Complete Buyers Guide To Caravan Fridges

Looking to buy a caravan fridge but not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you're planning weekend getaways or long road trips, a good caravan fridge is essential for keeping your food fresh and your drinks cold on the go. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from the different types of caravan fridges and how they work, to tips on sizing, power options, and what to look for when buying.

 

Types of Caravan Fridges

Most caravan refrigerators can be categorised as either:

• Compressor fridge

• Three-way absorption fridge. 

 

Caravan compressor fridges are a popular and reliable option for both on-grid and off-grid caravan setups. These 2-way fridges run on 12V (or 24V) and 240V, using a motor-driven compressor—just like your household fridge—to push cold air through the unit. They provide fast and consistent cooling, even in hot or humid climates, making them a great choice for Aussie conditions. Compressor fridges are highly efficient when paired with a quality battery and solar setup, and they don’t need to be level to operate, which is ideal for uneven campsites. While the compressor motor does make a faint noise when cycling on and off, it’s generally minimal—though light sleepers may notice it. These fridges come in a wider range of sizes than absorption models and can often be installed as a DIY project. Just make sure there’s good ventilation around the compressor to keep it running efficiently.

 

Three-way absorption fridges, on the other hand, are a bit different, they can run on three different power sources—12V, 240V, or LPG gas—making them very versatile. They use heat to drive a chemical absorption cooling process that removes heat from inside the fridge. While they are completely silent due to having no moving parts, absorption fridges tend to cool more slowly and their performance can be affected by ambient temperatures. They are very efficient when running on gas off-grid or on 240V power when connected to mains but are less efficient on 12V. Because they rely on a heat-driven system, the fridge must be kept perfectly level to operate correctly, and installation requires a certified gas fitter and a compliance plate. Absorption fridges don’t need a large battery bank or worry about solar power availability when running on gas, but you’ll always need a reliable gas supply for off-grid use. They can also struggle in very humid climates and must be dead level to maintain proper cooling.

Caravan fridges come in a few different styles, with single door and double door models being the most common. Single door fridges are compact, making them perfect for smaller caravans like Jayco Campers and pop-tops. They usually feature a simple design with basic functions, and most include a small internal freezer compartment behind a mini door. On the other hand, double door fridges offer a separate freezer section, ideal for longer trips and better food organisation. With a larger internal capacity, they’re well-suited to full-size caravans and some pop-tops, giving you more room to store food, drinks, and frozen goods.

 

Factors to Consider When Buying a Caravan Fridge

 

Size of Your Caravan's Fridge

Deciding early on how much space you will have in your caravan or camper trailer for a caravan fridge can mean less issues down the track. Consider the size of your cabin, how many people there are, and the types of climates you're most likely to encounter.

The size of your existing fridge cavity or installation space will determine which models will fit. Start by measuring the height and width of the area to narrow down your options, remember MEASURE TWICE, BUY ONCE! On our website, you can use the category filters on the left-hand side to select your height and width range—making it quicker and easier to find a fridge that fits perfectly in your setup.

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 Bushman Drawer Fridge/Freezer is one to check out. It boasts a 30 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

Not all caravan fridges are created equal. While cheaper models might save you money upfront, they often lack the performance, efficiency, and durability of higher-quality options. Premium caravan fridges are more expensive because they’re built with superior design and materials, specifically engineered to handle harsh Australian conditions. Lower-end fridges tend to have shorter lifespans, use more power, and typically come with limited warranties—often less than the recommended minimum of one year.

When it comes to efficiency and reliability, the top-performing caravan fridge brands are Dometic, Bushman, Engel, Thetford, and Vitrifrigo. Keep in mind, a fridge’s efficiency also depends on factors like the outside temperature, your battery setup, and the type of fuel being used. Compressor fridges and 3-way absorption fridges operate differently and perform better in different environments, so it’s important to choose one that suits your travel needs.

 

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-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

Installation is an important factor to consider when choosing a caravan fridge. Compressor fridges are generally easier to install and can often be fitted as a DIY job, since they run on 12V or 240V power and don’t require external venting. In contrast, absorption fridges (3-way) must be installed by a certified gas fitter due to their use of LPG, and they also require proper ventilation to safely release heat and gas emissions. This ventilation not only keeps the fridge running efficiently but is essential for safety. It’s also worth noting that high-quality fridge brands like Dometic, Engel, Thetford, and Vitrifrigo use better insulation, which helps maintain internal temperatures and reduces energy use. While cheaper fridges may look like a bargain, they often lack sufficient insulation—meaning you may end up needing to add extra layers or deal with less efficient cooling in hot weather.

 

Automatic Or Manual

When choosing a 3-way absorption fridge, it’s important to understand the difference between manual and automatic energy selection. Many modern models now feature Universal Energy Selection (UES), which lets you choose between automatic or manual mode. In automatic mode, the fridge detects the available power source—LPG gas, 12V, or 240V—and switches over automatically, making it super convenient when you're on the move or changing campsites. Manual models, on the other hand, require you to select the power source yourself. Currently, the Dometic RM2350 90L MES is the only manual 3-way absorption fridge still available on the market. All other 3-way models in our range come with UES functionality for added ease and peace of mind.

 

Top Caravan Fridge Brands

When it comes to reliable and efficient caravan fridges, a few standout brands consistently lead the pack. Dometic offers a wide range of models, including the advanced NRX series with flexible cooling modes, energy efficiency, and clever storage features. For off-road durability, Bushman fridges are a favourite, known for their low power use, strong performance in hot weather, and 5-year compressor warranty. Vitrifrigo fridges are sleek and practical, offering quiet operation, smart design features like the Airlock system, and models with remote compressors for better space use. If you’re after a fridge for a smaller caravan, the Dometic RUC5208X and Vitrifrigo DP150i offer compact, efficient solutions with plenty of storage. For larger caravans or big adventures, the Dometic RCD10.5XES, Thetford T1274, and Bushman DC190-X provide spacious, high-performance cooling with modern features built for Australian conditions.

Read more about the top caravan fridge brands in our guide here. 

 

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. 

 

Powering a Caravan Fridge

Powering your caravan fridge depends on the type of fridge you choose and your travel setup. Compressor fridges typically run on 12V (or 24V) battery power and 240V mains power, making them ideal for off-grid setups with solar and battery systems. They’re very energy-efficient, especially on 12V, and don’t require much power to maintain cooling. On average, a 40–60L compressor fridge might use around 1–2 amps per hour, while a larger 130–150L model could draw 3–5 amps per hour, depending on ambient temperature, insulation, and usage.

In contrast, absorption fridges can operate on 12V, 240V, or gas (LPG), giving them greater flexibility. However, they are not efficient on 12V, and this mode is usually only used while driving. When off-grid, LPG gas is the most efficient and reliable power source, consuming roughly 500–600g of gas per day for a mid-sized fridge. On 240V mains power, absorption fridges are also efficient. Since they don’t rely on a compressor, they’re silent but must be perfectly level to operate effectively. In general, power requirements vary with fridge size, so it’s important to consider your energy setup, available power sources, and how long you’ll be off-grid when choosing the right fridge.

 

Troubleshooting Your Caravan Fridge

If your caravan fridge isn’t cooling properly, start by checking the power source—make sure your 12V, 240V, or gas supply is connected and working. Also, check the thermostat settings and ensure there's good ventilation around the fridge. For absorption fridges, it’s crucial that both the fridge and caravan are level, or cooling performance will suffer. Avoid overpacking the fridge and leave space between items for proper airflow. If the fridge wall is exposed to direct sunlight, consider adding some shade to help with efficiency. If you're hearing excessive noise, ensure the fridge is level and that the compressor is operating correctly. If the door isn’t sealing, inspect the seal for damage or dirt. A quick way to test the seal is by placing a torch inside the fridge, turning off the lights, and closing the door—if you see light escaping, the seal isn’t working properly. New seals may need time to soften or settle once the fridge creates a vacuum. You can also use a hair dryer on low heat to gently soften and reshape seals.

 

Caravan Fridge Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance will keep your caravan fridge running efficiently for years. Clean both the interior and exterior regularly using non-abrasive cleaners. If your fridge has a freezer compartment, remember that 12V freezers are not frost-free like household models—they will build up ice and need defrosting every couple of months. If you notice frost building up quicker than usual, check that the door is sealing properly and that no warm air is getting in. Proper ventilation is also key—make sure airflow around the fridge is not blocked and keep compressor fans free from dust and debris. A well-ventilated fridge will run more efficiently and stay cooler. Don’t forget to inspect wiring from time to time to ensure it hasn’t been damaged by vermin or vibrations during travel, and always check the door seals for wear and tear—replacing them if necessary to keep your fridge airtight and efficient.

We have a full guide on how to maximise the efficiency of your caravan fridge. Read the full guide here. 

 

Caravan Fridge FAQs

 

1. What is the best fridge for a caravan?

The best caravan fridge depends on your setup, travel style, and budget. Top-rated brands include Dometic, Bushman, Engel, Thetford, and Vitrifrigo. For off-grid use, a 12V compressor fridge is efficient and reliable. If you travel to powered sites and want flexibility, a 3-way absorption fridge (LPG, 12V, or 240V) may be more suitable.

 

2. What size fridge do I need for my caravan?

Fridge size depends on your space and how many people you’re travelling with. Small setups and couples often go for 90–130L fridges, while families or full-time travellers may need 150L+ double door models. Always measure your existing cavity and consider food storage needs before choosing.

 

3. Should I get a 12V fridge or a 3-way fridge?

12V compressor fridges are more efficient, especially in hot climates, and ideal for off-grid travel with solar and battery systems. 3-way fridges run on gas, 12V, or 240V, offering more flexibility if you stay at powered sites. The best option depends on how and where you travel.

 

4. Why is my caravan fridge not getting cold?

There could be several reasons: check the power source, thermostat settings, and ventilation. For absorption fridges, make sure the caravan is level. Overpacking the fridge or blocking airflow can also reduce cooling performance. Check seals and power connections as part of your troubleshooting.

 

5. How do I maintain my caravan fridge?

Clean your fridge regularly, defrost the freezer every couple of months, and ensure proper ventilation around the compressor. Check door seals for damage and keep fan vents clear of dust. Inspect wiring occasionally, especially after bumpy travel, to prevent performance issues.

 

Ready to find the perfect caravan fridge? Whether you’re heading off-grid or touring powered sites, choosing the right fridge makes all the difference to your travel comfort. From compact models to high-performance units built for Aussie conditions, we’ve got the best range to suit every setup. Check out the full range here. 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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