Owner guides
5 best campervan fridges & complete install guide
)
Is there any better feeling than setting up camp, cracking open an ice-cold beer and throwing a snag on the barbie? To help you keep your food fresh and your drinks cold, our camping experts have compiled this list of the best campervan fridges in Australia.
In compiling this list, we’ve considered the features, sizing options, pricing, pros and cons of each campervan fridge. We’ve also thrown in links to online retailers around Australia. But please note we are not affiliated with these retailers and make no affiliate commission off of this article.
Making our shortlist of the best campervan fridges in Australia are:
Dometic WAECO CoolMatic CRX110 Fridge & Freezer - Best upright campervan fridge
Dometic CFF 70DZ Dual Zone - Best campervan cooler fridge
Dometic RM 2356 - Best 3-way campervan fridge
Kings 60L Stayzcool Fridge - Best value campervan fridge
Bushman DC65X - Most compact fridge for a campervan
In addition to naming the best makes and models of campervan fridge, we’ve also provided a guide on how to choose the best campervan fridge for your DIY van conversion in Australia. Plus, we explain the different types of campervan fridges available on the market.
Earn up to $10,000 a year by hiring out your caravan - sign up to Camplify today.
The best campervan fridges
1. Dometic WAECO CoolMatic CRX110 Fridge & Freezer - Best upright campervan fridge
The Dometic WAECO CoolMatic CRX110 is the best upright 12V fridge freezer for a campervan. It is highly rated across many retailers' sites thanks to its large capacity (108L), compact design and outstanding energy efficiency.
This Dometic WAECO campervan fridge also has a stylish modern exterior and a practical interior with a separate compartment for storing fresh fruit and vegetables. It also offers a higher temperature control range (-18℃ to 12℃) than most campervan fridges, which can be set via the soft touch control panel in the inner wall.
This campervan fridge freezer can run on both 12V and 240V.
Pros:
Compact design with large capacity
Highly energy efficient (works well with solar)
Digital touch control panel
LED interior light
Drainage plug system for easy cleaning
Ambient mode (less noisy)
Variable door mounts & hinges (left or right)
Door with double lock (top/bottom)
Cons:
Not as durable as other campervan fridge models
Not as affordable as other campervan fridge models
Campervan fridge dimensions
Capacity: 108 Litres (9.5 Litres freezer)
Size: 520W mm x 745H mm x 558D mm
Weight: 27.6kg
Price: $1,650 - $1,690
Where to buy in Australia:
2. Dometic CFF 70DZ Dual Zone - Best campervan cooler fridge
The Dometic CFF 70DZ is the best campervan cooler fridge and freezer combo in Australia. It is popular thanks to its large capacity and mobile design.
Whilst it is not the most compact option, it uses high-quality cooling technology that is built to work well in hot Australian conditions. It has two separate fridge and freezer compartments that can be individually temperature-controlled (-18℃ to 20℃). It also comes with a cover to protect the exterior from scratches and damage.
This campervan fridge can run on both 12V and 240V.
Pros:
High-quality cooling technology
Fridge and freezer compartment
Basket storage
High-quality cover
Removable handles
Easy opening latch
LED light
Digital display
3-year warranty
AC and DC power cords
Cons:
Larger than other campervan fridge models
Not as durable as other campervan fridge models
Campervan fridge dimensions
Capacity: 70 Litres (40L fridge/ 30L freezer)
Size: 914L mm x 443W mm x 500H mm
Weight: 26kg
Price: $1,099
Where to buy in Australia:
MyGenerator
3. Dometic RM 2356 - Best 3-way campervan fridge
The Dometic RM 2356 is the best 3-way campervan fridge due to its tech features, durable design and modern appearance.
If you are willing to spend a little extra, this Dometic campervan fridge is highly efficient given that it can run on gas, 12V DC or 240V AC. It has a patented Universal Energy Selection (UES) control system that allows the energy supply to be chosen manually or automatically. The doors can also be hinged on either side and are replaceable to suit your campervan decor.
Pros:
Highly efficient thanks to 3-way design
Universal Energy Selection control system
LED control panel
Reversible hinges
Automatic flame failure safety device
Cons:
More complicated to install than other campervan fridge models
More expensive than other campervan fridge models
Campervan fridge dimensions
Capacity: 95 Litres (84L fridge/ 11L freezer)
Size: 556W mm x 766H mm x 577D mm
Weight: 32kg
Price: $1,695 - $1,750
Where to buy in Australia:
RV Parts Australia
4. Kings 60L Stayzcool Fridge - Best budget campervan fridge
The Kings 60L Stayzcool fridge is the best value campervan fridge for those on a budget. It is much more affordable than other campervan fridges and boasts a rugged design and steel construction that is made to last years.
Whilst it may be low cost, this fridge boasts a lot of features that more expensive models don’t. It has two USB charging ports to charge small devices and an LCD display with a battery monitor and temperature setter (-18°C - 10°C). Plus, it has two DC inputs and a dual-opening lid design, so that you can plug in and open your fridge regardless of its positioning.
This campervan fridge can run on both 12V and 240V.
Pros:
Highly affordable
Durable build with reinforced edges and corners
Power inputs at both ends.
2x USB ports.
Twin latch and twin hinge design (opens both ways)
LCD display
Three battery protection settings
5-year warranty
Cons:
Doesn’t hold temperature as well as other campervan fridges
Online reports of poor customer service
Campervan fridge dimensions
Capacity: 60 Litres
Size: 768L mm x 470W mm x 416H mm
Weight: 25.3kg
Price: $649 - $699
Where to buy in Australia:
Adventure Kings
4WD SupaCentre
Amazon
5. Bushman DC65X - Most compact fridge for a campervan
The Bushman DC65X is one of the most compact campervan fridges and a great choice for those who have little room to spare in their conversion. Although it is small on the outside, its clever design means that there is a heap of storage space inside.
This tidy little unit looks great and is built for off-grid camping, with soft rubber feet to help stabilise the unit when driving rough roads. It even has a long and skinny 4L freezer compartment, which allows you to stand bottles upright in the fridge section. Plus, the Bushman cooling system is renowned for being energy efficient.
This campervan fridge can run on both 12V and 240V.
Pros:
Custom Bushman cooling system is energy efficient
360° integrated cooling element in freezer
Easy-to-use thermostat
Simple, efficient and reliable design
Strong and lightweight construction
Small freezer and large fridge
Adjustable main shelves
Reversible door hinges
Mounting kit included
Soft custom rubber feet
Internal LED light
Cons:
May not meet your storage needs when camping off-grid for long periods.
Campervan fridge dimensions
Capacity: 65 Litres (61L fridge/ 4L freezer)
Size: 450W mm x 525H mm x 515 Dmm
Weight: 21.3kg
Price: $1,285
Where to buy in Australia:
How to choose the best campervan fridge
Budget
How much you spend on a campervan fridge will depend on how often you use your campervan, how long your camping trips are, how much food and drink you need to store and how much you are concerned about energy consumption (i.e. will you be relying on 12V or 240V power sources?).
You can build a cheap campervan fridge setup for as little as $100, using an esky and a bag of ice. However, if you are wanting to buy a powered campervan fridge, you will likely spend between $750 - $3,000.
More expensive campervan fridges should offer greater storage capacity, higher energy efficiency and more durability.
Design: upright vs chest vs drawer
There are two main styles of 12V fridge: the upright fridge and the chest cooler fridge.
Upright fridges often stand on feet and are mounted to the wall, meaning that they cannot easily be removed from the campervan. They also open from the front, meaning that items can fall out and you have to crouch down to see the inside. However, the benefit of an upright fridge is that it doesn't take up as much of the campervan floor space as a chest fridge.
Chest style fridges are like a cooler and often include handles so that they can be lifted in and out of the campervan (great for outdoor dining and entertaining). They also open from the top, meaning that items can’t fall out and you don’t have to bend down to see what’s inside. However, the downside of a chest fridge is that it uses up more campervan floor space than an upright fridge.
Campervan drawer fridges are a modern option. These compact cabinet-style refrigerators can slot in under your campervan's kitchen counter. The pull-out drawers mean that they are easy to stock and organise and items don’t fall out. However, drawer fridges are more expensive than other styles of campervan fridges and not as power efficient.
Size and capacity
The capacity of your campervan fridge will determine how often you need to restock it and how many supplies you can fit inside. However, larger fridges use up more interior space and cost more.
When determining the right size of campervan fridge for your conversion, consider the following points:
The size of your storage space - Do you have a dedicated storage space for your campervan fridge or will it sit on the floor?
The average duration of your camping trip - How long will you be staying off-grid?
Your cooking style - Do you prepare dishes from scratch or favour ready-made meals?
Your usual groceries - Do you tend to buy items that take up a lot of room in the fridge?
Your organisation preferences - Would you rather store food in a box or on a shelf?
Energy efficiency and power consumption
The last thing you want when you’re camping off-grid is to run out of power, so energy efficiency is a key consideration when choosing your fridge.
Consider whether you will be using mains supplies or solar panels to power the majority of your camping trips. Use a solar calculator to work out how much energy you need to power your campervan appliances and how much energy your solar setup is capable of producing.
The smaller your campervan fridge is, the less power it will consume.
Further, chest cooler fridges consume less energy than stand-up fridges. This is because they open from the top and the cold air pooled at the bottom cannot escape. In contrast, an upright fridge loses cold air whenever you open its door.
We recommend keeping an eye out for fridges with compressors from SECOP (Danfoss), Sawa, Fuji or Waeco. These tend to be the most energy efficient.
Bonus features
Camping fridges can come with all kinds of extra technology and finishing touches that add to their utility. It’s up to you to decide which ones you value.
Below are just some of the features you can find:
Temperature control through a mobile app
Insulated and protective covers
Low voltage protection to curb battery use
Freezer compartments
Removable baskets
Drain plugs for easy cleaning
Light displays
Interior LED lighting
USB charging ports
Types of campervan fridges
Compressor campervan fridge 12V
Compressor fridges are the most popular type of campervan fridge that you’ll come across. They are often designed specifically to fit in vans and function like your fridge at home - refrigerant vapour is compressed back into liquid form to maintain the cooling cycle.
Compressor fridges can run on 12V or 240V and are known as a 2-way campervan fridge. Ensure that your campervan fridge can be run on 12V when camping off-grid and 240V when camping on-grid.
Pros:
Durable and efficient – two things you need in an off-grid camper
Great cooling power even in hot destinations
Low power consumption (ideal for off-grid)
Simple to install, as they don’t require any ventilation
Simple to run, as they don’t require a DC-to-AC inverter
Available in many shapes and sizes to fit in all kinds of vans
Run effectively when you’re driving or parked on uneven ground
Cons:
Often more expensive to purchase
You’ll have to set up an electrical or solar system if you plan to camp off-grid
The compressor hum might get a little irritating (however quiet models are available!)
Recommended For:
Full-time van life
Overlanding, adventures and part-time van life
Thermoelectric cooler campervan fridge 12V
A thermoelectric campervan fridge cooler transfers heat between two different conductors to either lower or higher its internal temperature.
Pros:
Budget-friendly, often costing under $500
Small yet spacious
Don’t have to be level to function properly
Can also remove cold air to create warmth
Cons:
Not very energy efficient, using about 4 – 5 amps per hour
Can only reach 20–30 degrees below the outside temperature
No temperature control
Can get noisy
Must be wired to your electrical system
Recommended For:
Short road trips
3-way fridge
3-way or absorption campervan fridges utilise a gas flow heat exchange system to remove hot air and create a cooling effect. This type of campervan fridge can run on gas, 12V or 240V power.
Pros:
Last a few weeks on one 9kg gas bottle, so are great for off-grid camping
Long lifespan of about 20 years
AES (Automatic Energy Selection) can control power consumption
A fridge switch can automatically turn off its power when the van stops
Totally silent, as there are no moving bits
Cons:
Must be completely level to function effectively
Usually a slower cooling process
Must have proper ventilation for heat and gas extraction
Paying for gas will add to your long-term costs
Recommended For:
Large motorhomes, rather than campervans
If you don’t want to recharge your battery or install solar panels
FAQs about campervan fridges
Can you use a normal fridge in a campervan?
Whilst it is possible to use a normal fridge in a campervan, it is not advised. If you were to run a normal 240V fridge in a campervan, it would quickly drain your 12V campervan battery when camping off-grid (which would require an inverter).
Normal household fridges are also much larger than a campervan mini fridge and will eat up your floor space. Plus, they are not built to withstand the bouncing around that comes with travelling in a campervan.
Should I install a campervan fridge vent?
You should install a campervan fridge vent if you are using a 3-way campervan fridge (i.e. it runs on gas, 12V and 240V power). It is not necessary to install a campervan fridge vent if you are using a 2-way campervan fridge (i.e. it only runs on 12V or 240V power).
What is the best fridge for a campervan?
If you want an upright model, the best 12v fridge for a campervan is the Dometic WAECO CoolMatic CRX110 Fridge & Freezer.
If you want a cooler model, the best compressor fridge for a campervan is the Dometic CFF 70DZ Dual Zone.
And if you want a 3-way fridge, the best gas fridge for a campervan is the Dometic RM 2356.
Test the best campervan fridges before buying
It’s easy to get things wrong when choosing between the best campervan fridges. You don’t want to buy a fridge that you later find to be too small, too large, too inefficient or lacking in features.
That’s why we always recommend that you ‘try before you buy’.
Use Camplify to find campervan hire in Australia, many of which feature a fridge. Test to see whether that particular campervan fridge is what you want before investing in your own.
Then, when you have your own caravan fridge installed, begin making money by hiring out your campervan on Camplify!
Earn income by hiring out your campervan
There’s a quick and easy way to start earning an income from your campervan - hire it out on Camplify when it’s not in use!
Holidaymakers love campervan rentals that have a fridge for storing their food and drinks!
Why Camplify?
Each year, heaps of Aussies earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their campervan through Camplify. It provides a quick and easy way to generate long-term passive income and earn a return on their investment.
And the best part is that Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:
Comprehensive hire insurance.
24/7 NRMA nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.
Dedicated customer support.
If you’re interested in joining Camplify as an owner, try our earnings calculator and see how much income you could generate each year by renting out your unused campervan!
The information in this blog is accurate and current as of the date of posting. Please be aware that information, facts, and links may become outdated over time.