The Best 3 Way Camping Fridges

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3 way camping fridges that offer flexibility and efficiency. Whether you’re camping or road tripping, these fridges are your reliable partners for keeping food fresh and drinks chilled. Let’s dive in!

The Best 3 Way Camping Fridges

We’ve rounded up the best 3 way camping fridges for your trip, so you can keep your food and drinks cool throughout your getaway. Using a cool box with ice packs is fine, but if you’re going away for longer or don’t want to use ice packs, a 3 way camping fridge might be just what you’re looking for.

Best 3 way camping fridge

Short on time? These are our favourites!

These are our top picks. Dometic is a reliable name you might recognise, and they’re a really popular brand, so you might have come across them before.

Also see: The best portable ice makers for camping

What is a 3 way fridge for campers?

A 3 way fridge (or cooler) simply refers to the fact that the fridge can be powered in one of 3 ways, so either an LPG Gas cylinder, 12-volt battery or 240-volt mains power will all power these fridges.

Although we’re calling them, as they’re usually referred to, fridges, they’re also known as absorption coolers.

Make sure you get someone qualified to set up your fridge and remember to keep them in well ventilated areas, due to the carbon monoxide.

Top 3 way camping fridges

Here’s our selection of the best 3 way fridges for camping:

iceQ 42 Litre 3 Way Portable Camping Absorption Cool Box

This iceQ 42 litre cool box is perfect for camping due to its capacity of 42 litres and internal space that can store 1.5 and 2.0 litre bottles standing up.

The camping fridge has a sleek non-slip matte black finish, wide opening lid for convenience, and comes with a 3-way power supply – AC, DC and Gas, which means the fridge offers boundless independence for all outdoor enthusiast, providing noiseless and convenient cooling virtually anywhere.

Due to the optimised absorption technology, the cool box can offer cooling up to 25℃ below ambient temperature.

Features:

  • 42L Capacity
  • 3-way power supply – 230V AC, 12V DC, and Gas
  • Excellent cooling performance up to 25°C below ambient temperature
  • High performance with superior absorption technology
  • Noiseless and convenient cooling comfort anywhere

DOMETIC CombiCool RC 1200 3-Way Portable Absorption Coolbox

DOMETIC CombiCool RC 1200 3-Way Portable Absorption Coolbox, 12 V/230 V and Gas, Silver, Mini Fridge 40 Litre
  • Powered by gas, 12 V DC and 230 V AC
  • Cooling up to 25 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature

The Dometic CombiCool absorption cooler can utilise the most suitable type of energy for any environment. The absorption coolers run on a 12-volt supply in the vehicle, on 230-volt mains supply at home or on a campsite, and can easily be switched to gas operation at remote locations.

Ideal for camping, caravanning and other last-minute activities – this uncomplicated source of energy is easy to take along. With a volume of 40 litres, and vertical space for large bottles, this decidedly good value absorption unit has proven to be the ideal camping cooler. This RC 1200 model will keep it’s contents 25°C below the ambient temperature.

In addition if anyone wants ice cubes in their drink, ice cube trays are included.

Features:

  • Powered by gas, 12 V DC and 230 V AC
  • Cooling up to 25 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature
  • Approximately 41 Litre capacity
  • Fits 2 Litre bottles standing
  • Absorption cooling technology
  • Silent operation

Royal 3 Way Absorption Cooler

Founded in 1993, the ‘Royal At Home Out There‘ brand has gone from strength to strength and is now recognised as one of the leaders within the caravan and camping markets.

The Royal range includes tents, furniture, sleeping bags, melamine dining sets, LED caravan steps and portable toilets to name but a few.

Giving up to 14 days of use from a gas bottle, this cooler’s a good option for regular campers.

Features:

  • Powered by gas, 12 V DC and 230 V AC
  • Cooling up to 25 degrees Celsius
  • Approximately 40 Litre capacity
  • Silent operation

DOMETIC CombiCool 3-Way Portable Absorption Cool Box

DOMETIC CombiCool RC 2200 3-Way Portable Absorption Cool Box, Mini Fridge 41 Litre, 12 V/230 V/Gas, Silver/Black
  • Powered by gas, 12 V DC and 230 V AC
  • Cooling up to 33 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature

The Dometic CombiCool RC 2200 absorption cooler can utilise the most suitable type of energy for any environment. The absorption coolers run on a 12-volt supply in the vehicle, on 230-volt mains supply at home or on a campsite, and can easily be switched to gas operation at remote locations.

Thanks to optimised absorption technology it provides excellent cooling performances up to 33°C below ambient temperature and is completely silent. This model has a capacity of 41 litres and a perfect interior design which allows you to cool up to eight 2-litre bottles.

It features recessed side grips to make the unit comfortable to transport.

Additional Information:

Piezo ignitionThermostat regulation in 30-volt mode3-stage flame regulation in gas mode

Vertical space for 1.5- and 2-litre bottles

Recessed gripsSturdy cabinetIce cube tray

Colour: aluminium finish/black

Features:

  • Powered by gas, 12 V DC and 230 V AC
  • Cooling up to 33 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature
  • Approximately 41 Litre capacity
  • Holds up to eight 2 Litre bottles standing
  • Absorption cooling technology
  • Silent operation
  • Elegant aluminium housing

DOMETIC Portable Absorption Cooler

DOMETIC ACX3 40 Portable Absorption Cooler, 41 Litres, 28 – 30/37 mbar, Absolutely Silent Mini Fridge, 12 V, 230 V and Gas (UK-Plug)
  • Powered by gas, 12 V DC and 230 V AC – guaranteed energy supply, maximizes freedom!
  • Absolutely silent operation means no disturbance

Enjoy the great outdoors even more with the Dometic CombiCool ACX3 40. It runs on 12 V DC or on 230 V AC in the vehicle or on the campsite. In the great outdoors you simply switch over to gas mode.

The cooler comes in an attractive yet sturdy design with a distinctive lid, while the silent operation means it won’t disturb you! The evaporator provides space for an ice cube tray (included).

Features:

  • Powered by gas, 12 V DC and 230 V AC – guaranteed energy supply, maximizes freedom!
  • Absolutely silent operation means no disturbance
  • Ice cube tray included
  • Cooling up to 30 °C below ambient temperature
  • Elegant aluminium housing

3 Way Camping Fridge FAQs

What fridge is best for camping?

The best fridge for camping depends on your specific needs, but some popular choices include the Dometic CFX Fridge/Freezers and the BougeRV CR series. These fridges are praised for their efficient compressor technology, low power draw, and precise temperature control. Some models also offer dual-zone functionality, allowing them to function as both a refrigerator and a freezer.

Are 12V fridges worth it?

Yes, 12V fridges are generally worth it for camping and traveling. They are designed to run efficiently on a 12V power source, such as a car or RV battery, making them ideal for use on the road. They also offer the convenience of keeping food and beverages cool without the need for ice, unlike traditional coolers.

What to look for when buying a camping fridge?

When buying a camping fridge, consider factors such as its power draw, temperature control, capacity, and noise level. If you plan to use it while driving, check if it can run efficiently on a 12V power source. Also, consider whether you need a dual-zone fridge that can function as both a refrigerator and a freezer. Some models also offer additional features like digital readouts, battery protection, and compatibility with smartphone apps.

What is the best 12V compressor fridge for a campervan?

The best 12V compressor fridge for a campervan is often one that balances efficient cooling, low power draw, and compact size. Models like the Dometic CFX Fridge/Freezers are often recommended due to their efficient compressor technology and precise temperature control. They are compact and lightweight, making them ideal for use in a campervan.

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