A camping refrigerator is a must-have when you’re traveling in an RV or campervan. It’s a great way to keep food fresh, drinks cold and even frozen if you’re going for a long trip. It will also ensure that your food stays safe to eat, especially if it’s meat or dairy products. And a fridge will save you a lot of frustration by not having to dump melted ice into your cooler.
Portable fridges are ideal for van camping and overlanding because they allow you to control the temperature, unlike coolers which can only be used as an icebox. And fridges can be plugged into the 12V socket in your vehicle so they can run off the power from your car battery. That makes them a handy backup in case you get stuck somewhere and can’t leave the vehicle. They’re also useful for keeping things like medications, extra blankets and camping gear in, so they don’t melt.
When choosing a camping fridge, it’s important to consider its capacity and how you’ll be using it. You don’t want to overload it, but it’s also good to have room for a bit of growth and expansion. For example, you might be bringing extra jerky or other snacks that need to be kept chilled, or maybe some leftovers from home. A good size for a portable fridge is 30L, which can hold about 27 cans.
Thermoelectric fridges are one of the most durable kinds on the market, and they can be used for a wide variety of tasks. Some can even be used to heat food or water. You can also find ones that come with a removable basket so you can use it for picnics or other types of outdoor meals. However, it’s important to remember that absorption fridges must be level so that they work properly. Unevenness can cause improper cooling and spoiled food.
Dometic is a brand that’s known for their high-quality camping fridges and portable electric coolers. Their CFF series are affordable fridge freezers that can be powered by either electricity or propane/butane gas. The CFX3 series has more features, including two separate compartments so you can store different foods and drinks. And there’s the EcoFlow GLACIER, which has a more powerful compressor and a built-in battery and ice-making capabilities.
A few other features to look out for are USB ports so you can charge devices, and Bluetooth connectivity so you can connect with the fridge remotely. The ARB Zero, for example, comes with 2-way Bluetooth compatibility and allows you to monitor and set the fridge from your phone. You can even get diagnostic info and notifications if something’s wrong with it.
You can also choose a fridge with a drain plug so you can clean it easily. And most models have a handle so you can easily move it around if needed. You can also find models that are lockable so you can secure it in the van or trailer.