You have to factor in the kind of trips you do (how long and how ‘off grid’), how much spare space you have in your camping kit, and your power requirements. That’s just to getting started. Some camping fridges are better for camper van setups, others for 4WDing. Some camping fridges are designed for individuals, while others cater to whole families. The list goes on.
If you’re having difficulty deciding, check out the options below. You’re bound to discover the best fridges for camping among these standout offerings.
Considerations for Purchasing the Best Camping Fridge in Australia
Before you jump into a portable fridge purchase, take a moment to consider what’s going to be most important to you in the decision-making process. Do you care about how lightweight a fridge is or how much power it will use? What about how it gets its power or how much it costs? Here are just a few of the many important considerations for purchasing the best camping fridge in Australia.
Fridge Type – Fridge/Freezer vs. Dual Zone
When you start hunting for a new camping fridge, you’ll likely come across two primary options: fridge/freezers and dual-zone units. Both are ideal for various camping situations, but you might prefer one over the other.
Fridge/freezers allow you to adjust the temperature for the entire unit. It might have various compartments, but the whole unit remains the same. However, dual-zone fridges have separate sections where you can adjust the temperature separately. As a result, you’ll be able to use one area as a fridge and the other as a freezer.
Power Type – 2-way Electric vs. 3-way Gas
Camping in the great outdoors can require you to think about your power supply. After all, you’re away from the convenience of effortless plug-in power you have at home. Most camping fridges are either 2-way electric or 3-way gas.
Two-way camping fridges rely on compressors and electricity for cooling, and most are compatible with 12V DC, 24V DC, and 240V AC power. In contrast, 3-way portable fridges operate with gas. They tend to be quieter but are much more common in RVs than in tent camping.
Capacity
Capacity is a crucial consideration before selecting a new camping fridge. The larger the capacity, the more food and beverages you can fit in your fridge. However, the power capacity of a portable fridge can sometimes determine its size. For example, a camping 12V fridge tends to be smaller than one that offers 12V DC, 24DC, and 240V AC power options.
Weight
Lightweight and fridge aren’t two words that typically go together, and camping fridges don’t tend to be any different. They can be heavy, so factoring weight into the decision-making process can be crucial if you have to walk to your camping destination.
Some fridge materials are lighter than others but at the detriment of their robustness. Weigh up the pros and cons of durability vs. increased or decreased weight.
Power Usage
Conserving power can be a big deal on the average camping trip, especially if you need to charge devices and ensure you have enough for cooking and heating. Pay attention to the power consumption to ensure you have an appropriate power supply to run your fridge of choice.
Price Tag
Can you really put a price on a comfortable camping adventure where your food and beverages are kept out of the harsh summer sun? Not really, but no one likes to overspend if they can avoid it. Compare the features of multiple camping fridges to ensure you’re getting value for money.
Best Fridges for Camping in Australia
When you’ve thought about the various features you prefer to see in a fridge, you might be ready to start shopping. Here are some of the leading camping fridges in Australia.
Table of Contents
- Engel MT-V Series Portable Combi Fridge Freezers
- Engel MT-V Series Portable Fridge/Freezer
- Engel MR40F Eclipse 38L Portable Fridge/Freezer
- Dometic CFX3 Series Dual Zone Portable Fridge/Freezer
- Dometic CFX3 Series Portable Fridge/Freezer
- Evakool Down Under 47L Single Zone Fridge Freezer 47L
- Evakool TMDZ Travelmate Dual Zone Fridge Freezer
- Kings Stayzcool Portable Fridge/Freezer
- Kings Stayzcool Portable Dual Zone Fridge / Freezer
Whether you purchase the 40L, 57L, or 75L Engel MT-V series Combi camping fridge freezer from Engel, you can’t help but be impressed with what this product brings to the table. This compact and durable fridge-freezer with powder-coated steel and high-density polyurethane insulation offers world-leading cooling efficiency.
It boasts a thermostatically-controlled fan, a Sawafuji swing motor, three configuration options to suit your space requirements, and an abundance of convenient features. There’s an on/off interior LED light for easier food viewing, a lockable door latch for convenient access, and robust handles and door protectors to last the distance.
You’re also bound to appreciate the three-stage battery protection, generous warranty, and food and beverage capacity for a whole family.
Dimensions: 73.4L x 37W x 50.5H cm (40L), 89L x 49W x 44.1H cm (57L), 89L x 49W x 56.1H cm (75L)
Weight: 24kg (40L), 32kg (57L), 42kg (75L)
Capacity: 40L, 57L, and 75L
Power Consumption: 0.5A – 2.7A (40L), 0.5A − 4.2A (57L), 0.5A − 4.2A (75L)
Power Type: 12/24V DC, 240V AC
Materials: Powder-coated steel, high-density polyurethane insulation
Temperature Range: Down to −18°C
Warranty:
5-year compressor/swing motor warranty
3-year power supply, temperature control assembly, thermistor, and fan motor warranty
The Engel MT-V series portable fridge/freezer could be your dream camping fridge on your next Australian outdoor adventure. This robust, well-made, and portable fridge with 12V cords and 240V leads is designed to keep your food and beverages ice cold and protected from the elements.
It has an on/off LED interior light, digital controls, a lockable door latch, and convenient carry handles. It also features a reliable Sawafuji swing motor for optimum cooling efficiency, not to mention a built-in battery monitor for peace of mind.
The icing on the cake is the sleek gunmetal metallic material, proving that camping fridges can simultaneously be stylish and functional.
Dimensions: 74.8L x 36.4W x 40.8H cm (32L), 74.8L x 36.4W x 50.8H cm (40L), 89L x 49W x 44.1H cm (60L), 89L x 49D x 56.1H cm (80L)
Weight: 21kg (32L), 24kg (40L), 33kg (60L), 39kg (80L)
Capacity: 32L, 40L, 60L, and 80L
Power Consumption: 0.5A – 2.6A (32L), 0.5A – 2.6A (40L), 0.5A – 4.2A (60L), 0.5A – 4.2A (80L)
Power Type: 12/24V DC, 240V AC
Materials: Powder-coated steel, high-density polyurethane insulation
Temperature Range: Down to −18°C
Warranty:
5-year compressor/swing motor warranty
3-year power supply, temperature control assembly, thermistor, and fan motor warranty
When you’re looking for a portable camping fridge with the most features but without the highest price tag, the Dometic CFX3 series might just tick that box. This cost-effective yet highly efficient fridge has a range of features the average camper will love.
It’s well-designed with a powerful compressor for optimum cooling, and it boasts a digital display, generous capacity, USB for device charging, and spring-loaded handles for easy carrying. Unlike many other camping fridges for sale, this one also comes with Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities for remote temperature adjustments.
Whether you need to keep your food or beverages icy cold, this Dometic portable fridge/freezer unit is bound to stand out from the crowd.
Dimensions: 56.9L x 34.2W x 42H cm (25L), 69.4L x 39.8W x 40.7H cm (35L), 69.4L x 39.8W x 47.6H cm (46L), 72L x 45.5W x 48H cm (55L)
Weight: 13.4kg (25L), 16.9kg (35L), 18.7kg (46L), 20.4kg (55L)
Capacity: 25L, 35L, 46L, 55L
Power Consumption: 0.91Ah/h (25L), 0.98 Ah/h (35L), 1.03 Ah/h (46L), 1.10 Ah/h (55L)
Power Type: 12V DC, 24V DC, 100V AC, 240V AC, 50/60 Hz
Materials: Polypropylene, aluminium, stainless steel, polyurethane foam insulation
Temperature Range: 10°C to −22°C
Warranty: 3 + 2 years
Everybody deserves to have the best fridges for camping, regardless of their budget. When you have limited funds to spare but want to enjoy an effective way to keep your food and beverages cool, consider this 47L single-zone fridge-freezer from Evakool Down Under.
This product is proudly manufactured in Australia and incorporates Danfoss compressors, renowned for their cost-effective repair options compared to the majority of alternatives. It comes equipped with a reliable Secop compressor, a rugged metal cabinet paired with a roto-moulded lid, and spring-loaded metal handles for effortless portability. Campers can also enjoy frosty beverages courtesy of the broad 10°C to −18°C temperature range, not to mention the superior internal insulation.
Enjoy three-level battery protection, a clear digital display, and internal LED lighting for those late-night snacks. You will also find it convenient to power this fridge with the included 12V/24V slimline power adaptor.
Dimensions: 68L x 40W x 46.5H cm
Weight: 19kg
Capacity: 47L
Power Consumption: 0.8A – 2.4A
Power Type: 12V DC, 24V DC, 100V-240V AC, 50/60 Hz
Materials: Powder-coated metal, polypropylene, stainless steel
Temperature Range: 10°C to −18°C
Warranty: 3-year all components, 5-year compressor
Introducing the EvaKool Down Under Series II Portable Dual Zone Fridge/Freezer, your ultimate treasure chest for keeping things cool. With a generous capacity of 65L, 80L, or 95L this fridge/freezer unit by EvaKool is designed to withstand the scorching heat of the Australian outback.
Built for rugged adventures, this fridge/freezer features a 15-Amp resettable circuit breaker and three-level battery protection, making it compatible with various systems and setups. Whether you’re exploring the bushlands or relaxing on a boat, this unit is up for any adventure. Its removable lid, baskets, and divider offer versatility, allowing you to customize it as a dual or single zone unit, keeping your food organized in the wild.
The clever design includes spring-loaded metal handles that double as tie-down points, ensuring secure transportation. The smooth-textured walls make cleaning a breeze, while the internal LED lighting illuminates those midnight snack cravings, even if your stash is packed towards the back. The fridge is equipped with a neon blue digital display for easy temperature control and power supply monitoring, putting you in control of your cooling needs.
Dimensions: 78.7L x 44.8W x 48.5H cm
Weight: 32 Kg
Capacity: Gross 65L, Small 25L, Large 40L
Power Consumption:
Power Type: 12V DC, 24V DC, 100V−240V AC, 50/60 Hz
Materials: Powder Coated Metal, Polypropylene, Metal Handles, Stainless Steel Components
Temperature Range: 10°C to −18°C
Warranty: 3 Year All Components, 5 Year Secop Compressor
The best camp fridge isn’t necessarily one that costs the most. Instead, it can be one that’s packed full of features but has been affordably priced to suit a wide range of campers, such as the Kings Stayzcool portable fridge-freezer.
This camping fridge is available in 45L and 60L capacities and is designed for effortless cool storage of your food and beverages. It has a steel body and lid, polyurethane insulation, and premium construction that helps it withstand the wear and tear of camping environments.
Kings also outdoes itself with its versatile power options, generous five-year warranty, a reliable compressor that just keeps going and going, and USB ports to charge your devices. With a reversible lid design and easy controls to seal the deal, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more advanced and cost-effective camping fridge than this one.
Dimensions: 71.3 x 40.5 x 46.1 cm (45L), 76.8 x 47 x 46.1 cm (60L)
Weight: 23.6kg (45L), 25.3kg (60L)
Capacity: 44.3L, 60.96L
Power Consumption: 0.7A – 1A
Power Type: 12/24V DC, 240V AC
Materials: Steel, ABS
Temperature Range: +10 to -18°C
Warranty: 5 years
Keep your food and beverages cool and protected with a portable dual-zone fridge-freezer from Kings. This Stayzcool model is available in 75L and 90L capacities and is ideal for any individual or family looking to make their camping trip that little bit more comfortable.
Both models are loaded with a high-quality compressor, twin DC inputs, a dual-opening lid, and a robust exterior with reinforced edges for protection against wear and tear. You’ll also be impressed by the five-year warranty, not to mention the competitive price tag, high-quality steel and polyurethane materials, and portable design.
Use one section as a fridge and another as a freezer, and you can be set up with your food and beverage needs taken care of for as long as you need.
Dimensions: 92.8 x 46.1 x 47cm (75L), 97.3 x 46.1 x 52.5 cm (90L)
Weight: 30.4kg (75L), 33.1kg (90L)
Capacity: 75L, 90L
Power Consumption: 1A – 1.3A
Power Type: 12V, 24V, 240V
Materials: Steel, polyurethane
Temperature Range: +10°C to -18°C
Warranty: 5 years
Adventure awaits, and with the Kings 50L Fridge/Freezer Compressor by your side, you can savor the freedom of exploring remote locations while still enjoying the comforts of a well-stocked fridge. No more worrying about melting ice or spoiled food. Simply pack your provisions, set your desired temperature, and let this reliable cooling companion handle the rest.
With its sleek and portable design, the Kings 50L Fridge/Freezer Compressor offers generous storage space without compromising on convenience. The efficient compressor technology ensures rapid cooling, while precise temperature control allows you to dial in the perfect chill, preserving your perishables and turning every adventure into a culinary delight.
Dimensions: 689mm (L) x 480mm (W) x 418mm (H)
Weight: 15kg
Capacity: 49.28L
Power Consumption: 0.7 – 1.0AH
Power Type: 12V/24V (cig socket cord included), plus 240V to 12V transformer included for home
Materials: Polypropylene body and lid, Polyurethane insulation
Temperature Range: +10°C to -18°C
Warranty: 2 Years
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Got yourself a great camping fridge? Which model did you buy? If you have any stories, updates or corrections, please let us know by commenting below.
Should note repair costs options. From experience Engel can cost almost as much as a new fridge too repair as the whole cooling unit is replaced as an assembly and is not regasable. Those fridges with Danfos style compressors are cheaper and readily able to be repaired. Also items that fail as in digital displays over simple rotory thermostat which are easily replaced. Warrenty is good untill it runs out. Worth noting that some fridges with 5 year warrenties are 1/3 the cost of others with the same or shorter Warrenty.
The most expensive fridge does not relate to the most reliable. I’ve had a 100% failure rate with 3 Engel fridges. One under Warrenty just, the other 2 out of Warrenty. I now buy fridges with the longest Warrenty and cheapest outlay. 5 years up — buy a new one!
Just some hard learned points.
Thanks for the feedback, Mark. Will include some info on all of that when we do a re-write.
Related point: Mine is a Dometic and it’s been running almost 24/7 since 2017 without a single issue.
Cheers
Neil