Choosing a Refrigerator for your Camper Van

The world of camper van refrigeration options for mobile living is a complex one, we’re here to help.

Compressor vs. Absorption

We’re only going to be talking about compressor refrigerators for this guide, since absorption cooling is a little more specialty by nature. The headline is this: compressor-based cooling is what most people are used to in their homes, and uses electricity to exchange heat in the cooler with the outside world. Absorption refrigerators are typically more flexible. Not only can they usually run off of electricity, but they can also use propane gas (LP) as a means for cooling. Absorption coolers have some definite benefits if you need them (very efficient cooling when you don’t have access to surplus electricity), and some definite downsides as well (your vehicle must be perfectly level for them to function, they are sensitive to elevation changes).

DC vs. AC Power

If you’re building a camper van, you’re more than likely already familiar with this decision process and the associated tradeoffs.

The biggest benefit of AC powered refrigerators: Lots and lots of options. Everything from ultra low cost “dorm fridges” to sophisticated RV-specific models.

The advantage of DC powered refrigerators: Incredibly energy efficient for situations where electrical capacity is a consideration.

There are also models that support both AC and DC, but the tradeoffs there are: increased cost and less efficient use of space to accommodate both power systems.

Budget Options

Probably not the most convenient, or the most well made, if you’re on a tight budget here are a few options to get you going for a few hundred dollars.

Antarctic Star Compact Mini Refrigerator Separate Freezer

Antarctic Star Compact Mini Refrigerator Separate Freezer

  • Power: AC
  • Front loading
  • Separate freezer
  • 60 watts
  • 3.2 cubic feet of storage
View details on Amazon
SMETA 12 Volt Refrigerator

SMETA 12 Volt Refrigerator

  • Absorption cooling
  • Front loading
  • Power: AC or 12V DC
  • 1.2 cubic feet of storage
View details on Amazon
Avanti Cooler Portable Refrigerator and Freezer

Avanti Cooler Portable Refrigerator and Freezer

  • Wheels for toting
  • Top loading
  • Power: AC or 12V DC
  • 1.27 cubic feet of storage
View details on Amazon
BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator

BougeRV 12 Volt Refrigerator

  • Top loading
  • Power: 12V DC
  • 1 cubic feet of storage
View details on Amazon
AAOBOSI 12 Volt Car Refrigerator

AAOBOSI 12 Volt Car Refrigerator

  • Top loading
  • Power: AC or 12V DC
  • 1.76 cubic feet of storage
View details on Amazon

Premium Options

Higher quality, more efficient, and designed for van living.

Dometic CFX3

Dometic CFX3

  • Top loading
  • Power: AC or 12V DC
  • Ice maker
  • 1.9 cubic feet of storage
View details on Amazon
Dometic CFX 95DZW

Dometic CFX 95DZW

  • Top loading
  • Separate compartments
  • Power: AC or 12V DC
  • 3.3 cubic feet of storage
View details on Amazon
ICECO VL75ProD

ICECO VL75ProD

  • Top loading
  • Separate compartments
  • Power: AC or 12V DC
  • 2.6 cubic feet of storage
View details on Amazon
RecPro RV Refrigerator

RecPro RV Refrigerator

  • Front loading
  • Separate compartments
  • Power: 12V DC
  • 10.7 cubic feet of storage
View details on Amazon