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How To Choose The Best Caravan Fridge

Article by Laura Smith - Caravans Plus
Read Time: 5 mins

There are a huge range of refrigerators available for Caravans and RV's, but how do you know which one is right for you? Whats the difference between 3-way & 2-way and which is best??

Here we will breakdown the 2 types of fridge available, as well as the pros & cons of each so that you can be confident you are choosing best fridge for you.

1. What's the difference between 3-way and 2-way?

While all fridges use the same principle to provide cooling, there are two different ways that this can be achieved. Basically, cold cannot be created - rather it is the side effect of a lack of heat. Both methods use the change of state of the refrigerant (Liquid to Gas and back to Liquid) to essentially suck out the heat to provide this cooling effect.

In 3-way or Absorption refrigerators, this change is caused by the cycling of ammonia, water and hydrogen which naturally react together and only require a heat source to maintain the reaction. These fridges can operate on Gas, 12V or 240V. Dometic 3-Way fridge have dominated the market for many years, but more recently Thetford have begun to make great in-roads and provide a great alternative.

2-way or Compressor fridges work the same way as your fridge at home. As the name suggests, they must compress the refrigerant vapour back into liquid form to continue the cooling cycle. These caravan fridge operate on electricity only and can be powered by 12V, 24V or 240V. The latest Waeco 12V fridges come standard with a 240V power lead, but Vitrifrigo's require an additional adaptor to operate on 240V.


Absorption vs Compressor Fridge
Different Cooling Systems used in Absorption & Compressor Fridges

2. How Efficient Are 3-way & 2-way Fridges?

For those who prefer free camping to caravan parks, the 3-way fridges offer great efficiency when running on Gas. A good 3-way fridge will be able to last a couple of weeks on a single 9kg gas bottle, so are great for those who like to stay off the grid.

The downside is they are much less efficient than the compressor fridges when running on 12V, so they will chew through your battery quickly if left running on 12V after your car has stopped. Some 3-way fridges come with AES (Automatic Energy Selection) which will automatically select the best energy source available. For example 12V while the car is running, then switches to Gas once stopped to avoid draining your battery.

For 3-way fridges without AES, you can use a Fridge Switch which detects when you stop driving and automatically turns the fridge off.

Dometic RM2350 3-Way Fridge & Freezer - 90 Litre (521w x 756h)

Dometic RM2350 3-Way Fridge & Freezer - 90 Litre (521w x 756h)

2 In Stock Now.
$1,720
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Fridge Switch - Auto Cut Off When You Stop Driving

Fridge Switch - Auto Cut Off When You Stop Driving

8 In Stock Now.
$87.00
$61.95
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Compressor fridges are designed for 12V to be their primary power supply, so are much more efficient when running on 12V than the 3-ways. As efficient as they are, you will still need a good battery / solar setup if you plan on spending time away from mains power.

For more information on battery and solar setups, see our related guides "Calculating how big your battery needs to be." and "Complete Guide To Installing Solar Panels"

3. How Well Do 3-way & 2-way Fridges Cool?

The absorption method of cooling used in 3-way fridges is less effective at cooling quickly, and can suffer in high ambient temperatures. Tropically rated 3 way fridges are available in some sizes and will achieve lower temperatures even when outside temperatures are quite high.

Cooling power is where the compressor fridges really shine - they work the same way as your fridge at home and are much better at maintaining the fridge temperature even in high ambient temps. If you are planning on spending a lot of your time travelling in hotter areas, Compressor may be the best option for you.

4. Are 3-way & 2-way Fridges Noisy?

3 way have the advantage of being completely silent, as the absorption cooling method has no moving parts. They do have thermostatically switched fans to increase airflow but these are very quiet.

Compressor fridges are not silent however and the compressor hum can be annoying particularly when it comes time to sleep. While there will be some noise, most quality compressor fridges are still fairly quiet.

5. How Are 3-way & 2-way Fridges Installed?

Another thing to consider is installation. 3-way fridges must be properly vented to the outside of the RV to allow heat and any gas emissions to escape. They must also be completely sealed from the cabin so no gasses can enter the living area. The vents also help to keep the fridge cooled for maximum performance.

A helpful guide from Dometic about venting requirements can be found here:

Vent Installation Guide (2.4Mb)

Compressor fridges on the other hand are much simpler to install, and do not require any venting. They will also operate normally if the van is not level, while absorption fridges need to be level to work effectively.

Some 2-way fridges come with a remote compressor, which means instead of being built into the back of your fridge they can be stored nearby instead. This gives you maximum capacity in the fridge as you do not lose a portion of your cabinet to accommodate the compressor.

Vitrifrigo C130L Fridge - 130 Litre - Remote Compressor - 12-24V / 240V (540w x 768h)Clearance Item

Vitrifrigo C130L Fridge - 130 Litre - Remote Compressor - 12-24V / 240V (540w x 768h)

2 In Stock Now.
$2,370.00
$1,690
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6. Overview of Pros & Cons - 3-way vs 2-way Fridges

3-way vs 2-way Fridge Comparison
Pros & Cons of 3-way and 2-way Caravan Fridges

7. Caravan 3-way & 2-way Fridge Comparisons

Once you have decided which type of fridge is best for you, you can use our handy comparison charts below to find your perfect fridge!

Compare Caravan & RV Absorption / 3-Way Caravan Fridges (Under 150L)

Compare Caravan & RV Absorption / 3-Way Caravan Fridges (Under 150L)

View the different Absorption / 3-Way Caravan Fridges (Under 150L) available. Compare their specifications, prices, reviews and more.
Read
Compare Caravan & RV Absorption / 3-Way Caravan Fridges (Over 150L)

Compare Caravan & RV Absorption / 3-Way Caravan Fridges (Over 150L)

View the different Absorption / 3-Way Caravan Fridges (Over 150L) available. Compare their specifications, prices, reviews and more.
Read
Compare Caravan & RV 12V / 24V / 240V Caravan Fridges (Under 130L)

Compare Caravan & RV 12V / 24V / 240V Caravan Fridges (Under 130L)

View the different 12V / 24V / 240V Caravan Fridges (Under 130L) available. Compare their specifications, prices, reviews and more.
Read
Compare Caravan & RV 12V / 24V / 240V Caravan Fridges (Over 130L)

Compare Caravan & RV 12V / 24V / 240V Caravan Fridges (Over 130L)

View the different 12V / 24V / 240V Caravan Fridges (Over 130L) available. Compare their specifications, prices, reviews and more.
Read

Was this helpful?

9 Comments

  • comment-avatar

    Ian

    Very well explained for the non-tech type...

  • comment-avatar

    Peter

    very informative . I'll be doing some checks on my van, after 17 years !!

  • comment-avatar

    Don Fellows

    I have been caravaning for more than 50 years so have had many fridges. For me, compressor fridge with a good solar system are the only way to go. I have had Waeco and now have EvaKool. Waeco, I would not have again, but I love my EvaKool. With due respect, I feel that your comments about the compressor fridges noise when sleeping are not correct. A little deaf I may be, but I have never heard any night noises that could keep anyone awake from either of my compressor fridges, and especially the EvaKool. I feel that your comment is misleading. I do not have any connections with any fridge suppliers and this is unbiased comment. Kindest regards, Don Fellows.

  • comment-avatar

    William

    I note that all comments and comparisons do not take into account the cost of a "adequate solar system" to support the 2-way fridges. The cost I would estimate, to install 4 x 200 watt panels, would be in the vicinity of $2 - 3000. A substantial amount for those on limited budgets. We do a lot of free camping and the 3 way on gas has been a great success. The savings in not having to go into caravan parks, are substantial.

  • comment-avatar

    David

    Hi William, A modern 12/240v fridge will use about 5 amps per hour depending on usage and ambient temperature. Given a minimum 100 A/h battery setup in your camper trailer/second vehicle battery and a 160 watt solar panel ($300 approx.) (producing about 20a/h) you certainly don't need anywhere 800 watts of solar nor need to spend the sort of dollars you are talking about. I concur about gas fridges, having had a Chescold RC 1180 for about 20+ years, but the newer compressor fridges use very little power, make virtually no noise and are much more affordable than ever before.

  • comment-avatar

    Steve

    I do not understand how my Engel works better than my fridge when running on 12v. I can turn my Engel into a freezer while the fridge barely keeps food cool let alone cold

  • comment-avatar

    Steve

    How do I put a light or guage in that will tell me when the power is working on 12 or 240 volt. I want something similar to the gas gauge that shows the gas is on. I have trouble knowing if the fridge is actually on when its on 12 or 240 volt. Thanks

  • comment-avatar

    Bob

    Absorption ( 3 way) fridges have no moving parts. If it was made right, and not physically damaged, it will last a very long time. I have a portable one that is about 30 years old and it still works as good as new.

  • comment-avatar

    Clive

    I have an isotherm 160 liter fridge/freezer it consumes 4.5 amps an hour ,so you need a power supply of at least 200 amp battery that’s lithium of course. 480 watts of solar will be sufficient .

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