervan’s 12V electrical system, ensuring correct polarity. And double check all connections, mounting points, and ventilation to ensure a safe and efficient installation.
(Optional) Step 7: Finish the cabinet
Complete any finishing touches, such as adding doors or trim, to complete the installation and match the surrounding interior of your campervan.
What we did
Like we said, the expensiveness of van fridges was a real surprise to us. They are expensive! So you need to make sure you get this decision right.
Really have a think about how many beers you need to store at once, and how long you need to go off grid for. We didn’t consider, for instance, leftovers. We found we really wanted to make more than enough food in the evenings to save cooking the next day, but struggled with storage in the fridge.
We have a dometic 30l fridge, wired into 12v. It’s really great, we can set the temperature and we hardly hear it when it kicks in. It seems not to use much electricity, unless it is super warm outside. It used noticeably less power in the cooler evenings (~12 degrees) than it did in the hot ones (~20 degrees).
It was really easy to wire in and we can take it out (like a coolbox) if we ever want to.
This is a £700 fridge. The only reason we have it is because we found one nearby on Facebook marketplace. This, and ebay, should be your go to place if you are on a budget.
For 2 people, the 30l internal fridge space is not quite big enough, and we have to be a bit smart about how much fresh produce, dairy, leftovers and cans we can cool at the same time. We adopted a constant state of ‘fridge management’, involving revolving things from bottom to top and cycling cans.
If we were to do it again, I’d pick a 12v fridge but I don’t think I could justify the price of a new one. Pick a good quality second hand one.