How to Choose Your Best RV Refrigerator？

Being able to easily keep food at a safe temperature is one of the biggest benefits of using a refrigerator when traveling in an RV. With three main types of refrigerators available in luxury RVs – absorption, compressor, and domestic – it can be hard to know which is best. As with anything, the best RV refrigerator for you will largely depend on how you travel. To help you understand the pros and cons of each refrigerator type, we’ve put together this handy guide for the main appliances in your RV.

AC & DC Power

Before we dive into the different types of refrigerators, let’s talk briefly about the electrical system in your RV. Electricity comes in two main forms – alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) – and your RV probably uses both. AC is the electricity you get from any standard outlet, whether it’s a pole at a campground, a generator, or an outlet in your home. In the RV world, it’s also called shore power, and it typically powers large appliances in your RV.

DC works similarly to the electrical system in your car. It’s the type of energy stored in your RV’s home batteries. It’s also the type of energy produced by your RV’s solar panels. If your RV isn’t connected to shore power, devices like water pumps can run directly off the DC power stored in your battery bank.

If you’re not connected to shore power, you’ll still need a way to power AC devices in your camper, including a wall outlet. To do this, you’ll need an inverter, which converts DC power to AC power. With an inverter, you can plug your devices into an outlet and keep them charged, just like you would at home.

Now that we’ve got the power basics down, let’s look at what this means for your RV refrigerator options.

Compressor Fridges

Compressor refrigerators are also popular with RVers. This type of fridge cools faster than absorption fridges when first turned on, and they run more efficiently. A compressor RV fridge can be designed to run on either AC or DC power. If designed for AC, it will run on shore power or an inverter. If it is DC, it will run on batteries.

We have selected a model that is efficient and perfectly sized for your adventures - both on and off the grid. Colku OEM 12v Rv Freezer DC-40 or DC-50 is the perfect size for pre-prepared meals and snacks on your trip. 

Unlike other RV fridges, your luxury travel trailer does not have to be completely level for a compressor fridge to work properly. This is a huge benefit when you are camping in the wild, as Mother Nature rarely creates a completely flat surface.

Absorption Refrigerators

Absorption refrigerators are the most common model found in RVs today and are the most flexible when it comes to power sources. You’ll find two-way models, running on either LPG (propane) or shore power (AC), or three-way models, running on either propane, shore power, or DC.

Absorption refrigerators take longer to cool than compressor-style RV refrigerators, and they also have to work harder to keep food cool when it’s hot outside or when you’re camping at high altitudes. Conversely, if it’s cold outside, this type of refrigerator tends to freeze food on certain shelves of the refrigerator. You may want to install a small refrigerator fan inside to keep the air circulating properly.

You’ll also need to make sure your RV is completely level for an absorption refrigerator to work properly. This isn’t a problem if you plan on staying at a campground with a level concrete pad, but if you want to venture into a state or national park, or go backcountry camping, level space can be hard to find.

Also, because of the way they’re designed, absorption refrigerators have a lot of components (including the cooling mechanism) on the back, which reduces the space inside to store food.

Home Refrigerators

Home refrigerators are a big trend in the RV industry today, especially the shiny stainless steel models commonly found on large fifth-wheel RVs and Class A motorhomes. These large compressor-driven units often come with icemakers and offer a ton of cubic feet of space (much of which is probably unnecessary unless you’re a full-time RVer), but they’re not without their drawbacks.

First, home refrigerators are designed for home use, not an RV that’s being tossed around on the road at 60 miles per hour. All that shaking, vibrating, and rattling can take a toll on a home refrigerator and shorten its lifespan. Before buying an RV with one of these large refrigerators, also consider what it’ll take to replace it. Will it fit through the door? Or will you have to remove the windshield on a Class A RV or the rails on a fifth-wheel RV?

Another consideration is that home refrigerators only run on alternating current (AC). That means if you’re not hooked up to shore power, you’ll be using a generator or home batteries and inverter to power the fridge. These refrigerators aren’t really meant for extended backcountry trips, in part because they’re not as efficient as the compressor models that Bowlus uses. If you are not connected to shore power, your batteries will die faster, so make sure you have a way to charge them, or that you have a backup generator so your food doesn’t go bad.

Here are some RV fridge tips:

• Place a small thermometer in the fridge to ensure that food is kept at a safe temperature (40° F and below in the fridge and 0° F in the freezer).
• Limit the amount of time the door is open.
• Don’t overstuff – When it’s overstuffed, air can’t circulate properly, making it harder for the fridge to keep food cool.
• Don’t choose an RV fridge just because it’s big.
• Defrost an absorption fridge regularly.
• Open the fridge at least 6 hours before you start loading perishable foods, preferably the night before.
• Check the outside vents for obstructions such as leaves.

Summarizing the characteristics of the above three types of refrigerators, I believe you will prefer to buy a compressor refrigerator. Colku has made a variety of compressor refrigerators. Welcome to contact us.