Do you want to keep fresh and cold food items with you whenever you are going somewhere in your camper van? Or are you looking for the best 12V fridge for campervan that could make your van life worth living? Well, whatever the intentions are, but if your campervan, your apartment, or your desired place requires you to have the best portable fridge then give a gentle pat on your shoulder because, at this platform, you’d be easily able to get a best vanlife fridge for keeping some cold groceries, food, and drinks with you on your long journey.
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Best VanLife Fridge
The thing about fridges is that they have become so advanced these days and some of them are very portable, energy-saving ones, space savers and easy to carry anywhere like in your camper van. You can imagine the feeling of having fresh and chilling food over mountains or on some hiking plans from the fridge that you’ve brought with you. But as there are many options available out there, so you should be very careful before spending your money on any ordinary piece, because sometimes, the money you spend buying a thing, about which you don’t have a piece of proper knowledge, could be a waste of time, and yes, money itself.
Top Refrigerator For Truckers
Therefore, for removing this difficulty, I have brought 9 best vanlife fridges for you by reviewing some customer reviews, consulting with many people who have these fridges in their camper vans, and with my personal experience, so that you could easily get the best one.
Hence, grab a cold drink for yourself, and let’s proceed together, as the things in this article, are much easier to understand and consider. So, no more waiting.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Dometic CFX28 12v Electric Powered Cooler Freezer |
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Check Price |
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Whynter FM-45G 45 Quart Portable Refrigerator |
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Check Price |
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Wagan Tech 6244 46-Quart refrigerator |
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Check Price |
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Koolatron P20 12V Compact Electric Cooler |
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Check Price |
 |
ICECO VL60 Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator |
4.7 out of 5 |
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Whynter FM-452SG 45 Portable Refrigerator |
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Check Price |
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Norcold NRF60 – 2.1 cu ft Portable Refrigerator |
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Dometic RM2193RB Compact Portable Refrigerator |
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Check Price |
 |
Dometic CRX-1065E/F-S refrigerator |
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Check Price |
1. Dometic CFX28 12v Electric Powered Cooler, Fridge Freezer:
For fulfilling your van life fridge demand, let’s have a look at our today’s first portable and energy-saving fridge CFX28 from Dometic manufacturers. The best part about this one is, the fridge is coming with extended usable features like you can use it as a freezer, fridge or an electric-powered cooler for your cold foods demands that even works if the ambient temperature is too hot. Its two separate cooling and freezing compartments make you do so. The fridge holds 13.42 W x 16.69 H x 24.4 D dimensions and 28.8 pounds weight which covers less space and can easily be carried in your camper van. The fridge consumes only 12V which saves electricity for you whether you are using it inside the house or in your van. For freezing and cooling, it gives you a capacity of 1 cubic fit and a reasonable cold temperature range of -7 °F (–22 °C). Though the capacity is not that large as this one is specially made for outdoor and van life purposes, so no worries it still can keep food and other beverages on your longways.
Moreover, the fridge gives you a USB port for charging mobiles, etc., WIFI connectivity, LED interior light, drain plug for cleaning, a removable wire basket, and much more. The product is loved by the customer but its other versions, like CFX-65W, CFX-75DZW, and CFX-95DZW, etc. are also available for wider storage, so make sure with customer reviews and ratting that you are getting the best one.
Pros:
- Portable, lightweight, and easy to transport
- Consumes less power
- Gives more cooling
- Freezer plus fridge
- WIFI, drain plug, and USB ports
- Can easily be fitted anywhere
- Even performs in hot weathers
Cons:
- Short capacity range
2. Whynter FM-45G 45 Quart Portable Refrigerator
Whynter fridges are also great in providing the demanded quality and satisfaction. Therefore, for the van life, their FM-45G Quart Portable Refrigerator holds great importance in this regard. This one is also coming with added portability and lightweight which means, it will suit best to your van life or campervan requirements. The fridge, consuming 12V DC/ 110AC low current gives a profound cooling with -8°F to 50°F cold temperature for making your foods and drinks colder in your home, car, van, or anywhere you like. There are two power cords available with this one for AC and DC connections. Moreover, with its “fast freeze” option, it gets to the low temperature in seconds and serves you with colder food items.
With this, having 52 Cu. Ft. refrigerator fresh food capacity or same freezer capacity the stainless steel made refrigerator with insulated lid and walls is also ETL approved for better perfection in quality. It can also be easily fitted anywhere with its external dimensions of 23.5 W x 16.5 L x 20.5 H and with a net weight of 45 pounds it can be easily transferred from one place to another. There are many models available like this one in different sizes, but you’ll get FM-45G in gray color and also on a very low budget.
However, be careful with its delivery and I should also give you a little warning about its staying with you because sometimes it doesn’t stay for a longer period. So, you have to consider these things.
Pros:
- Fast freeze up to -8°F
- Budget costly
- More space
- Less consumption
- Two way current
- Lightweight and best option for outside trips
Cons:
- Doesn’t stay for a longer period sometimes
- Color might be absurd to you
3. Wagan Tech 6244 46-Quart refrigerator:
Before talking about this one, let me ask you a question e.g. do you want a box like a refrigerator at a very low price for keeping some cold drinks or food items? Well, of course, this might be something curious to you. And, if it is, let me tell you about Wagan Tech 6244 46-Quart refrigerator that is another great offering for the best van life fridges. Enriched with a massive capacity of 46 Quart, the fridge can keep 60 12oz cans and also can hold a dinner or lunch for an entire family. Do you know what the best part is? The fridge gives you dual functions as you can make things colder and warmer with it. It gives maximum cooling of up to 36°F below ambient temperature and a warming function gives maximum warming temperature of up to 140 degrees. This one is also giving you much convenience for moving it anywhere with its wheels, folding handle, and built-in side handles, similar to moving your luggage.
Moreover, with 21. 75 x 16. 25 x 17. 5 inches external dimensions and with only 22 pounds weight the Wagan Tech can be easily placed anywhere and suits best on those long trips.
However, the fridge is a little noisy and you cannot leave it running all night as this will result in a low battery, and also you have to buy a separate power supply with it that looks like a laptop power supply. But overall, a great fridge to buy at a very low price.
Pros:
- No ice needed for better cooling
- Cooling and warming function
- Easily carrying, easy to move
- More space for keeping food and beverages
Cons:
- Power supply buy separately
- Little noisy
4. Koolatron P20 12V Compact Electric Cooler:
Let’s have a look at another cooler and warmer named Koolatron P20 12V Compact Electric Cooler. With on-the-go life necessity features and cooling functions, this portable, lightweight, and easy-to-transfer electric cooler gives you that charm that you are looking for in your camper van fridge. Consuming only 12V, this one makes you plug it in your car, van, bus, truck, or any vehicle for serving you the colder drinks and foods. It has 17 liters capacity that can fill up to 23 cans in it that never ends on your long journeys. Like the previous one, it gives you the cooling level at 40°F (22°C) below ambient temperature and warming level up to 135°F (57°C) for warming food and other items.
Moreover, its compact and slim design fits anywhere you like and with having only 5 pounds weight it is easy to lift with hands.
However, it is a little less spacious but it is designed just for fitting into the snug spaces behind the seats of your cars, vans, and trucks for providing you versatility over your trips, outside tours, and beech plans, etc. Also, you have to buy the power supply separately but still, it is in your minimum budget range.
Pros:
- Cooler and warmer
- Lightweight
- Easy carrying
- Suit best while driving and going out
- Consumes low power
Cons:
- Less spacious
- Power supply buy separately
5. ICECO VL60 Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator with SECOP:
The line is revealing much and yet it has much to offer you for the best van life fridges. Another great offering is just in your reach named ICECO VL60 Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator that in its marvelous shockproof design and gorgeous look but also with your desired features will win your heart and make your life comfortable. Its sturdy stuff makes it withstand even in hard environments and its sturdy look with durable paints adds liveliness into your life. With such a great appearance the larger and wider fridge runs over only 12V/24V DC and 110V to 240V AC with two power cables in-home or vehicle anywhere. It comes with the latest technology features like ETL certificate, CFC free gas, and SECOP compressor that gives it fast cooling and compelling productivity.
Moreover, having two cooling apartments with 89Can capacity makes it easy to use as a freezer and fridge anytime anywhere wherever life takes you. Also, with 5 years of warranty and noise friendly, an environmentally-friendly fridge always works according to the expectations and provides colder beverages and foods.
However, it is a little costly and a little heavier too as it has 67 pounds weight, but still, with many positive customer reviews, the fridge is something worthy to have over long trips, hiking, or family gatherings.
Pros:
- Sturdy and durable fridge
- More space for more storage
- Two-way connections
- 5 years of warranty
- LED display and digitized temp. adj.
- Environment friendly
Cons:
- A little expensive
- A little heavyweight
6. Whynter FM-452SG 45 Quart Slim fit Portable Refrigerator
Another offering from the Whynter best quality fridge makers is its FM-452SG 45 Quart Slim fit Portable Refrigerator that will suit best on your camper van, car, truck, or even in the house. This one comes with 45 Quarts capacity, which means 78 (12FL oz) Cans can be stored at the same time. its adjustable temperature ranges from 8°F to 50°F with an LED temperature display feature that provides more cooling to the food and drinks over longways. Clicking the special feature of “Fast Freeze” mode fastly and rapidly cools the fridge to -8°F which is best for having colder items in a very short time. Along with this, the fridge has two moods, as use it as a freezer or refrigerator over a very low consumption of 12V having both AC and DC power connections at the same time. This means if the AC gets down use DC and vice versa.
Moreover, the fridge includes two power cords, removable baskets, ETL approved, and insulated walls and lid. With having 14.5 x 27 x 20 dimensions it can be easily fitted anywhere in your house or van.
However, you have to buy a power supply separately with it and the fridge is also a little heavier with 55 pounds weight, but again with a lot of positive user rating, on the go features, and endless versatility and durability, Whynter proved that they are the best fridge makers in the world.
Pros:
- More space
- Fast freezer option
- Fridge plus freezer
- LED display
- Alternative ways for battery connections
- Decent and versatile fridge
Cons:
- A little heavier
- A little costly
7. Norcold NRF60 – 2.1 cu ft Portable Refrigerator/ Freezer
With the latest technology and updated features, let’s make you aware of another one for your best van life fridges needs. This one from Norcold company is another great compact, lightweight and portable fridge that is always ready to go with you. As I said, embedded with the latest technology functions this 2-in-1 refrigerator comes with an electronic panel that displays the internal temperature over the screen and allows you to set it according to your desired range. Packed with CFC-free insulation foam and stainless-steel interior, it is on the other edge in providing you with frozen cooling. Along with this, the fridge is also the one that consumes low energy being in the van, house, or car. The fridge has a hermetically sealed compressor that makes this thing sure.
Moreover, the fridge has a corrosion-proof exterior that is long time durable and has heavy-duty removable handles, easily reversible, and a hinged lid that is also removable. With only these 25.5 x 20.4 x 16.9 dimensions, the fridge will make itself available during your camping, RVs, boats, and camper vans.
However, weighing 56 pounds might be a little men’s job for you to lift it, and also the power supply is added separately so make sure you can deal with these things. But, with a 5-star rating, this is something worth having in your van or house.
Pros:
- Latest technology
- Power saver
- Latest compressor
- CFC free
- More room for storage
- 2-in-1 fridge
- Easy to take with you
Cons:
- A little expensive
- Buy Power supply separately
8. Dometic RM2193RB Compact Portable Refrigerator, Black
Another portable and compact refrigerator from Dometic in this list is RM2193RB which in its small and low-sized shapes can easily be fitted inside your van, car, truck, boat, or RVs. The fridge in its black color and marvelously built stuff looks astonishing over your planned countryside trips, destination family gatherings, or birthday parties. Though the product might look a little bit confused about its specs and offerings, I can make sure that this, under the mentioned price, can be a great choice to make. For example, Let’s have a look at its dimensions which tells that the fridge is 21 7/16 in-depth, 21 9/16 in height, and 19 5/16 in width which means it is easily placeable in any of your desired vehicles. Its 46 pounds weight is also not that heavy to lift. The fridge runs over 12 volts but makes sure you have more power inside your car for making it run smoother.
Moreover, the temperature range and cooling functions are also good inside it that runs below 45 ambient temperature. The inside has two apartments for freezer and fridge usage.
However, the fridge comes without a decorative door panel and you have to buy it separately but that depends on your choice. But most of the customers have a good experience using it.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Small and easy carrying
- Runs over low power
- Provides more cooling
Cons:
- Sometimes you don’t have access to the backside of this fridge
- The propane is problematic
9. Dometic CRX-1065E/F-S refrigerator:
Wrapping things up, let me introduce you to our last but as I am saying this again, “never least” one of the best fridges, although a little expensive but fulfilling your every requirement for the best van life fridges that you are looking for. Looks energetic, isn’t it? Exactly, I am talking about another great product by Dometic named CRX- 1065E/F-S refrigerator that due to its compatible shape and eyes friendly design will stand best in your car, van, or house. It is the first RV and Marine fridge that has a special feature of an electronic control panel that is easy to operate and fits flush into the sidewall for providing more easy storage space. An IR sensor packed with the latest technology and an amazing compressor that reduces the noise while cooling your things are some other great features of this fridge. The fridge provides a 1.9 Cu. Ft. wider capacity for storing maximum food and drink items. Along with this, the fridge also has patented removable compartments that transform this unit into a larger and wider capacity holding refrigerator over a cooling temperature of 17°F (-8°C) level.
Moreover, the fridge has a function of AC and DC connecter that runs over 12V while saving more power. It weighs only 45 pounds which means it can easily be carried anywhere and with 22 x 19.5 x 20 dimensions It can easily be placed anywhere.
However, it has not been sold much which makes that this one hasn’t any faults yet, but maybe it has, so I will mention them later in the article.
Pros:
- Spacious
- Latest functions
- Noise controlling compressor
- Saves power
- Both AC and DC power connections available
- Lightweight and easy to place anywhere
Cons:
- A little expensive
- Not rated yet
Things to look for in a Best van life fridge:
Since I have described the 9 best van life fridges to you and I hope that now getting the best one won’t be a difficult task anymore. However, if you are still confused about it, then let’s have a look at the important features that you should look for in the best fridge for replacing it with your old camper van unit or whether buying a new one for the very first time. Well, whatever it is, these factors will let you choose wisely and help you in making a healthy decision.
Size and fridge capacity:
The most top thing to consider for a camper van or a van life mini-fridge is its size and capacity. Because as the purpose is only getting the best unit for your camper van, you shouldn’t go for big fridges or freezers that might be costly and they also won’t fit into your van, car, or truck, or you’re any desired vehicle. So, make sure that you go for a mini-sized fridge as most of them are described in the above article and also look at the capacity of 20 to 60 Quarts. This kind of fridge with this size and capacity will suit you best and fit easily inside your camper van.
Lightweight and easy to carry
Suppose that you have got a bulky fridge that disturbs you on your long ways and also while installation inside your camper van then what will you do? In that case, the simple and easy step to follow is looking and going for a fridge that must have a low weight of around about 15 to 50 pounds and it should have dimensions that won’t cover up much space.
Fridge power consumption:
As you are going to get a fridge for your van life experience, you should also have to consider the power consumption factor. Sure, you won’t spend your hefty money over buying separate batteries and solar panels for providing electricity to your camper van fridge. So, consider buying a minivan fridge that could run over 12V of power. However, if it is with both AC and DC connectors then this will be the best option to choose. Because providing 12V power is an easy task for your van and your fridge can run easily over it if it consumes this energy.
Although the power factor might vary sometimes, the fridges that I described to you are all the way best in most camper van life running cases because they are well researched by the user reviews and recommendations.
Temperature level:
Checking and making sure about the mentioned and provided temperature level is also very important. Sometimes the things that are written are not delivered in the same way. So, make sure that your specific one is giving you the promised cooling for making things colder inside it.
Durability, versatility, and warranty
Before buying a mini-fridge for your van life, also look for these things. Your fridge must be with a reasonable warranty period, must be made up of fine and some high-quality stuff, and must be capable of being with you for a reasonable time. because, if you won’t see these things inside your fridge, you’ll only do a waste of money and time. So, give it a comprehensive reading, proper research, and also analyze user reviews before buying a camper van fridge.
Price:
The price of a van life fridge might be the bigger concern for a person like you or me. Therefore, see my camper van dear fellow, the fridges are available from 100 dollars to 1000 dollars but it all depends on you how much you can spend. However, for making it easier for you, I would recommend you to have at least 300 to 500 dollars for having a decent and durable fridge for making your van life full of coldness. I hope that you get it.
Latest technology features:
As I said at the beginning of this article that many fridges are coming with some advanced features for adding necessities to your life. So, make sure that your specific one could serve you with some of the below-mentioned ones.
- WIFI and USB for phone and fridge charging
- LED display for temperature setting
- Interior lighting
- Removable wire baskets
- CFC free compressor
- Low voltage protection
- Fast freeze temperature option
- Drain plug for easy cleaning
- Fridge and freezer if possible, in the same fridge
Door or lid openings:
According to this particular factor, two types of fridges available are given as:
Chest freezers: In chest freezers, the lid opens vertically, and as they are chest type so they provide more space for storing foods. Food and other items also don’t fall on bumpy rides. Moreover, they are the most energy-efficient:
- Upright fridges:
In upright fridges, the door opens in the left or right direction and they are installed upright in your camper van. In these fridges, things could fall over bumpy rides, and also, they consume a little more power. Although, they also offer more space for storing food items. But the best choice is yours whether you find a chest or upright suitable inside your boat, camper van, or RVs.
Compartments:
The last thing that you need to consider is the compartments. Means to say, check that either your fridge can be used as a freezer and fridge in both ways? Well, if it is then it would be a great choice to make. Because such a fridge provides spaciousness for storing more food and drink items on those long alone ways.
Final saying about the best van life fridges:
Thanks to you for making this end of the article after reading that huge and comprehensive information above, about the best van life fridges. I hope that you’ve got the best one and already placed it with your older camper van unit or even to go out for some exploration. Well, congratulations to you if you did so. However, if you didn’t get one yet and still confused, then let me recommend the two most used and highly recommended fridges of all time for the latest installation in your camper van.
- Dometic CFX28 12v Electric Powered Cooler, Fridge Freezer:
- Whynter FM-452SG 45 Quart Slim fit Portable Refrigerator
So, this was it for today and I hope that you’ve liked my article and if you did then let me know through the comments. You can ask queries and add anything that you’d like to as I am here for responding to it. Moreover, we shall meet soon with another great idea. Until then, take care of yourself inside your camper van life and have some fresh and cold food & drink items from a best van life fridge. Live to explore, live better!
Frequently Asked Questions related to the best vanlife fridges:
Which fridge is best for vanlife?
As there are three types of fridges available for your van life, outdoor living, living on a boat or RSV, for taking it on your car, truck, bus, or any other vehicle, house apartment, family gatherings, and anywhere you like. They are as follows:
- Compressor van life fridges- same as home-like ridges, run over a compressor for voltage controlling and are low energy consumption, easy to install, durable, versatile, and easy carrying ones. Also, highly recommended for van life.
- Gas fridges for van life- run over gas which is a better option than a battery but could be a little dangerous and also can increase your gas expenses. However, also very efficient, silent, durable, and has a long lifespan.
- Electric coolers– run over electricity, make cooling by removing hot air from the inside and also can be used for warming things up by removing colder air from the inside. But less efficient although affordable.
Can a fridge run over 12V in a camper van?
Yes, sure it can as there are many 12V consuming fridges available out there. Moreover, these are energy-saving ones and the most efficient too. They run mostly with a compressor.
For how long does a van life fridge stay?
Well, if it’s about cooling then it can stay cold for even more than a day depending on the brand and size, and other features of the fridge. However, if it is about durability then it totally depends on the type of brand that you have got. Most fridges can stay for more than 5 years and some of them last even for a year. So, make sure that you are getting the most durable one that comes from a great brand like Whynter.