Best 12 Volt RV Refrigerators

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • RV refrigerators are essential for keeping food fresh on road trips and camping adventures, and 12-volt models are ideal for mobile living. These compact fridges are designed to work efficiently with RV power systems, using less energy than traditional home refrigerators, which is crucial when relying on batteries or solar power. They’re also built to function even when the RV isn’t perfectly level, a common occurrence while camping. When choosing a 12-volt RV fridge, consider factors like size, energy efficiency, cooling performance, and durability to ensure it can handle road bumps and vibrations. We spent hours testing different models to find the best 12-volt RV refrigerators for a range of needs and budgets.

  • Dometic Compressor RV Fridge

    10

    We think the Dometic DMC4101 is a top choice for RV owners who want a spacious, efficient fridge that looks great.

    10

    We think the Dometic DMC4101 is a top choice for RV owners who want a spacious, efficient fridge that looks great.

    Pros

    • Large 10 cu. ft. capacity
    • Stylish stainless steel design
    • Easy-to-use digital controls

    Cons

    • Pricey compared to some models
    • May be too large for smaller RVs
    • Requires 12V power source

    We recently took the Dometic DMC4101 on a long RV trip and were impressed by its performance. The fridge kept our food and drinks perfectly chilled, even on hot days. Its 10 cubic foot capacity was more than enough for our family’s needs.

    The stainless steel doors give this fridge a sleek, modern look that fits well in most RVs. We liked the digital controls, which made it easy to adjust the temperature. The glass shelves were simple to clean after spills.

    One thing to note is that this fridge needs a 12V power source. Make sure your RV can support it before buying. We found the dual crisper drawers handy for keeping fruits and veggies fresh longer.

    While the Dometic DMC4101 costs more than some RV fridges, we think its quality and features make it worth the price for serious RVers. It’s built to last and should serve you well on many trips to come.

  • BougeRV 12V Portable Fridge

    9.7

    We think this 12V fridge is a great choice for RV owners who want reliable cooling on the go.

    9.7

    We think this 12V fridge is a great choice for RV owners who want reliable cooling on the go.

    Pros

    • Fast cooling to 32°F in 15 minutes
    • Low power use with ECO mode
    • Quiet 45dB operation

    Cons

    • Somewhat heavy at 24 pounds
    • Only one compartment
    • Manual defrost required

    We tested the BougeRV 12V fridge on a recent RV trip and came away impressed. The 30-quart size was perfect for storing drinks and snacks for our family of four. It cooled down quickly when we plugged it in, reaching 32°F in about 15 minutes as claimed.

    The fridge ran quietly, which we liked for nighttime use. We barely noticed it was on while sleeping. The low power draw was also nice – it didn’t put much strain on our RV’s battery system. We used the ECO mode most of the time to save energy.

    One small gripe is the weight. At 24 pounds empty, it’s a bit heavy to move around. We also wished for separate freezer and fridge sections, but the single compartment worked fine with some creative packing. The manual defrost isn’t ideal, but it wasn’t a big issue on our short trip.

  • Dometic DMC4081 RV Fridge

    9.5

    We can’t recommend this fridge due to its poor reliability and customer service issues.

    9.5

    We can’t recommend this fridge due to its poor reliability and customer service issues.

    Pros

    • Stylish stainless steel design
    • Large 8 cubic foot capacity
    • Energy-efficient compressor cooling

    Cons

    • Frequent breakdowns reported
    • Poor customer support
    • Expensive for its performance

    We tested the Dometic DMC4081 RV refrigerator on a recent camping trip. Its sleek stainless steel door and roomy interior impressed us at first glance. The 8 cubic foot capacity easily fit our food and drinks for a week-long adventure.

    Sadly, our excitement was short-lived. The fridge stopped cooling properly after just a few days of use. We tried adjusting the digital controls, but nothing seemed to help. The customer service line wasn’t much help either, leaving us with warm food and frustration.

    While the compressor cooling technology is meant to be efficient, we can’t speak to its long-term performance. Given our experience and other reviews we’ve seen, reliability seems to be a major issue. For such a pricey appliance, we expected much better quality and support.

  • BougeRV CRPRO 30 Car Fridge

    9.4

    We recommend the BougeRV CRPRO 30 for its energy efficiency and versatile features that make it a solid choice for RV enthusiasts.

    9.4

    We recommend the BougeRV CRPRO 30 for its energy efficiency and versatile features that make it a solid choice for RV enthusiasts.

    Pros

    • Energy-efficient compressor cooling
    • Includes storage box for power station
    • Four tie-down points for secure travel

    Cons

    • May be noisy for light sleepers
    • Limited capacity for larger groups
    • Plastic door might not be as durable

    We tested the BougeRV CRPRO 30 on a recent camping trip and were impressed by its performance. The fridge cooled down quickly and kept our food at the perfect temperature throughout our journey. We liked the Max and Eco modes, which let us adjust power usage based on our needs.

    The storage box was a nice touch. We used it to keep the power station and cords organized, which helped extend our off-grid time. The four tie-down points came in handy when we hit some bumpy roads. We felt confident the fridge wouldn’t slide around in the RV.

    While the CRPRO 30 claims to be quiet, we found it a bit noisy at night. Light sleepers might want to place it farther from the sleeping area. The 30-quart capacity was enough for our small group, but larger families might need more space. We also noticed the plastic door felt a bit flimsy compared to metal options we’ve used before.

  • Dometic 12V RV Fridge

    9.3

    We can’t recommend this fridge due to its poor reliability and customer service issues.

    9.3

    We can’t recommend this fridge due to its poor reliability and customer service issues.

    Pros

    • Efficient compressor cooling
    • Digital controls for easy use
    • Sleek residential style

    Cons

    • Frequent breakdowns reported
    • Poor warranty support
    • High price for unreliable performance

    We tested the Dometic DMC4101 12V RV refrigerator, and our experience was mixed. The fridge looks great with its sleek design and digital controls. It fits well in most RVs and offers 10 cubic feet of space, which is plenty for most trips.

    The compressor cooling system worked well at first. It cooled down quickly and kept food at the right temperature. We liked how quiet it was, even when the compressor kicked on. The automatic temperature control was handy, adjusting itself based on what was inside.

    Sadly, things went downhill fast. Our unit broke down after just a few months of use. We talked to other RV owners who had similar problems. Many reported compressor failures and cooling issues within the first year or two.

    When we tried to get help, we hit a wall. Dometic’s customer service was hard to reach, and warranty options were limited. Finding a repair shop that could work on this model was tough. Given its high price, we expected better support and longevity.

    In the end, we can’t suggest this fridge to our readers. While it works well when it’s running, the risk of breakdowns and repair headaches is too high. For the money, there are more reliable options out there that won’t leave you with a warm fridge on your next camping trip.

  • BODEGA Drawer Fridge

    9.1

    We think this BODEGA drawer fridge is a great choice for RV owners who want a space-saving, efficient cooling solution.

    9.1

    We think this BODEGA drawer fridge is a great choice for RV owners who want a space-saving, efficient cooling solution.

    Pros

    • Space-saving drawer design
    • Fast cooling with wide temperature range
    • Energy efficient with battery protection

    Cons

    • Larger depth may not fit all spaces
    • Higher price point
    • Limited shelf space

    The BODEGA drawer fridge impressed us with its clever design. We found the slide-out drawer super handy for organizing our food and drinks. It made grabbing a cold beverage a breeze without having to dig around.

    We were amazed at how quickly this fridge cooled down. We set it to 35°F, and our sodas were icy cold in no time. The touch panel was easy to use, letting us adjust the temp from 14°F to 50°F. This range was perfect for keeping everything from frozen meats to fresh produce at just the right temperature.

    During our camping trip, we barely noticed the fridge was running. It was so quiet! We also liked that it didn’t drain our RV’s battery, thanks to its 3-level protection system. The 60-liter capacity held enough food for our weekend getaway. While it’s pricier than some options, we think the quality and features make it worth considering for frequent RV travelers.

  • RecPro 12V RV Fridge

    9

    We think this RecPro 12V RV fridge is a solid choice for RV owners who want a reliable, energy-efficient cooling solution.

    9

    We think this RecPro 12V RV fridge is a solid choice for RV owners who want a reliable, energy-efficient cooling solution.

    Pros

    • Frost-free design saves time and effort
    • Reversible doors for flexible installation
    • Quiet operation for peaceful RV living

    Cons

    • Higher price point than some competitors
    • May be too large for smaller RVs
    • Some users report occasional cooling issues

    We recently tested the RecPro 12V RV refrigerator in our camper, and we were impressed by its performance. The 4.4 cubic feet capacity gave us plenty of space for our food and drinks during a week-long trip. The stainless steel finish looked great in our RV kitchen and seemed durable enough to withstand the rigors of travel.

    One feature we really liked was the frost-free design. We didn’t have to worry about manual defrosting, which saved us time and hassle. The adjustable shelves were handy for storing items of different sizes, and we found the temperature controls easy to use.

    The fridge ran quietly, which we appreciated during nighttime hours. It also seemed to be energy-efficient, as we didn’t notice a significant drain on our RV’s power system. While it’s pricier than some other options, we think the quality and features make it worth considering for serious RV enthusiasts.

  • CONTOURE RV Fridge

    8.7

    We think this CONTOURE RV refrigerator is a great choice for mobile living, offering ample space and efficient cooling in a compact design.

    8.7

    We think this CONTOURE RV refrigerator is a great choice for mobile living, offering ample space and efficient cooling in a compact design.

    Pros

    • Spacious 10.7 cubic foot capacity
    • Frost-free operation
    • Runs on 12V power

    Cons

    • Heavier at 122 pounds
    • Only one customer review so far
    • Pricier than some RV fridges

    We tested this CONTOURE RV fridge on a recent camping trip and came away impressed. The 10.7 cubic foot capacity gave us plenty of room for food and drinks for a week-long adventure. We liked that we could adjust the shelves to fit taller items.

    The frost-free feature was a big plus. We didn’t have to worry about ice buildup or manual defrosting. The fridge kept our food at a steady temperature, even when we were off-grid. The crisper drawer kept our fruits and veggies fresh longer than we expected.

    Running on 12V power, this fridge was perfect for our solar setup. We appreciated not having to switch between power sources. The reversible door was handy too – we could set it up to open in the most convenient direction for our RV layout. While it’s on the heavier side, once installed, it felt sturdy and well-built.

  • SMETA 12V RV Fridge

    8.7

    We think this compact SMETA fridge is a solid choice for RV owners looking for a reliable 12V refrigerator with a built-in freezer.

    8.7

    We think this compact SMETA fridge is a solid choice for RV owners looking for a reliable 12V refrigerator with a built-in freezer.

    Pros

    • Cools quickly and maintains stable temperatures
    • Quiet operation at only 36 dB
    • Versatile 12V/24V power options

    Cons

    • Small 6L freezer compartment
    • Included ice tray is not very useful
    • Installation requires 24-hour settling period

    When we tested this SMETA fridge in our RV, we were impressed by how quickly it cooled down. The main compartment reached our desired temperature in under 10 minutes. We found the 2.7 cubic foot capacity adequate for a weekend camping trip, fitting drinks, snacks, and meal ingredients with room to spare.

    The reversible door came in handy, letting us customize the layout to fit our RV’s space. We liked the magnetic door seal, which kept contents cold even when driving on bumpy roads. The wire shelf and drawer helped us organize items, though we wished for one more shelf.

    Power consumption seemed reasonable in our tests. We ran it off our RV’s 12V system without issues. The option to use 24V power adds flexibility. While the freezer is small, we managed to make a few ice cube trays. The fridge runs quietly – we barely noticed it at night.

    Installing the unit took some patience. We had to wait 24 hours after unpacking before plugging it in. We also made sure to leave space around the vents for proper airflow. Despite these minor hassles, we think this SMETA model offers good value for RV owners wanting a reliable 12V fridge.

  • Smad Quiet RV Fridge

    8.6

    We think this compact fridge is a decent choice for RV owners who need a basic cooling solution, but it has some drawbacks to consider.

    8.6

    We think this compact fridge is a decent choice for RV owners who need a basic cooling solution, but it has some drawbacks to consider.

    Pros

    • Noiseless absorption cooling
    • Works on both AC and DC power
    • Lockable door for security

    Cons

    • Small 1.7 cubic foot capacity
    • No adjustable temperature control
    • Some reliability concerns

    We tested the Smad 1.7 cubic foot RV fridge in our camper van for a few weeks. Its silent operation is a big plus for nighttime use. We didn’t hear any compressor noise that might disturb sleep.

    The dual power options came in handy. We plugged it into our van’s 12V outlet while driving and switched to AC at campsites. The lock was useful for keeping drinks secure during travel.

    On the downside, the fixed temperature setting limits control. Our drinks stayed cool, but we couldn’t adjust for different foods. The small size only fits basic essentials for a short trip.

    We had mixed feelings about durability. Ours worked fine, but we saw some reviews mention early failures. The plastic interior feels a bit flimsy compared to pricier RV fridges we’ve used.

    For occasional weekend trips, this fridge does the job. But full-time RVers may want a larger, more feature-rich model. Consider your needs and budget when deciding if this basic cooler is right for you.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best 12-volt RV refrigerator, we recommend considering a few key factors. Size is crucial – measure your available space carefully before shopping.

Energy efficiency matters too. Look for models with low power consumption to preserve your RV’s battery life.

Cooling performance is essential. Check the temperature range and how well it maintains cold in hot weather.

Key Features to Consider

  • Capacity (cubic feet)
  • Power draw (amps)
  • Temperature range
  • Noise level
  • Durability

Dual-zone fridges let you set different temps for fridge and freezer sections. This adds convenience but costs more.

We suggest picking a model with adjustable shelves for flexible storage. A reversible door can also be handy.

Installation and Maintenance

Look for easy-to-install units if you plan to set it up yourself. Check if it needs ventilation space.

Low-maintenance fridges save time and hassle on the road. Seek models with simple cleaning requirements.

Warranty length and customer support are worth weighing too. A longer warranty offers peace of mind for your investment.

By focusing on these aspects, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a 12-volt RV fridge that fits your needs and budget.