Last Updated: February 14, 2022
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Best Van Life Fridge: Efficient & Affordable

Need to get a fridge for your campervan? You’re definitely in the right place because that is exactly what we’ll be talking about in this detailed review!

Our Top Picks

Stand-alone fridges, three-way fridges, mini-fridges, and coolers – we’ve covered it all right here. We’ve included just the best compact fridges for RVs and campervans, so at least one of them should be the right option for you.

The prices also start at a little over $100, and I am pretty sure that you will find plenty of options in your price range!

Top Product Overview

BLACK+DECKER BCRK25W Compact Refrigerator Energy Star Single Door Mini Fridge with Freezer, 2.5 Cubic Ft., White
  • Very affordable
  • Large capacity
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Midea WHD-113FSS1 Compact Refrigerator, 3.1 cu ft, Stainless Steel
  • Top-door freezer
  • Glass shelves
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Best Mini-Fridge For Drinks
  • Adjustable thermostat
  • Very small and lightweight
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ICECO VL65 68 Quart Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator with SECOP Compressor, 65 Liters Deep Freezer, DC 12/24V, AC 110-240V, 0℉ to 50℉, Home & Car Use (without Insulate Cover)
  • Generous capacity
  • Can be a freezer
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VBENLEM 1.4cu.ft Portable Refrigerator,12V DC &110V AC Compact Absorption Fridge,Black Mini Car Cooler with Lock Reversible Door,for Apartment Hotel Hospital Camping Traveling Vehicle RV Boat - 37~53℉
Best Small Capacity Fridge
  • Works on AC and DC
  • Low power draw
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SMETA Propane Fridge LPG 12V 3 Way Fridge 2.1 Cu.ft Outdoors Refrigerator Gas Refrigerator without Freezer Propane/110V/12V Fridge for Camping, RV, Motorhome and Campervan, Black
  • Multiple power options
  • Removable shelves
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Smad Compact Mini Fridge Quiet No Noise Absorption Refrigerator with Lock 40L Truck Fridge 110V/12V Refrigerator 1.4 cu.ft, Black
  • Silent operation
  • Two-way fridge (12/110V)
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SMETA Propane Refrigerator RV 3 way Off Grid Camper Fridge Outdoor Refrigerator for Patio 12V/110V/Gas LPG, No Noise, Solar Fridge for RV Garage, Single Door, 3.5 Cu.Ft, White
  • Indoor freezer included
  • Large capacity
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Best Campervan Fridges


Best Large Capacity Fridge

BLACK+DECKER BCRK25W Compact Refrigerator

BLACK+DECKER BCRK25W Compact Refrigerator Energy Star Single Door Mini Fridge with Freezer, 2.5 Cubic Ft., White

The Black+Decker fridge is a good option if you’re worried about power consumption. At 25 Watts per hour, this is one of the most energy-efficient options. It is also surprisingly affordable, and a great option if your budget is under $200.

The total capacity of this fridge is 95 liters, and that is without the capacity of the mini freezer compartment. That is really good for such a small fridge, and it might even get you through a week of life on the road. It is bigger than most of the other compact fridges, so just make sure that it can fit into your campervan before you buy it.

This portable fridge freezer features reversible door hinges, so you can adjust it to fit your van kitchen well.

Also, it has a recessed door handle for space-saving purposes, and it’s quiet enough that you will be able to fall asleep while it’s running. Maybe not the first night or two, but you’ll easily get used to it.

The lowest temperature setting is 32℉, which is suitable even for storing meat in the fridge. You can adjust the temperature if necessary, which will allow you to control power consumption as well.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and reliable compact fridge, this is easily one of the best options you can get.

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Large capacity
  • Has a freezer

Cons

  • Power consumption is on the higher end
  • Works only with electricity

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 19.88 x 20.37 x 29.53
  • Weight: 45.59 lbs
  • Power Consumption: 25 Watts per hour
  • Capacity: 95 liters
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Midea Compact Refrigerator

Midea WHD-113FSS1 Compact Refrigerator, 3.1 cu ft, Stainless Steel

Looking for a larger fridge and freezer combo to put in your campervan? The Midea compact fridge is a good option for you! It’s 33” tall, so it’s certainly not for everyone’s home on wheels. It has a capacity of 88 liters, it features glass shelves inside, and the door hinges are reversible.

This is a 120V fridge, so you can only put it in a camper that has electricity. Even though it’s quite big for a camper fridge, it doesn’t consume too much power and you shouldn’t have any issues running it just with solar energy.

There are door shelves in both the fridge and the freezer compartment, and they are very convenient for storing bottles and cans.

Also, there’s a drawer at the bottom, which works well for vegetables and fruit. The temperature inside the fridge gets cold enough to store meat, but keep in mind that the temperature in the van will impact how cold it is inside the refrigerator.

On top of all that, this mini fridge is surprisingly affordable for its size and performance. It’s under $250, which is really good for an 88-liter fridge with a top-door freezer. Also, it’s an almost silent fridge that you won’t hear working, making it an excellent option for any campervan layout.

Pros

  • Top-door freezer
  • Glass shelves
  • Quiet

Cons

  • Quite big and heavy
  • Only suitable for campervans with electricity

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 18.50” x 19.37” x 32.95”
  • Weight: 52.2 lbs
  • Power Consumption: 80W
  • Capacity: 88 liters
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Best Mini-Fridge For Drinks

20L Mini Fridge

This mini fridge is a great option if you want something versatile that takes up very little space. It has an adjustable thermostat that can be set as low as 25 degrees Celsius under ambient temperature. If the insulation in your van works well, you could even turn it into a freezer.

Also, the mini-fridge is not just to keep your food cold – you can even set it up to 65 degrees Celsius, and have it keep your coffee warm. It’s a very interesting fridge, and it takes up barely any space in a campervan considering that it has a capacity of only 20-liters. It can hold enough food and drinks for a couple of days, so it’s not a bad option if you want a simple and cheap solution.

One important thing to note is that this 12v fridge is not great for storing meat. Its internal temperature is heavily dependent on the ambient temperature, and it won’t be low enough for meat on some really hot days.

This is a quiet compressor fridge, so noise won’t be an issue even if it’s right next to your bed. Also, the mini fridge can be used both as a 12V DC and 110V appliance, but it should only be plugged into one source of power at a time. It’s a good option under $150, particularly if you’re not looking for a really big campervan fridge.

Pros

  • Adjustable thermostat
  • Very small and lightweight
  • Quiet

Cons

  • Very small capacity
  • Not great for storing meat

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 18” x 15” x 13”
  • Weight: 12.82 lbs
  • Power Consumption: Not specified
  • Capacity: 20 liters
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Best Medium Capacity Fridge

ICECO VL65 68 Quart Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator

ICECO VL65 68 Quart Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator with SECOP Compressor, 65 Liters Deep Freezer, DC 12/24V, AC 110-240V, 0℉ to 50℉, Home & Car Use (without Insulate Cover)

Don’t want a standing compressor fridge for your campervan? The Iceco dual-zone portable fridge might be just the right option for you! It is a chest-style fridge that has a total capacity of 65 liters across the two compartments, and the compartments can be opened individually. This means that you can put food in one of them without letting any cold air out from the other.

Also, there’s an LCD display that lets you adjust the temperature inside the fridge. Once you turn it on, it can be completely cool in a little under an hour. The temperature range is 0-50 degrees Fahrenheit, so it will even work as a freezer.

The fridge comes with two cables, and it can work both on AC and DC. It’s versatile in that way, which makes it a great option not just for campers, but also for family picnics. Plus, the anti-fingerprint surface makes it really easy to clean.

If you are looking specifically for this type of fridge, the Iceco is a great option for you. But if you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to check out some other fridges first. The Iceco fridge is extremely well made, and it performs incredibly well, but the high price point could be off-putting for a lot of people. But at least it comes with a 5-year warranty for the compressor, and a 1-year warranty for all other parts.

Pros

  • Generous capacity
  • Can be a freezer
  • Works on AC and DC

Cons

  • Very heavy
  • Pricey

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 31.5” x 18.5” x 19.5”
  • Weight: 66.1 lbs
  • Power Consumption: 30-40W in Eco Mode
  • Capacity: 65 liters
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Best Small Capacity Fridge

VBENLEM Portable Refrigerator

VBENLEM 1.4cu.ft Portable Refrigerator,12V DC &110V AC Compact Absorption Fridge,Black Mini Car Cooler with Lock Reversible Door,for Apartment Hotel Hospital Camping Traveling Vehicle RV Boat - 37~53℉

The Vbenlem portable fridge is available in two sizes. You can choose between 40 and 50-liter fridges, so pick up the one that is the better fit for your campervan. Naturally, the 40-liter fridge is the smaller option, and the better pick if you’re really cramped for space.

The fridges have a temperature range of 37-53℉, they can be used with both 12V DC and 110V electricity, and they have reversible hinges on the door. One thing to note is that the fridge is mainly supposed to be used on AC, and it performs best when plugged into a proper outlet. DC is just an auxiliary function, and the power consumption is higher.

Additionally, keep in mind that the fridge is not ideal for storing fresh meat since the lowest internal temperature is 37℉. Ambient temperature can only make that higher, so think twice before putting a steak in this mini-fridge.

This campervan fridge has two removable shelves, and two other shelves on the door. It’s not the best layout in terms of keeping your 12v fridge organized and well-stocked, but at least you can adjust where the shelves are. They’re classic wire shelves, so they’re very durable but also much lighter than glass shelves.

Pros

  • Works on AC and DC
  • Low power draw
  • Good price

Cons

  • Doesn’t get cold enough for fresh meat
  • Only two door shelves

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 21” x 17” x 18”
  • Weight: 40.8 lbs
  • Power Consumption: 0.8kW/h
  • Capacity: 40 liters
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SMETA 60-liter Camping Fridge

SMETA Propane Fridge LPG 12V 3 Way Fridge 2.1 Cu.ft Outdoors Refrigerator Gas Refrigerator without Freezer Propane/110V/12V Fridge for Camping, RV, Motorhome and Campervan, Black

The Smeta fridge for campervans is a great option if you need something versatile. This is a three-way fridge, which means that it can run on three types of power – 12V, 110V, and propane. It works in vans with and without electrical hookups, so it’s a great fridge for almost all campers.

It is possible to adjust the temperature in the fridge, so you can control how much power this is using. If you’re only storing drinks inside, lower the temperature of the fridge to reduce the power draw.

This fridge has a 60-liter capacity, which should be enough to store food for the next several days. And the shelves inside are removable, so you can fit some taller bottles inside. The temperature range of the Smeta fridge for camping is 32℉ – 50℉ – at the lowest setting, this fridge is cool enough to store meat.

However, keep in mind that you must keep the fridge in an insulated environment for it the work properly. If the insulation in your van is not that great, the temperature inside the fridge will not stay at the lowest setting.

Another great thing about this fridge is that the door hinges are reversible, so you can easily adjust it to perfectly fit inside the kitchen in your campervan.

Pros

  • Multiple power options
  • Removable shelves
  • Reversible door hinges

Cons

  • No freezer
  • Pricey

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 18” x 18.9” x 27.4”
  • Weight: 49. lbs
  • Power Consumption: 12/110V
  • Capacity: 60 liters
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Smad Compact Mini Fridge

Smad Compact Mini Fridge Quiet No Noise Absorption Refrigerator with Lock 40L Truck Fridge 110V/12V Refrigerator 1.4 cu.ft, Black

The Smad mini fridge is a great option if your priority is a quiet fridge. It makes barely any noise, and you will have no issues falling asleep next to it. This is a two-way fridge suitable only for use inside the van, and you can plug it either into an outlet or a car lighter. It doesn’t have a freezer inside, so keep that in mind.

The fridge comes with 12V and 110V cables, a removable door and flat shelves, adjustable feet, and a lock with keys for the door. It is possible to adjust the height of the shelves, so you should be able to fit some taller bottles inside without any issues. One thing to note here is that it should only be plugged into one power source at a time.

Additionally, the Smad fridge has reversible hinges, allowing you to make just right for your campervan kitchen. It’s one of the smaller fridges featured here, so it’s not great if you’re looking for something with a large capacity.

Also, if you want a fridge that you can fit under a counter, I wouldn’t recommend this one. It emits quite a lot of heat, and you will need to leave at least 3-4” of room around the fridge. But it’s silent, affordable, and has an average power draw of 0.8kWh. If you’re in the market for something cheap and quiet, this is a great option for you.

Pros

  • Silent operation
  • Two-way fridge (12/110V)
  • Small enough for most campervans

Cons

  • Emits a lot of heat
  • Small capacity
  • No freezer

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 15.75“ x 18.11“ x 22.05“
  • Weight: 38.5 lbs
  • Power Consumption: 0.8kWh
  • Capacity: 40 liters
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SMETA Propane Fridge With Freezer

SMETA Propane Refrigerator RV 3 way Off Grid Camper Fridge Outdoor Refrigerator for Patio 12V/110V/Gas LPG, No Noise, Solar Fridge for RV Garage, Single Door, 3.5 Cu.Ft, White

This Smeta fridge is great if you want a big and versatile upright fridge. It’s a three-way fridge that works on 12V and 110V, but it also runs on propane. When using propane to power the fridge, you must make sure that the area is ventilated. Propane is not suitable for use in a van with closed windows and doors and should instead only be used outdoors.

The fridge has a total capacity of 96 liters, which makes it the largest campervan fridge featured in this review. If you’re fully committed to van life and want to get a fridge that can store a week’s worth of food, this is a great option for you.

You also get an indoor freezer in the Smeta fridge, with a total capacity of 11 liters. The shelves in the fridge and door are all adjustable, so you can play around to create as much space as you need in the fridge. There’s even a plastic drawer at the bottom that is perfect for fruits and veggies.

The temperature inside the Smeta fridge is adjustable, and it ranges from 32-50℉. That is low enough to store fresh meat, especially if the ambient temperature is not too high. Additionally, the freezer temperature ranges from -0.4-32℉, meaning you can easily freeze meat and leftovers.

One thing to note is that fridge and freezer temperatures can’t be individually adjusted – there’s one knob for both, so keep that in mind.

Pros

  • Indoor freezer included
  • Large capacity
  • Three-way fridge

Cons

  • Energy consumption is above average
  • Big and bulky
  • Pricey

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 20.6” x 23.2” x 32.2”
  • Weight: 76lbs
  • Power Consumption: 150W
  • Capacity: 96 liters
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What To Look For In A Fridge

Camper van fridges work a little differently than other fridges in many cases, so there are a lot of things to consider. Below is a breakdown of the most important things to be on the lookout for.

Electric Or Off The Grid?

Do you have electricity in your van, or is it entirely off the grid? Depending on your answer there are a few different types of compact fridges to consider.

You have fewer options if your camper van doesn’t have electricity, so let’s start there. You can get a basic ice cooler, a propane fridge, or one that you plug into the car lighter. Propane fridges are more expensive, but they also have larger capacities and can thus store more food.

However, a propane fridge should never be used in an unventilated space. You can use it either outside while you are at a campsite, or plug it into a car adapter when you’re on the move. Just don’t leave the propane tank running in a closed van when you go to sleep, since the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is just too high.

Campervan fridges that run on DC are not a bad option, but they tend to consume a lot of power. It’s okay to keep them plugged in while you are moving, but if it stays plugged in while you’re parked, it can quickly drain your car battery.

If you have solar panels on your van, then you’re free to get any type of fridge you want. The main thing you need to worry about is power consumption, or rather is your van producing enough electricity to keep that fridge running 24/7. More on that in the next section!

Power Consumption

This section is only relevant for people with electric hook-ups in their camper van. If your ride is entirely off the grid, you can skip this.

The best fridge for your camper van depends on the amount of solar energy you usually have stored. Refrigerators use a lot of power, so it’s important to find something that is as energy-efficient as possible.

The most popular option for campervans are 12-Volt fridges – they don’t use a lot of power, they work well and they don’t take up too much space. But they can be expensive: 12-Volt fridges start at $200 and go up from there.

Keep in mind that you will rarely find a good option at the low end of the price range. The $200 fridges are usually loud, inconsistent, and only work in well-insulted campervans. If you want a reliable and energy-efficient fridge, you’ll have to spend more.

Another popular option is 100-Watt refrigerators. They’re also known as dorm fridges since they are often found in college dorms. These are reliable, they usually have a freezer inside, and they’re not too expensive.  They are cheaper than 12-Volt fridges, but they are not as energy-efficient.

Fridge Size And Capacity

I assume you have already done this, but in case you haven’t – go and measure exactly how much space you have in the campervan kitchen for a fridge. This is the most important thing because it doesn’t matter if you find the best and most energy-efficient fridge if it won’t fit in the van.

Once you’ve figured that out, you should look for fridges with a capacity that is enough for you. Do you want to store just drinks inside, or are you looking to get a fridge that can hold enough food for a week on the road?

Some of the fridges featured here even have freezers, either inside or on top of the main fridge area. This is useful if you want to have ice readily available or just want the ability to cool something rather quickly. But it’s more of a luxury than a necessity, so if you can’t fit a fridge with a freezer don’t be too disappointed.

Another final issue is whether you go for a chest-style fridge or a normal upright fridge.

Best Van Life Fridges: Our Top Picks

Not sure which of these portable fridges is the absolute best option for you? Go with one of our top picks, depending on how much space you have in your campervan!

If you want a small fridge, the Vbenlem portable fridge is the best value for money. It has a capacity of 40 liters, it’s affordable, and it works both on AC and DC. This fridge is quite efficient with a power consumption of 0.8kW/h, so it shouldn’t drain your battery even if it’s plugged into the car lighter while you’re parked.

The only downside of this portable fridge is that the minimum temperature inside is 37℉, which isn’t low enough for storing fresh meat.

VBENLEM 1.4cu.ft Portable Refrigerator,12V DC &110V AC Compact Absorption Fridge,Black Mini Car Cooler with Lock Reversible Door,for Apartment Hotel Hospital Camping Traveling Vehicle RV Boat - 37~53℉
  • Ac/dc No Noise Fridg: Environmental friendly refrigerator, totally enclosed design. With absorption cooling system, the refrigerator runs super quiet.No moving parts for quiet operation,no noise for your sleeping.Environment friendly,no vibration, no Freon, no pollution, low energy consumption.No additional refrigerant required throughout its servicelife. Absorption refrigeration enables mute operation so you can enjoy a sound sleep in the evening.
  • Tiny While Superior: This free standing fridge is of tiny structure. Can be used for both AC and DC. More suitable for AC as DC is only the auxiliary function, and the power consumption is a little larger than AC.Also be set on countertop. 1.4 cu.ft.(40L) adequate storage capacity with inside-door storage will surely meet your demands. Full-width shelves allow flexible storage solutions and easy clean up.

Medium-sized fridges are around 60 liters and the best one in that range is the Iceco Dual Zone fridge. It’s the perfect shape if you want a fridge that can be stored in cabinets or drawers, but it’s still large enough to hold plenty of food. The two different compartments are convenient if you want to keep drinks and food separate, especially since it’s possible to adjust their temperatures.

ICECO VL65 68 Quart Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator with SECOP Compressor, 65 Liters Deep Freezer, DC 12/24V, AC 110-240V, 0℉ to 50℉, Home & Car Use (without Insulate Cover)
  • Independent Control - Dual zone and independently controlling allow you to use freezing and refrigeration in any combination (freezer & refrigerator, both freezer, or both refrigerator). Moreover, you can choose to turn off one zone for the purpose of energy-saving.
  • SECOP Compressor - Cooling range from 0°F to 50°F(-18℃~10℃) to meet all your freezing or refrigeration need. Fridge cooling rate can be selected between MAX mode for fast cooling or ECO mode for more energy efficiency. SECOP Compressor makes the car refrigerator keep running well even under 40° tilt.

In case you’re fully committed to living on the road and want a big fridge, go with the Black+Decker compact fridge. It’s affordable, efficient, lightweight for its size, and it has a total capacity of 95 liters.

However, it will only work in campervans that have electrical hook-ups, since the fridge only works on alternating current. If you have solar panels in your van and space is not an issue, this is easily the best portable refrigerator for you!

Sale
BLACK+DECKER BCRK25W Compact Refrigerator Energy Star Single Door Mini Fridge with Freezer, 2.5 Cubic Ft., White
  • COMPACT & STYLISH - This space saving small refrigerator (17.5"" x 18.5"" x 26.6"") stores food, soda, beer, and other beverages with minimal energy and without taking up too much space. The sleek, modern design - available in black, stainless steel, and white - is perfect for college dorm rooms, offices, garages, home bars, small apartments, and RV campers
  • LARGE CAPACITY - The 2 removable glass shelves expand the storage space and makes the fridge easy to clean. Additional door storage fits five 12 oz. cans (like soda and beer), small containers on the top shelf, and 2 liter door storage for taller bottles

Head over to Amazon to see the exact prices and more photos of all the fridges featured in this review. And if you want ideas on other van life necessities, be sure to check out our related posts!

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