If you’re going to spend time away from home and your fridge at home, a camping refrigerator will allow you to take all the food and drinks you’ll need. It will also help you save money compared to buying meals at restaurants. Having a camping fridge in your vehicle will make your camping trip much more enjoyable.
How big of a camping refrigerator you need will depend on how often you’ll be using it and how long your trips will be. If you only plan to use it for weekends, then a smaller camping fridge will be adequate. However, if you’re planning to go on multi-week overland adventures, then you’ll need a larger capacity camping refrigerator.
Another important consideration is whether you need a fridge with a freezer or not. Some portable fridges have a freezer section, which can be very helpful if you want to keep frozen foods or drinks cold. However, it’s not a necessity for most campers, and it can add some bulk to the fridge.
The type of refrigeration system in your camping fridge will have a big impact on power consumption and noise level. Compressor fridges are the most common type of camping fridge, and they come in a range of sizes. They have an internal thermostat that switches on and off periodically based on the temperature inside the fridge. This on and off cycling reduces energy consumption by maintaining a constant temperature.
Many camping fridges have an Eco Mode setting that allows you to optimise their power usage. This feature reduces the temperature of the fridge and turns it off at night-time. This can significantly reduce your fridge’s electricity usage, especially if you have it full of food and drinks that aren’t being consumed.
If you’re considering a compressor fridge, do some research on the brand and model you choose. Check out reviews from people who have used it in similar circumstances to your own and look at the warranty information. Some brands offer 3rd party warranties that are better than the standard manufacturers warranty.
Robust mounting hardware is essential to keep your camping fridge secure in the back of your vehicle. You don’t want it tipping over on sharp corners or becoming a projectile in the event of an accident. There are a variety of camping fridge mounting kits available, and most brands have their own OEM and aftermarket fridge mounts that fit most vehicles. You should also consider a camping fridge stand, which lifts the fridge off of the ground and makes it easier to access its contents. This can be a good investment, and it will also help protect your fridge from dirt and moisture. The best fridge stands are made from stainless steel and have a sturdy base.