Smad Lockable Mini Cooler 24qt Dc/ac Absorption Fridge Refrigerator Camper Reviews

There's cypher like having a 12 volt refrigerator in your van or at your campsite to actually bring the comforts of dwelling on the road.

Refrigeration means yous can shop fresh nutrient and other cold items – similar vegetables, dairy, meat, "booch," and beer. Information technology means you lot don't have to fuss with a libation total of ice and water-logged food. And fifty-fifty though the best 12 volt refrigerators for campervans aren't inexpensive, having 1 means saving coin (and eating healthier) past cooking your own meals.

A skillful 12V fridge is one of the biggest investments you lot'll make when edifice your van. And you lot demand to know that the refrigerator y'all're getting will run into your needs and hold upwardly to the daily grind of life on the road, all while staying within your upkeep.

The globe of 12V fridges has grown quite disruptive, with newer budget players similar Iceco, Alpicool, and Costway inbound the market, and major brands like Dometic and ARB getting more and more expensive.

In this post, nosotros assist you wade through all the vanlife refrigeration options, from cheap to top-of-the-line to DIY. Nosotros go over the pros and cons of the all-time 12V refrigerator models. Nosotros hash out whether those expensive 12 volt fridges are actually worth the toll, and what you may be giving up with the cheaper units.

So read on and notice the best refrigeration solution for your rig!

The Best 12V Refrigerators

Subsequently extensive research and testing, nosotros've narrowed the huge list of 12 volt portable refrigerators for van life down to a handful of fridges that we recommend. Beneath are our elevation picks for all-time overall value, best high end/upgrade fridge, and best budget 12 volt refrigerator (we recommend additional options in each category farther down in this post).

Best Overall Value

ICECO VL-Series 12V Fridges

Sporting the ultra-efficient Danfoss SECOP compressor and stainless steel structure, these fridges have everything you lot need for life on the road for about half the toll of college end units.

Available in sizes from 45 to 74 liters, and both single and dual zone.

Enter coupon code GNOMAD for 12% off at Iceco.com

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In our opinion, Iceco 12 volt refrigerators are the all-time overall value for portable refrigerators in the vanlife space. They offer an first-class combination of top quality components, rugged construction, performance on par with higher cease 12 volt fridges, and affordable pricing that's tough to vanquish. They come in a variety of sizes to fit any need, from smaller unmarried-zone to large dual-zone, and offer unlike form factors in their JP-series.

Upgrade Choice #ane

Dometic CFX3 12V Fridges

Featuring best-in-grade energy efficiency, cutting border engineering, rugged build quality, and overall reliability, CFX3 fridges are the superlative choice of many vanlifers for good reason.

Available in sizes from 24 to 99 liters, and in both single and dual zone.

Utilize coupon code GNOMAD for 5% off + gratuitous aircraft at Dometic.com.

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The Dometic CFX3-serial represents the top of the line when it comes to 12 volt refrigerators for vanlife. These fridges are extremely energy efficient, packed with advanced digital features, and come from Dometic's well-known full-blooded of producing rugged and innovative and mobile living appliances. The but real downside is college cost, but that may exist worth it to you if you desire the best of the all-time for your rig.

Budget Selection #1

BougeRV 12V Refrigerators

Solid and cheap 12V vanlife refrigerators. Bachelor in a range of sizes from thirty quart (28L) up to 53 quart (50L).

Coupon codes for Bougerv.com:

• GNOMAD90 for $ninety off the 53-Qt fridge
• GNOMAD12 for 12% off sitewide

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BougeRV 12 volt portable refrigerators offer incredible blindside for your buck. They are well made, highly efficient 12V DC refrigerators with all the basic features, and they're less than ane/3 the cost of the high stop brands (with discounts). And unlike another cheap 12V fridges, this fridge has a make behind it that'southward committed to the product and the vanlife infinite. If yous want refrigeration in your van without breaking your budget, BougeRV is a great selection.

Read on for a guide on what to look for when selecting a refrigerator for your van. At that place is a lot of good info here that we propose checking out. Or, if yous prefer, you can skip to our list of recommendations.

Spring to detailed 12V refrigerator comparing>>>

Different Types of Vanlife Refrigeration

Photo by @captainelsewhere

There are a few different options for keeping nutrient cold in your van. Hither'south a breakup:

12V Compressor Fridges (best overall pick for full-timers)

Compressor fridges are the almost mutual type of 12 volt refrigerator y'all'll meet on the road, and for practiced reason. These 12 volt fridges are often designed for use in 4×4 vehicles and boats, and they're built with durability and efficiency in heed – two things you really demand in an off-grid adventure vehicle.

These 12 volt portable fridges take highly efficient, variable speed compressors that describe very piddling power, they tin be used as a refrigerator, freezer, or both, they come in a multifariousness of configurations – including breast-mode, upright, and dual-zone fridge/freezers – and they typically have the ability to run while at an incline of up to 30 degrees (other types of fridges need to exist kept perfectly level when running). This combination of features makes these 12 volt portable fridges perfect for vanlife.

Even though compressor fridges are crawly, they do have a downside – cost. These 12 volt refrigerators are more expensive than other options, and that's before you lot factor in the need to add auxiliary batteries and a ways to accuse them (similar solar panels or a battery isolator).

Merely if your goal is to turn your van into a comfy, off-grid mobile abode, investing in a high quality 12V compressor fridge is totally worth the cost.

Build Your Ain Inexpensive Fridge (best option for DIY-ers on a budget)

If you lot're DIY-oriented – and let'southward face information technology, if you lot're reading this weblog, you probably are – then you can build your own fairly efficient fridge out of a breast freezer. Freezers tend to have thicker insulation than fridges, which ways that your DIY fridge will be more efficient than a standard mini-fridge.

The general idea is to take a chest freezer, plug it into a pocket-size inverter, and wire information technology to a thermostat that yous set to refrigerator temperatures. The thermostat is connected to a relay that kicks the inverter on and off equally needed. When the temperature inside the fridge rises above our target, the relay turns the inverter on. Once the fridge reaches the low temperature you set, the relay turns off the inverter. This prevents it from cooling likewise much, and also prevents power drain from leaving the inverter on all the time.

The big do good here is cost – you can make a real, working fridge for a fraction of the toll of a purpose-congenital 12 volt portable fridge. Merely as with anything, there are drawbacks. These fridges may non exist quite every bit efficient as 12V fridges, and you'll have to sink some time into building this setup.

Breast freezers tend to be quite large, and many of the smaller ones are – nosotros couldn't discover many smaller than 3.5 cubic feet, which is twice the size of a 50 L portable fridge – then if you demand something smaller for your van, you'll have to become with an upright freezer instead. But the same full general thought applies for converting it to a DIY vanlife fridge.

Here are some tutorials we've found detailing a DIY fridge conversion:

• Creating an Constructive and Ultra-Efficient Refrigerator (Vandweller's Reddit)
• Chest Freezer To Refrigerator Conversion-The Most Energy Efficient Fridge Ever (A Self Sufficient Life)
• Poor Human being'south Super Efficient Off Filigree Refrigerator (Off Grid Boot Camp)

Standard Coolers (Best for Shoestring Budgets)

If y'all're just commencement your vanlife journey and don't want to throw down for an expensive 12 volt fridge and electric system right away, then a good cooler can get you started for a minimal toll. Many high performance coolers can hold ice for v-ten days, giving y'all plenty of time off in the wilderness earlier you need to restock.

Coolers exercise have many drawbacks that brand them less than platonic for full time living. The cost of water ice adds up, not to mention all the time and endeavor it takes to hunt down ice when you lot need it, periodically dump out whatever water ice melt, and bargain with potentially water-logged food.

But if yous're a weekender, or if you lot're simply testing out this whole vanlife thing, or if yous're on a shoestring upkeep – then a good cooler is a great choice for keeping your nutrient cold on the cheap. Recall, you tin can always upgrade your van downwards the road equally your needs and budget alter.

Thermoelectric Coolers (Fine for Roadtrippers, Not Recommended for Van Life)

Thermoelectric coolers plug into a 12V power source, and have the ability to chill their contents without ice. Simply they're just not ideal for living in a van.

12 volt thermoelectric coolers only have the ability to cool twoscore° or less beneath ambient temperature – which is fine if you spend all of your time in absurd weather, but if the outside temperature is to a higher place 78° you probably won't desire to store meat or dairy in one. They also draw much more power than 12V compressor fridges, making them difficult to run on an off filigree electrical system.

If all you want is something to keep drinks or snacks common cold during route trips, so a thermoelectric libation just might fit your needs. But if yous desire refrigeration for camping or boondocking, so an actual 12V refrigerator or standard cooler are far better choices.

three-Mode Absorption Fridges (Not Recommended for Vanlife)

3-manner assimilation fridges are more usually institute in RVs, and in our stance don't brand much sense for vanlife. These types of fridges tin can run on 12V DC, 110V AC, or propane, giving you a variety of options to keep your nutrient common cold. Just they're wildly inefficient on 12V DC ability, running them all the time on 110V AC means additional drain from your inverter, and running them on propane means you take more fuel lines to bargain with (and you'll accept to vent the refrigerator to the outside).

Another huge drawback is that assimilation fridges need to exist completely level to function properly – and unless you spend all your time in RV parks, perfectly level ground can exist hard to find. When you're living in a van, you really need a get-anywhere refrigerator that's besides energy efficient, and 3-mode absorption fridges but don't fit the bill.

Chest-mode 12 Volt Refrigerators vs. Upright Fridges: What's Best for Your Build?

Photo by @wildwheelswander

In the world of 12V DC fridges, at that place are ii broad styles: top-opening chest fridges, and front end-opening upright fridges.

Many upright fridges run the exact same compressors as their chest-style cousins, so you would think that choosing between the two is but a matter of how y'all prefer to access and organize your refrigerated nutrient. But chest-way fridges have some big advantages over upright fridges that in our opinion makes chest fridges the best choice for off-grid campervans.

Chest Fridges are More Energy Efficient

When you lot're boondocking in the wilderness with your batteries and solar panels equally your only power source, energy efficiency is a prime consideration. And chest-style 12 volt portable refrigerators are generally more free energy efficient than upright-mode 12 volt fridges.

Why is this the case? Part of the reason is that cold air naturally sinks. With chest fridges, the door is at the top, which means that common cold air will pool at the bottom of the refrigerator where it has nowhere to escape. Only with upright fridges yous're relying on the insulation seal effectually the door to proceed cold air in when the door is close, and any accumulated cold air will spill out whenever the door is opened.

Since food has a higher thermal density than air, most of the cold in any fridge is actually "stored" in the food (or beer) within the fridge, so fridges that are packed full are much easier to continue absurd than fridges with a lot of empty space. And with the interior shelf organization of upright-style 12 volt refrigerators, it's likely that you'll end upwards with wasted empty infinite on top of your food items.

All of this ways that upright fridges have to run longer to keep your nutrient cold, which equals a bigger drain on your batteries.

Chest Fridges Hold More and are Easier to Organize

If yous're used to a standard front-open refrigerator in your house or apartment, and then this may come equally a surprise. How can a front-open refrigerator with shelves and drawers exist tougher to organize than a chest fridge that forces you to stack items on elevation of each other?

The front end-open up fridges in stationary dwellings are huge, and give you enough of infinite to spread out and organize your food items. Simply in a smaller 12 volt refrigerator, empty infinite is wasted space that just makes your fridge's compressor work harder (and draw more power). Fifty-fifty with shelving, you withal need to stack items on height of each other and y'all still demand to shift items around to get to others. And you'll probable end upwards with a ton of empty air between the acme of your food and the lesser of the next shelf. All of this means wasted infinite without whatever real gains in system.

The meridian-downwardly layout of chest-mode 12 volt fridges allows yous to tightly pack them to fit more stuff and eliminate any wasted space. Most chest-style 12 volt portable refrigerators also come with dividers and dairy compartments, which aid a lot with organization.

And if your nutrient shifts effectually within the refrigerator while yous're billowy down those gnarly backroads, with a chest fridge you won't accept to worry about your eggs flying out at you when you get to your campsite and open the refrigerator to catch a common cold one.

Chest Fridges Are Portable and Can Double as Coolers in Emergencies

Chest fridges are shaped and configured like coolers, and include handles for easy portability. This allows you lot to movement your 12V fridge effectually your van, bring information technology inside and plug it into 110V AC if you're stationary somewhere, or stow it outside in absurd conditions for greater energy efficiency. All of this is more than hard with an upright fridge.

Many breast-style 12 volt refrigerators besides feature drain plugs at the bottom. These plugs make cleaning easier, merely they likewise allow your 12V portable fridge to double every bit a libation if for some reason you lose electricity. Just dump ice in your refrigerator like you would a standard cooler, and pull the drain plug as needed to remove water ice melt. This is something you just tin can't do with a front-opening upright refrigerator.

Which 12 Volt Refrigerator is Better for Your Layout? It's All About Preference

Photograph by @h2ovanagon

One big reason some vanlifers choose upright fridges over breast fridges is their layout. Upright fridges have a smaller footprint, which tin can brand them easier to incorporate into a flooring program. Since they open from the forepart, you don't need to make certain there's plenty overhead space to open the lid, similar you do with chest fridges (to make this less of an issue, you lot tin can buy a fridge slide or make your ain).

But in that location are some things to consider when incorporating an upright-style 12 volt refrigerator into your layout. Outset, it will probable need to be permanently mounted, whereas breast-manner 12 volt portable fridges can be easily moved. Also, you may have to get down on your hands and knees to see inside an upright fridge, unless y'all mount it on a cabinet a few feet off the floor. With chest fridges, it's like shooting fish in a barrel to look straight downward and see all the contents.

We recollect chest-manner fridges are the way to go, but the best 12 volt refrigerator for you lot ultimately comes down to your needs and preferences. Here's a quick overview of pros and cons to assistance you determine:

Chest-fashion 12 Volt Fridges

Pros

• More free energy efficient
• Greater usable chapters
• Can easily see all contents of the refrigerator
• Rugged and portable
• Can be used equally an extra seat
• Can exist used as a libation in emergencies

Cons

• May be tougher to contain into a floor plan
• Demand space higher up for lid to open up (or mountain it on a fridge slide)
• Some may not similar "peak down" organization

Upright-manner 12V Fridges

Pros

• Smaller footprint may help with planning a layout
• Less of a "learning bend" to transition from a standard refrigerator
• More often than not lighter and less expensive

Cons

• Not every bit energy efficient
• Internal layout means more wasted space
• Not easily portable
• Tougher to come across inside (unless mounted loftier up)
• Food items may shift effectually while driving, and wing out when you open the door

How Much Solar & Batteries Do You Need to Run a 12 Volt Portable Refrigerator?

Running a 12V fridge in your van requires an electric setup that consists of (at a minimum) a 12V outlet continued to an auxiliary battery (not your starting bombardment), and a ways to charge it. Only how much battery capacity do y'all demand?

Determining Your Bombardment Capacity

To calculate how much bombardment chapters y'all need to reliably run your 12V fridge, showtime find your fridge'due south boilerplate ability draw.

As an example, permit'southward presume our fridge draws an boilerplate of 2.0 Amps per 60 minutes.

Over the form of ane day (24 hours), a 12V fridge cartoon two.0 Amps per hour will bleed 48 Ah from your battery.

When sizing your battery bank, you lot also need to consider the blazon of battery you have. Lead-acid, AGM, and gel batteries can merely be discharged l% before you lot first to harm them, so yous always want to double your energy usage number to make up one's mind your battery capacity. In this example, yous would want a minimum battery chapters of 100 Ah – plus boosted capacity for your other electrical loads.

LiFePO4 batteries (lithium iron phosphate, or LFP), on the other paw, can be discharged 100%. Then in this example, a 48ah LFP battery should be able to proceed up with your fridge. However, you would need a bigger bombardment to accommodate your other electrical loads, and we always recommend building in some jerk room if yous tin.

Recommended Battery

Battle Born 100Ah LiFePO4 12V Battery

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are THE best choice for modern camper vans.They terminal much longer, accuse faster, and tin be fully discharged without damage. Battle Born batteries are made in the US, and designed specifically for mobile living and off-filigree dwellings.

Our #1 recommended battery pick.

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Charging Your Batteries

If your budget allows, adding solar to your van volition let you to stay off grid while keeping your batteries charged up (nosotros recommend mounting them to your roof, or you can build a portable mount). We have detailed information on system sizing, installation, and just well-nigh everything else y'all need to know in our epic electrical post.

Recommended Solar Kit

Renogy Premium Solar Kits

Everything you need to add together solar to your van. Including solar panels, mounting brackets, MPPT charge controller, fuses, and wiring.

Enter coupon lawmaking GnomadHome  for ten% off at Renogy.com

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In improver to solar, it'southward a good idea to install a bombardment isolator or DC-DC charger, which allows you to charge up your batteries from your alternator while driving. This is a bang-up manner to go along your batteries topped off when yous're in the wood or in cloudy environments. And if y'all're on a budget, you lot may be able to meet well-nigh of your charging needs with simply a bombardment isolator. Yous can always add together solar equally your upkeep and your needs evolve.

Best DC-DC Charger

• Read More: Epic Guide to DIY Van Build Solar & Electrical
• Read More than: Battery Isolators and DC-DC Chargers for Vanlife

Portable Power Stations

If installing your own electrical organisation sounds intimidating (information technology'south not that bad – promise!), and then another selection is to go with a portable power station like the Jackery Explorer 1000, or competing products from Goal Zero or Bluetti. The big reward to power stations is convenience and ease of utilize, but you will pay a bit of a premium for that.

Jackery Explorer yard Power Station

With a 1002Wh lithium battery, 1000W pure sine inverter, and the ability to charge via solar, the Explorer 1000 is a superlative notch solar generator for bones power needs.

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You tin also buy the Jackery bundled with their Solar Saga 100W foldable panels.

The Jackery Explorer 1000 has enough juice to run a 12 volt fridge and other vanlife necessities, but you volition need to exist proactive about seeking out sunny weather to keep information technology charged. The Jackery Explorer 1500 and Explorer 2000 are even more than capable of powering full fourth dimension vanlife.

• Read More: Jackery Explorer 1000 Review: Is This a Legit Option for Fulltime Vanlife?

What to Look for in a Portable 12V Compressor Fridge

Photo past @therustyrambler

Here's a quick rundown of what to look for when evaluating 12V fridge choices for your van:

Pricing (and your budget)

12 volt refrigerators can exist pretty expensive in general, merely there's quite the range of prices between high-end brands and upkeep brands. If your budget doesn't allow for a higher-end fridge (and y'all don't want to use a cooler while yous relieve your pennies), then you lot might want to take a hard look at less expensive brands.

College end 12 volt refrigerators take been getting more and more expensive over the past few years – and while acme brands like Dometic, ARB, Engel, etc., brand excellent units, the value may not be there for a lot of people. There has also been a proliferation of budget brands using quality components similar Danfoss SECOP compressors that are worth looking at. You may be making some tradeoffs in terms of reliability and efficiency with some of these units, simply you'll also be spending style less money. Plus, there are at present 12V fridge brands like Iceco that tin can get toe-to-toe with college end units in many respects.

If you lot're a full-timer, we think a 12 volt refrigerator is an area of your van build where it's worth investing in quality, and buying a tiptop-of-the-line fridge is a worthy expense. Just if you don't have that kind of money to spend, in that location are some dandy values out there as well.

Ascension of the Cheap 12V Fridges

When we congenital out our outset van back in 2016, you could count the number of vanlife fridge brands on ii hands, and almost of them had been effectually for years, if not decades.

Since so, the number of vanlife fridges available has exploded. Search "12V refrigerator" on Amazon, and you'll be met with dozens of similar-looking products sold under generic-sounding names like Costway, F40C4TMP, SetPower, AstroAI, and Bodega.

About of these companies are not making their own products or doing any sort of R&D – they are simply slapping their make proper name on a mass-produced 12 volt portable refrigerator made in the same Chinese factory as all the others. That'southward why yous see what looks similar the exact same fridge being sold under many different brand names.

Demonstration: Go to Alibaba.com and search "12 volt refrigerator." You'll see a list of 12V fridges (the verbal ones you'll find rebranded on Amazon) that you lot tin can purchase in bulk and slap a make name on. You can then have your fridges shipped directly to Amazon and take them handle shipping and fulfillment for a cut of the profits. This is exactly what many of these companies are doing.

At present, this doesn't mean that these products are bad. You simply need to be aware of exactly what y'all're buying, and brand certain the brand is willing to support yous after the purchase.

This is why we recommend the cheap fridge brands that nosotros recommend: Alpicool and BougeRV.

Alpicool has been around for years, and is the original manufacturer of many rebranded 12 volt portable refrigerators. And why buy a rebrand when you can buy the real deal directly from the source? Plus, they employ LG compressors vs something generic.

And BougeRV, while they substantially rebrand 12 volt refrigerators (and other products), their products are high quality. They're making a big push into the vanlife and RV infinite, and seem similar they're committed to becoming a reputable brand. This bodes well for customer support and time to come evolution of their production line. (For example, Renogy started by rebranding mass-produced Chinese solar products, but have since developed into a reputable brand that has quality products, proficient support, and unique offerings).

Interior Capacity and Freezer Capabilities

How much fridge space practise you demand? Buying a 12 volt camper fridge that's likewise big means spending more you lot need to, and giving upward more space in your van. Likewise, having a refrigerator that's too small means shopping for groceries more ofttimes. Needs vary from person to person, simply our 50-Qt refrigerator has plenty infinite for a week's worth of fresh food for both of u.s.a., plus a few kombuchas and a couple of vi packs.

Most 12 volt refrigerators have the ability to role as a fridge or a freezer. But if you need both at the same fourth dimension, some brands offering dual-zone fridge/freezers that take separate compartments for each.

Here are some good general rules of thumb:

• If you're a couple, you will be best served with a fridge that is at to the lowest degree 45-Qt.
• If you're solo, you may exist simply fine with a smaller fridge in the xxx-Qt range.
• Larger families and people who demand a freezer should look at larger dual-zone fridge/freezers.

Energy Efficiency and Compressor

When yous're off grid, energy efficiency is a huge concern. Batteries and solar are expensive, and the more than energy efficient your appliances are, the more money you can salvage in capacity (or the more fourth dimension yous can spend off-grid while still powering everything y'all need).

Virtually 12 volt portable refrigerators on the market use the exact aforementioned highly efficient Danfoss SECOP variable speed compressor, although some brands (including Dometic/Waeco, Engel, and Whynter/Edgestar use their own units).

All of the fridges nosotros look at hither are generally efficient, merely some brands are able to accomplish greater energy efficiency due to better insulation, configuration, and compressor controls. We list all available data on the average power draw of various fridges below.

Annotation: It tin can be insanely difficult to find accurate power draw information for 12V fridges. Non every manufacturer makes test information bachelor – and when they do, the test weather condition may exist different than those used by other manufacturers, making comparisons difficult.

Wherever possible, we obtained test data on average amp draw directly from the manufacturers. Since all these numbers have caveats and may not be direct comparable, nosotros've treated energy efficiency more as a discussion bespeak in our analysis. Merely if any fridge manufacturer wants to loan us a unit to bear our own field tests, we'll happily oblige.

Exterior Dimensions and Weight

If y'all've already got a designated spot where you program to put your 12 volt refrigerator, you'll desire to make sure all the options you lot're considering will fit. Some brands have a bigger footprint but are squatter, while others are taller with a smaller footprint. At the cease of the day, whether a certain fridge volition fit your van'southward configuration can be the deciding factor. Weight could likewise exist a factor in your decision if you need to motion the refrigerator around regularly or if you're trying to stay under a certain weight limit. We list dimensions and weights for all the 12 volt fridges nosotros looked at below.

Direction the Lid Opens

This may seem like a minor consideration, but it tin make a big difference in your van fix. Some 12 volt portable refrigerators accept lids that hinge from the back, while others take side-hinged lids.

Lids that hinge from the side need less overhead clearance to fully open, and since you're facing the fridge from the longer side it may be easier to view and reach the contents. In our van, we have our rear-hinged ARB fridge betwixt the front seats – and so having the hinge at the rear actually makes it easier for us to admission everything. Just every van is different, and the best lid direction for you will depend on your specific setup.

Standard Features and Actress Features

Most portable 12V fridges have the following standard features:

• Ability to operate at upwardly to a 30° incline.
• LED lighting inside the refrigerator.
• Floor drain plug for easy cleaning.
• Low voltage cutting off to protect your batteries.
• Dividers and lift-out organizer baskets.
• Separate dairy compartment.

Some fridges include more advanced features like digital controls, remote readouts, wifi apps, and additional accessories.

Warranty and Reliability

Manufactory warranties give you a degree of security in example something goes wrong and needs to be fixed or replaced. However, nosotros don't desire to enlarge the importance of warranties.

While a 12 volt fridge advertizement a iii-year or 5-year warranty is awesome, the big question is how easy it will be to become warranty servicing. If y'all take an issue with your fridge, y'all may be on the hook for shipping costs to send it dorsum to the manufacturer. Or you lot may have to take it an authorized service eye who volition examine it for warranty eligibility. In whatever case, you may be without your fridge for weeks or longer.

Reputation is too a factor here. The big brands like Dometic, ARB, and Engel by and large have practiced reputations for reliability. Danfoss compressors are known to be reliable, so budget fridges with this compressor are usually a safer bet. You will roll the fewest die if you stick with major brands or fridges with Danfoss compressors.

Epic Comparison of the Top 12 Volt Portable Refrigerators

In our quest to find the best 12 volt refrigerators for vanlife, camping, and RVing, we analyzed fridge models from the nigh popular adventure fridge manufacturers. We compiled data on boilerplate power draw, warranty, interior capacity, exterior dimensions, weight, racket level, features, accessories, and more than. Beneath are our thoughts on the different options out at that place.

Scroll downward or use the links below to spring to a department.

• Top Overall Selection
• Upgrade Picks
• Upkeep Picks
• Other Options

Peak Pick and All-time Overall Value

Summit Pick: Iceco 12V Fridges (various models)

ICECO VL-Serial 12V Fridges

Sporting the ultra-efficient Danfoss SECOP compressor and stainless steel construction, these fridges have everything you demand for life on the road for virtually one-half the cost of higher finish units.

Available in sizes from 45 to 74 liters, and both single and dual zone.

Enter coupon lawmaking GNOMAD for 12% off at Iceco.com

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ICECO JP-Series Fridges

Danfoss SECOP compressor and ICECO quality with durable ABS construction and a front-opening lid. An excellent value for life on the road.

Available in sizes from 30L to 50L.

Use coupon code GNOMAD for 12% off at Iceco.com

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What do you get when you lot take a Danfoss SECOP compressor with a v-year warranty, impenetrable construction, performance and efficiency worthy of a Dometic or ARB, and wrap it in a package that'due south most half the price of the high end refrigerator brands? Well, yous get an Iceco.

In our stance, Iceco 12 volt refrigerators offer the best overall value out there in the portable refrigerator market. Not the cheapest nor the most expensive fridges, they sit down in a Goldilocks sweet spot of superlative notch components, efficient functioning, and affordable pricing.

Plus, they come up in a multitude of sizes from 30L up to 74L, both single zone and dual zone, and different grade factors, so you can easily detect a fridge to suit your needs.

Energy Efficiency

Based on our research, Iceco fridges in full general are extremely energy efficient – pretty close to on par with big names similar Dometic and ARB.

During independent testing of the VL45 unmarried zone 12 volt fridge's power consumption, information technology drew an boilerplate of 0.72A per hour, which is fantabulous. Similar testing of the VL-60 dual zone fridge revealed average power consumption of one.77A per hour in max mode, and 1.27A per hour in eco mode. This is highly efficient for a dual zone refrigerator/freezer that'due south actively running the freezer compartment. Users study similarly efficient numbers.

Price and Overall Value

In our stance, Iceco refrigerators offer the best overall value in the vanlife refrigerator space. They are near half the toll of some higher finish brands, yet they are shut to on par in terms of efficiency, components, durability, and important features.

Warranty and Reliability

Iceco offers a v-twelvemonth warrant on the super-reliable Danfoss SECOP compressor that they use in their 12 volt refrigerators. They simply offer a ane-year warranty on all other parts, which is lower than virtually other 12 volt refrigerator brands. However, we have not heard of whatsoever reliability issues with these fridges.

Features and Accessories

Iceco refrigerators offering all the basic features that we've come to expect in 12V refrigerators, including battery protection and eco/max cooling modes. They don't have a whole lot of bells and whistles such as digital features, but that's not a selling point for many. Equally far every bit accessories, Iceco offers a slide mountain and an insulated cover, both of which work for many of their refrigerator models.

Lesser Line

Iceco fridges offer an excellent value that's tough to trounce. They are rugged and well made, include superlative quality components like Danfoss SECOP compressors, and they are among the nigh efficient 12 volt refrigerators out there. All for a cost that makes more than sense for more people than what some of the high end brands charge.

Upgrade Picks

Upgrade Pick #1: Dometic CFX3-Serial 12 Volt Refrigerators

Dometic CFX3 12V Fridges

Featuring best-in-form free energy efficiency, cut edge technology, rugged build quality, and overall reliability, CFX3 fridges are the top choice of many vanlifers for skillful reason.

Available in sizes from 24 to 99 liters, and in both single and dual zone.

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Nosotros think the Dometic CFX3 line of portable 12V portable fridge/freezers are the top high-stop choice for a vanlife refrigerator. Dometic (or Waeco, every bit they're as well known) has always made solid fridges, but their newest models are setting the bar for the 12V portable fridge class.

Dometic CFX fridges are highly efficient and use very little ability. They're congenital to be rugged and durable, with solid construction, stainless steel hinges, and reinforced corners. They have avant-garde features, like the power to control the temperature through a wifi app.

The most popular version of this fridge is the CFX3 45-L, but Dometic also offers CFX fridges in a variety of sizes, including double-zoned refrigerator/freezers. So no matter what your refrigeration needs are, Dometic makes a CFX fridge to fit.

Energy Efficiency

Based on our inquiry, Dometic CFX3 fridges are the virtually efficient that we've plant. We were not able to find any publicly available information online, and then nosotros called Dometic straight and asked them what they had. According to Dometic'south own testing, the CFX3 45L draws an insanely low 0.68A per hr on average (ninety°F ambient temperature with the fridge set to 39°F).

Owners of this 12 volt portable fridge generally report power consumption at less than 1A per hour, which is consistent with Dometic's numbers, so it's safe to say that this is a very efficient 12 volt refrigerator.

Price and Overall Value

Dometic CFX fridges aren't cheap, that'due south for sure. They're amidst the most expensive 12 volt refrigerators for van life you can buy. But you lot practice get what you lot pay for, including best-in-course energy efficiency, immovability, and a slew of advanced features. CFX3 fridges may not exist the best "value", but they are excellent products that are worth the cost to some.

Warranty and Reliability

In the U.s.a., Dometic offers a standard 2-year manufacturing plant warranty on their products, with the pick to purchase an extended warranty for up to 3 years. They offer a longer standard warranty in Australia. Dometic also has a solid reputation for reliability and support.

Features and Accessories

Dometic CFX fridges are packed with features. They include more advanced features than whatsoever other 12 volt fridge on this list, including a reversible side-opening lid, the ability to control the refrigerator settings from the comfort of a wifi app, and a usb port for charging devices. The CFX line also includes all the standard portable refrigerator features like low voltage cutoff, digital controls, an interior light, and a drain plug. Equally far every bit accessories, Dometic makes a refrigerator slide and an insulated cover for CFX fridges.

Lesser Line

We highly recommend Dometic CFX3 12 volt refrigerators. They are the near efficient out there, they offer the most advanced features of whatsoever 12V portable fridge, and Dometic is well-known for producing superlative quality 4×4 and mobile living components. The CFX3 is not cheap, but if that's not a priority for you then it's an excellent pick for your van.

Upgrade Pick #2: ARB 12V Refrigerators (various models)

ARB Nil 12V Fridges

Built for overlanding expeditions in the Australian outback, ARB fridges are insanely rugged and durable. The ARB Zero includes modern upgrades and easily competes with Dometic'south offerings.

Available in sizes from 38 to 101 quarts, and both single and dual zone.

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ARB Elements Weatherproof 12V Refrigerator

The most rugged refrigerator ARB makes. This 63-qt fridge features 304 stainless steel weatherpoof construction, and an electronic locking keypad.

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Designed for 4×4 expeditions in the Australian outback, ARB 12 volt portable fridge/freezers are known for their durability and ruggedness. They feature potent powder-coated zinc steel construction, and their very low power usage will help you go along your nutrient cold on an off-grid solar setup. Nosotros utilize the 50-Qt model daily in our van, and we can personally attest to its quality and reliability. The hat on these fridges hinges from the back, making the ARB our tiptop choice overall if yous need a rear-hinged hat.

The downside to these 12 volt portable refrigerators is cost – they're a bit pricier than many other 12V DC fridges out there. The quality certainly is there to back up the price and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend this fridge, just this isn't exactly a budget pick.

Energy Efficiency

ARB 12 volt portable refrigerators are very free energy efficient, abaft but the Dometic CFX fridges (based on our enquiry). ARB is one of the few manufacturers that makes ability consumption test information readily available. Co-ordinate to ARB, the 50-Qt model draws a very low 0.87A per 60 minutes on average (based on a 27-hour test in 86°F ambient temperature, with the fridge gear up to 37°F). In a comparison test with an Engel fridge at 90°F ambient temperature (fridge set at 37°F), the ARB drew a low ane.35A per hour.

We personally own the ARB 50-Qt 12 volt refrigerator, and we can attest to its very low power depict. During an extended power draw examination we conducted, nosotros measured the ARB's average ability draw at effectually 0.95A per hr over nearly two weeks. This test was conducted with daytime ambient temperatures in the high lxx'due south, and night temps in the high sixty'south.

Price and Overall Value

ARB fridges are some of the virtually expensive we looked at. You tin can salvage a scrap of coin with other brands, but ARB makes tiptop quality, rugged, and efficient fridges. You really practice become what you pay for with these.

Warranty and Reliability

ARB offers an excellent three-year warranty on their portable refrigerators, so you tin can exist comfortable knowing that they stand up by their products. We haven't heard of whatsoever reliability issues with ARB fridges, and nosotros've had null bug with ours.

Features and Accessories

ARB fridges include all the features you lot expect, like low voltage cutoff, digital display, interior lighting, removable lid, and bleed plug. They likewise have a ton of accessories available, including fridge slides, tie downwardly straps, a transit bag, and a remote brandish. The accessories aren't cheap, though!

Bottom Line

ARB fridges offer splendid immovability and ability efficiency – two acme priorities when y'all live in a van. They also stand behind their products with a 3-year warranty and highly-rated client back up. They practise cost a bit more than other options, only they're well worth the price and we don't hesitate to recommend them (our own ARB 12 volt fridge has been a kickass addition to our van).

Budget Picks

Budget Selection #1: BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerators

BougeRV 12V Refrigerators

Solid and inexpensive 12V vanlife refrigerators. Available in a range of sizes from 30 quart (28L) up to 53 quart (50L).

Coupon codes for Bougerv.com:

• GNOMAD90 for $90 off the 53-Qt refrigerator
• GNOMAD12 for 12% off sitewide

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BougeRV sells the best amidst the slew of inexpensive Chinese mass-produced 12 volt refrigerators that are at present all over Amazon and elsewhere. Simply the big differentiator betwixt BougeRV refrigerators and all those others is that BougeRV seems committed to becoming a real, reputable brand in the vanlife, RV, and take chances infinite. This is an of import indicator of reliability and support, as well as future expansion of the product line.

BougeRV's 12 volt portable refrigerators are extremely inexpensive, but they perform about as well as high end brands, and include all the basic features you would await in a four×iv fridge. It comes in sizes ranging from 30-qt up to 53-qt. We extensively tested their 53-qt model, and nosotros were mostly impressed with its quality and performance.

If y'all don't have a lot to spend on a vanlife fridge (or if you but don't want to shell out the equivalent of a month's hire for one appliance), then BougeRV deserves a hard wait.

Energy Efficiency

BougeRV makes very efficient refrigerators. They apply Wancool compressors, which are cheaper rebranded versions of the highly-efficient and reliable Danfoss compressor.

During our ain hands on testing, we measured the 24-60 minutes boilerplate power draw of the 53-qt model at 0.97A per hour on Eco mode, and 1.33A per hour on Max mode. These tests were conducted with ambience temperatures ranging from the upper 70s to the upper 60s.

Price and Overall Value

BougeRV 12 volt refrigerators offer a tremendous value, and the best bang for your buck that nosotros've establish. With discounts, you can get a BougeRV fridge for less than ane/3 the cost of our high terminate picks. This is an insanely inexpensive way to add refrigeration to your van.

BougeRV disbelieve codes: EmployGnomad90 for $xc off the 53-qt model. UseGnomad12 for 12% off sitewide (including on all their other fridges, likewise as solar panels and accessories).

Warranty and Reliability

BougeRV offers a standard 2-year warranty on their fridges, which you can extend to 3 years past registering your product. Since this 12 volt refrigerator is newer on the scene at that place'due south scant information on long term reliability. Notwithstanding, the product appears solid and BougeRV seems committed to becoming a reputable make, all of which bodes well.

Features and Accessories

BougeRV refrigerators include all the basic features yous would expect in a 12 volt refrigerator, including Eco mode, dual compartment interior with removable basket, interior LED calorie-free, and battery protection. They exercise not accept more advanced digital features, such as Bluetooth.

Bottom Line

BougeRV refrigerators are great choices for frugal vanlifers or vandwellers on a budget. They are efficient, perform well, and include all the basic features yous would expect in a modernistic 12V refrigerator – all for a fraction of the cost of higher terminate brands.

Budget Pick #two: Alpicool CF-Serial 12V Fridges

Alpicool CF 12V Fridges

The OEM for many generic 12V fridge brands. Features LG compressors, solid performance, and affordability for valifers on a budget.

Bachelor in 48 and 58 quart sizes, unmarried zone simply.

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Other Options

Fourth dimension-Tested Reliability: Engel MR040 12V Refrigerator

ENGEL MR040F forty-Qt Portable Fridge/Freezer

Featuring the bulletproof Sawafuji swing compressor, the Engel MR040F is legendary for reliability. It'southward a flake less efficient than our summit picks, merely will likely concluding for decades.

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Engel 12 volt DC refrigerators are legendary for their reliability and longevity – in fact, their motto is "A Fable in Reliability" – and they certainly stand up to their reputation. Engel fridges employ the stone solid Sawafuji Swing Motor compressor, and many owners take run the same refrigerator for decades.

Engel fridges draw a chip more power than our top pick Dometic and ARB 12 volt refrigerators, but they are still very efficient. They practice skimp on some features that come standard on other fridges, most notably digital temperature controls. If y'all purchase an Engel portable refrigerator, you'll be using a manual command knob instead of buttons and a digital brandish (although, some people really prefer this). Some other downside is cost – Engel fridges are in the same high price range as ARB units, but generally have a lower capacity per dollar.

We think the 40 Liter Engel MR040 is the all-time option for vanlife. Designed specifically for marine use, the MR040 features durable plastic construction that can weather the stresses of life on the road.

Energy Efficiency

The Engel MR040 is an efficient fridge, though not as efficient every bit the offerings from Dometic and ARB. According to Engel's ain performance data, the MR040 draws about i.5A per hr in 95°F ambient temperature with the control knob set to "ane" (the lowest refrigeration setting).

In their product descriptions for this 12V fridge, Engel states that the MR040 "typically draws 1-2 Amps per hour," and a comparison test run by ARB showed this fridge drawing 1.67A per hour in 90°F temps. We also found some other exam written report indicating that the Engel draws just over i.6A in 91°F temps, helping to ostend that this fridge reliably draws give or have 1.5A per hr in summertime weather condition.

Price and Overall Value

Engel fridges are on the high end in terms of cost, and then this is not a budget buy. And these fridges lack some features that come standard on other fridges. Merely, Engels are renowned for their overall quality and reliability, so fifty-fifty though the cost is hefty it'due south safety to say that this is a good long-term investment.

Warranty and Reliability

Engel offers a 3-twelvemonth warranty on their fridges, like you'd expect from a top brand. Just where Engels actually stand up out is reliability and longevity – these fridges are legendary for lasting decades without any issues.

Features and Accessories

Engel fridges are not the most characteristic-packed. They utilise a manual control knob instead of digital controls (some actually prefer this), and they do not have an automatic depression voltage close off (although the Sawafuji compressor supposedly adjusts its power draw when battery voltage is depression). In that location are a diversity of accessories available, including slides, remote displays, and tie downs.

Bottom Line

You really tin can't go incorrect with an Engel 12 volt refrigerator, especially if y'all want a reliable and portable refrigerator that you know volition terminal for many, many years. But Engels lack a few modern features like digital controls and low voltage close off, and are getting left behind in terms of tech.

Decent Refrigerator and Practiced Value: Whynter FM-Series 12V Fridges

Whynter (too known as Edgestar) fridges are a popular pick amongst budget-conscious vanlifers. The Whynter FM-Series offers portable refrigeration at a fraction of the cost of the big proper noun brands, and with many of the same bones features.

Whynter 12 volt refrigerators tend to be inconsistent. If you become a skillful one, it can be a great companion for you on the road. Only there are many tales of units that pause down after a few months, and of owners having difficulty getting support from the manufacturer. And while Whynter fridges are free energy efficient, power draw tests and user reports tend to be all over the map, further suggesting that there may be some quality control issues with this brand.

Whynter fridges also don't use Danfoss compressors (instead, they use a proprietary knockoff), adding more reliability concerns. Many vanlifers do use Whynter/Edgestar fridges with success, and they can exist a proficient option if you lot're on a budget. But there are some question marks to exist aware of here.

Free energy Efficiency

Whynter portable fridges are efficient, only they may be a flake inconsistent. According to Whynter's own data, their 43L FM-45G draws a low one.10A per hour at ninety°F ambient temperatures with the fridge set to 39.2°F. However, this exam report indicates that the Whynter edges 3A per hr to maintain a prepare temperature in similar weather. Reports from owners of this fridge are similarly inconsistent, although nearly users state that it draws effectually 1A per 60 minutes.

Price and Overall Value

The Whynter FM-serial 12 volt refrigerators are amid the least expensive that we looked at, and they offer an incredible value. If you're on a really tight upkeep, you're getting great bang for your buck here. Just exist aware that in that location are consistency and reliability questions with this brand.

Warranty and Reliability

Whynter offers a short ane-year warranty on their fridges, and there are some real questions as far as consistency and long term reliability. Some owners have reported difficulty getting their 12 volt refrigerator repaired or replaced if issues pop up. If you buy a Whynter, be sure to get it from somewhere with a robust return policy, only in example.

Features and Accessories

Like nigh fridges on this list, Whynter'south units include all the basic features, such equally low voltage close off, interior lighting, digital controls, and a drain plug. At that place are few accessories available, but they do offer a transit bag.

Bottom Line

Whynter makes a decent budget 12 volt fridge, especially if you need a dual-zone model and don't desire to throw down for a Dometic or an ARB (or even an Iceco). But there are some questions around reliability, consistency, and support, and then beware. But this is no more than of a dice roll than any other ultra-budget fridge.

Conclusion

A portable 12 volt fridge can really amp up your vanlife, camping, or RVing experience. But these units are non inexpensive, and it's important to know that the 12V

fridge you're getting will fit your needs. We hope all the information we've presented hither has been helpful – only please let u.s.a. know in the comments if yous have a question or you think we left something out.

Even though having a 12V fridge in your van makes vanlife a whole lot easier, don't let not having a fridge stop you from hitting the road! Plenty of vanlifers arrive work with a bones cooler, and you lot tin ever upgrade later. Ultimately, vanlife is not about gadgets and HGTV interiors – it's about enjoying the freedom to create your own life. So exit there and starting time exploring!

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Source: https://gnomadhome.com/best-12v-portable-refrigerators-for-vanlife/

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