What’s The Best Fridge for Van Life? Real-Life Examples and Tips

Is your refrigerator running? When you live in a van, you certainly hope so! A refrigerator is most likely one of the most important investments you’ll make for your campervan.

With a portable fridge, you’ll be able to escape for days at a time without relying on ice. Van lifers often choose 12-volt refrigerators, which work just like the fridge in your house, using a compressor. They are rugged, have a low amp draw, and keep food and drinks chilled even in the hottest of outdoor temperatures.

When you shop for the best fridge for van life, you’ll see that the fridges fall into two categories: top-loaders and front-loaders. You may wonder about the pros and cons of each type and which is best for your van setup.

I’ll break down the key differences between top-loaders and front-loaders, including the advantages and disadvantages of each. I’ll also show you the best fridges for van life out there with real-life examples and tips from van lifers who own them and questions to ask yourself before purchasing a fridge for your van.

Top-Loading Van Life Fridges

You guessed it – a top-loading fridge opens from the top, similar to a cooler. However, unlike a cooler, you don’t need ice to keep your food cold in these fridges.

Top-loading fridges keep food cooler and more insulated than front-loading fridges. When you open a top-loading fridge, you lose less cool air.

Another perk of a top-loading fridge is that they are usually cheaper than front-loading fridges. You can also use most top-loading fridges as an extra seat.

The cons of top-loading fridges for van life are that they take up more space and may tip depending on where you store them. It’s difficult to access food quickly in a top-loader fridge since food items are stacked. However, you can get a top-loader fridge with multiple compartments and a freezer to keep food more organized.

I recommend top-loading fridges to van lifers who want a more energy-efficient, affordable option.

The Best Fridges for Van Life: Top-Loaders

I have a top-loading fridge in my campervan, and I prefer this type of fridge as it doesn’t lose as much coolness as a front-loader. I can open the chest, grab what I want, and close it quickly. The cool air mass stays low.

ARB’s latest line of best fridges for van life, the Zero fridge models, are rugged and meant for off-roading.

ARB started making 12-volt fridges for 4×4 adventures in the Australian outback, so you can expect high durability. ARB refrigerators use a patented hinge system with a top-opening, detachable lid. You can reach your food and beverages even in a smaller vehicle.

The ARB Zero line of refrigerators comes in both dual-zone and single-zone options.

The dual-zone refrigerators are only available in 73 quart (2.43 cu ft) and 101 quart (3.36 cu ft), making them quite large and suitable for a larger vehicle or RV. The dual-zone fridges offer refrigeration and freezing and have two separate compartments with temperature controls and lids.

Single-zone ARB Zero 12-volt refrigerators come in popular 47-quart (1.57 cu ft) and 63-quart (2.11 cu ft) sizes, ideal for a smaller campervan, SUV, or car. The 47-quart model has a front-facing lid, while the 63-quart features a reversible, side-opening lid.

The ARB Zero refrigerators have an easy-to-read display and a mobile app for monitoringthe fridge’s vitals from afar. However, one reviewer said the app isn’t very good.

You can install a slide or tie-down system to stabilize your ARB 12-volt fridge on rough dirt roads.

ARB has a reputation for being high-quality and durable, which is why many people choose this brand for their fridges for van life. The 12-volt compressor refrigerators get excellent reviews online and in van life forums.

I have an ARB fridge in my campervan and have had a very positive experience. The ARB 37-quart (1.24 cu ft) fridge draws five amps when cooling to the desired temperature, then averages 0.85 amps per hour.

What I really like about my new ARB refrigerator is that I’ll never have to deal with melted cooler water again. Check out my full review of the ARB 37-quart fridge here.

Founded in 2005, ICECO quickly made a name for itself as a manufacturer of high-quality portable fridges for van life. These best fridges for van life have become popular among campers looking for a solid, reliable option for off-grid living.

The VL90 is the largest 12-volt refrigerator ICECO makes and features a whopping 90-liter (3.12 cu ft) capacity and a dual-zone design. Each compartment has a digital thermostat control as well as a lid. A nice feature is the ability to easily change the opening direction of each lid to suit your space.

This fridge features 12/24 volt DC ports on either side and a pair of USB outlets for charging mobile devices. The built-in AC transformer means you can also pre-cool your refrigerator from a household outlet before hitting the road.

I love the ICECO’s straightforward design and sturdy construction. The manufacturer put a lot of thought into this 12-volt refrigerator with design features such as a convenient drain hole, corner protectors, and removable handles.

This newest offering from Dometic is as cool as it gets. The Dometic CFX3 55IM powered cooler + icemaker produces ice in hours, but it draws more power when set to ice-making mode.

The rugged Dometic 12-volt fridge for a campervan has a generous 52-liter (1.84 cu ft) storage capacity, which can fit up to 83 cans. You can stuff it full of drinks and food to last off-grid for days.

Use the free app to monitor your 12-volt refrigerator while you’re out on a hike or bike ride, and readjust the temperature as needed to create ice for a cold drink after a sweaty day on the trail.

The Dometic CFX3 offers a user-friendly interface, plus it’s easy to carry and has flexible power options. Charge it using a 12-volt outlet or a standard household AC outlet.

The rapid freeze-plate and accompanying silicon ice trays make ice in hours, although one reviewer says it doesn’t make enough ice at a time.

A removable wire divider lets you arrange food and drinks as you like.

I love this ability to make ice and haven’t found a comparable fridge for van life on the market yet.

The OFF Indel TB51 fridge (dubbed the Travel Box) is an upgrade from the Truck Fridge. This fridge is designed for a multitude of uses such as camping and boating, and it provides quick, easy access to your food. 

The upgraded design features a digital control panel, and the fridge can cool all the way down to -7 degrees Fahrenheit. It also comes in new colors and materials, giving the Travel Box a more modern flare. This fridge also comes with two handles, making it easy to transport and carry. So if you’re chilling by the beach in your van, you can take your entire fridge with you to enjoy some cold beverages and snacks right along the water.

Sam and Whitney (@back2naturevan) live full-time in their 2006 Dodge Sprinter 2500 and have an older model of this fridge (the Truck Fridge). Since they’re always looking for ways to save space in their van and stick to  a budget, they appreciate the excellent quality for the price. 

Van lifers who don’t want to shell out big bucks for the best fridge for van life with a Danfoss compressor often go for the Alpicool 12-volt fridge.

This budget-friendly fridge for a campervan has a trolley design to easily roll it around your campsite. These fridges are small, portable, and have good reviews on Amazon and van life forums.

However, the cheaper price tag comes with cheaper quality. Some reviewers claim the latch broke off after a few uses due to low-quality plastic.

Like the other best 12-volt refrigerators, the Alpicool fridge has a built-in LCD control panel, making it easy to change the temperature. It’s vibration-resistant and operates at a 45-degree angle, making it great for off-roading.

At only 30 pounds, this is also the lightest 12-volt top-loading fridge I could find.

The Alpicool portable fridge comes in various sizes, so you can pick the best fridge for van life that suits your needs.

The EUHOMY fridge is the cheapest 12-volt top-loading fridge for van life on this list. It comes in three sizes: 35 liters (1.24 cu ft), 45 liters (1.59 cu ft), and 55 liters (1.94 cu ft).

These fridges are dual-zone. They have three (low, medium, and high) battery protection functions and are off-road friendly for up to a 30-degree angle tilt.

This EUHOMY fridge for van life even features an LCD touch panel to adjust the temperature at any time. A mobile app for the fridge allows you to control the temp from anywhere.

A disadvantage is that the compressor is loud when adjusting to the set temperature. Also, the power draw is the highest on this list for top-loading fridges at 1.5 Ah. Lacie Ward (@lacieedanielleee) lives full-time in her 2006 Ford E350 extended roof and uses the EUHOMY 55 liter. She likes how the fridge is cheap and barely uses any power.

“I really like it, but it can be a little tip-happy,” Lacie explains. “It should definitely be secured well!”

Front Loading Van Life Fridges

As the name implies, you can open a front-loading fridge by opening the door like a traditional fridge. A 12-volt front-loader looks similar to a 120-volt mini fridge, but it costs much more due to its efficiency.

The pros of a front-loading fridge include having shelves to organize your items, quick access to your food, and permanent installation so the fridge won’t tip or take up extra space. You have the choice of buying one with or without a freezer compartment.

The biggest con of a front-loading fridge is that it tends to cost more. You also must leave enough space in your van for the front door to open. Kaylin Zittergruen has a Nova Kool front-loading fridge in her 2022 Sprinter van and dislikes how she must be careful of which rugs she purchases. If the rug is too thick, her fridge door can’t clear it to open.

I recommend front-loading fridges for van lifers who prioritize organization and quick access to their food. This may also include people who love to cook or purchase many refrigerated items. 

The Best Fridges for Van Life: Front-Loaders

Front-loading fridges are convenient for building your fridge within your cabinetry or kitchen unit. The upright fridge is easier to fit from top to bottom than a chest-style fridge. These fridges are reminiscent of the fridge you’d have in your house, with shelving and a separate freezer on top.

Here are my top picks for a front-loading fridge for your van build.

Norcold was founded in 1959 in California and specializes in manufacturing specialty refrigerators for the RV and marine industries. They moved their HQ to Ohio later on. 

Their fridges are some of the best available on the market and are known for their build quality and durability. Some owners of 90s WV Eurovans still have an old Norcold onboard going strong.

Norcold includes options for either 1.7 cubic feet or 2.7 cubic feet AC/DC Refrigerator/Freezer. They are available in black and stainless steel. They also have the new 3.3 cubic feet Norcold DE105 AC/DC RV Refrigerator. Click here to check out Norcold fridges on Campervan HQ.

These front-loading fridges are efficient: they consume a maximum of 3.6-5.6A at 12VCD, depending on the model. Plus, they’re quiet, allowing you to sleep well at night. The secret? The hermetically-sealed, dependable Danfoss BD-series compressor. 

The shelves are robust, easy to clean, and last a long time. Norcold fridges are side-mounted, meaning there are no visible fasteners in front.

All models operate at 12 or 24 VDC – simply add the 120VAC power cord to your basket before you purchase the fridge. They also run on AC power.

Almost everyone has heard of Dometic, and most van lifers carry around a Dometic fridge or cooler. From fridges and fans to AC units and awnings, they create “compact solutions for outdoor living.”

Their front-loading fridges aren’t quite as energy-efficient as the Norcold models, but some are slightly roomier. You can use them either as a fridge, freezer, or fridge-freezer. This means the freezer compartment is removable, and you can use the entire space as a fridge. To select the temperature, use the soft touch control panel mounted on the inner wall.

The fan adjusts its speed based on the ambient temperature, which helps keep their fridges quiet. All models can run on 12/24VDC or 110/220VAC.

Dometic currently produces the CRX Pro 65, CRX 50T, CRX Pro 50, CRX 110E, CRX 140S, CRX 65 E, CRX 110U, CD 50, CRX 50U, CRX 65U, CRX 50E, CRX 110S, and CRX 65T. See more on Campervan HQ.

Isabella Janssen is a solo full-time van lifer traveling in her 2018 Mercedes Sprinter. She decided on the Dometic CRX 110U after going back and forth between this option and smaller models.

“I decided on the bigger fridge for comfort,” Isabella explains. “Especially since I want to spend a lot of time off-grid. I got this specific model as well because it is specifically made for vans/RVs that are going to have a lot of movement.”

Her only complaint is that when it gets really cold, and she isn’t running her heater, the fridge stops working, and she has to reset it.

Keith and Hannah Rose (@keithandhannahh) have the CRX 140S for full-time living in their 2021 Mercedes Sprinter 2500. Since they are a couple with double the amount of food as a solo traveler, they picked this fridge because of its size.

“Dometic is a trusted name, we liked the look of it, and it’s 12-volt so it doesn’t draw a lot of power,” Hannah said. The only thing she dislikes is the small size of the freezer because she has to be selective with how many frozen items she buys.

Nova Kool has produced refrigeration products for mobile and off-grid use in the Pacific Northwest for more than 30 years.

Nova Kool also uses the much-acclaimed sealed Danfoss compressor, which doesn’t leak any lubricant or refrigerant. Nova Kool fridges/freezers are silent and efficient. They feature interior lighting, a positive latch system, storage for tall bottles on the door, durable powder-coated wire shelves, and more.

Nova Kool currently manufactures ten models, ranging from the R1200 at 34 liters to the R5810 at 164 liters (click here to see more on CampervanHQ). The capacity goes from 1.2 to 5.8 cubic feet. These are the most spacious front-loading fridges on the market, so if you have room in your van, you might want to invest in one.

Nova Kool refrigerators are made to order at the factory. Allow for plenty of time for construction and delivery.

Tom and Kaylin Zittergruen (@roamwithless) have the R3100 in their 2022 Sprinter Van. It’s on the smaller side of van life fridges at 3 cubic feet, but they can fit about a week of groceries for two people.

“I like how the fridge keeps our food cold and doesn’t draw much power,” Kaylin said. “However, I wish the freezer was a touch bigger. Sadly, we can’t fit ice cream pints inside of it!”

Another feature she dislikes is how the top of the inside fridge door has small compartments for eggs, which is wasted space since she doesn’t purchase eggs while living on the road.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Investing in a Fridge

Now that you’ve read my recommendations for the best top-loading and front-loading fridges for van life, you may wonder how to decide which one is best for you and your van.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help you narrow it down to the best one for your van build. I’ll go a little more in-depth into what to look for when buying a portable refrigerator for your campervan.

1. Do you prefer a top-loading or front-loading fridge?

There are pros and cons to both top-loading and front-loading fridges.

A top-loading fridge for van life is the most energy-efficient of them all. The best top-loading fridges require you to stack food, and they retain cold air better than front-loaders. That’s because not as much air escapes when opening this box-style 12-volt fridge from the top because cold air usually lingers down at the bottom.

Top-loading 12-volt fridges are compact, double as a seat, and are easy to install. This style of fridge can fit between the two front seats of your vehicle, and all you have to do is pop open the top to grab a cold drink.

Top-loading fridges are often more affordable but usually have a smaller capacity. The design of these fridges makes it hard to find your food items quickly.

On the other hand, front-loading fridges cost more but generally require more amp hours to run. They are great for keeping food organized, and you can find what you’re looking for quickly.

Some people think front-loading fridges are the best fridges for van life because they fit better with their particular campervan or RV design. It’s easier to grab food and drinks out of them than top-loading 12-volt fridges.

Usually, a front-loading compressor fridge works well if you have a bit more space for opening and closing the door.

2. What size of fridge do you need?

The best fridges for van life come in various sizes. It’s important to measure the spot in your vehicle where you plan on putting your fridge. Also, consider the quantity of food and drinks you’ll need to keep cool.

The size you need depends on whether you’re traveling solo or with a partner. It also depends on how much you eat and how often you go grocery shopping. 

The fridge will need enough space for the vent fan to run properly and extend the handles to lift the fridge.

Most people who live or travel in campervans like to get 40-50L refrigerators. I have a 37-quart, which works fine for about 5-7 days off-grid.

However, in my larger Sprinter van conversion, I’ll most likely add a bigger fridge, possibly a dual zone.

If you want to buy enough groceries for two weeks off-grid, your fridge must have a large capacity. If you plan to grocery shop more often, you can save money and space by choosing a fridge with fewer cubic feet.

3. Do you want to make ice?

When I lived in a home, I used ice in my drinks. In my van, I rarely crave ice (or miss it). It’s just easier to go without it!

If you love ice, pick a fridge model with a freezer. You can buy an ice tray for your freezer or pick a model that makes ice automatically.

4. Does it have a Danfoss compressor?

The best type of compressor for a van life fridge is a Danfoss compressor. It’s the leading compressor in the fridge industry.

According to the Danfoss website, these compressors have an electronic control unit with built-in speed control, thermostat signal, thermal protection, and a turn-off switch that prevents the compressor from damaging a battery. They also have an electronic thermostat and fan speed control. They’re highly energy efficient.

However, I’ve read reviews of other 12-volt fridges, like the Alpicool, that use a different, cheaper compressor but also work well.

5. How much power draw does the fridge require? 

Each refrigerator has a different amount of power it will draw from a battery. The best fridges for van life require more power when the fridge is first cooling down, then less to maintain that temperature. The average power draw of a compressor fridge is between 1 and 5 amps per hour.

I’ve noticed that when my ARB fridge is on, it draws 4-5 amps for about 10-15 minutes. Then it shuts down for around 45 minutes depending on the outside temperature, of course.

Most people with a fridge in their van run it off an external battery either powered by solar panels or connected to the van’s alternator via a battery isolator.

My ARB 12-volt fridge connects to my solar setup via a DC outlet in the rear of my campervan. I run it off two 50-watt flexible solar panels, and it’s plenty to keep my fridge super cold.

Some van lifers say a fridge wreaks havoc on your alternator, and it’s better to power the fridge off rooftop solar panels.

Another option is to keep your refrigerator connected to your start battery when driving, then use a portable solar generator like the Jackery Explorer 500 to keep it cool during the day.

PRO TIP: ARB, a leading manufacturer of van life refrigerators, says many new cars use such small wiring from the cigarette lighter to the battery that a 12-volt fridge will detect low voltage and automatically shut down. The wiring tricks the fridge into thinking it’s drawing too much power.

ARB sells a separate hardwire kit that connects your fridge directly to the start battery, circumventing the “small wiring” from your cigarette outlet.

If your battery has a constant hot outlet – which powers even with the ignition turned off – a fridge could run just fine off the start battery for up to 24 hours. Beyond that, ARB recommends a second, or house battery, to power the portable fridge.

6. Do you want a dual-zone or single-zone fridge?

Some of the best fridges for van life come with two compartments that act as separate refrigerators and freezers, and some don’t. Decide whether you need a dual-zone fridge before you buy.

I think the new Dometic Cooler + Icemaker is awesome if you want ice cubes at a remote campsite. Keep in mind the ice-making function will take more power than regular cooling.

I’ve used a single-zone fridge for a couple of years now. I don’t think a dual-zone fridge is necessary, but it’s your opinion. 

7. What is the warranty? 

High-end 12-volt compressor refrigerators usually have a warranty, but some are better than others. I’ve seen anywhere from a 1-year to a 3-year warranty.

Looking into warranty information is important because finding someone to work on your portable fridge can be challenging.

8. Is the fridge 12-volts?

If you think back to the mini fridge you may have had in college, that is a 120-volt fridge. To power this type of fridge in a van, you’d always need to keep your inverter on, which is not recommended. 

You may initially want to buy a mini fridge because it’s cheaper, but it will ultimately cost you more in terms of power. The traditional 120-volt mini fridge is less efficient at keeping food cold. It will zap your battery power, meaning you can’t camp off-grid for days at a time. 

What is the Best Fridge for Van Life?

The best fridges for van life that I recommend have a few key differences, but all of these refrigerators are high-quality and recommended among van lifers, RVers, truckers, and campers.

The 12-volt refrigerators I recommend all have excellent reviews and a solid history of making good quality products.

All of the best fridges for van life share these traits in common:

• They run on both AC and DC power
• Operate on a very low power draw
• Interior drain plugs
• Rugged and well-built
• An integrated battery protection system

There are so many good-quality fridges for van life out there that it’s hard for me to say which is the absolute best for your lifestyle. The Dometic Cooler + Icemaker and ARB 12-volt refrigerators are my top two favorites, but if you’re looking for a budget option, go with the Alpicool 12-volt fridge.

There are several van life fridge manufacturers out there, and what you choose will largely depend on your setup, the amount of money you’re willing to fork over, and the warranty information.

You also must take into account unit size, price, and features. Do you want an electronic display and a high-tech unit? Do you need a dual-zone unit with both refrigeration and a freezer? Do you care if you have the Danfoss compressor? Ask yourself these questions and do your research before making a decision.

Whatever you choose, one thing is clear: you won’t need to deal with slushy ice and the endless search for a convenience store again when you get the best fridge for van life!