If you are new to caravan fridges, start with three simple questions: how will you power it, will it fit the cabinet, and are you buying a complete fridge or a part for the one already in the van?
First choose 12V compressor or 3-way
Most buyers are choosing between 12V compressor fridges and 3-way absorption fridges. A 12V compressor fridge is usually the easier choice for modern battery and solar touring. A 3-way fridge makes sense when the caravan is already set up for gas fridge operation and you want to keep that setup.
If you want the longer explanation, read the caravan fridge choosing guide. The quick version is below.

| Buying check |
3-way absorption fridge |
12V compressor fridge |
| Best reason to choose it |
You want to run on gas while parked away from mains power. |
You want good 12V cooling from a battery and solar setup. |
| Free camping power |
Good if your van already has the right gas, vents and flue path. |
Good if your battery, solar and charging system are sized for the fridge. |
| 12V use |
Mainly for travelling, not for sitting parked on battery power. |
Designed for regular 12V use when wired correctly. |
| Installation checks |
Needs proper vents, flue path, close-to-level operation and licensed gas fitting. |
Needs airflow around the compressor and suitable cable size. |
| Noise |
Very quiet. |
The compressor can be heard cycling on and off. |
Then measure the space
Before comparing prices, measure the fridge cavity height, width and depth. Also check the door swing, hinge side and the space needed for airflow. Do not rely only on the old fridge door or trim size.
For a small camper or short trips, a compact fridge may be enough. For regular touring, couples often look around the mid-size range. Families and longer trips usually need more fridge and freezer space, but the cabinet opening and freight size become more important.
If you are replacing an old Dometic 3-way fridge, use the Dometic replacement guide. It has model-to-model charts that are much safer than guessing by appearance.
Do not ignore airflow
Every caravan fridge needs a way to get rid of heat. 3-way fridges need correct lower and upper ventilation, a suitable flue path and close-to-level operation. Use the Dometic 3-way venting guide before changing vents or replacing an older Electrolux/Dometic setup.
Compressor fridges do not need gas flue parts, but they still need airflow around the compressor, enough battery capacity and suitable cable sizing. If you are moving from a 3-way fridge to a compressor fridge, the RMD and RCD upgrade guide shows the sort of checks involved.
Buying parts? Start with the model label
For shelves, locks, hinges, elements, thermistors, PCBs, vents and door parts, find the fridge model number first. Similar-looking parts can suit different Dometic, Thetford, Waeco or Vitrifrigo models.
Start with upright fridge diagrams or Dometic fridge parts before ordering from appearance alone. If the fridge is not cooling, use the Dometic troubleshooting guide before buying parts at random. For newer compressor models, the Dometic NRX guide is a useful extra reference.