This is our review of the best RV refrigerators (gas and electric).
Refrigerators are must-have devices for any household. They are typically known for storing food, drinks, and other items. While several RV refrigerators are on the market, finding the best one is not a walk in the park. It requires specific skills and expertise.
Before making an informed decision, you need to consider several features to find the one tailored for your needs. For this reason, we tried and tested several RV refrigerators. We found the Whynter FM-65G 65 Quart Portable Refrigerator to be our favorite choice from our research.
This is because it is made of high-quality materials that keep food chilled throughout and meet other refrigerated needs. Therefore, if you want the best RV refrigerator, keep reading to explore and find your perfect match!
The Importance of a Good RV Refrigerator
Despite RV refrigerators (gas and electric) being expensive, they contain a lot of benefits. These fridges are designed to help you preserve food anytime and anywhere. As a result, you’ll not only keep food fresh but also save money that could have been used when dining in restaurants.
Moreover, they can run on readily available sources of power such as propane and electricity. RV refrigerators also contain stainless steel to aid in withstanding the pressure from any commotion from one point to another.
What is the Difference Between and an RV Refrigerator and a Residential Fridge?
Refrigerators are commercial and home appliances that contain a thermally insulated compartment and a heat pump that transfers heat from the internal to the external environment. Refrigerators come in different types, such as RV and residential. The two work almost the same way but contain a couple of differences.
RV refrigerators work through the process of absorption to cool the inside parts. This type of fridge can either be a 2-way or 3-way. The 2-way refrigerator uses power or LP gas to heat the gases in the tubes.
RV refrigerators are efficient since they use AC power or propane gas. However, these temperatures vary on warm and cold days; on the contrary, you can correct the temperatures by reducing the level down.
On the other side, residential fridges keep the food cold throughout. Thus maintain their temperatures effectively in all environments. On the contrary, these fridges take time to warm up when not connected to a power source.
RV fridges are durable as they contain strong materials, which aids vastly when moving around. In addition, since they don’t have compressors, they tend to last up to 20 years. However, when it comes to residential fridges, they are not designed to withstand frequent movements.
When subjected to frequent movements, they tend to last for a short duration due to delicate parts such as the compressor. RV fridges are prone to risks since they run on propane gas. And as it’s known, this gas can leak or cause a fire.
But if you install the fridge to defend the system, you might mitigate the risks. In terms of price, the fridge costs according to the types available. On the other hand, residential fridges contain comprehensive storage capacities.
2-Way vs. 3-Way RV Refrigerator
Refrigerators come in two forms; either 2-way or 3-way. A 2-way fridge is an absorption RV refrigerator that operates through an LP gas and an AC power. On the other hand, a 3-way fridge is a fridge that runs through an LP gas, AC power, and DC power.
A 2-way fridge is not prone to producing too much noise as it operates through absorption and is practically silent. On the other side, a 3-way refrigerator makes noise as it operates through compressors.
2-way fridges work efficiently than the 3-way fridges. Regarding temperature, 2-ways are a winner since they provide a consistent cooling system regardless of hot weather. Besides that, 3-way fridges still have a problem of getting cold instantly.
On the flip side, 3-way fridges use 120-volt electricity, solar panels, and a generator to cool the food. In terms of storage, modern RV fridges contain a large storing capacity. Besides that, they also contain french doors, thus extra space.
Our RV Refrigerator Buying Guide
RV refrigerators are the best gadgets to own since they are made with unique parts to last for a long time. However, getting the best one can be tricky as you need to consider some essential features. To purchase the refrigerator best suited to your needs, bear the following in mind:
Hook Up Styles
You can narrow down the list of refrigerators by looking at the hook-up style. Refrigerators come in different specifications. So what you find in one device may not be the one found in another. And among the distinct features are hook-up styles.
It’s evident that you haven’t shopped for a refrigerator for a while. For this reason, you may be surprised by an array of hook-up styles out there. Some hook-up styles are narrowed down to french-door, side-by-side at the bottom, and top-freezer refrigerators.
Unlike the old design, today, RV refrigerators come in twin doors with an additional drawer. Another style is side by side, where the freezer and fridges compartment run from the top to the bottom of the whole unit.
Lastly, you can also check on top, and bottom freezer styles, which are wide thus require adequate space. Apart from that, the top freezer requires a traditional configuration, while the bottom freezer aids in keeping the compartment near eye level.
Factors to Consider
When buying an RV refrigerator, the key considerations are materials, price, capacity, and size. These key factors are crucial since they’ll enable you to get the perfect gadget for your needs.
Materials
Before deciding to bring home an RV refrigerator, try and check the different materials available. Don’t forget to look at the ones used while manufacturing the gadget. While doing this, conduct thorough research to see if it is safe for the RV and will last for long.
If you are unsure, seek recommendations from experts to check if it is compatible with the refrigerator. This is essential since the materials influence the functioning of the whole device.
Price
Another crucial factor is price. Price plays a vital role in buying an RV refrigerator. Now that you know different brands available on the market, how much do they cost? Well, these devices have varying prices since they are made of different qualities and tastes. Doing this will help you weigh your budget and see if you can pay the total amount or in installments.
Capacity
Another topmost factor to consider is capacity. This aspect majorly involves the amount of space available to store food and other items. Today, RV refrigerators are available in various enticing features.
For instance, they come in reversible and two-door options. Of course, all these work differently depending on the available space. Another exciting and updated feature is the ice maker. With it, you’ll be able to cool beverages. It also controls temperature automatically so that you’ll not need to do it manually.
Size
When you decide on buying a refrigerator, one of the essential things to consider is size. Why is it important? Because you’ll need adequate space to put the items. Sometimes, you might need to store substantial food items, especially if you deal with many people.
Apart from that, find the right place to position the refrigerator. If there’s not enough space, go ahead and create it according to your needs. By doing this, you’ll be able to utilize enough space and leave some for other items.
Maintenance
After checking on the hook-up style, the second most important thing to consider is maintenance. Now, maintenance does not only mean identifying faults. Although it is among crucial aspects, maintenance majorly speaks on taking good care of the gadget.
As the RV refrigerator continues to be used by many people, you must put care in place. For instance, you need to check every part if it is working in the right way. Besides that, ensure that you handle it properly whenever using it and if you sense any faults, be sure to take it for serving to an authorized electronic dealer. One important thing to note is that when they remain dormant for a long time, they’ll end up losing their effectiveness.
What Not to Use
Another thing to keep in mind is the tools to use and not to use. In this case, we’ll focus on those not necessarily needed in an RV refrigerator. For example, while purchasing RV refrigerators, it is necessary to use refrigeration tools compatible with the whole device.
But when you use a tool not in line with the device, things might go south since the machine might stop functioning.
Best Use Cases Plus Hyperlinks to RV Refrigerators
| Name: (Whynter FM-65G 65 Quart Portable Refrigerator | AC 110V/ DC 12V | True Freezer for Car, Home, Camping, RV) | |
| Best | Overall Pick |
| Capacity | 2.12 cubic feet |
| Dimensions | 18.25 x 26 x 21 inches |
| Power Source | No |
| Ice/Water Dispenser | No |
| Options | 12V |
| Features | Made of Metal, Made of metal, 8-Feet AC power cord. 10- Feet DC power cord. |
| Size | 66 quartz |
| Warranty | No warranty |
| Name: (Domende 54qt Car Refrigerator Portable Freezer 12 volt Cooler Electric Compressor Cooler Car Fridge for Car Truck Vehicle RV Boat Outdoor and Home use 12/24V DC and 90-250 AC,Cooling to -4F ) | |
| Best for | Car and Outdoor Use |
| Capacity | 50 |
| Dimensions | 22.4 x 14.4 x 19.7 inches |
| Power Source | Battery |
| Ice/Water Dispenser | No |
| Options | 12/24V |
| Features | Portable handles for easy movement. 3-stage car battery protection system to prevent battery run down. Digital control panel with electronic temperature control. High-efficiency compressor with adjustable HH and ECO modes. |
| Size | 54vQuartz |
| Warranty | One-year warranty |
| Name: (Norcold N4123UL RV Refrigertor.4.5 CU ft AC/DC/LP Left Hand Swing) | |
| Best for | Outdoor Use |
| Capacity | 1 ½ Jug |
| Dimensions | 40.51 x 27.36 x 27.36 inches |
| Power Source | Gas and Electric |
| Ice/Water Dispenser | No |
| Options | None |
| Features | Removable door hinges Adjustable thermostat Self-latching doors |
| Size | 4.5 cubic feet |
| Warranty | Three-year warranty |
| Name: (Techomey Refrigerator Gas Electric Freezer RV Fridge Deep Freezer 9.35 Cu. Ft White) | |
| Best for | Indoor Use |
| Capacity | 9.35 cubic feet |
| Dimensions | 23.6 x 29.13 x 64.2 inches |
| Power Source | Propane gas |
| Ice/Water Dispenser | No |
| Options | None |
| Features | Removable shelves Adjustable leg size |
| Size | 9.35 cubic feet |
| Warranty | 1-2 years warranty |
| Name: (Smad 3 Way Caravan Propane Fridge 120V 12V LPG Gas Refrigerator for Motorhome RV Campervan, Black, 2.1 Cu.ft.) | |
| Best for | Camping |
| Capacity | 9.35 cubic feet |
| Dimensions | 23.6 x 29.13 x 64.2 inches |
| Power Source | Propane gas |
| Ice/Water Dispenser | No |
| Options | None |
| Features | Removable shelves Adjustable leg size |
| Size | 9.35 cubic feet |
| Warranty | 1-2 years warranty |
Our Review of the Best RV Refrigerators
Portable Refrigerator – Whynter FM-65G 65 Quart Portable Refrigerator | AC 110V/ DC 12V | True Freezer for Car, Home, Camping, RV
Best Overall Pick
Best Amazon Seller in Compact Refrigerators
Key Features
- Reversible door hinges.
- Made of Metal.
- 8-Feet AC power cord.
- 10- Feet DC power cord.
General Description
Want to keep your food and other stuff chilled while on a vacation or a day trip? If so, opt for the Whynter FM-65G 65 Quart Refrigerator. This fridge has a total capacity of 114 liters and 57 liters for the fridge.
The door is made of stainless steel material with a fast freeze mode, while the shelves are made of wire. The two removable wire baskets and insulated lid and walls will suit your freezing requirements during your recreation, thus enjoying time with family and friends.
It exhibits a low power indicator to provide an alert whenever power is about to go off. On top of that, it contains an 8-feet AC and 10-feet DC power cord. Here, if both AC and DC are plugged in simultaneously, the unit will primarily operate on AC. Nonetheless, if the AC power source fails, the DC will become the primary power supply source.
The best part is that you can also use it at home to store your foodstuffs and other items. Being sturdy with solid outer coated steel housing, it can withstand harsh temperatures. Furthermore, it has stainless steel side handles, a LED temperature display, and a drain plug for easy cleaning.
What We Like
- It has an innovative design to suit your refrigerating needs.
- Premium quality.
- Cost-effective.
- Portable.
What We Don’t Like
- Certain resellers are known to omit the manual of the fridge from the packaging.
- Some of the products don’t last for a long time.
Premium Refrigerator – Domende 54qt Car Refrigerator Portable Freezer 12 volt Cooler Electric Compressor Cooler Car Fridge for Car Truck Vehicle RV Boat Outdoor and Home use 12/24V DC and 90-250 AC, Cooling to -4F
Best for Car and Outdoor Use
Best Amazon Seller in Automotive Interior Coolers and Refrigerators
Key Features
- Portable handles for easy movement.
- 3-stage car battery protection system to prevent car battery run down.
- Digital control panel with electronic temperature control.
- High-efficiency compressor with adjustable HH and ECO modes.
General Description
The Domende 54qt Car Refrigerator Portable Freezer is suitable for home and outdoor use. The high-quality brand compressor provides fast and deep cooling. It also contains the LCD PANEL with temperature and ECO/MAX Mode selection. Consequently, the built-in LED is responsible for providing visibility in the dark.
This brand from Donmende is exceptional. It contains a drain plug which makes it easier to clean inside. The 54-Quart Car Refrigerator also includes one power cable to connect with DC inputs and another to connect with the AC inputs.
The Domende 54qt Car Refrigerator also includes an interior basket and exhibits temperature settings such as red wine storage (14ºF), Fruit (40ºF – 43 ºF), and ice cream (5ºF). In addition, the machine has three levels of battery mode to protect the refrigerator and the vehicle’s battery.
The modes include H3 (high), H2 (medium), and H1 (low). It is efficient to set the battery protection at H2 (medium) when used in the car. It contains a one-year warranty from the date of original purchase. Using this fridge is not hard since it comes with an additional guidebook. If anything happens, you’ll get new, rebuilt, or refurbished parts free of charge.
What We Like
- Safe while driving since it has a vibration-resistant design.
- Comes with a one-year warranty.
- High quality thus provides faster freezing and cooling.
What We Don’t Like
- It cannot be used as a freezer and fridge at the same time.
- Unprotected and collapsible carry handles.
Gas and Electric Refrigerator – Norcold N412.3UL RV Refrigerator – 4.5 cu. ft. – AC/DC/LP – Left Hand Swing
Best for Outdoor Use
Best Amazon Seller in RV Refrigerators
Key Features
- Removable door bins.
- Adjustable thermostat.
- Self-latching doors.
General Description
If you are an outgoer, you probably need something that will help keep your foodstuffs and other items safe. Such a device is the Norcold N412 RV refrigerator from Norcold. This device contains a built-in control diagnostic that provides valuable information to simplify servicing and speed up repairs.
It also exhibits an auto changeover between gas and electric, automatic re-ignition of gas flame, and automatic cycle to limit frost build-up on refrigerator cooling fans. Aside from that, it is easily reversible. The self-latching door rotates and accepts side-installed decorative door panels, while the travel latch keeps the door closed while in transit.
It has materials that are easy to clean and has adjustable, removable door bins. Moreover, the flip-up bottom shelf holds a one-gallon jug and door bin storage holds half-gallon bottles. With a three-year warranty, you can return it for replacement or servicing.
What We Like
- Has removable and adjustable door bins.
- Easy to clean.
What We Don’t Like
- Some models lack door panels.
Electric Refrigerator – Techomey Propane Refrigerator, Gas Electric Freezer, Rv Fridge, Deep Freezer, 9.35 Cu. Ft, White
Best for Indoor Use
Key Features
- Removable shelves.
- Adjustable leg size.
General Description
If you want a fridge with two separate compartments: refrigerator and freezer, opt for the Techomey Refrigerator. This device provides optimal storage with a top freezer and refrigerator. The adequate storage room will ensure that you can prepare enough food for your family and friends to feast together.
Also known as a propane refrigerator, you can reserve food to save time when buying food at the supermarket. What’s more, are the removable shelves in the gas refrigerator where you can adjust the storage height freely according to your needs; for example, it can hold four gallons of milk or cola and store massive meat and vegetables.
Besides that, it has an adjustable leg height under the propane gas refrigerator, meaning that you can fit the propane refrigerator perfectly anywhere, such as the kitchen, coffee, and bar. Also, the propane refrigerator can be powered by 110V to make it work more efficiently and stably.
What We Like
- Efficient and produces less noise.
- Fast cooling.
- Energy-saving.
What We Don’t Like
- Quite expensive.
Best 3 Way: Smad 3 Way Caravan Propane Fridge 120V 12V LPG Gas Refrigerator for Motorhome RV Campervan, Black, 2.1 Cu.ft.
Best for Camping
Best Amazon Seller in Compact Refrigerator
Key Features
- Removable shelves.
- Automatic defrost.
- Manual Electric Thermostat to control temperature.
General Description
The Smad 3-Way Caravan Propane Fridge is suitable for camping as it contains low energy consumption. Furthermore, it is suitable for outdoor activities since has a portable size. In terms of storage, you will get plenty of space for storing foods and drinks.
The removable shelves are useful since they enhance easy cleaning and usage. In addition, the manual thermostat is responsible for controlling temperatures of about 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Your crew will not have difficulty relaxing since it produces no noise with an advanced absorption cooling system.
What We Like
- Lightweight.
- Does not produce noise.
- Removable flat slide-out racks and door shelves help to stay organization
- Some refrigerators don’t light from the inbuilt ignitor.
What We Don’t Like
- It is quite expensive.
Our Top RV Refrigerator Troubleshooting Tips
RV refrigerators serve best, especially when moving from one point to another. However, sometimes they might get problems and need to be fixed. If your fridge stops working or works weirdly, here are essential tips to help you out.
Open the Fridge in Each Mode
The most important thing to do is to check if the fridge works in both modes. First of all, level the unit to check if it is working or not. You can do these by using a thermometer or putting your hands in the cooling coils.
While doing this, watch out since it might be on the gas or electric setting. If it is on the gas setting, check the back to see if there is a flame. Furthermore, check if it is on the electric setting and put your hand near the heating region at the back of the unit.
Check the Pilot Light
The next step to do is to check if the pilot light is staying lit. If it is not, that means that there is poor gas flow. To curb this issue, ensure that the burner flue and the tube are clean. On top of that, check on the sensors to see if they dust or rust.
Check on the Airflow
Another important tip is to ensure that air flows evenly; if theirs an uneven flow of air, RV fridges have a cooling effect from the freezer compartment. After that, it travels to the main compartment. The air keeps on circulating with refrigerator fans, so every fridge shelf receives a consistent and enough temperature.
If some shelves are frozen and others warm, consider installing a refrigerator fan to blow across the cooling vents. Furthermore, check on airflow if you notice the freezer working while the main compartment is not working.
Check on Your Camper Level
Propane-powered refrigerators don’t work well on uneven surfaces. That’s because the chemicals inside an absorption-cooled refrigerator need to stay at the right level to operate efficiently. For better results, ensure that your camper is parked on the right level.
Replace the Circuit Board
Circuit boards are essential in RV refrigerators. Moreover, they are essential since they sense 12V power and propane usage. Therefore, when an RV refrigerator fails to operate, the reason is because of a spoilt circuit board. To solve this issue, replace the entire system with the help of an authorized electronic dealer.
When should my RV Fridge be Replaced?
After using the RV refrigerator for a long time, you might decide to troubleshoot the problem. When this fails, then it is time to replace your gadget. Here is how to when it’s time.
Food Spoilage
The first sign that you need to replace your fridge is food spoilage. When you place your foodstuffs in the fridge, you expect it to store your food fresh for a substantial amount of time. When this occurs, be sure to replace it.
Excess Condensation
Condensation is an integral part of an RV refrigerator. However, sometimes it might be too much. This is evident when you start to see mold, mildew, or water droplets around the rubber sealing on the door. As such, you’ll need to get a new system.
Noise
Electric devices tend to produce a lot of noise especially used RV refrigerators for sale, but sometimes, the noise might be too much. Typically, RV fridges produce less to no noise. But when there is an overproduction of noise, then you’ll need to get a new model.
Frosting Issues
The frosting is expected in an RV refrigerator, but sometimes, too much frosting might indicate that the gadget has problems. If you are experiencing this, get an updated model, as it is an indication that something is wrong.
That’s a Wrap!
Refrigerators are essential in our lives since they help in storing food. While there are different RV refrigerators in the market, getting the best one can be overwhelming. But from our list mentioned above, you’ll be able to get the one that will satisfy your needs.
If you are hunting for a commercial or domestic RV refrigerator, consider the Whynter FM-65G 65 Quart Portable Refrigerator. It is our best choice since it is high-quality to keep food chilled throughout and meet other refrigerated needs. With it, you’ll be able to get sorted out and enjoy your next vacation.