Last Updated on April 30, 2024 by Nikole

Camper van fridges aren’t necessary, but they make traveling and boondocking easier. You could always use a cooler, but then you have to change the ice constantly, and they are fairly hard to access.

Here is everything you need to know about the different types of camper van fridges you can purchase. Some fridges are better for full-time travelers, and some are better for weekend warriors. 

There are main categories of fridges you may come across:

1. Compressor 
2. Mini 
3. Absorption 
4. 12 Volt
5. Thermoelectric
6. Residential style 

Compressor Fridges

Compressor fridges are some of the most common types of camper van fridges. You can use a regular one (like what you would find in a household) or purchase a 12v for energy efficiency.

Whether you install a regular fridge or a 12v, compressor fridges are highly efficient because they only turn on when temperatures drop. It’s typical to see these camper van fridges turn on only once or twice an hour.

The motor in a compressor fridge is very powerful and allows extreme cooling even on the hottest days.

You may need to install a dual battery and solar system to keep a compressor fridge powered. 

Here are a few steps explaining how a compressor cycle works to keep your food cool:

1. The compressor works to circulate the refrigerant through the entire system.
2. Pressure is added to the circuit to make the refrigerant hot.
3. When the temperature rises, the compressor starts acting as a motor and a pump for the refrigerant.

Pros

• Efficient cooling
• It can use across different power sources, including batteries, generators, 12v, and solar panels.
• It can double as a freezer.

Cons

• Noisey
• Require new battery banks

1. ARB Element

The ARB Element is a lockable compressor fridge designed for camper van usage. Enjoy this heavy-duty camper van fridge that features a basket on the inside for fresh produce. 

You have the option to switch between AC and DC power. The gas strut on the top opening lid will allow you to hold the fridge open at any desired angle. 

Keep your food safe from thieves because this fridge has a lock with a 4-digit pin code. This fridge is perfect for all types of camper van travelers due to its power-saving mode and durability.

External Measurements: 37” x 24” x 22”

Internal: 63 quarts

Weight: 70 pounds

Power Source: AC or DC

Opening Style: Opens at the top

Price: $1,649.00

Pros

• Durable
• Lockable
• Switches between AC and DC power
• Power saver

Cons

• Pricey

2. Explorer Bear

The Explorer Bear is a fairly affordable 12-volt compressor fridge suited for cars, trucks, and camper vans. 

This durable stainless steel camper van fridge features cut-off-voltage protection; that way, you won’t wake up with a dead vehicle battery. The fridge is capable of monitoring low voltage signs and will cut off before your battery dies.

In addition to a low voltage cut-off, the fridge observes how much power draw there is from the battery- now, you can always be sure your vehicle battery is safe.

The organization is key with this fridge and offers two trays for storage. You can adjust the temperature of the fridge according to the items you are storing. It is capable of reaching freezing temperatures within 15 minutes if freezing from 77 degrees °F.

External Measurements: 24.8 x 15.7 x 18.4 inches

Internal : 50L/52.8Qt

Weight: ‎39.5 pounds

Power Source: 12/24V DC 110-240V AC

Opening Style: Opens at the top

Price: $399

Mini Fridge

Did you know you can power a mini fridge in a camper van? Most believe you can only power a 12v or a portable fridge in a van, but with a dual battery system, you can power a regular fridge.

A mini fridge is a stand-up compressor fridge. You can easily place one of these camper van fridges under a counter space so the door can easily swing open. 

Another plus to using a mini fridge is the fridge and freezer compartments are both in one unit. 

3. DOMETIC CRX Camper Van Fridge

The Dometic CRX runs on 120 V and will need a dual battery system and a converter to operate properly. 

You can now store ice cream on your trips because this mini fridge has a fridge and freezer all in one unit. 

Dometic is a high-energy efficiency brand offering fridges for camper vans, trucks, and boats. Due to the quiet compressor, you can now get a good night’s sleep.

The Dometic fridge is perfect for full-time travelers because it has a large storage space, a fridge, and a freezer area.

External Measurements: 21.97″D x 20.47″W x 29.33″H

Internal: ‎4.8 Cubic Feet

Weight: ‎66.2 pounds

Power: 120 Volts

Opening Style: Front facing

Price: $1,271.78

Three-way Camper Van Fridge

A 3-way absorption fridge is a type of camper van fridge that works in 3 different ways (these are also known as gas fridges):

1. 12-volt battery power
2. 110-volt battery power (240 -v mains electric supply)
3. LP gas

A gas fridge utilizes a gas heat exchange system to create a source of heat. This process will spark the fridge’s function. 

Instead of creating cold air, as a normal fridge would, a gas fridge works by removing heat. This process is silent when it’s operating- which makes it a great option for small camper vans. 

Due to the gas flow exchange, a gas fridge is capable of running longer compared to other camper van fridges, which could be useful for those camping off-grid.

Unfortunately, gas fridges are incapable of getting colder than compressor fridges. You may only find units that come with a fridge compartment and no freezer- darn it, no ice cream!

You will also need to find level ground to park your camper van- a gas fridge needs level ground to work and ventilate properly. 

If you travel to higher altitudes, you may find your gas fridge being stubborn. 

Installation should be done by a professional due to the complexity of hooking it up to LPG fuel tanks. If you don’t want to take it to a professional, at least get it inspected by a gas technician. PS installing these gas fridges improperly could be fatal.

Pros

• The best option for off-grid camping
• Silent operation

Cons

• Complicated and unsafe installation process
• Must be on level ground when using gas
• Could have problems when driving in higher altitudes

4. SMETA

The Smeta is an absorption fridge that runs on 12Volt. This fridge is designed for RV and camper van use and is extremely energy efficient.

It will take 8-10 hours to completely cool the fridge. The nice thing about this absorption fridge is it won’t eat up more electricity once it’s cooled.

Keep in mind absorption coolers do not keep food extremely cold; this one only gets as low as 32° F.

External Measurements: 18.1″D x 18.7″W x 21.3″H

Internal: 36 qt

Weight:  ‎40 pounds

Power Source: 110V/12V

Opening Style: Front opening

Price: $339

12 Volt Fridge

12v Fridges can run off your vehicle battery, and most come with a voltage monitor. The monitor will cut your fridge off when your battery runs low; that way, you do not need to worry about your van battery dying.

Most 12v fridges will open at the top, kind of like a cooler you would put ice in. You can plug these into a 12V plug in your van or create a separate plug that won’t cut off when you turn the van off.

Pros

• Runs off your van battery
• Won’t eat up your battery
• Automatic shut off

Cons

• Can be pricey

5. Bouge RV 12V Car Fridge

The 12V 53-quart portable fridge is one of the larger fridges we have come across for camper vans. If you plan on doing more than a weekend warrior trip, this cooler may be perfect for you.

Bouge RV boasts of its technology and offers a two-year warranty for this particular fridge—no need to worry about it breaking or messing up. 

You can keep your food nice and cold because the 12v fridge has a cooling range of -4 ℉~50℉. You can use it as a fridge or a freezer, not both at the same time. 

External Measurements: 25.74*13.58*20.75 inches

Internal: 53 Qt=50 L

Weight: 45.9 LB

Power Source: 12V

Opening Style: Opens at the top

Price: $399.99

Thermoelectric Camper Van Fridge

A thermoelectric cooler is the last type of camper van fridge we will discuss. It may be a bit complicated to understand, but here are the basic steps to how it works. 

PS a thermoelectric fridge does not use refrigerant; instead, it works by using electrical current alone.

1. Electrical current passes between two different materials.
2. Heat is removed from one end and transferred to the other; this creates a cooling effect. 

Pros

• Doesn’t require a ton of electricity

Cons

• Can’t fully rely on this fridge to keep your food cold during extremely hot weather
• Meant for drinks more than food

6.15 Liter/21 Cans Mini Fridge

This thermoelectric cooler is capable of cooling 59 to 64 degrees below the outside temperature. Because this fridge doesn’t cool quite as well as other fridges, you may not want to use it in a hot climate. 

The small size can fit daily meals, drinks, and some snacks. Due to its small size, this is not a good option for full-time travelers, just weekend warriors. It Fits approximately 21 canned drinks.

External Measurements: 9.13” x 8.34” x 13.77”

Internal: 15L

Weight: ‎8.75 pounds

Power Source: 110 Volts (AC)

Opening Style: Front facing

Price: $89.99

7. Residential Style Fridges

A residential-style fridge is a fridge that you would find in a house. Unfortunately, these can only be hooked up to shore power which would work great if you are camping at a campground. 

If you are traveling in a large group and need a lot of food, these would make for the perfect fridge for your camper van.

The only way you can use these while boondocking is to have a battery and inverter to convert DC power from a battery to AC power your fridge can use.

Residential-style fridges are most popular in Class-A RVs or large travel trailers due to their large capacity. You can use one in a camper van, just know it may take up quite a bit of space.

Pros 

• Allows for the most food storage
• Gives consistent and reliable cooling

Cons

• Uses a lot of power
• Need shore power to operate

Buyers Guide to Camper Van Fridges

Now you know a little bit about the different types of camper vans on the market, but now you aren’t sure which one is perfect for your camper van kitchen. 

Here is our in-detail buyer’s guide for helping you choose the correct size, capacity, and power source for your camper van fridge.

How Much Do Camper Van Fridges Cost?

You just spent a ton of money purchasing your very first van for a conversion; then you need to spend more money converting it into a livable space; the last thing you want to do is spend thousands of dollars buying a fridge.

You don’t need a $2,000 camper van fridge to keep your food cold. A used mini fridge off Facebook marketplace will still do the trick as long as you know how to plug it into a battery and inverter.

How to Power a Camper Van Fridge?

Did you know you can power just about any fridge in your camper van- that includes a mini fridge with a freezer and fridge section.

There are several ways to power a fridge, but one of the best ways is with a dual battery and solar power hook-up. The solar panels will charge your batteries for the fridge to draw power from.

How to Choose the Correct Fridge Size and Capacity?

To choose the right size fridge, you need to ask yourself how long you will be on vacation, whether you are full-time traveling or a weekend warrior.

Weekend warriors can get away with a smaller fridge or may only need a cooler with ice.

Full-time travelers may need gas-powered, residential, or mini-fridges to fit all their meals in.

Here are some fridge sizes and an estimate of how many cans will fit in it- this will help you visualize the size of the fridge.

What is the Best Camper Van Fridge?

The best fridge for a camper van is a 12-volt option because they come in all shapes and sizes and don’t need much power to cool. 

Although some 12v fridges are expensive, you don’t need to mess around with battery banks and inverters. You can plug these directly into your camper van battery and run it. Most even come with an automatic shut-off; that way, it won’t drain your battery.

Think About How the Fridge Opens

There are several styles of fridges, and the way they open is important to know for storage purposes.

Opens From the Front– If you want to place your fridge under the counter or on top of a counter, you can best utilize your space with a fridge that opens in the front.

Opens at the top– If you need to store your fridge on the floor, in a corner, or between the passenger and driver seat, you will need a fridge that opens at the top like a cooler.

Opens like a drawer– some camper van fridges open like a drawer, and the whole food compartment slides out with the door. You can place these just about anywhere in your van for easy access.