8 Best Gas & Electric RV Refrigerator Recommendations

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.

This product is closer to being a cooler than a refrigerator, but its small size and portability make it ideal for short trips and RVs with minimal free space. It’s also small enough to only require a minimal power draw, which means it won’t deplete reliable batteries even if left on overnight.

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.

Dometic’s signature dual-zone freezer offers two compartments, each of which can have a different set temperature. Advanced electronics and a high-performance compressor help it reach its set temperature with minimal power, which a battery protection system actively shuts it off to protect car starter batteries. Reinforced corners and hinges make this one of the most durable products on the market.

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.

The Norcold 4 is easily one of the best gas refrigerators for RVs currently on the market. Its ability to switch between electricity and gas helps ensure uninterrupted operations, while its large size and user-friendly features justify its premium pricing.

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.

Linsion’s electric RV refrigerator is a mid-size model suitable for casual use. Like many vehicle fridges, it focuses on a top-down form that prevents regular moving and shaking from knocking it open while still providing easy access. An Eco/Max selector allows you to adjust its cooling speed and electricity draw, while built-in battery protection helps you avoid draining your RV all the way down.

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.

Smad’s 3-way fridge is a high-quality unit available in several different sizes to meet different needs, and that alone makes it stand out from the competition. In addition to its 2.1 and 3.5 cubic foot alternatives, it has a flame indicator for showing gas power, a manual temperature control, and a noiseless absorption cooling system.

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.

With four chambers, an integrated warning system, and a sturdy steel frame, the 1210BK is designed to last during long road trips. An automatic change between gas and electricity helps ensure uninterrupted operations, while an LED control panel makes servicing and repairs significantly easier. Overall, this is one of the largest and most capable 2-way RV refrigerators currently on the market.

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.

VBENLEM isn’t one of the better-known brands, but this compact portable refrigerator is worth looking at if you want something free-standing instead of permanently bolted into your RV. We particularly like the ultra-quiet nature of this fridge and its totally self-enclosed design. It’s not a full-size fridge, but it is large enough to support your needs during most short or mid-length trips.

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.

Handles are common enough on portable refrigerators, but wheels are still a relatively rare feature. That helps this product stand out from the competition. Other notable features include Bluetooth connectivity, a shockproof design, a three-stage battery protection system, and a USB port for charging electronics.

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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 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API