Always the Adventure

View Original

The Best Refrigerators for Vanlife (2021)

Impact-Site-Verification: -454785956

*This post contains affiliate links.

Aside from choosing your camper van itself and perhaps your solar setup, choosing a refrigerator for vanlife is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make during your van conversion.

Road-ready refrigerators don’t really come cheap and they’re a crucial vanlife essential to living luxuriously on the road (we need to eat, after all!).

Nowadays, there are TONS of DC car refrigerators on the market. On one hand, that’s good because it drives some prices down and forces long time brands (like Dometic and Norcold) to compete. On the other, it makes it all the harder to pick out quality brands that will last multiple years on the road. The more the market gets saturated, the harder it is to discern quality.

Which is where we come in!

We’ve poured over tons of camper van refrigerators and picked out the best ones currently available. 

Specifically, we’ll be talking about the best compressor refrigerators for camper van living, because compressor refrigerators are by far the best choice for vanlife refrigeration. For reasons why that is so, we encourage you to check out our guide on how to choose a camper van refrigerator

We broke down each model or series into pros, cons, and important specs so you can choose the best camper van fridge for you.

Here are our favorites to get you started:

Top pick: Dometic CFX3

Maybe we’re biased because we’ve had awesome luck with our Dometic CFX fridge, but if so, we join a class of thousands of vanlifers who say the same. Dometic has been a long-time favorite for outfitting camper van kitchen and for good reason. They’re not cheap, but they are tried and true!

Budget pick: ICECO JP Series

Not the MOST energy efficient or sleek looking, but the ICECO machines are great for the money. Plus, they come with one of the best compressor warranty periods (5 years!) out of any machine on this list. So if you’re a little nervous about skimping on price and quality, know they back the heart of these machines. 

High-end Pick: ARB

These babies don’t run cheap but if you have the cash to spend on them, they are quality. Built with overlanding in mind, these are super durable and have tons of great features.


NAVIGATION FOR THE BEST CAMPER VAN REFRIGERATORS

Our Criteria
Comparison Overview Chart
Best Van Chest Refrigerators
Best Van Upright Refrigerators
Best Van Drawer Refrigerators


See this content in the original post

OUR CRITERIA FOR THE BEST CAMPER VAN REFRIGERATORS

Style: 

There are three different styles of camper van refrigerators: chest, upright, and drawer. We won’t get into the nitty gritty of each (we do that here), but you will notice an abundance of chest fridge options and far fewer of the other two.  This is because chest refrigerators are generally preferred by vanlifers. They’re portable, easy to install, space-efficient in any camper van layout, and make it so things are less likely to fall out after shifting on the road.

Power Draw: 

Obviously power draw and energy efficiency are SUPER important when you live in an off-grid van. No matter how souped up your power vanlife gadgets are, you always want to be conserative, especially with something like a fridge that must always have power or else risk food spoiling.

We used amp hours (Ah) to measure this, as that’s what most battery systems are rated in. Some refrigerator manufacturers give the average Ah, while others we had to break our math hats and do some complicated conversions (that way you don’t have to!).

If you’re curious as to how we did it, here is what we did:

Amps x Volts (12V assuming you’re running a DC circuit) = Wattage; Wattage x 8 hours (estimated fridge run time in 24 hours) = Wh/24 hours; Wh/24 hours ÷ 24 = Wh; Wh ÷ Voltage (again, 12V) = Ah

Not hard math, but certainly lots of steps to keep straight!

However, please NOTE THESE ARE ESTIMATED AMP HOURS. That’s super important to bear in mind. See, ridges are tricky because it’s not a steady power draw. They draw the most when they kick on and start the compressor, draw less while cooling, and don’t draw anything when the compressor kicks off.

Also, bear in mind these were calculated based on assuming your fridge is running an average of 8 hours per day (which is reasonable in moderate temperature). Obviously, the true average amperage per hour depends on a variety of factors, namely how much it needs to actually compress which then depends on the ambient temperature.

AC or DC:

Does it run on just DC circuits or AC circuits, too? When on the road, you will pretty much exclusively run DC. However, having the ability to run off AC if you’re plugged into shore power or want to take your fridge indoors is a nice perk.

Temperature range: 

All these fridges are obviously designed to keep food cold, but some can go even colder (thus functioning as a freezer if you so choose). 

Some fridges are rated to specific temperate ranges whereas others are simply rated to a range from the ambient temperature. For example, the Engel MR040F is rated to “80°F from ambient”, meaning that if it’s 80°F in your van, it will cool to 0°F. The hotter it is outside, the less it will cool down. Read our summer vanlife tips for what to do in these situations.

Low-voltage shut-off (LVS):

Low-voltage shut-off features means the fridge will shut off when a battery reads as low. Some have different sensitivities for which you can program this, but they’ll usually trigger when your battery bank is around 50%. 

Which, if you run lead-acid or AGM/gel batteries, you can only use 50% of your battery capacity anyway before risking damage to them.

A fridge is risky for that because they can easily just keep running your batteries dry without you even realizing it!

Other considerations:

Aside from those big concepts, we also read lots of reviews and poured over features lists to create detailed pro/con lists for each refrigerator, based on real customer reviews and performance.


See this content in the original post

See this content in the original post

BEST CHEST CAMPER VAN REFRIGERATORS

See this content in the original post

Dometic CFX3 Series (Our Top Camper Van Refrigerator Pick)

Image credit Dometic

Pros:

  • The most popular vanlife refrigerator brand/series

  • 2 year limited warranty

  • Energy efficient

  • Available in multiple sizes (45L, 55L, 75L, 95L, and 100L)

  • Both single and dual-zone options

  • Low-voltage shut-off

  • AC and DC capabilities 

  • Can be paired with the Dometic app

  • Reinforced body for durability

  • Reversible and removable lid

  • Replacement parts available

  • Has fridge slides specially designed for it

  • Drain feature for dual use as cooler

  • USB port for charging electronics

Cons:

  • Expensive

  • Not the best customer service (from personal experience from other Dometic products)

  • Can get stinky over time if not cleaned up regularly

Also available: Dometic / Backcountry / REI

See this content in the original post

ICECO JP Series (Our Budget Camper Van Refrigerator Pick)

Image credit ICECO

Pros:

  • Mid-range budget

  • Cup holders on lid (great for use as a cooler stored between front seats)

  • Available in a variety of colors

  • AC and DC capabilities 

  • Has fridge slides specially designed for it

  • Can operate up to 40 degrees from level

  • 5-year warranty on compressor and 1-year warranty on other parts

  • Thicker insulation will work for days even without power

  • Low-voltage shut-off with 3 levels

  • Eco mode for great energy conservation

  • “Build like a tank” according to reviews

Cons:

  • No internal light

  • Tacky appearance

  • Only smaller (40L and 47L) sizes available unless shopping ICECO’s other fridge liners

  • Loud on Max Mode

  • No drain feature

See this content in the original post

ARB 108 Series (Our Best High-End Camper Van Refrigerator Pick)

Image credit ARB

Pros:

  • Durable, high-quality build designed for overlanding and harsh conditions

  • Extremely energy efficient

  • Can operate up to 30 degrees from level

  • Some models have Bluetooth control

  • Has fridge slides specially designed for it

  • Variety of looks to choose from, including the stainless-steel Elements models

  • Dual-zone options

  • Some have passcode protected locking system

  • Spring strut hinge support holds the lid open on its own

  • Available in many sizes (35L, 47L, 60L, 73L, 77L, and 95L)

  • AC and DC capabilities 

  • 3-year warranty

  • Increased fridge cabinet insulation thickness

  • Recessed rear remote monitor transmitter positioned to be protected from the weather

  • 3 stage low-voltage shut-off battery protection

  • Very quiet compressor

  • Lighter than many despite the high cooling capacity

Cons:

  • The MOST expensive chest cooler option

  • Lid opens lengthwise making it harder to store under kitchen counters

  • Freezer can maintain previously frozen foods but reviews claim it isn’t powerful enough to freeze unfrozen foods

  • Must calibrate thermostat display for accurate reading

  • Compressor section is sensitive to dust

See this content in the original post

Norcold NRF Series

Image credit Norcold

Pros:

  • Reversible and removable lid

  • Low-voltage shut-off (with 3 settable levels that prevent battery drain)

  • Available in multiple sizes (30L, 45L, and 60L)

  • One of the quietest compressors

  • Corrosion-proof plastic exterior

  • Removable wire basket

  • Cools quickly

Cons:

  • Expensive

  • DC power only

  • Only one temperature setting (can be either refrigerator or freezer, but not both at the same time)

  • Cannot order replacement parts unless you are a dealer

See this content in the original post

Whynter FM Series

Image credit Whynter

Pros:

  • Available in multiple sizes (45L, 65L, 85L, and 90L)

  • AC and DC capabilities 

  • Mid-range budget option

  • “Fast Freeze” mode cools to -6°F in about 45 minutes

  • Reversible and removable lid

  • Dual temperature zone options (even some that can be a fridge AND freezer at the same time)

  • Can operate up to 30 degrees from level

  • High-temperature warning alarm

  • Less energy-efficient than most

Cons:

  • No low-voltage shut-off

  • Not the best customer service 

  • Not as much longevity as other brands (3-4 years on average according to reviews)

  • Only has 1-year warranty

  • Wider than most, making it harder to fit in a van

  • Must pay for shipping and repairs if broken

See this content in the original post

Engel MR040F

Image credit Engel

Pros:

  • Very reliable

  • One of the longest reported running times on average

  • Utilizes a highly efficient reciprocating compressor

  • Highly energy efficient, with only one moving part in the motor

  • Draws 40% less than a traditional compressor

  • 3-year warranty

  • AC and DC capabilities 

  • 80°F from ambient temperature

Cons:

  • Not as sleek looking as other models

  • Expensive

  • Only available in one smaller size (though Engel does make other lines of fridges in more sizes)

  • No low-voltage shut-off

See this content in the original post

Costway Car Refrigerator

Image credit @the.lay.over for Costaway

Pros:

  • Low-voltage shut-off

  • Cools  90°F to 32°F in 30 minutes

  • Available in various sizes (35L, 45L, 50L, 55L, and 65L)

  • Shockproof design

  • AC and DC capabilities 

  • Various greyscale color themes to choose from

  • Eco setting for greater energy conservation

  • Some models ajhve wheel and telescoping handle for easy portability

  • Very quiet compressor 

Cons:

  • Dual compartments but NOT Dual Temperature Control

  • Poor customer service for issues

  • Variety of reports regarding longevity (some say failed within a year while others have been using for years with no problems)

  • Made in China and the manual is apparently in broken English

See this content in the original post

BougeRV CR Series

Image credit BougeRV

Pros:

  • Inexpensive

  • Energy efficient

  • Available in tons of sizes (8L, 22L, 28L, 35L, 40L, 45L, 50L, and 55L)

  • App control

  • AC and DC capabilities 

  • 2-year warranty

  • Comes with cutting board that stowed inside lid

  • Wheels and slide out handle for easy portability

  • USB port for charging electronics

  • Detachable and reversible door

  • Dual zone in different splits depending on needs for fridge/freezer space

  • Drain hole

  • Fast cooling down to 32℉

  • 3 level low-voltage shut-off

  • ECO mode for extra energy efficiency

Cons:

  • No repair policy beyond warranty

  • Newer brand long-term reliability/longevity is yet unknown

  • Cannot run directly of vehicle DC port

Also available: Amazon

See this content in the original post

Alpicool

Image credit Alpicool

Pros:

  • Inexpensive

  • 3 stage low-voltage shut-off battery protection

  • Can operate up to 45 degrees from level

  • Vibration resistant design

  • ECO and HH modes

  • HUGE range of sizes available (from 9L to 56L)

  • Two dual zone options 

Cons:

  • Not as energy efficient

  • Most inexpensive ones are not dual zone (can be fridge or freezer but not both at the same time)

  • No warranty


See this content in the original post

BEST UPRIGHT CAMPER VAN REFRIGERATORS 

See this content in the original post

Dometic CRX Series

Image credit Dometic

Pros:

  • 3-in-1 solution: fridge, freezer or both at the same time!

  • 2-year limited warranty

  • Energy efficient

  • Spacious sizes (50L, 60L, and 130L)

  • Low-voltage shut-off

  • AC and DC capabilities

  • Sleek stainless steel look 

  • Will fit a gallon of milk

Cons:

  • Larger sizes are expensive

  • Doesn’t get as cold as other chest fridges

  • Upright design means things can shift and fall out after driving

  • Reviews claim the longevity isn't great (~2 years in bad reviews)

Also available: Dometic / Amazon

See this content in the original post

Norcold NR751BB

Pros:

Image credit Norcold

  • 4-star rated energy efficiency

  • Mid range price for good quality

  • Easy to clean

  • Black exterior doesn’t show dirt and streaks

  • Easy to fit in smaller spaces

  • Wire retainer for keeping taller items secure

  • Can be flush- or proud-mounted without additional hardware

  • 2-year warranty

Cons:

  • Reviews claim its longevity isn’t the best

  • Only available in 50L and 75L sizes

  • DC only base model - Can upgrade to AC with addition power cord

  • Draws 5.5 amps while cooling meaning it’s not the most energy efficient 

  • No low-voltage shut-off


See this content in the original post

BEST DRAWER CAMPER VAN REFRIGERATORS 

See this content in the original post

Dometic CD Series

Image credit Fotornr for Dometic

Pros:

  • 2-year limited warranty

  • Energy efficient hermetic compressor

  • Inexpensive for a Dometic

  • Locking slide function released only with handle level

  • Space saving 

  • Low-voltage shut-off

Cons:

  • Harder to install (must be hardwired to a fuse panel)

  • DC only

  • Only smaller capacities available (18L, 30L, and 48L)

  • Refrigerator only, no freezer function (unless getting the 50qt model) 

  • Single compartment

  • Reviews complain of the door coming off due to poor fastening mechanism

  • Much smaller cooling range than others

Also available: Dometic / Amazon


Before You Drive Away…

As you can see, none of these vanlife refrigerators are perfect, but all of them are suited to road life. Which one you pick just depends on what your needs are and what you value.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out and ask. We’re not experts on all these models (we’ve only used the Dometic CFX series ourselves) but we’re more than willing to dig in and do the research to help put your cooling concerns on ice.


**This post contains affiliate links to support the continued creation of these van life guides. This just means that if you purchase something from one of the links above, I get a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Read more here or reach out with more questions.