Between food, drinks, and medication, it’s important to have someplace to keep things cold during an excursion in an RV. Experienced owners and travelers know that a refrigerator doesn’t need to be large, but it does need to be reliable. We understand how important buying the right unit is, so here are our top recommendations for RV refrigerators.
Source: mwss-inc.com
Buying Guide
Before we get to our recommendations, though, here are some things to keep in mind when making your purchasing decision.
- Hookup Styles: RVs have different hookup styles and refrigerator areas, and this will almost certainly limit your options. Check your RV’s hookup before you start looking at products.
- Factors To Consider: The primary considerations when buying an RV refrigerator are size, cooling speed, reliability, energy requirements, and price.
- Maintenance: Most RV refrigerators don’t need much maintenance, but extended periods of inactivity could degrade their effectiveness.
- What Not To Use: Do not use an ice chest as a substitute for a refrigerator unless you’re only taking a short trip. This strategy is not viable for longer trips.
Buying Recommendations
Budget RV Refrigerators
1. Wagan EL6206 – Editor’s Pick
A small cooler for budget-conscious buyers, the Wagan EL6206 is an extremely small 6-quart cooler powered by a DC connection.
Product Dimensions: 11 x 15 x 8 inches
Power Source: DC plug
Water/Ice Dispenser: No
Warranty: Standard
- Energy-efficient
- Will not deplete the ozone layer
- Comes with a carry strap
- Can warm things, too
- Extremely small
- Only cools to about 36 degrees below ambient temperature
- COMPACT CAPACITY: 6 quart compact size of this cooler allows storage for your road trip necessities while only taking up a small footprint in your vehicle.
- DUAL FUNCTION: Cooling/ Warming functions. Max cooling to ≈ 36°F below ambient temperature. Max warming to≈140 °F. Pre chill/heat your items to assist the unit to reach the lowest/highest temperature as quickly as possible.
- MOVING CONVENIENCE: With a built in carry strap, you to carry the 6 Quart personal fridge/warmer to and from your destination without being awkward.
Premium RV Refrigerators
1. Dometic CFX-75DZWSE – Editor’s Pick
Dometic’s special edition dual-zone portable cooler is expensive, but it also has a variety of other features that its competitors simply can’t match.
Product Dimensions: 34.92 x 18.58 x 19 inches
Power Source: AC, DC, Solar Battery
Water/Ice Dispenser: No
Warranty: Standard
- Actively protects batteries
- Excellent capacity
- Efficient cooling systems
- Durable exterior
- May not fit in spaces designed for vertical refrigerators
- Requires extra hardwiring systems for some vehicles
- NO ICE NEEDED - Except making ice for drinks! 113 Can/70l Capacity, deep-freeze to -7°, dual zone cooling compartment. Dimensions: 34. 92" Lx 18. 58"H x 19. 49"W. Enjoy 60% more storage capacity in the same exterior space! Compared to similar capacity ice chest using recommended ice/content ratio.
- DEEP FREEZE - High performance compressor reaches –7 °F (–22 °C) with minimal energy consumption
- ULTRA LOW POWER CONSUMPTION - Advanced compressor electronics use AC, DC, and solar power - enjoy the freedom to go off-grid! 3 Stage Dynamic Battery Protection System automatically shuts the product off to prevent a dead car starter battery and improves car battery performance
Gas RV Refrigerators
1. Norcold 4 – Editor’s Pick
Gas refrigerators aren’t well-known outside the RV industry. Still, their ability to work using propane instead of electricity makes them a viable choice for longer trips where you want to be careful about draining your battery. In that regard, the Norcold 4 excels.
Product Dimensions: 40.7 x 27.4 x 27.4 inches
Power Source: 12V DC, 120V AC, or Propane Gas
Water/Ice Dispenser: No
Warranty: 3-year limited
- Large for an RV refrigerator
- Still fits in most standard spaces
- The flexible power source is ideal for long trips
- Has easy diagnostic systems
- More expensive than most other refrigerators
- The relatively short warranty period
- Built-in Control Diagnostics provide valuable information to simplify servicing and speed up repairs
- Auto Changeover Between Gas and Electric, automatic re-ignition of gas flame, and automatic cycle to limit frost buildup on refrigerator cooling fans
- Auto Changeover Between Gas and Electric, automatic re-ignition of gas flame, and automatic cycle to limit frost buildup on refrigerator cooling fans
Electric RV Refrigerators
1. Linsion 54 Quart – Editor’s Pick
Linsion’s compact vehicle fridge is an effective, efficient unit capable of drawing electrical power from a range of outlets and systems. That flexibility helps it stay ahead of the competition and earned it a place on this list.
Product Dimensions: 22.6 x 14.3 x 20.4 inches
Power Source: 12/24V DC or 110V to 240V AC
Water/Ice Dispenser: No
Warranty: 1-year free part replacement
- Large enough for most needs
- Flexible electricity draw is compatible with most RVs
- Cools well below what some of the competition can reach
- Light enough for one person to move
- The relatively short warranty period
- Some polarity problems with AC connectors
- ❄ COMPRESSOR COOLING TECHNOLOGY:High quality brand compressor provides fast and deep cooling performance from -4℉~68℉(-20℃~20℃), LCD PANEL with temperature and ECO/MAX Mode selection
- ❄ Accessories:This 54Quart(50 Liter)Car Refrigerator Includes 2 power cables to separately connect with 12/24V DC and 90V to 250V AC power inputs.Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.Also included a internal basket.
- ❄ Battery protection mode:The machine has three battery protection functions to protect the refrigerator and the battery of the vehicle.They are H3 (high), H2 (medium) and H1 (low).It is recommended to set the battery protection at H2 (medium) when it is used in the car.
3-Way RV Refrigerators
1. Smad Propane Fridge – Editor’s Pick
Smad’s 3-way fridge is a flexible, efficient unit for RVs that’s capable of running even when there’s no electricity thanks to its optional use of liquid propane gas.
Product Dimensions: 15.8 x 18.1 x 24.8 inches
Power Source: AC, DC, and LPG
Water/Ice Dispenser: No
Warranty: 1 year
- Reasonable price for its size
- The flexible power source is great for everyone
- Quieter than many other units
- Consumes a relatively low amount of gas
- Requires several steps to use gas properly
- Not suitable for unventilated sleeping areas
- 【3 Way RV Fridge】This propane refrigerators are often used in a variety of settings and operate on 12V, 110V, or LPG. You can manage the temperature within a range of 32 to 50 ℉ by operating the gas/AC and DC operating knobs independently. LPG gas pressure requirement is 2.8Kpa (28mbar)
- 【Adjustable feet & removable shelves】 Adjustable feet allow the refrigerator keep balanced for better operation, and you may easily take it outside to drink refreshing juice or beer. Removable shelves help you stay organized in busy days
- 【Quiet & Energy-Saving】 No-Freon absorption cooling system, the reliable absorption propane fridge runs at 0 db silence and makes no pollution, perfect for light sleepers or home with kids or the elderly
2-Way RV Refrigerators
1. Norcold 1210BK – Editor’s Pick
The Norcold 1210BK is a relatively unusual 2-way RV refrigerator that can run off of either AC power or liquid propane. It’s also one of the largest models on the market, ideal for owners who have large RVs and want the space to hold and cool as much as possible.
Product Dimensions: 68.9 x 37.9 x 28.8 inches
Power Source: AC or LPG
Water/Ice Dispenser: No
Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
- Large enough to hold almost anything
- Automatically helps limit frost buildup
- Interior design permits airflow even when it’s closed
- A highly adjustable interior
- Very expensive
- So large that it may not fit in some RVs
- LED Control Panel with Diagnostics: State-of-the-art LED control panel with built-in diagnostics provides valuable information to simplify servicing and speed up repairs.
- Auto Changeover Between Gas and Electric: Uninterrupted operation is ensured by the automatic changeover from gas to electric and by the automatic gas flame re-ignition.
- Adjustable Thermostat responds to changes in ambient temperatures and the automatic cycle limits frost buildup on refrigerator cooling fans.
Free-Standing RV Refrigerators
1. VBENLEM Portable Refrigerator – Editor’s Pick
VBENLEM’s portable refrigerator is a compact, silent free-standing unit suitable for RVs and camping. A lock-reversible door offers flexibility for RV interiors, which is a surprisingly rare feature.
Product Dimensions: 17 x 18 x 21 inches
Power Source: AC or DC
Water/Ice Dispenser: No
Warranty: Standard
- Extremely quiet system
- Can be set on floors or counters
- Full-width shelving
- Reversible door hinge
- Slightly unusual sizing may require extra padding
- DC is only auxiliary
- No Noise Top-Notch Technology: Environmental friendly refrigerator, totally enclosed design. No additional refrigerant required throughout its servicelife. Absorption refrigeration enables mute operation so you can enjoy a sound sleep in the evening. CE/GS/CCC/CB approved for assuring quality.
- Tiny While Superior: This free standing fridge is of tiny structure. Can also be set on countertop. 40L adequate storage capacity with inside-door storage will surely meet your demands. Full-width shelves allow flexible storage solutions and easy clean up.
- Considerate Details: 37~53℉ (3~12℃) adjustable temperature with electronic formula controller. Foaming door and assuring gasket keep cold air inside. Illumination is provided by cold-light LED light. Reversible door hinge enables you to adjust it for either left or right-handed opening. Comfortable double-handle facilitate opening.
Portable RV Refrigerators
1. XtremepowerUS Portable Camping Refrigerator – Editor’s Pick
Most RV refrigerators are portable in the sense that you can technically lift and carry them around. However, XtremepowerUS’s portable camping refrigerator is one of the few that deserves the name because it has a handle and wheels to make moving it easier.
Product Dimensions: 14.8 x 24 x 21.5 inches
Power Source: 110V AC or 12/24 DC
Water/Ice Dispenser: No
Warranty: Standard
- More portable than most of the competition
- Flexible temperature settings
- The choice between fast cooling and energy-saving modes
- Relatively large for a portable unit
- Prefers DC-only for longer trips
- Relatively expensive for the size when not on sale
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Conclusion
RV refrigerators come with many shapes, sizes, and features. Whether you’re looking for a tall, regular unit or something more compact and flexible, buy your fridge now so you can test it before you start your next RV trip.
Last update on 2024-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API