Buyers Guide for the Best Caravan Fridges in Australia for 2024

The range of caravan fridges on the market can be overwhelming.

There are large amounts of technical jargon and terminology, as well as all of the different options and adaptors available. This portable fridge guide is exactly what you need.

 

Different Types of Caravan Fridges

Most caravan refrigerators can be categorised as either:

• Compressor fridge

• Three-way absorption fridge. 

 

Caravan compressor fridges function much like home refrigerators by using a compressor with moving mechanical parts to promote cooling.

Compressor fridges run off 12/24V and 240V power and are an excellent choice for off-grid campers or those who camp out for extended periods. 

These fridges are more efficient and provide consistent cool temperatures in hot environments.

 

Three-way absorption fridges, on the other hand, are a bit different. 

They can be run through a variety of means, including LPG, as well as 12V or 240V power.

They provide cooling by using liquid ammonia gasses mixed in a series of piping at the rear of the fridge.

Some off-the-grid campers prefer absorption fridges as they can run on gas, like LPG, instead of electricity. This helps save battery life by taking the fridge off the electrical system.

 

Factors to Consider When Buying a Caravan Fridge

Size of Your Caravan's Fridge

Decide early on how much space you will have in your caravan or camper trailer.

Consider the size of your cabin, how many people there are, and the types of climates you're most likely to encounter.

Keep in mind the age of your companions and any other health needs, such as keeping diabetes medication (insulin) in a cool, dry space.

If you are limited for space then it is worth checking out the range of drawer fridges available. These are a great alternative for motorhomes and campervans where room is tight. They are easy to access and have low power consumption. The Evakool 40 Litre Drawer Fridge/Freezer is one to check out. It boasts a 40 litre drawer capacity and can be used as all fridge or all freezer. These are also quite popular for the ute canopies or in the back of cars. 

 

Caravan Fridge Efficiency

With portable fridges for camping, you get what you pay for.

Cheaper caravan refrigerators do not work as well as higher-quality models, which are more expensive due to the additional research and design.

Higher-priced caravan fridges are designed and built to suit the elements of the Australian outback.

Lower quality fridges have a shorter life span, are less efficient, and come with a shorter warranty period (you need a minimum of one year warranty)

The top five efficient RV fridges on the market are Dometic, Bushman, Engel, Thetford, and Vitrifrigo. 

The efficiency of your fridge will also be determined by your outside temperatures, battery life, and the selected fuel.

A 3-way absorption fridge and compressor fridges will all operate at different efficiency levels, as both have their specific fundamentals when put to the test in different applications.

So, when choosing your next caravan, motor home, bus, boat, truck, or trailer fridge, look no further than the range Caravan RV Camping has to offer. 

 

Your Camping Habits

Because a compressor fridge and a 3-way absorption fridge differ in the cooling techniques used, each has its advantages and disadvantages for different types of campers.

Caravan Parkers

Campers who mainly stay in caravan parks often make use of compressor fridges because they can be run by a caravan’s fuel supply using a provided 240-volt power supply. 

Off-the-Grid Campers

These types of campers generally make use of both types of fridges. Compressor fridges generally require much less energy than 3-way absorption fridges and can be run on a solar / battery system.

Solar & battery systems have become quite sophisticated and will provide enough power to run an energy-efficient compressor refrigerator almost indefinitely. The following compressor models are highly sought after by customers traveling off-grid:

• Dometic NRX Compressor Fridge

• Vitrifrigo Compressor Fridge

• Thetford Compressor Fridge

Installation

Another consideration is the installation of your fridge. A 3-way fridge is slightly more complicated to install, as it needs to have proper fridge vents installed to ensure that gas emissions and heat can escape. The same venting helps the fridge stay at cool temperatures.

Compressor fridges, on the other hand, are easier to install and do not need venting.

 

Amount of Insulation Needed

As a general rule, higher-quality refrigerators, such as Dometic, Engel, Thetford, and Vitrifrigo tend to be manufactured with larger amounts of insulation.

This added insulation is more expensive. On average, they sell for at least $1,000 to $2,000. 

Although a cheap price tag can initially appear attractive, cheaper fridges tend to skip insulation, forcing owners to have to buy additional layers.

 

Automatic Or Manual

If you’re interested in a 3-way absorption refrigerator, it should be noted that some models offer Universal Energy Selection (UES) settings while others are manual. 

UES allows you to switch between automatic mode and manual mode.

Automatic mode monitors the 3-way fridge to determine the available fueling method (LPG/natural gas or 12 volt/240-volt) and automatically switches the refrigerator settings for you.

There is only one manual model left on the market: Dometic RM2350 90-liter MES 3-Way Fridge.

All other 3-way absorption fridges in our range have UES settings.

 

Additional Accessories

When purchasing a caravan fridge, whether it is a new or existing installation choosing the correct ventialtion is of the upmost importance. All compressor fridges produce heat directly from the compressor, removing this heat will help make the fridge run more efficient, meaning you can stay off-grid for longer. Fridge vents are the key to keeping the back area of your fridge space cool. Installed on the outer wall of your caravan or RV it allows the hot air to escape. 

Absorption fridges must also have adeqaute ventilation and a flue kit to expel any gas from the back of your fridge. Most absoprtion fridges won't include the flue kit so it is always advise to check and purchase seperately. Prior to ordering flue kits or vents please give us a call and we can place the order for you and find the right accessory for your fridge. 

Other fridge accessories that help with the efficiency of the fridge include fridge side screens, which are installed on the outside of the caravan and provide shade to the back wall of the fridge assisting with temperature control. Mounting frames for specific fridge models are also available to help give a sleek look to your installtion. 

 

If you require further information, please feel free to contact one of our friendly team members on 1800 787 278 or on our live chat www.caravanrvcamping.com.au.

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DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.

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