The Best 12 Volt Refrigerator

Are you looking for the best 12 volt refrigerator? We understand it might not be a fun process. It is uneasy to decide which to pick because there are many of them on the market. Different models, brands and configurations might also be hard to compare. For this reason, you should know certain considerations to look for one that suits your needs.

In this guide, we’re featuring a buying guide on how to pick the right mini car refrigerator for your camper, cabin, boat, travel trailer, truck, bus and recreational vehicle. We’re also reviewing the top mini refrigerators/freezers to compare and later pick from based on your needs if you find the right one.

Let’s begin.

Best 12 Volt Refrigerators

1. Costway 54 Quart Portable Refrigerator/Freezer

Aboard the recreational vehicle and traveling with your loved ones, there is no better feeling than to feel the comforts of a home with all the things we need including refreshments and some storage for food. The best RV refrigerator like the Costway 54 Quart Portable Refrigerator/Freezer is one great choice when finding an RV freezer or refrigerator because of its dependable features.

For one, it has a large capacity of 52 liters that is quite impressive among the other RV refrigerator models on the market are. Whether or not we have to put many drinks, we won’t encounter any problem. There is also much spaced for food and snacks for the whole family. Now, we don’t have to worry about packing an insufficient supply when we go camping. The same goes if we’re living in the RV because we have plenty of storage.

Speaking of capacity, the Costway 54 Quart Portable Refrigerator also is consistent in providing set temperature, something useful if you’d want to store some medicines, which are sensitive.

I liked that it is shockproof, too. As you already know, there is a tough environment aboard the RV especially when it is moving. An appliance, which is not shock- or vibration proof, can suffer from damage due to bumps and constant movement. This RV refrigerator is designed for mobile environments.

This refrigerator can be used at home, vehicles, camping or fishing. But aside from all these features, the refrigerator is also ideal for its fast cooling, which enables it to achieve up to 32 degrees Fahrenheit in 30 minutes. I also liked that it lets users to choose an eco mode to save energy. On the other hand, it also has a MAX mode for quick cooling.

You can also protect your RV battery by choosing the COSTWAY ref. In fact, it is designed with three battery protection levels, namely low, medium and high, letting you meet your needs while keeping your battery safe.

2. Dometic CFX 40W 12v Electric Powered Portable Fridge

If you’re shopping around for a mini refrigerator for your camper, truck or recreational vehicle, you should not miss the Dometic fridge freezer on your comparison list. I believe it deserves to be on this selection not only for its brand reputation but also for its convenient and high performance that RV owners like us are looking for when finding a good refrigerator that works as a cooler and freezer at the same time.

One thing I liked about the Dometic CFX 40W is that there is no defrosting needed, which is convenient for RV living. It is also a flexible model that can freeze or refrigerate foods and drinks. You will find that impressive because such flexibility gives us more options on how we want to use the refrigerator for its adjustable temperature setting.

I also would like to note that this refrigerator does not require much power. In fact, we can use it either for DC or AC, which is perfect for off-grid or solar applications. Such power saving option is a great feature to find in a high performance refrigerator or freezer that works without consuming much energy. It is also good news if you have many appliances aboard the RV. It only means you can use multiple ones at the same time without running out of power.

I would like to recommend the Dometic because it is also designed and built tough to last for mobile environments. This unit has reinforced corners plus a closing mechanism. You will also appreciate that it only consumes 0.665 kWh per 24h.

Overall, it is a great choice and deserves to be a part of this list.

3. Whynter FM-45G 45-Quart Portable Refrigerator

The Whynter FM-45G deserves a second look and should not be missed when comparing your options because of its solid and compact features that make it a great contender to be the best recreational vehicle refrigerator or freezer.

The portable refrigerator for camping is versatile. You can use it as either a refrigerator or a freezer. You have the choice based on your needs and camping requirements. Whether you use it to store your catch from fishing or store made ahead meals for RV camping, you can do it.

The refrigerator has a capacity of up to 60 cans of 12 fl oz of drinks or 45 quarts of storage. It is quite enough for storage in camping or RV living. It is also convenient to install in the RV because it includes a long eight-foot cord for AC or five-foot cord for DC power. Such length only means even longer recreational vehicles can accommodate where you wish to install the ref. This model also comes with two detachable wire baskets, an additional feature that makes it convenient to use.

You should also buy it because of its fast freeze mode system that can cool up to -8 degrees Fahrenheit. That is an innovative feature that adds to the ease of operation of the Whynter FM-45G. You can easily cool your drinks or food without long waiting time upon switching this refrigerator on.

It also has a compact size to fit premium recreational vehicle spaces for its compact size even with the compressor step. In addition, I liked its quality that it is even ETL listed for top standards. It is a factor to decide when buying a good refrigerator for camping, fishing or RV living. It may also mean that this product is designed and built for heavy-duty use.

Overall, it is a versatile refrigerator/freezer for RVs, camping, fishing and boats.

4. Ausranvik 48-Quart Portable Car Refrigerator

Ausranvik is a known brand for offering consumers with top quality, portable recreational vehicle and camping refrigerator or freezer. Through the years, it has been a trusted name for RV owners and camping enthusiasts who need a mobile refrigerator or freezer for storing their food and drinks. One of their best offerings so far is the versatile Ausranvik 48-Quart Portable refrigerator or freezer.

It is a top-rated product among RV owners that have already testified how convenient that is to use the refrigerator is. This model can run on – 12V/24V DC and 110V, making it flexible to use in many applications, including in fishing, camping and RV living.

This unit is also very easy to use for its digital control. You can easily adjust the temperature settings between -4°F to 68° Fahrenheit. In addition, this model comes with a mode setting that works well based on your needs. More so, I liked that it comes with an LCD display, showing the refrigerator status. This refrigerator is designed with two modes, such as Eco for saving energy and Max for quick cooling.

I also noticed that the refrigerator also comes with battery protection. It has a control program that can help you monitor the battery. It works by shutting off the compressor automatically when there is not enough voltage.

I also noticed that the refrigerator has strong insulation of 1.6 inches. In this case, you can expect that your stuff will be frozen even after disconnecting it from the power source.

This refrigerator can also work with both 110V AC and 12/24V DC power source, allowing you to move it without any hassle from home to your recreational vehicle. You will also like its long enough power cord, which is included in the packing.

I also liked that it has a large capacity of 48 quarts, so we can store ice cream, beverages, beef, fruit, meat and milk, and so many more, in the required temperature. This refrigerator is also ideal for use at the office, truck, camping, picnic and fishing. It also has an innovative feature of its reversible door.

5. Alpicool CX50 Portable Refrigerator

The travel refrigerator is one of the best I found. I liked that it has a super big capacity of up to 50 liters or 53 quarts, fitting up to 52 cans of soda. When looking for a portable freezer, you should find one that has a large capacity so that you can be certain that you can put many on the fridge.

I also liked that it can freeze items but without making an ice. It only means that there is no need to worry about defrosting. You can rely on it to keep your drinks and foods cool or frozen. When camping, it is one of those to give you and your family the convenience and comfort of being like at home. Aboard the RV, they can still have their ice cream or favorite desserts.

This model is also easy to transport for its portable design. It has a trolley design that ensures of easy moving from the RV to your home or vice versa. There is nothing to worry about transporting it from one place to another. Using it, you can have peace of mind that you can use a heavy-duty refrigerator and freezer when camping or traveling with your family.

This refrigerator is ideal for home or car use. You can also use it in boating or fishing. The Alpicool CX50 also comes with two power cables, which can be separately be connected or attached with 110V to 240V AC power or 12/24V DC. You can use it to operate in solar power or off-grid applications, translating to more convenience.

This unit can keep the drinks/foods for it thick insulation. You can rely on it for its solid performance while you’re traveling. I also think that this insulation is valuable when it comes to saving energy.

6. Whynter FM-85G 85-Quart Portable Refrigerator

If you have been reading 12 volt refrigerator reviews, you might have bumped into reviews about Whynter FM-85G. Positive feedback and reviews from users and RV owners have been posted online about this unit, but no wonder. There are certain reasons this product is sought-after by people who want to make use of a dependable and portable ref/freezer for their camper, truck, recreational vehicle or travel trailer.

One of the things I would like to highlight about the Whynter 85 Quart model is its very large capacity. You won’t run out of storage space for your camping food and drink supplies. It has an 85-quart capacity, which is almost double versus other models for recreational vehicles have.

It is a portable refrigerator and freezer that can offer you with solid performance for its innovative design and high quality to your refrigerated or frozen needs. The Whynter FM-85G is ideal for boats, recreational vehicles, fishing trips, camping sites and so many other applications. You can also take the unit anywhere because it is portable.

I also liked that the Whynter FM-85G is portable, so you can bring it anywhere you need it. You can use it on a 12V power source or standard household 110V outlet.

I also liked that it has a solid and tough casing, which is ideal for the mobile environments in the recreational vehicle, travel trailer, camper or truck. You will also appreciate that it has sufficient power cord length for its 6-ft power cord for DC and 8-ft power cord for AC. This unit also includes wire baskets, which add to the ease of use of the Whynter FM-85G.

In addition, the refrigerator/freezer is the “Fast Freeze” mode that can quickly cool to -6 degrees Fahrenheit. It has adjustable temperature settings for each compartment between -6°F to 50°F. The unit also comes with a LED temperature display.

7. Dometic DM2652RB RV Refrigerator

Are you shopping around for the best 12 volt cooler refrigerator? If so, then you might want to take a second look at the Americana Double Door DM2652. It is one of the latest offerings of the brand, one of the most is known in the RV world for manufacturing excellent RV gears, equipment and appliances.

One of the things I love about the RV fridge is that it has a heavy-duty construction for its solid steel frame. You can look forward to long-term use for this durable material especially that the RV environment is mobile, and the roads might be bumpy.

I also liked that it has an elegant design, matching any RV decoration and design, not mentioning it also has a compact size. It only ensures that it can be installed in any corner and at premium spaces.

Another thing that you will like about the RV refrigerator is its adjustable shelving system to match your storage needs. I also noticed its great design for its three-position freezer shelf that I think offers more flexibility. The controls are also strategically positioned at eye level, ensuring the settings are easy to adjust.

8. Dobinsons 4×4 40L 12V Portable Fridge Freezer

When shopping around for a portable refrigerator and freezer, you should look for one with the solid and compact features like the Dobinsons 4×4 40L 12V Portable Fridge Freezer.

I liked that it comes with an insulating cover bag, which I did not find in other models out there. Another thing I liked about the refrigerator and freezer is that it has a heavy-duty compressor that ensures of max cooling capacity to keep your beverages, snacks and other foods cool.

In addition, this fridge is also ideal for many applications including SUV, bus, boat, recreational vehicle and travel trailers. It is one of those things that make it an ideal choice for many RV owners looking for a versatile cooler and freezer for their vehicle.

I also noticed that it has a minimal power drain, ensuring not using too much power in order to run or operate.

I also would like to recommend the fridge because of its high performance cooling of up to -15 degrees C or 5 degrees F, keeping our food and drinks cool or frozen. It is also easy to use for its adjustable temperature control through its digital control panel.

You will also appreciate that it comes with detachable handles, useful when installed in small or tight compartments in a travel trailer or camper or when positioned on a fridge slide.

More so, I liked that the 12v fridge freezer comes with a removable fridge basket, allowing for easy and quick loading and unloading. Finally, this model has a one-year warranty on parts and five-year warranty on the motor.

9. Ausranvik 26-Quart Portable Freezer

This car freezer or refrigerator is another model not to miss on your list when comparing and weighing your options. It is ideal for use in many applications, including in boats, campers, travel trailers, homes and cabins. The unit is also portable for its compact size, which makes it easy to transport from one place to another.

The fridge also comes with convenient features, which include a touch control and LED display that makes it easy to control and use. For example, I find that the touch control allows us to set our desired temperature ranging from -4 degrees F to 68 degrees F.

The unit comes with a smart battery protection while also letting you choose its level – low, medium or high – based on your needs. It also has a control program, allowing you to check and monitor the car battery. In the event that there is a lower voltage than what you preferred, the compressor will shut off automatically, protecting your automotive battery from damage or running down.

The Ausranvik 26-Quart Portable Freezer Refrigerator also has a power saving mode, meaning it won’t consume much energy while also delivering the powerful performance you can expect from this brand known for its commitment to quality and solid innovation.

This model also has a drain plug, allowing you to clean its interior easily using water and soap. In addition, the portable fridge is ideal for many applications including camper, travel trailer, truck, boat and bus.

10. SMETA 12V Freightliner Cascadia Refrigerator

The mini fridge with freezer is one of the top choices when it comes to a truck refrigerator that is highly portable to take anywhere and compact size to fit any premium spaces. If you’re looking for a mini fridge that will just fit your needs while camping and traveling, you might want to take a second look at the SMETA model that can accommodate up to 36 quarts of storage. The mini fridge can run on your automotive battery. You can have it plugged into an 110V 12V power source.

If you’re looking for a small and compact size refrigerator and freezer for camping, traveling and RV living, you might also want to consider the 12 volt refrigerator for trucks. It has solid dimensions of 15.8 x 18.1 x21.7 inches, making it extra portable and fit for small RV corners and compartments.

It also has a lock that keeps it secure especially while you’re on the go. Using it, you will never have to feel you’re away from home again because it can offer you with enough storage for your food and drinks when traveling or camping.

Overall, the SMETA Electric 110V Mini fridge Freightliner Cascadia is a great choice if you’re looking for a top performing refrigerator for your travel trailer or camper. It has the right size for your storage needs. It also offers ease of use with easy to control settings.

11. SMAD 12V Portable Mini Fridge

Another refrigerator not to miss when finding the right fridge and freezer for camping and RV camping is the SMAD Mini Fridge. You will love its powerful functions and performance that makes it one of the top choices among RV owners that want a reliable and heavy-duty refrigerator for camping.

It is also ideal for different applications, including for fishing, boating, traveling and camping. The refrigerator also has a compact size of only 1.7 cubic feet. In addition, the 12 volt portable freezer offers a reliable and quiet operation, which you can depend on for its top value and excellence. It is unlike any other units that might operate with noise.

Aside from a quiet and reliable operation, you can also look forward to long lasting use from this fridge for its heavy-duty components. It is designed and built for the tough and rough RV environments. You don’t have to worry that it will suffer from damage due to bumps and constant movement in the vehicle.

More so, I noticed that the refrigerator has an easy to control and use settings, allowing you to change the temperature and option without any hassle. I also liked that it comes with adjustable shelves, which are highly configurable based on your needs. They can be adjusted to give any room for any other taller items that you want to cool or store in the fridge.

12. ARB 10800472 Fridge Freezer

To complete this list of the best mini refrigerators for the RV, we should not forget the ARB portable fridge. It is a portable and compact mini refrigerator and freezer for the recreational vehicle.

One of the things that make it unique to deserve to become a part of the top list is its ability to control and maintain the interior temperature to freezing 0 degree, offering a real in-vehicle freezing and refrigeration.

I also liked that it can accommodate up to 72 12-ounce cans, making it ideal for picnics and camping. In addition, I noticed that it allows accommodating a 2L bottle of cola. This model also has a 2-pc injection molded lid.

Another top feature of this model is that it is UV stable, meaning it can keep up with the harsh RV environment, and that’s thanks to its heavy-duty components, too.

On a little negative, this product has a smaller main compartment size versus other models on the market do. But then, it is one of the most reliable mini fridges for the recreational vehicle that RV owners choose for solid performance.

This product is also one of the most reliable around because it has a battery protection feature that keeps the battery from running down or being damaged. I also liked that it can keep the content cool inside even when the vehicle is off.

Why You Should Trust Us

You should trust Smart Rving because we’re real community members of people who are passionate about Rving. We are here to offer you with advice and guidance when choosing the right portable refrigerator and freezer for your recreational vehicle based on several factors, including price, size, capacity and other factors. We do hope that you can pick the best fridge, which you can also base on the products that we have featured in today’s reviews.

Overall, Smart Rving wants to help you find the best gears, appliances and accessories for your recreational vehicle. Refer to this guide and find the right refrigerator for your car or vehicle later.

What Is A 12V Refrigerator/ How Does It Work

The 12V refrigerator is a special mini and portable refrigerator designed and built for mobile environments, such as in boats, buses, trucks, travel trailers and recreational vehicles.

It works in the same manner like standard household refrigerators. However, this kind of refrigerator works with low power draw. It can work on LP or propane or AC/DC based on the model selected and on the available power source.

If you want to ensure that cool air circulates inside your fridge, you can refer to our list of the top 10 best RV refrigerator-cooling fan.

Types Of 12V Refrigerators

Before investing on a refrigerator for the recreational vehicle, you should also know the types of RV refrigerators to choose from and buy. Knowing this information, you will be able to compare and weigh your options better.

For one, there are four general RV refrigerators, which can work well in mobile environments that also include boats, campers, travel trailers and mobile homes.

• One of the most common types is the three-way ref. This type makes use of LP, AC or DC power supply. Among all types, it is the most common among recreational vehicles because of its versatility when it comes to power source requirement.
• You can also choose the 2-way refrigerator. This type runs on AC or LP gas power.
• There is also the AC or DC refrigerator that is also preferred by many RV owners. You can operate it using AC or DC power supply depending on what is available on your vehicle.
• The last one is the gas or propane refrigerator.

Why Do You Need A 12V Refrigerator

You need an RV refrigerator and freezer for many reasons. It is unlike the traditional household refrigerator because it is smaller to fit the RV space. But that is not all! See some of the things that make this mini refrigerator a must-have for your car or vehicle.

Versatile: It is ideal for many applications, including off-grid and solar applications. You can also use it on boats, camping and fishing. It can also be used on trucks and buses.

Portable: It has a lighter weight versus standard models for homes, so it is easy to move from one place to another without any hassles. Some of them also have a trolley design that makes it easier to transport from your home to your vehicle.

Easy to use: It is also easy to use because it works like a standard refrigerator with controls for temperature and other settings.

Energy efficient: The mini refrigerator is also energy saving that it can draws low power.

Innovative: Many of the models we have featured here also have high tech features that make them easier to use.

Built for the tough mobile environments – It is made of heavy-duty components that make them ideal for rough and bumpy roads.

Top brands: Most of the RV refrigerators we have reviewed here are the top brands well-reviewed by consumers from all over the world.

Convenience: They are also convenient to use that they can keep ideal indoor temperatures to keep your food and drinks cool or frozen.

How We Picked

Now that you have reached this part of our guide, you might want to learn how to pick the right product that will meet your family’s needs and storage requirements. In the following, we have prepared a list of things that you have to look into when buying a mini ref.

Source of power

What is the power source requirement? You should check for the required power source before buying a ref. For one, there are models that run on propane gas. You might want to consider it if you’re looking for a portable unit that won’t give additional work to the wiring of your car.

On the other hand, there is a drawback to a propane mini refrigerator. It might stop working if tilted to more than five degrees in angle. So for this reason, many RV owners are going for an electric refrigerator. I think it is the better choice because it can also work with an AC unit’s current.

But then, you might not have to worry because many RV refrigerators and freezers are innovative that they do not consume much power and flexible to use in off-grid or solar panel applications. They can also run on standard household outlet or AC power source.

Price

When shopping around for a new RV refrigerator or propane refrigerator, you should also compare the prices. How much are you willing to spend on the new appliance? Know that it is not cheap. Narrow your options by determining the budget you can spend on it. Doing so, you can also save time from browsing units that you cannot afford.

Recreational vehicle specifications

Just like finding the right size, determining the specifications of your vehicle is also important. It can affect your decision when buying a new refrigerator or freezer. For that reason, you should identify the layout and space your RV can accommodate for the new appliance. There must be enough of space for the fridge you want to buy, or you will be surprised later to end up on the wrong one.

Choosing the correct size based on the specifications on your recreational vehicle, you can also make sure that there will be enough ventilation on all the sides of the appliance. On the other hand, you might have to do some carpentry modifications if needed. But then, if you’re having a hard time in looking for a refrigerator to fit the layout, you might have to find out how to fit the appliance before you buy.

What’s the size?

It is one of the main considerations to look into when buying a mini refrigerator for the recreational vehicle. For one, it will help you determine if the camper fridge you’re eyeing on will fit the space available in your RV. Of course, you should stay away from too large models that won’t fit your space. For help, you might first want to get the exact measurement of the space where you intend to install the cooler or freezer. In this manner, you will be able to look for one that will work well on the size available in your vehicle.

Plus, don’t forget to determine if the unit can fit the door of the RV, or you might be surprised later to find out that the refrigerator you bought cannot fit the front door. You can just imagine that hassle, and no one would like that.

So without even saying, you should not invest on a fridge without actually figuring out the exact measurement of the space where you intend to position the new appliance.

Features

In addition to the price, size and capacity, you should also figure out the features you want the refrigerator to have. Some of these features may be similar to the features you can find in standard models in home refrigerators, such as a separate freezer and an adjustable temperature.

You should also check for the hinges on the RV refrigerator’s door, and inspect if you can adjust them or not. Some units that we have featured above have adjustable hinges. You should check on this feature to ensure that you can adjust them so that the refrigerator can fit into the available RV space. On the other hand, there are also refrigerators with a reversible door.

Capacity

How many cans of sodas or canned drinks do you want to store in the fridge most of the time? Do you like to put liter bottles on it, too? Capacity is nevertheless one of the main factors to consider when buying a new RV fridge. It should suit your storage requirements. You should not buy one that cannot accommodate the common items you want to put inside the fridge.

For a tip, you might want to choose the size according to the space that the refrigerator will occupy. You should also consider the different models and compare them to find out if they can fit the space available in the RV. In short, you should weigh your options to find out if the offered capacity of the specific model will suit fit the available space in your vehicle. Remember, a larger capacity model also means a larger size of the RV mini ref.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are top 12v refrigerator brands?

A: We understand that finding the best brands for an RV refrigerator is one of the main factors when deciding which one to pick. It is for the same reason for which we have reviewed the top brands to pick. Some of them include Costway, Dometic, Whynter, Ausranvik, Alpicool, Dobinsons, SMETA, SMAD and ARB.

Q: What is the best 12v fridge for RV?

A: In addition to comparing mini fridge price, you might also be looking for info on hest type of fridge for the RV. The answer to this question is not definite because mini refrigerators come in different specifications and sizes. In order to figure out what will work best for you, you might want to compare your options by first determining your needs, including on storage and available size in your RV.

Q: How to install a 12v fridge?

A: It is a no brainer to do it. You just have to connect it to a DC or AC power, whichever is available. Many of those we have reviewed above can run on either power sources. They can also work for off-grid or solar applications. You can install one easily in the space or corner in your vehicle where you want to place it.

Q: How to use?

A: Using the 12V refrigerator is easy. It is like using an ordinary fridge at home. It also has adjustable temperature settings, which let you select the right one based on your needs. Nevertheless, it is easy to use the mini refrigerator because it is just like the standard refrigerators used at homes.

Q: How to care and maintain?

A: Care and maintenance of the 12 volt refrigerator compressor depends on the manufacturer instructions. You just have to check and follow cleaning instructions based on the refrigerator you bought. On the other hand, there are some models that come with a drain plug, allowing for easy cleaning with just water and soap.

Q: Should I buy 12v refrigerator accessories?

A: It is up to you, although not necessary. Most of the refrigerators we have featured above come with complete accessories, like a cover bag. Depending on the model you bought, you might not have to buy additional accessories for the fridge at all. It can be ready to use out of the box, so no worries.

Q: Where to buy?

A: The next question you might be having in mind after reading portable refrigerator freezer reviews is where to buy them. There are many places where to buy your mini fridge. Some of them include Walmart, Amazon, Home Depot and Lowes. However, if you would like a wider selection and perhaps better deals, we suggest buying online, such as on Amazon. It does not only display a wide collection, but it is also offering the best prices on all its products on the site. So if you’re looking to find the right portable refrigerator for truck for you, you might want to start online.

Conclusion

There you have our top picks for the best 12 volt refrigerator to choose from and buy for yourself. They come in different specifications, sizes, features and additional functions. We do hope that you will be able to find the right one for you after comparing and weighing your options based on the factors we’ve included in today’s guide. Get the best mini fridge for the RV today!

Arthur

Except when sleeping, Arthur cannot keep camping out his mind. He loves RVing that he spends most of his time in his recreational vehicle and on the road. Arthur knows that this might change once he got married to the love of his life, Amanda. But the two have no problem, as Amanda also loves camping. In fact, the both of them are excited to have kids that would also love RVing.