Compact
30L Fridge Freezer
A great bit of kit: compact enough for a small car boot or tight storage, and very economical.
Why it matters: Just right for a couple or a weekend away, with room for the milk, butter, meat and a few cold drinks.
12V compressor fridge freezer guide for off-grid camping
12V fridge guide
Free Refrigeration
If you've got solar or a decent battery, why pay to keep your food and drinks cold? Modern 12V compressor fridges sip power, run quietly and keep working for as long as you stay.
COOL
Keep It Cool
No more melted ice packs, soggy sandwiches or daily trips to the shop. A 12V compressor fridge keeps fresh food fresh and frozen food frozen for your whole stay, even in a heatwave.
They work just like your fridge at home, only smaller and far more efficient. Paired with a lithium battery and a little solar, a compressor fridge can run all week without hook-up.
Which Type Of Cooler?
There are three main kinds of camping fridge, and they behave very differently off-grid.
Thermoelectric
Cheap coolboxes with a fan. They only cool to about 20°C below the outside temperature and draw power constantly, so they struggle in hot weather.
3-Way Absorption
The traditional caravan fridge. Brilliant on gas or hook-up, but very hungry on 12V, so it's really only practical on 12V while you're driving.
12V Compressor
Our pick. Proper fridge or freezer temperatures whatever the weather, and it switches on and off as needed, so it uses only a little battery power over a day.
Plug & Play Options
Great for tent campers, or as an extra drinks fridge in a camper, caravan or motorhome. Both plug into a 12V socket or a mains plug, use very little power in eco mode, and have three-level battery protection so they won't flatten your battery.
Compact
Family size
55L Fridge Freezer
Perfect for families, with plenty of space for fresh or frozen food and drink on longer stays without hook-up.
Why it matters: Feeding a family for a week takes space. Fewer shopping trips means more time at camp.
Fitted Fridge Freezers
For a self-build, or for replacing an old 3-way fridge in a campervan, motorhome or caravan. These are two of the best-value 65L options we've found, and both have excellent reviews.
65 litre
Securefix Direct 65L
A proper upright fridge freezer for the campervan, motorhome or caravan owner, rated at only 60W.
Why it matters: Swapping a 3-way fridge for a compressor model means it runs on your battery all day, not just while you're driving.
Energy class A
Shield Autocare Cool Mate 65L
Another excellent 65L fitted option, with an energy class A rating and also rated at 60W.
Why it matters: Efficient fridges need smaller batteries and less solar, so the savings add up across your whole setup.
How Much Power Does It Use?
A compressor fridge only runs when it needs to, so its power use averages out much lower than its rating suggests. Rough figures for a typical 12V model:
45-60WWhile the compressor is running
On & offIt cycles, so it isn't drawing all day
25-45AhTypical use per day in summer
200WOf solar covers most fridges on sunny summer days
Size your battery with our battery guide, and put the power back for free with our solar guide.
Handy Extras
Small add-ons that make any camping fridge work better and use less power.
Insulated Fridge Cover
A padded, insulated cover made for portable compressor fridges.
Why it matters: It keeps the sun off and the cold in, so the compressor runs less often and your battery lasts longer.
Heavy-Duty 12V Lead
A thick 12V extension lead to reach your fridge from the battery or power station.
Why it matters: Thin leads lose voltage, and the fridge's battery protection can switch it off early. A heavy-duty lead keeps it running.
Wireless Fridge Thermometer
A small sensor in the fridge with a display you can check from your seat or your phone.
Why it matters: Know your food is staying safely cold without opening the lid and letting the cold out.
Reusable Ice Packs
Freeze them at home and pack them in with your food on day one.
Why it matters: They help the fridge pull down to temperature quickly, saving battery on the first day when it works hardest.
Tie-Down Straps
Small ratchet or cam straps to hold a portable fridge in place.
Why it matters: A loaded fridge is heavy. Strapping it down protects it, your van and your passengers if you brake hard.
Top Fridge Tips
Pre-chill it at home on mains, keep it full, park it in the shade and leave a gap round the vents.
Why it matters: Each one cuts how often the compressor runs, which can make a big difference to your battery over a week.
More Off-Grid Guides
Power, heat and cooling: everything that lets you camp anywhere, in any season.
Coming Events
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Come along for the weekend, or enjoy the whole event.
It's up to you.
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Hope This Helps
We hope this guide helps you choose the right fridge. If you're still unsure, our chat group members are always happy to share what works for them.
Got a question, or a tip that would help other campers? Send it to us and we'll add it to the guide.
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