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If you’re looking for the best refrigerator for van life in 2022, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll recommend seven of the best refrigerators for van life, based on our findings. We considered a range of factors, including price, capacity, features, and more. Let’s get started.
As the weather gets warmer and summertime approaches, more and more people are hitting the open road in search of adventure. You have got your perfect mini TV for your RV. But how do you keep your food cold while you’re on the go? That’s where a good refrigerator comes in. For those who live their lives on the go, having a reliable and sturdy refrigerator is a must.
Here are seven of the best refrigerators for van life available on the market in 2022.
What are the Best Refrigerators for Van Life?
Here’s My Modern Cave’s top three picks among the list of the best refrigerators for van life:
1) Bodega
| MY MODERN CAVE’S RATING |
Features:
Powerful Compressor:
The BODEGA 12 Volt RV Refrigerator is a versatile fridge that can be used as a fridge, freezer, or both at the same time. It features powerful compressor cooling technology that can adjust the freezing or refrigeration range from -4 to 46 degrees (-20 to 8 degrees Celsius), making it perfect for a variety of needs. The fridge also has a large capacity of 41.7 liters (11 gallons), making it ideal for storing food and drinks for a long road trip. Plus, the freezer has a 3.3 liter (0.9 gallon) capacity, so you can store ice cream, frozen dinners, or other items you need to keep cold.
App Control
It supports App or manual control is a great way to keep your food and drinks cold while on the go. The dual zones allow you to use freezing and refrigeration, so you can have ice-cold drinks or fresh food whenever you need it. The app is easy to use and lets you control the temperature of both zones, so you can always have perfect cooling for whatever you need. Plus, the compact design means it takes up minimal space in your RV.
User-friendly Design
The Bodega portable fridge is a great addition to any home, office, or dorm room. It comes equipped with a removable crisper drawer, shelf, bottle holder, egg tray, and drain plug. These features make it easy to store and organize food and drinks. The fridge is also portable, so it can be moved from one room to another.
Car Battery Protection
It features three different levels of battery protection to prevent your car’s power supply from being overloaded or short-circuited, so you don’t have to worry about your fridge running out of juice.
Energy Saving
It has 2 modes, Max (Fast Cooling) and ECO (Energy Saving), which is energy-saving and relatively environmentally friendly. The Max mode cools the interior of the car quickly, while the ECO mode conserves energy. The refrigerator is also equipped with a LED light, making it easy to find items in the dark.
24-Hours Support
Most RVs come with a standard fridge that doesn’t quite cut it. Bodega RV refrigerator is different. It’s a top-of-the-line fridge with a 2-year warranty. You can contact the seller via Amazon for any questions or concerns you may have, and they will respond within 24 hours.
Goods:
- Dual Zone
- Powerful Compressor
- Low Noise
- Power-saving feature
Bads:
- Poor customer service
- Slow cooling
2) BougeRV
| MY MODERN CAVE’S RATING |
Features:
Warranty
The BougeRV Car Freezer is a great product for anyone who needs a reliable and durable freezer. With CE and FCC certification, this freezer is sure to last long and work well. The 2-year warranty is also a great benefit for customers. This freezer is perfect for anyone who needs a reliable and durable product that will last them a long time.
Large Capacity
This 12v Portable Refrigerator is amazing for long road trips! It has a large 42 qt capacity so you can fit a lot of food inside, enough to last your family for an entire week. Plus, it runs off of your car’s battery so you don’t have to worry about lugging around a generator or extra gas cans. The best part is that it keeps your food frozen solid, even in the hottest weather conditions. You and your family will love having this freezer on your next trip!
Fast Cooling
It uses compressor refrigeration technology to achieve 15 minutes of fast cooling from 77 to 32 degrees, and 60 minutes from 77 to -4 degrees. This keeps your food fresh without the need for ice, and saves money and space.
Low Power Consumption
This is a great product for those who are looking for an energy-efficient way to keep their food cold. It has a low power consumption of only 45W, making it very economical to operate. Additionally, the ECO energy-saving mode helps to save even more power, making it an environmentally friendly option. The car fridge also comes with a 42 Quart capacity, so you can store plenty of food. And because it runs on 12 24 V DC power, you can use it in a variety of vehicles.
Low Noise
The truck freezer is designed with a 3-level battery monitor to prevent itself from draining your vehicle’s battery, making it a great choice for road trips. Additionally, it is equipped with low-noise technology to ensure you have a good sleep after long driving. These features make the BougeRV 12V Car Freezer a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient car freezer.
Goods:
- 2-year warranty
- Fast cooling
- Low noise
- Low power consumption
- Large capacity
Bads:
- No tech support via phone
- Issues with 12V
3) Joytutus
| MY MODERN CAVE’S RATING |
Features:
Fast Cooling:
Looking for a fast and easy way to keep your food and drinks cool on the go? Look no further than the JOYTUTUS portable refrigerator! This handy little fridge can cool down from 77 to 32 degrees in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for long road trips or days spent at the beach. Plus, it’s easy to adjust between -4 and 50 degrees, so you can always find the perfect temperature for your needs.
Super Quiet:
This little fridge is super quiet, so you won’t even notice it while driving. It’s perfect for picnics, road trips, or anytime you need to keep your food and drinks chilled.
Dual Zone:
With two separate zones, you can easily store both frozen and refrigerated items at the same time. This 42-quart fridge is perfect for long road trips or tailgating parties. It is perfect for storing everything you need for your adventure.
Large Capacity
With a large 34.5QT capacity, you can freeze or refrigerate items like ice cream, meat, or drinks. The smaller 7.5QT size is perfect for storing fruits and drinks. Both zones have LED lights for easy viewing in low light conditions.
Less Power Consumption
If you’re looking for a portable refrigerator that doesn’t skimp on cooling power but still conserves energy, the JOYTUTUS is perfect for you. It can be adjusted to MAX MODE (60W) for fast cooling or ECO MODE(48W) for energy saving, and the compressor will work 16 hours a day. Plus, with a consumption of only 0.96 kwh per day, you’ll save money on your energy bill.
Car Batter Protector
Its H/M/L gear allows you to control the starting voltage, so you don’t have to worry about draining your battery. This means you can enjoy delicious, cold snacks and drinks without worrying about being stranded.
Suitable for Hills
It can lean up to 45 degrees without turning off, meaning your ice or frozen food won’t melt when you’re driving over bumps or going up and down hills. This is a great product for anyone who spends a lot of time in their car, or who often takes road trips.
Multiple Power Inputs
It supports multiple power inputs, so you can use it in your car, truck, RV, or even at a power station or at home. The freezer has enough space to keep your food and drinks cold for hours, and it’s easy to clean and maintain.
2-year Warranty
With a 2-year quality warranty and lifetime technical support, you can be sure that your investment is protected.
The Goods
- Suitable for hills
- Super quiet
- Dual Zone
- Eco mode
The Bads
- Poor support
- Insulation is not very thick
4) Euhomy
| MY MODERN CAVE’S RATING |
Features:
Dual Storage Area: Fresh Food, Anywhere
You should never have to sacrifice freshness for convenience again. The Euhomy mini refrigerator freezer can go where you go, whether it’s in your RV or dorm room. It’s perfect for storing leftovers, deli meats, cheeses, and more.
Powerful Capacity: Stay Hydrated on Long Hauls
Euhomy’s mini fridge can store up to 46 cans of cola, 28 bottles of water, or 15 bottles of red wine — perfect for truck drivers who need to stay hydrated on long hauls. The compact size is perfect for small spaces, and the efficient design means that it won’t use up too much power. So whether you’re looking for a cold drink, a refreshing bottle of water, or a glass of wine to wind down, this fridge has you covered.
Fast Cooling: Stay Chill
Whether you’re looking for a mini fridge for your bedroom, office, or dorm room, the Euhomy mini fridge is the perfect choice. This mini fridge adopts advanced 3D refrigeration technology and is equipped with a powerful compressor for optimal cooling performance.
Less Power Consumption: Save Money on Your Electric Bill
This mini fridge is UL energy-saving certified, meaning it consumes very little electricity. Over the course of a year, this could lead to substantial savings on your electric bill.
Stay Cool On The Go
Whether you’re driving to the beach for a weekend getaway or hitting the road for a cross-country adventure, the last thing you want to worry about is your food going bad. With Euhomy’s car fridge, you can keep your snacks and drinks cool (or even frosty!) no matter how long the journey takes. The fridge is equipped with 110 240V AC and 12 24V DC adapters, so you can use it in any car. The sleek design takes up minimal space, and the removable shelves make it easy to clean.
Battery Protection: Protected from Overload
This refrigerator is designed with three battery protection functions to prevent your van’s power supply from becoming overloaded. This can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your van running smoothly.
Sound Proof: Discreet Refrigeration:
Mini fridges are great for small spaces, but their little motors can make quite a racket. But this fridge runs quietly at only 40 decibels, meaning it won’t disturb you whether you’re working in your home office or trying to sleep. You’ll never have to worry about this fridge disrupting your sleep or study session again.
Stability: Stay Frosty on Even the Steepest of Hills
When you’re out doing your weekend errands or running to and from soccer practice, the last thing you want to worry about is your ice cream melting. With this mini refrigerator, you can rest assured that your food will stay cold no matter what terrain you’re tackling–whether it’s a 35 degree incline or not.
LCD Panel: See Your Food and Drinks Clearly
The LCD panel on this fridge lets you see the temperature and other information at a glance, so you always know how your food is doing. Plus, the sleek design means it’ll look great in any kitchen. No more guessing if your milk is still good or if your leftovers have gone bad.
Temperature Adjustment: Your Perfect Temperature, Always
You can set any temperature between-4 -68 (-20°C -20°C) on the panel, ensuring your food is always stored at the ideal temperature. Whether you’re storing fresh produce or leftovers, you can set and forget with Euhomy.
Bluetooth Mode: Coolest Fridge Ever
With the Euhomy mini refrigerator, you can remotely control the temperature of your fridge via Bluetooth. Whether you’re at home or on the go, you can always ensure that your food is being kept at the perfect temperature.
Goods:
- Dual Storage Area
- Low Energy Consumption
- Fast Cooling
- Smart Battery Protection
- Bluetooth connection
Bads:
- More very quiet
- Plastic quality is not great
5) ICECO JP40
| MY MODERN CAVE’S RATING |
Features:
Stay Connected & Protected
The ICECO JP40 mini fridge comes with an insulated protective cover and a 12-foot-long extend DC power cable, so you can keep your food and drinks cold while on the go. The cover protects against the elements and pests, and the extra-long power cord lets you connect to a power source even when there isn’t a outlet nearby.
ECO Mode: Slow Down, Save Power
Eco mode is a function which can slow down compressor running speed for energy saving. In some cases it has been shown to reduce power consumption by up to 40%. It’s a great way to be more environmentally friendly by reducing your carbon footprint.
Temperature Adjustment: Get it Just Right
This fridge has an adjustable temperature range of -7 50 (-22 10 ), so you can keep your food and drinks at the perfect temperature, no matter what you’re storing. Whether you’re looking to keep things cool in the summer or warm in the winter, this fridge can handle it all.
Energy Saving: No More Frozen Food
The refrigerator will save energy by automatically shutting off the compressor when the freezer reaches the set temperature. This feature is ideal for people who are looking to save money on their energy bills. The mini fridge will also keep food fresh and prevents freezer burn.
Automatic Cut Off & On:
The ICECO JP40 mini refrigerator features automatic temperature regulation, meaning the compressor will re-operate when the internal temperature goes up 6 -9 degrees. This is a great feature for those who want to ensure their food stays fresh and cool.
Certified: 3rd Party Certified
This refrigerator has a German SECOP Compressor that is ETL Certificate and Global Product Insurance. This means that the compressor is of high quality and has been certified by a third party. The ETL Certificate ensures that the product meets all safety and performance standards. The Global Product Insurance provides protection for your purchase in case of any damage or defects.
Warranty: Worry-free Warranty
This refrigerator comes with a 5 year warranty on the compressor and 1 year warranty on all other parts, so you can buy and use it worry-free. In the unlikely event that something goes wrong, you’re covered!
Goods:
- Insulated Protective Cover
- Eco mode
- Adjustable Temperature
- Automatic Cut Off & On
- ETL Certificate
Bads:
- Poor customer service
- Some customers complain of constant reboots
6) Setpower
| MY MODERN CAVE’S RATING |
Features:
Power Saving: Save money on Your Power Bill
This mini refrigerator has an energy saving mode that reduces the operating power to less than 45W, meaning you’ll save money on your power bill. The mode is great for when you’re not using your refrigerator for an extended period of time.
Cooling: 15-minute cooling
The Setpower mini fridge can cool down from 77 to 32 in just 15 minutes. It is perfect for anyone who needs to quickly cool down their food or drinks. Whether you’re at the office, on a road trip, or at the beach, this fridge will keep your perishables perfectly chilled.
Bumpy Roads, No Problem:
This mini refrigerator is perfect for those who spend a lot of time off-roading. Whether you’re on a long road trip or just going for a joy ride on some bumpy roads, this fridge will keep your food and drinks cold – no problem!
LED Light: Bright Idea for Dark Spaces
This fridge has a built-in LED light, so you can easily find what you need, even in a dark environment. No more fumbling around in the dark and trying to remember where you put your keys!
Spacious:
The Setpower mini refrigerator has enough space to hold 44 cans of 355ml coke, making it perfect for small parties or gatherings. The AJ30 compressor ensures that your drinks stay cool and refreshing, even on the hottest days.
Compressor Warranty: 3-year Warranty on Compressor
When you buy a Setpower car fridge, you can rest assured that the compressor is covered by a 3-year warranty. This means that if anything goes wrong with the compressor during those three years, you won’t have to pay a thing to get it fixed.
Battery Protection: 12v Cooler Stops Running to Protect Your Car Battery
If your car battery is low, the 12v cooler will stop running to protect it from being damaged. This means that you can keep your food and drinks cold while you’re on the go, without having to worry about your car’s battery.
Goods:
- Consumes Less Than 1 kwh Per Day
- Battery protection
- 40°Anti-Shake Design
- Built-In LED Light
- Dual Storage Area & Large Capacity
Bads:
- Power cord quality needs improvement
- Some customers get E1 error code constantly
7) AAOBOSI
| MY MODERN CAVE’S RATING |
Features:
WIFI APP Control: Life Made Easier
This mini fridge is perfect for keeping your drinks cold while you’re out and about. It has a built-in ice maker and can be controlled with your mobile phone, so you can always have cold drinks on hand.
Easy Portable:
As anyone who has ever lugged a heavy refrigerator up a flight of stairs can attest, having a good handle is key. The AAOBOSI mini fridge comes equipped with not one, but three different ways to help you move it around easily: a foldable handle, pulley, and lever design.
Battery Protection: Battery Low? No Problem!
If your car battery is in low condition, this refrigerator will automatically shut off to prevent damage. You’ll never have to worry about your food going bad while you’re on the road.
Powerful Compressor: Sub-zero Temperatures in Seconds
When you need to cool off your drinks fast, this mini fridge has you covered. The compressor quickly brings the empty refrigerator down to 32F in maximum mode, so you can enjoy your frosty beverage as soon as possible.
Cordless Cooling:
This means you can take your refrigerator with you on the go, without having to worry about finding a power outlet.
Drain Holes: Keep your cool
This car cooler has drain holes at the bottom, making it easy to clean. No more scrubbing for hours! Just rinse and go. You won’t have to worry about spills or messes, and your cooler will stay in good condition for years to come.
Goods:
- WIFI App control
- Battery protection
- Drain holes
- Large Capacity
- LED Indicator
Bads:
- Compressor pump is unstable
- Shipment quality needs improvement
FAQs About Refrigerators for Van Life
1) Can I put a fridge in my van?
It is possible to put a fridge in a van. However, it is important to consider the size of the fridge and the van. The fridge should be small enough to fit comfortably in the van. It is also important to ensure that the fridge is properly secured in the van so that it does not move around during transport.
Learn how to fit a refrigerator in your RV:
2) Is a 12v fridge a worthy investment?
The 12v fridge is a great investment for those who are looking for a reliable and affordable option. This fridge is perfect for use in RVs, campers, and boats. It uses very little power and can run off of a 12v battery. The main downside of this fridge is that it is not as durable as some of the other options on the market.
3) How long will my 12 volt fridge run on battery?
This is a difficult question to answer without more information about the fridge. Assuming that the fridge is properly insulated and the ambient temperature is not too high, a 12 volt fridge will run on battery for approximately 12 hours. If the fridge is opened frequently, the battery will drain faster and will need to be replaced sooner. Also, if the temperature inside the fridge is set too low, the compressor will run continuously, which will also cause the battery to drain faster.
4) Can I keep my 12V fridge running while driving?
Yes, you can run your 12V fridge while driving. However, you will need to make sure that the fridge is properly secured so that it doesn’t become a safety hazard. You’ll also want to monitor the power consumption of the fridge and make sure that it doesn’t exceed the capacity of your vehicle’s electrical system.
5) Will a 12V fridge drain my car battery fast?
One must first understand how a 12V fridge works. A 12V fridge is powered by a car battery, which means that it will draw power from the battery as it runs. If the fridge is left on for an extended period of time, it is possible that the battery will be drained. However, if the fridge is used sparingly and turned off when not in use, it is unlikely that it will have a significant impact on the battery.
6) How many hours does a 12V fridge can run?
Assuming that the fridge is well insulated and the outside temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit, a 12V fridge will run for about 30-45 hours on a single charge.
7) Do I need a dual battery system to run a fridge?
A dual battery system is not required to run a fridge, but it may be beneficial depending on the specific needs of the fridge. For example, if the fridge needs to be constantly plugged in to an outlet, then a dual battery system would provide a backup power source in case of a power outage.
8) How long can I run a fridge off a car battery?
Under ideal conditions, you can expect your fridge to run for approximately 24 hours. However, there are a number of factors that can influence this including the age and health of the battery, the temperature of the food inside the fridge, and how often the door is opened.
9) Can a car alternator run a refrigerator?
No, a car alternator cannot run a refrigerator. The fridge requires a constant source of power, while the alternator provides an intermittent source of power. In short, the fridge requires more power than the alternator can provide.
10) Will a 12V fridge drain my car battery while driving?
A 12V fridge will not drain a car battery while driving. The fridge will only draw power from the battery when it is turned on and compressor is running.
11) Do car fridges use a lot of electricity?
When discussing car fridges, it is important to consider their electricity usage. Car fridges can use a significant amount of electricity, especially when compared to other appliances. This is due to the fact that car fridges must maintain a constant temperature in order to keep food and beverages cold. As a result, they consume more electricity than appliances that do not need to maintain a constant temperature.
