What's the best refrigerator for an RV
So the refrigerator will be the most frequently used unit in your RV and the centerpiece of your RV kitchen, taking the convenience of home on the road.
But what kind of refrigerator? And what things should you consider when looking for an RV refrigerator?
Well, not everybody shares the same needs in terms of an RV refrigerator. For some of you, space might be of the highest concern.
Others might need an RV refrigerator without permanent electricity or gas connections to allow you to relocate it.
Hunting for a new refrigerator for your RV can be pretty daunting, with so many to pick from. So when it goes to pick out a new refrigerator, the key is to get one that suits your home’s interior design and fits your budget, as well as your space.
Fortunately, this is the perfect spot to begin, as here you’ll learn all that you need to understand regarding the absolute greatest RV fridges around at the moment.
Furthermore, our buying guide going to guide you in discovering the characteristics and specifics that matter most to you when it comes to finding an RV refrigerator for your RV or camper.
Keep reading to figure out which refrigerator suits your RV most.
About the author. Max Welder is a mechanic enthusiast. Currently, working at a small company. Experienced in electronics, car tools and security systems. In his spare time, he writes articles for various blogs. Read More…
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Freezer for camping Best Choice
4,5 Rating
COSTWAY Compact Refrigerator
– Has a large 2.2 cu. ft. fresh food capacity and 1 cu. ft. freezer capacity.
– Refrigerator cools quickly and evenly, and the refrigerator will keep ice frozen solid and foods perfectly chilled.
RV Refrigerators And Freezers For Camping Review
Best camping refrigerator
Best RV Refrigerators and Freezers for Camping
Euhomy Mini Fridge with Freezer
– 2.24 Cu.Ft of fridge zone
– 7-level temperature adjustment
– have UL energy certificates and only need 0.98 kWh per day
4,6 Rating
COSTWAY Compact Refrigerator
– Powerful performance
– Mechanical control
– Separate freezer compartment
4,5 Rating
Avanti 2-Door Apartment Size Refrigerator
– 7.4 cu. ft. capacity
– 1.4 cu ft freezer capacity, ice cube tray included
– Adjustable/removable glass shelving and door bins
4,0 Rating
Smad Small Propane Fridge for RV Outdoor Camper
– 1.4 Cu.ft.
– 3 Way Powered – 110 V, 12 V & Propane power supply for both indoor and outdoor use
– Adjustable Thermostat & Free Pressure Regulator
3,5 Rating
Midea Compact Refrigerator
– Fresh Food Capacity: 2. 2 cu. ft.
– Adjustable Temperature Ranges
– Separate Fruit and Vegetable Drawer
4,6 Rating
SMETA Compact RV Cabin Camping Mini Fridge
– 1.4 Cubic Foot Refrigerator
– 3-Way Fridge (Propane, 110V AC, or 12V DC)
– Approximate gas consumption per day: 0.43 lb
3,2 Rating
Whynter Portable Refrigerator for Car, Home, Camping, RV
– Volume – 2.12 cu. Ft.
– Adjustable temperature range: -8°F to 50°F
– Tough and solid outer powder coated steel housing
4,5 Rating
Galanz Retro Compact Refrigerator with True Freezer
– Temperature range (refrigerator) – 32ᵒ F to 47ᵒ F
– Can be controlled manually with the control dial from cool to cold to coldest
– Storage double door design
4,6 Rating
Smad 12V/110V Portable Single Door Mini Fridge with Lock
– 1.7 cu.ft capacity
– 0 db Silent Running & 2 Way Working
– Removable Shelves & Adjustable Foot
3,7 Rating
Kismile Double Door Compact Refrigerator with Top Door Freezer
– 2.27 Cu.ft
– 7-Levels Temperature Control
– can be adjusted to refrigerator compartment 32′ to 50′ F / Freezer compartment 3′ to -1’F.
4,2 Rating
All our reviews are based only on expert judgment or practical experience with most of the RV refrigerator we consider. We strive to ensure that our leadership is independent and as detailed as possible.
How does an RV refrigerator work?
In a standard refrigerator, the vapor compression cycle is used. The pressure and temperature of the refrigerator are raised as the refrigerant vapor is compressed. When the cool surrounding temperature of the refrigerator meets the coil (containing hot gas), it turns into a liquid. This liquid, which was previously the refrigerant vapor, now passes through the expansion valve and subsequently through the evaporator coils within the refrigerator. Here, the refrigerant takes up the heat that is cooling the inside of the refrigerator. Once the temperature increases, the refrigerant vaporizes again into a gas, streams back into the compressor, then repeats the process cycle again. Quite complicated, right?
But an RV’s fridge usually operates differently than this one. In order to adjust to this new and changing world, the RV refrigerator has dropped some processes and parts in exchange for reduced weight and a quicker cycle. Most RV refrigerators operate with the absorption cooling process. The RV refrigerator has eliminated the compressor motor in the cooling process, choosing instead to use a gravity-driven chemical cycle involving water, hydrogen gas, sodium chromate, and ammonia. This compound is directed through the tubes and produces the cold of the refrigerator.
How to remove the RV refrigerator?
If you’ve found and bought a new RV refrigerator, now is the perfect time to take out the old unit to free up space for the new one. Although the process may not be unduly complicated, it demands following the proper sequence of steps, particularly since this is a unit that is probably hooked up to both power and propane gas. The first thing you need to do is shut off your current refrigerator to ensure that it is not getting any more power. Next, you need to disconnect the propane tank and be sure that your RV’s motor is not operating.
The next thing you have to do is find the access panel that goes to the back of the refrigerator. This is generally found on the outside of the RV on the same side as the refrigerator unit itself. Inside this hatch are the connections that are used to hook up the power and gas to the fridge. As soon as you gain access to these connections, start by unplugging the wires that supply power to your refrigerator. Next, you can disconnect the propane pipe, for which you may need a wrench or pipe clamp.
However, be careful to avoid forcing when disconnecting the propane line, as it needs to be sound in order to be connected to the new refrigerator. As soon as the electricity and gas are unplugged from the refrigerator, you can get back into the house. Then you will have to identify the screws that keep the refrigerator in place. Most RV refrigerators are supported by a minimum of four screws, though some may have more. Locate these screws and take them out so that your refrigerator is now free of your RV. At this point, you can lift the refrigerator and take it out of your RV, camper, or five-wheeler.
But, some of these older fridges can be pretty weighty, so get a buddy to help you lift and carry the fridge from the RV. Next, you can perform the steps in reverse order to get your new RV refrigerator in place. But make sure that the propane line is safely connected when you get to this stage. And it is always best to check this connection before opening the propane tank again and running the refrigerator. Once you open the propane tank, if you smell gas or hear a hissing noise from your refrigerator’s access panel, shut it again at once and verify the reliability of the propane connection.
Review of RV Refrigerator for Motorhomes, Campers and Travel Trailers & Best Choice
COSTWAY Compact Refrigerator is meant for anyone who is short of RV space, yet still wants a cool, refreshing drink.
Its compact design means that it can fit neatly into narrow spaces. While it is compact, it offers a lot of room for your drinks and food.
For greater convenience, it is fitted with two independent compartments. The top compartment acts as a freezer for ice cubes and ice cream. The bottom, bigger compartment acts as a traditional refrigerator for your drinks and food. The shelves can be taken out and repositioned, allowing you to place bigger items in the fridge. And that’s not all: the shelves are constructed of glass, making them aesthetically pleasing and easy to clean.
Besides the cold drinks, there is also a freshness compartment that allows you to store your fruits and vegetables in a fresh way. And if that’s not quite enough, the COSTWAY Compact Refrigerator is the best option for complementing your garage space. The plain and stylish look will make it stand out naturally and give a hint of style to your room.
Features:
- Has a large 2.2 cu. ft. fresh food capacity and 1 cu. ft. freezer capacity.
- The refrigerator cools quickly and evenly, and the refrigerator will keep ice frozen solid and foods perfectly chilled.
- Crisper Drawer.
- 2-Door Design
- Removable Glass Shelf.
Pros
- Features a refrigeration compressor for best cooling efficiency
- Integrated settable thermostat assists in keeping the desired temperature
- Compact design makes it ideal for tight places
Cons
- Acceptable build quality
This refrigerator from Avanti simplifies the process of getting around in your RV. You are able to maximize room by reversing the door, which is usually on the right side, to the left side.
Features:
- 7.4 CF Two Door Apartment Size Refrigerator
- Adjustable / Removable Glass Shelves
- Adjustable / Removable Door Bins
- Reversible Doors – Left or Right Swing
- Lower Door Rack Holds 2-Liter Bottles
- See Through Crisper with Glass Cover
- Ice Cube Tray Included
- Interior Light
- Full Range Temperature Control
- Leveling Legs
Pros
- Reversible doors
- Leveling feet supplied in the construction
- Lightweight
- Includes ice cube container
- Features flexible shelf
- Features flexible door shelf
- CFC free coolant
Cons
- Vegetables also freeze
Smad’s small propane refrigerator also has a reversible door and detachable shelves for ease of use. One more advantage you will get with this brand is the silent function that provides a green, noise-free environment.
Features:
- 1.4 Cu.ft.
- 3 Way Powered – 110 V, 12 V & Propane power supply for both indoor and outdoor use
- Adjustable Thermostat & Free Pressure Regulator
- Absorption cooling system running in 0 dB silent
- Manual Electric Thermostat to control the temperature between 32~50 ℉
Pros
- Free pressure controller
- Compact and small design for confined places
- Works quietly and produces no noise
- Removable trays for simple clean-up
- Simple to connect to the gas system
- Comes with automatic defrost system
- 3-way power supply for added comfort
Cons
- The shelves are made of plastic, which can break easily
A mini-fridge with a separate freezer compartment is perfect when you need to store ice cream, ice cream, or medicines.
Overall, this RV freezer is adequately sized and versatile, and it’s especially handy for anyone who needs to store a significant amount of frozen food. It is also remarkably easy to clean, which is always important.
Features:
- Fresh Food Capacity: 2. 2 cu. ft.
- Adjustable Temperature Ranges
- Separate Fruit and Vegetable Drawer
- Refrigerator Compartment 32℉ to 50℉
- Freezer Compartment -11. 2℉ to 5℉
- Interior Light
- Partial automatic defrost
Pros
- Intelligent layout with dedicated departments
- Separate freezer compartment
- Cleanable glass shelves
Cons
- Back wall freezes
- Can storage is essentially pointless if you don’t store 12-ounce cans
Another is SMETA item that we value for its overall quality and affordability is the SMETA Compact Propane Fridge. Out first perception of this product is its stylish black appearance. Among the prominent characteristics of this fridge is its lightweight, allowing it to be easily carried or to be taken along on picnics.
Its freestanding design lets users use it wherever they need to, based on their needs. There’s also no need to worry about keeping food preserved, as the appliance features an upgraded cooling system that doesn’t need much energy during operation. Is this not worth buying?
Features:
- 1.4 Cubic Foot Refrigerator
- 3-Way Fridge (Propane, 110V AC, or 12V DC)
- Approximate gas consumption per day: 0.43 lb
- Temperature range 32℉~50℉ without freezer
Pros
- Ultra silent
- Reversible door
- Eco-friendly cooling system
- Can run on both electricity and gas
Cons
- Not space-saving
- Have to buy an exhaust unit if the refrigerator is installed in small rooms
We like the fact that this product is extremely portable. You can easily fit it in the back of a pickup truck, RV, camper, or trailer. Also, it won’t occupy a lot of space. Everything it takes is a safe corner with access to electricity, and it will do the task.
Features:
- Volume – 2.12 cu. Ft.
- Adjustable temperature range: -8°F to 50°F
- Tough and solid outer powder-coated steel housing
- 8-feet AC power cord and 10-feet DC power cord
- Two removable wire baskets
- Insulated lid and walls
- Power low indicator
- Tough and solid outer powder-coated steel housing
- Drain Plug for easy cleaning
- Stainless steel side handles
- LED temperature display
Pros
- Has an LED display
- Has a fast freeze mode
- Has a low-power usage indicator
- Has highly insulated walls
- Works as a refrigerator or freezer
- Energy efficient
- Compact
- Long-lasting
Cons
- It may tremble all of a sudden
This is the best retro mini fridge freezer from Galanz for minibars at home, dorm, RV, home, or office. There are glass shelves to keep apart different types of your food.
This retro compact refrigerator uses an R600 compressor with high efficiency and low power usage to chill the food in a quick and energy-saving way. It also has LED light to illuminate the inside, adding comfort to use also in the dark.
Features:
- Temperature range (refrigerator) – 32ᵒ F to 47ᵒ F
- Can be controlled manually with the control dial from cool to cold to coldest
- Storage double door design
- Electrical requirements – 120V/60Hz
- A removable slide-out glass shelf
- The door offers a spot for your favorite canned beverages
Pros
- Retro look
- Quick cooling
- Power efficiency and low noise
- Reversible door
- Internal lighting
- Adjustable front legs
Cons
- Some customers complain that the refrigerator is easily dented
In addition, this mini fridge has many great features, such as a lockable door and a reversible door swing. This means that the door can be opened from both sides, making it much easier to place in your room.
Finally, the fridge is available in 3 sizes, with the standard size having a capacity of 1 cubic foot. This is sufficient for a number of drinks and snacks, though not for many large items, as this type of fridge is not designed for that.
Features:
- 1.7 cu.ft capacity
- 0 db Silent Running & 2 Way Working
- Removable Shelves & Adjustable Foot
- Temperature range 37.4~59℉
- Reversible Door Hinges & Interior LED Light
- The LED light can be controlled on 12V and 110V
Pros
- The lockable door and reversible hinges allow it to be used in different spaces
- Virtually noiseless
- Maintains the contents comfortably cool
Cons
- Not the least expensive mini-fridge available on the market
Comes with an external thermostat control used to adjust the temperature ranging from position 1 the coldest to 7 the coldest. There are sliding glass shelves that can be removed, and separate compartments that can be used to hold fruits and vegetables separately.
Features:
- 2.27 Cu.ft
- 7-Levels Temperature Control
- Can be adjusted to refrigerator compartment 32′ to 50′ F / Freezer compartment 3′ to -1’F.
- Removable Glass Shelves
- A reversible door designed can store your extra food
- Energy-Saving & Low-Noise
Pros
- Compact size
- Internal lighting
- Reversible door
- Detachable glass shelves
- Power saving & silent
Cons
- Not known
In addition, this mini fridge has many great features, such as a lockable door and a reversible door swing. This means that the door can be opened from both sides, making it much easier to place in your room.
Finally, the fridge is available in 3 sizes, with the standard size having a capacity of 1 cubic foot. This is sufficient for a number of drinks and snacks, though not for many large items, as this type of fridge is not designed for that.
Features:
- 2.24 Cu.Ft of fridge zone
- 7-level temperature adjustment
- Have UL energy certificates and only need 0.98 kWh per day
- Reversible door and adjustable feet
- The shelves are adjustable.
Pros
- Can be placed horizontally to avoid water leakage
- Basic design makes it comfortable for use
- Small design makes it convenient for use in RV, office, etc.
Cons
- Economy construction quality
How does an RV refrigerator work?
In a standard refrigerator, the vapor compression cycle is used. The pressure and temperature of the refrigerator are raised as the refrigerant vapor is compressed. When the cool surrounding temperature of the refrigerator meets the coil (containing hot gas), it turns into a liquid.
This liquid, which was previously the refrigerant vapor, now passes through the expansion valve and subsequently through the evaporator coils within the refrigerator. Here, the refrigerant takes up the heat that is cooling the inside of the refrigerator. Once the temperature increases, the refrigerant vaporizes again into a gas, streams back into the compressor, then repeats the process cycle again. Quite complicated, right?
But an RV’s fridge usually operates differently than this one. In order to adjust to this new and changing world, the RV refrigerator has dropped some processes and parts in exchange for reduced weight and a quicker cycle. Most RV refrigerators operate with the absorption cooling process. The RV refrigerator has eliminated the compressor motor in the cooling process, choosing instead to use a gravity-driven chemical cycle involving water, hydrogen gas, sodium chromate, and ammonia. This compound is directed through the tubes and produces the cold of the refrigerator.
How to remove the RV refrigerator?
If you’ve found and bought a new RV refrigerator, now is the perfect time to take out the old unit to free up space for the new one.
Although the process may not be unduly complicated, it demands following the proper sequence of steps, particularly since this is a unit that is probably hooked up to both power and propane gas. The first thing you need to do is shut off your current refrigerator to ensure that it is not getting any more power. Next, you need to disconnect the propane tank and be sure that your RV’s motor is not operating.
The next thing you have to do is find the access panel that goes to the back of the refrigerator. This is generally found on the outside of the RV on the same side as the refrigerator unit itself. Inside this hatch are the connections that are used to hook up the power and gas to the fridge. As soon as you gain access to these connections, start by unplugging the wires that supply power to your refrigerator. Next, you can disconnect the propane pipe, for which you may need a wrench or pipe clamp.
However, be careful to avoid forcing when disconnecting the propane line, as it needs to be sound in order to be connected to the new refrigerator. As soon as the electricity and gas are unplugged from the refrigerator, you can get back into the house.
Then you will have to identify the screws that keep the refrigerator in place. Most RV refrigerators are supported by a minimum of four screws, though some may have more. Locate these screws and take them out so that your refrigerator is now free of your RV. At this point, you can lift the refrigerator and take it out of your RV, camper, or five-wheeler.
But, some of these older fridges can be pretty weighty, so get a buddy to help you lift and carry the fridge from the RV. Next, you can perform the steps in reverse order to get your new RV refrigerator in place. But make sure that the propane line is safely connected when you get to this stage. And it is always best to check this connection before opening the propane tank again and running the refrigerator. Once you open the propane tank, if you smell gas or hear a hissing noise from your refrigerator’s access panel, shut it again at once and verify the reliability of the propane connection.
Benefits of Using an RV Refrigerator
- Save Money and Convenience: Refrigerators keep food ingredients fresh, so RVers can cook their meals in the RV rather than dining out. Having a quality RV refrigerator in your RV means it’s simple to have cold drinks when it gets hot. This is definitely a huge bonus if you often travel in the summer.
- Power efficiency: as RV refrigerators do not use too much electricity when running, RV owners are able to control their electricity bills.
- Portability: an RV refrigerator is lightweight, allowing you to carry it with ease in your small vehicle while you figure out the best setup or modify the arrangement according to conditions. A number of them also feature a cart design that facilitates moving them from your home to your car, or from your RV to your truck or boat.
Conclusion
A refrigerator or cooler is an essential element in any household, even a portable one. It ensures that your food is kept fresh and your drinks are kept cool, turning your trip into a pleasant adventure. If your refrigerator is broken or you have none at all, then how are you going to keep your meat, vegetables, and drinks fresh? There isn’t usually a supermarket close by when you go camping. This might appear unimportant at home, but it is a severe concern once you are on the go.
FAQs about RV refrigerators
✅ How much propane does an RV refrigerator use?
The propane consumption of your RV refrigerator can vary greatly depending on the size and age of the unit. Typically, a new RV refrigerator with a capacity of about 10 to 12 cubic feet will use about 1.5 pounds of propane per day. This equates to about 1,400 BTUs per hour.
Rest assured that the amount of propane used for refrigeration is usually quite small. If you cool your RV refrigerator with propane for 24 hours, you will use almost no propane at all. In fact, full-time RVers have reported running their RV refrigerator for several weeks without the propane gauge showing any change.
✅ How many watts does an RV refrigerator use?
RV refrigerators differ widely in their power usage. As a general rule, a compact portable RV refrigerator uses approximately 5 kWh of power a day. The total battery bank of an RV has approximately 24 kWh. Meaning that approximately 20 to 25% of the available usable battery electricity needs to be spent on the day-to-day operation of the refrigerator, which is quite a bit.
Refrigerators in RVs are more insulated and energy-efficient, so they usually consume far less power compared to the typical domestic unit. But since the refrigerator is among the most power-consuming devices in an RV, it is important to spend the time to determine your daily average power consumption and ensure that you have sufficient electricity to operate all of the devices you need.
This is particularly critical if you are going to be on the road with a lot of passengers who may be consuming electricity simultaneously, as well as if your vehicle is a fifth-wheel or Class A motorhome. Those are big and deluxe classes of RVs that are typically loaded with power-consuming home equipment.
When you have a high demand for electricity and frequently go off the well-trodden path and therefore don’t always have access to outlets at RV campgrounds, it’s a good idea to invest in a solid RV generator so you don’t have to worry about running out of power.
✅ Can I use an RV refrigerator during driving?
Operating the refrigerator in the motorhome during the trip may be dangerous, as these units use a lot of energy. But there are options to ensure the food in your refrigerator stays fresh, in spite of an 8-hour drive ahead of you: Turn down the temperature on the evening before or a couple of hours before you go to bring the fridge to the coldest possible setting before you need to turn it off. Stock the opened space with frozen drinks or ice packs. These will not spoil as they defrost, and they will not create a lot of moisture. When traveling, do not open the refrigerator if it is not in operation. To prevent wasting precious cold air in your fridge, just pack a small separate cooler box with the foods and drinks you need to reach for while you’re on the road. Last resort: If the trip is too long for any of the above measures to work, as a final resort you can leave your generator running during your stop for a meal or a short break and connect the refrigerator straight to the generator.
