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Product FAQ

1. What Is an RV Refrigerator?

An RV refrigerator is any refrigerator that can be used in an RV, or recreational vehicle, and can range in size from a full-sized refrigerator to a small cooler-sized unit.

2. What Should I Look for in an RV Refrigerator?

The best way to determine which choice is the best one, you need to determine what exactly you need in a refrigerator. You should consider the size of your space, the storage capacity you’ll need, and what power source you have available.

3. How Do They Work?

An RV refrigerator can use different types of cooling systems and different power sources. Absorption and compressor refrigerators employ different processes using refrigerants to cool the unit. These refrigerators can use LP gas, 12-Volt power, or the main electricity when the RV is plugged in.

4. Where Can You Buy Them?

There are many places online and at brick and mortar stores to purchase RV refrigerators. You can also go directly to the website of the manufacturer to look for any deals offered.

How We Reviewed

Overall Price Range of Recreational Vehicle Refrigerators

What We Reviewed

• Norcold NXA841.3 RV Gas Absorption Refrigerator
• Dometic DM2652RB Americana Double Door RV Refrigerator
• Dometic RM2193RB Compact Portable Refrigerator
• Norcold N1095R 9.5 cubic feet 2 Door Refrigerator
• Koolatron KCR40B AC/DC Hybrid Heat Pipe Refrigerator
• Norcold 2 Way Refrigerator
• Dometic CFX-50US Portable Electric Cooler Refrigerator/Freezer
• Whynter FM-62DZ Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator/Freezer
• Midea WHD-113FB1 Compact Reversible Double Door Refrigerator
• Avanti RA7316PST 2-Door Apartment Size Refrigerator

Norcold NXA841.3 RV Gas Absorption Refrigerator

[amazon box=”B00MJUXX5S”]

Features

The Norcold NXA841.3 is a 3-way gas absorption refrigerator with 7.5 cubic feet of space. The gas absorption RV refrigerator can run off 12-volt power, mains electricity, and LP gas. The refrigerator is flush mounted by a professional and does not require much maintenance after installation, often lasting for 20 years without needed replacement. This best-in-class refrigerator offers ample space, convenience, and ease of use. It includes three white powder-coated shelves and four adjustable and removable door bins. With one gallon shelf and two crisper drawers, there is plenty of storage space available. This refrigerator has an optional ice-maker and fits door panels that can be bought separately.

Pros

• 7.5 cubic feet of storage
• Can run off multiple power sources as needed
• Adjustable shelves
• Built to handle rough RV lifestyle

Cons

• Absorption 3-way refrigerators must be installed by a professional
• Not as effective as compressor refrigerators in extreme heat

Dometic DM2652RB Americana Double Door RV Refrigeratorr

[amazon box=”B002PL9UI0″]

Features

The Dometic Americana RV refrigerator boasts a solid steel frame making it able to withstand the bumps along the road as you travel in your RV. It features eye-level electronic controls, making it user-friendly and easy to maintain. The freezer has a 3-position shelf that can be rearranged as needed, as can the refrigerator shelves. There are 2-liter and half gallon door storage and a gallon shelf as well. However, with only 6 cubic feet, storage may still be an issue. This model is a 2-way power compressor that can run off LP gas and electricity. This means the RV refrigerator will need to run on gas when in motion, which may increase the risk of fire.

Pros

• Solid steel frame
• Eye-level electronic controls
• Flexible storage options
• A 2-way compressor is more effective

Cons

• A 2-way compressor may be more dangerous
• Some customers complained of a blown fuse
• Less storage space available

Dometic RM2193RB Compact Portable Refrigerator

[amazon box=”B004159N12″]

Features

For outdoor kitchens, the Dometic RM2193RB Compact Portable Refrigerator is a great choice. With adjustable shelves for optimum storage and reversible doors, this compact RV refrigerator provides efficient cooling using a 3-way power, silent absorption cooling system. With only 1.9 cubic feet capacity, this RV refrigerator is small but effective. It is not a stand-alone unit and must be enclosed within cabinetry.

Pros

• Compact size
• 3-way power source
• Reversible door

Cons

• No freezer
• Controls hard to access in some campers

Norcold N1095R 9.5 cubic feet 2 Door Refrigerator

[amazon box=”B003VAV366″]

Features

The Norcold N1095R offers RV enthusiasts 9.5 cubic feet of storage while on the road. Its ultra-thin, high-tech insulating layer and wider, deeper interior offer more storage flexibility. A state-of-the-art LCD control panel with built-in diagnostics assists in the repair process. There is also a thermostat backup system that allows operation until service is performed. This RV refrigerator also offers a convenient and adjustable food storage, a door ajar alarm, and an automatic frost limiting.

Pros

• Wider, deeper interior
• Built-in diagnostics
• State-of-the-art LCD control panel

Cons

• Higher price than other models
• Out of stock on many sites

Koolatron KCR40B AC/DC Hybrid Heat Pipe Refrigerator

[amazon box=”B003UV4IXG”]

Features

The Koolatron AC/DC Hybrid uses solid-state thermoelectric cooling with unique state-of-art heat pipe technology, providing faster cooling and colder temperatures. This RV refrigerator offers 1.7 cubic feet of storage, which is small but to be expected with its compact size. The space it offers, though, is used efficiently and provides flexible storage options. This model comes with both a 110V AC cord and a 12V DC cord for your convenience.

Pros

• Faster Cooling
• AC/DC power sources available
• Compact size great for small spaces

Cons

• May not offer enough space
• Not great for off-grid trips due to power usage

Image source: pexels

Norcold DE-00611 2 Way Refrigerator

[amazon box=”B0013I0NIW”]

Features

The Norcold DE-0061 features contemporary flush-mount styling and a self-ventilated design. Improved cooling efficiency reduces energy use, while a hermetically sealed compressor reduces noise, resulting in an especially quiet operation. Top-mounted controls and the addition of an interior light make this RV refrigerator more user-friendly. The cutout dimensions, however, are slightly shorter than the typical RV cutouts. At 7 cubic feet, though, this model offers plenty of space inside.

Pros

• The hermetically sealed compressor reduces noise
• Lower energy use
• User-friendly

Cons

• Odd size
• Some users complained of the door not latching well

Dometic CFX-50US Portable Electric Cooler Refrigerator/Freezer

[amazon box=”B01ENA4ZE4″]

Features

Dometic CFX-50US Portable Electric Cooler Refrigerator/Freezer is, as the name suggests, an electric cooler. This small and portable option is great for smaller and pop-up RVs, especially when camping off-the-grid. It has the ability to operate on solar power, and can also run on 120-volt AC, 12-volt DC or 24-volt DC power. Offering 1.8 cubic feet of storage, this RV refrigerator is a great option on the go.

Pros

• Ease of Use
• Compatible with solar power
• Fast cooling

Cons

• Somewhat heavy for its size
• Some customers complained the compressor went out after light use

Whynter FM-62DZ Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator/Freezer

[amazon box=”B008VX01P2″]

Features

This Whynter Portable Refrigerator and Freeze boasts a durable outer casing that houses 45-quart storage area. With LED temperature indicators, it is easy to keep track of how cold your food is. It also features a fast-freeze option to get your food colder faster.

Pros

• Easy to track performance
• Comes in different sizes
• Portable and efficient

Cons

• Handles and latches feel cheap
• The power cord is short

Midea WHD-113FB1 Compact Reversible Double Door Refrigerator

[amazon box=”B00MVVIMFG”]

Features

Midea WHD-113FB1 Compact Reversible Double Door Refrigerator is compact with reversible doors, making it able to fit the needs for many RV goers. This RV refrigerator provides 3.0 cubic feet, which is more than many other compact options. This is an Energy Star rated product with adjustable temperature settings. In addition to the extra space, this RV refrigerator offers a functional layout to maximize storage.

Pros

• Energy Star rated
• Reversible doors
• Compact size

Cons

• Some complaints of inconsistent temperature regulation
• Can dispenser not user-friendly

Image source: pexels

Avanti RA7316PST 2-Door Apartment Size Refrigerator

[amazon box=”B00D1SZNO6″]

Features

This Avanti 2-door RV refrigerator provides 7.4 cubic feet of storage and adjustable glass shelves that aid in storage and cleanup. It has adjustable and removable door bins, a glass-covered crisper, and a stylish platinum finish. Also, the reversible doors make installation more flexible.

Pros

• Glass shelves
• Ample and flexible storage
• Reversible doors

Cons

• Small freezer
• Thermostat adjustment can be tricky

The Verdict

Choosing the best refrigerator to fit your needs is essential to enjoying every aspect of your RV experience. With the information gathered here, you should be able to make that choice with a little more ease. We have chosen the Norcold N1095R as our top choice. With 9.5 cubic feet of storage available in the same cutout dimensions as similarly sized options, it’s hard to beat. Of all of the refrigerators we reviewed, the best warranty goes to the Midea Compact Reversible Double Door Refrigerator. We also found the Dometic CFX-50US Portable Electric Cooler Refrigerator/Freezer to be worth mentioning again for those with limited space. This little unit is packed with features that will make your RV adventures even more memorable.