Yes, they are a must for most touring caravanners; a 12V upright fridge is the most practical option.
They’re easy to access, simple to organise, and work well for both short trips and long-term touring. As long as your power setup is sized properly, an upright fridge suits how most people actually live day-to-day in a caravan.
In this 12v upright fridge guide, we cover both 12 volt fridges for your
I started researching upright fridges for caravans when we built our caravan. Included in the build was a Dometic fridge; however, because we knew we’d be on the road full-time, we changed the Dometic fridge for the larger Thetford 274L compressor fridge.
Choosing the right 12V upright fridge is one of the most important setup decisions when preparing for a lap of Australia.
Your fridge affects how long you can stay off-grid, how much food you can carry, and how independent your setup is.
After travelling full-time around Australia in our caravan, we’ve learned which upright fridges work reliably in real Australian conditions.
The best camping fridges fall into two groups for this guide. The 12 volt fridge for your car and the 12 volt upright fridge freezer for your
We’ve previously covered the best camping fridge. You can read that guide here if you want the best travelling fridge for your car.
If you are short on time and looking for a quick answer, here are the top picks for 12 volt upright fridges.
Thetford 274L Compressor Fridge is a 12v 240v Upright Fridge Freezer for a
This stylish black stainless steel fridge will meet all your refrigeration needs. It features two cooling fans and an impressive 202L of storage for fresh food and 72L reserved just for frozen food.
We have this fridge in our
No external vents | 3 Year Warranty | Day/Night Modes
Looking for a quick answer to Bushman vs Engel upright fridge, Bushman vs Dometic upright fridge or Bushman vs Kings upright fridge?
The Bushman DC130X upright 12v fridge freezer is the best camping upright fridge. Like all Bushman fridges, is made out of steel. It is built for the extreme temperatures of Australia and makes a great upright car fridge.
Efficient – low run times due to less power usage | Danfoss compressor with custom settings | 3 year warranty
The narrow, tall design and small footprint take up less space without compromising storage.
This Dometic upright fridge 12v model can be easily fitted to existing caravans needing a refrigerator upgrade due to its narrow design. The fridge can fit through a
Full-width crisper | 46L freezer | 3 year warranty
When A 12V Upright Fridge Actually Makes Sense
A 12V upright fridge isn’t for everyone, but for the right setup, it can be a game changer.
If you’re travelling for weeks or months at a time, an upright fridge gives you proper food organisation, easier access, and more usable space than chest-style fridges. You’re not digging through layers of food every time you open it.
They’re especially popular with full-time caravanners, motorhome travellers, and people running off-grid setups with solar and lithium batteries. Once installed, they feel much closer to a home fridge, which makes daily life on the road easier.
Upright fridges also make sense if you’re travelling in hot parts of Australia. Compressor-style models cope far better with heat than older absorption fridges, especially when you’re free camping or parked in the sun.
If you’re only doing short weekend trips, a portable chest fridge may be enough. But if you live on the road, an upright fridge quickly becomes one of the most-used appliances in your van.
Comparing The Best 12v Fridge Upright
When you are caravanning and camping a 12v camping fridge and the best
This guide compares brands by weight, capacity, functionality, dimensions and price. We give you the facts so you can make an informed decision on which 12v upright fridge best suits your needs.
Below we’ve compiled a quick comparison guide for each fridge we are reviewing.
Let’s get to it!
Best 12v Upright Fridge Comparison Chart
| Brand | Capacity | Weight | Power | Dimensions | Check Price | Features | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thetford Compressor 12V Fridge | 274L | 57 kgs | 2-Way Compressor | 684 x 614 x 1534 | CHECK PRICE | 2 cooling fans fresh food volume 202L Freezer volume 72L No external vents needed | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Vitrifrigo Upright Fridge | 230L | 62 kgs | 2-Way Compressor | 631 x 1354 x 602 | CHECK PRICE | Large capacity fridge and freezer Nautic front-operated lock Flush mounted frame Internal cooling unit Silent operation 2-year warranty 60L freezer | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Thetford 3 Way Upright Fridge | 199L | 53 kgs | 3-Way Absorption | 650 x 545 x 1470 | CHECK PRICE | Auto energy source selection Adjustable thermostat Automatic ventilators 3-year warranty Super quiet 53L freezer | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Dometic Upright Fridge | 224L | 46 kgs | 2-Way Compressor | 550 x 1657 x 677 | CHECK PRICE | Humidity controlled, full-width crisper Reliable in high humidity tropical areas Auto-switching from DC to AC Built-in service mode 3-year warranty 46L freezer | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Bushman Upright Fridge | 130L | 26 kgs | 2-Way Compressor | 525 x 750 x 550 | CHECK PRICE | Australian customer service & quality control Efficient Danfoss compressor with custom settings Can carry large bottles Adjustable shelves 3-year warranty 6L freezer | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Waeco Upright Fridge | 126L | 28 kgs | 2-Way Compressor | 535 x 822 x 608 | CHECK PRICE | Energy consumption improvement Greater low ambient temperature control Custom-built variable speed compressor 3-year warranty 8.2L freezer | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Dometic Upright Fridge | 113L | 27 kgs | 2- Way Compressor | 525 X 745 x 568 | CHECK PRICE | energy consumption improvement Greater low ambient temperature control Custom-built variable speed compressor 3-year warranty 8.2L freezer | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Engel Upright Fridge | 95L | 31 kgs | 2-Way Compressor | 531 x 786 x 579 | CHECK PRICE | Auto-switching between 12v/24v & 240v Swing motor compressor Standard turbofan | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Engel 80L Upright Fridge | 80L | 28 kgs | 2-Way Compressor | 531 x 786 x 579 | CHECK PRICE | Auto Dc to AC voltage selection Efficient swing motor 2.5 amp low currency draw Lightweight and compact 3-year warranty Turbo fan | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
XTM Upright Fridge | 85L | 22 kgs | 2-Way Compressor | 560 x 475 x 630 | CHECK PRICE | Reversible door hinge Adjustable, removable shelving and door storage 2-year warranty | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Best 12V Upright Fridges in Australia
- Thetford Upright Fridge – T1274 274L Compressor Fridge
- Vitrifrigio Upright Fridge – DP2600iX 230L Compressor Fridge
- Thetford Upright Fridge – N4208 199L 3-way fridge
- Dometic Upright Fridge – RUC 8408X 224L Compressor Fridge
- Bushman Upright Fridge – DC130X Compressor Fridge
- Waeco Upright Fridge – CRX140 CoolMatic 135L Compressor Fridge
- Dometic Upright Fridge – CRX100 108L Compressor Fridge
- Engel Upright Fridge – STF100 95L Compressor Fridge
- Engel 80L Upright Fridge – ST90F 80L Compressor Fridge
- XTM Upright Fridge – 85L Compressor Fridge
How To Choose The Best 12v Upright Fridge
When you are shopping for the best 12v fridge freezer to suit your needs there are a few things to consider.
- Weight
- Capacity
- Dimensions
- Other considerations
Weight
Whether you are caravanning or camping, weight is always at the top of your mind. The weight of the camping 12v fridge or the 12v upright fridge freezers will impact your decision as it adds to the overall weight of either your rig or
Fortunately, new technology now allows for some of the best componentry, larger efficient fridges that weigh less. Work out what your needs are, what will you store in your new fridge and what size fridge you need that suits you. E.g. are you touring or getting away for holidays and weekends away?
Capacity
All 12v refrigerators are measured in litres. What size would make the best upright fridge 12v for you?
Are you looking for a 12v car fridge or a 12v 240v fridge freezer for your
Do you only want to store lunches and a few cans or do you want to store tall bottles?
Make a list of the uses your upright 12v car fridge or 12v camper fridge has to have. This will narrow down the choices for you.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the fridge correspond with the capacity of the fridge.
Where is the fridge going to live? How large or small is the space?
When you are measuring, also consider the size of the handles as manufacturers only quote the dimensions of the actual fridge casing.
Other Considerations
How many people are using the fridge? Will you cater for more people in the future?
Will you camp off-grid? If so will you need a larger fridge to store more fresh food when there are no corner stores close to where you camp?
Also, you will need to consider if your 12v 240v fridge
The links to fridges in this article also include accessories, so you can determine if your choice of a 12 volt fridge upright, requires additional accessories or not.
Are you touring up north, visiting tropical areas? The weather can determine whether you have a 2-way compressor fridge or a 3-way absorption fridge. We cover this in detail below.
Compressor vs Absorption: What Most Caravanners Choose Now
While 3-way fridges still exist, many long-term caravanners now choose compressor fridges.
Compressor fridges cool actively, which means they perform consistently in heat, don’t rely on gas, and are easier to manage off-grid. They also cool down faster and recover temperature quickly after the door is opened.
Absorption fridges can work well in cooler climates and powered caravan parks, but they struggle in extreme heat and require careful ventilation to work properly.
For most people planning a lap of Australia, a compressor upright fridge is now the preferred option.
2-Way Compressor Fridge Vs 3-Way Absorption Fridge
3-way fridges were very popular for touring in a
Here are some of the differences:
2-Way 12v Fridge – Compressor
Can be used on either 12/24v DC Power or 240v AC power. 2-way fridges use a compressor motor to cool just like home kitchen fridges. They are popular as they perform better in hotter tropical areas and are more efficient off-grid. These types of fridges are:
- Efficient
- Have a tropical climate class rating meaning they perform well in the hottest climates
- Low ambient temperature
- Generally have a drainage plug for easy cleaning
- Easy-to-use digital controller interface
- Double door locking
- L or R door hinge
- 2 or 3 yr warranty
3-Way Upright Fridge – 12 Volt Refrigerator
12/24V DC, 240v AC and LPG Gas
These types of fridges are called absorption fridges as they use absorption heat exchange to cool the fridge, they remove the heat rather than create the cold.
Their key appeal is the efficiency when running on gas. They can run for several weeks on a 9kg gas bottle and run well in cooler climates. They don’t however, cope well in hot tropical climates.
If you are touring Australia on a big lap then a compressor upright fridge may suit your needs best.
How Much Power A 12V Upright Fridge Really Uses
One of the biggest concerns people have is power use, especially when free camping.
Modern 12V compressor upright fridges are far more efficient than most people expect. When paired with solar and lithium batteries, they typically cycle on and off rather than running constantly.
Real-world power use depends on temperature, how often the door is opened, and how full the fridge is. A well-stocked fridge holds cold better than an empty one.
If you’re running solar, most caravanners find an upright fridge is very manageable as long as the system is sized correctly. In hot climates, extra ventilation around the fridge makes a noticeable difference to efficiency.
This is why many people upgrading from older 3-way fridges are switching to compressor models for long-term touring.
Best 12v Fridge Review Australia [2026]
The following fridge reviews Australia covers
- 12v upright fridge review
- Upright camping fridge review
- Upright 12v fridge review
- 12v compressor fridge reviews
Thetford Compressor Fridge Review
Rating
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Benefits
With a sleek design that won’t take up too much space, Thetford has created the perfect answer in their T1274 compressor refrigerator.
This stylish black stainless steel fridge will meet all your refrigeration needs, featuring two cooling fans and an impressive 202L of storage for fresh food and 72L reserved just for frozen food.
We had a chance to upgrade our fridge in our build, and I’m so glad we did.
We’ve been off-grid, in 39-degree heat and connected to 240v and this fridge has not missed a beat. Everything stays lovely and cold whether we are parked up or on the road. We highly recommend this fridge as we think it’s the best upright 12v fridge and best compressor fridge for
Other features include
- Regulated day/night mode for both separate fridge and frozen food compartments
- Dust reduction due to the external vents
- If plugged into 240V the fridge can be run using a power management system
- Reversible door
- 3-year warranty
- Sleep mode which saves power
Vitrifrigo Upright Fridge Review
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Benefits
Made in Italy, the Vitrifrigo DP2600I 2 Door Fridge & Freezer are suitable for caravans and boats. This 12v 240v fridge
With the cooling unit mounted directly onto the cabinet, it is recommended there is sufficient ventilation surrounding the fridge. Especially around the cooling unit.
Other features of this 12v upright
- Large capacity fridge and freezer
- Nautic front-operated lock
- Flush mounted frame
- Internal cooling unit
- Silent operation
- 2-year warranty
- 60L freezer
Thetford Upright Fridge Review
Rating
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Benefits
Should you be looking at a 3-way 12v fridge the Thetford N4208A, 3 Way Fridge 199L is the best in this category.
American-made, they have a tried and tested track record having been used in RVs in the US for years.
This particular 12v fridge freezer upright model is the largest in the Thetford 3-way absorption fridge range.
*Note this model does not allow swapping of door hinges from right to left. Ensure you order the right-opening door model or left-opening door model depending on your installation needs
Other features include:
- Auto energy source selection
- Adjustable thermostat
- 2 fans for cooling
- 3-year warranty
- Super quiet
- 42.9L freezer
Dometic Upright Fridge Review
Rating
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Benefits
The Dometic RUC 8408X Compressor Fridge & Freezer has a 224L capacity. The narrow, tall design and small footprint take up less space without compromising storage.
This Dometic upright fridge 12v model can be easily fitted to existing caravans needing a refrigerator upgrade due to its narrow design. The fridge can fit through a
Other features of this Dometic 12v upright fridge and freezer include:
- Humidity-controlled, full-width crisper
- Reliable in high-humidity tropical areas
- Auto-switching from DC to AC
- Reversible door hinges
- Built-in service mode
- 3-year warranty
- 46L freezer
Bushman Upright Fridge Review
Rating
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Benefits
The Bushman upright fridge was in our TOP PICK in the car fridge review section we did in our Ultimate Guide To The Best Camping Fridge. In the section for 130L 12v upright fridges, our top pick is the same, and with good reason, as it’s the best upright camping fridge!
Bushman has an excellent 38-year track record and is an Aussie company with after-sales service in-house. If you need customer service, an Aussie picks up the phone to help! How great is that?
Bushman always keeps things simple; it’s their philosophy for business. Products are
- Efficient – lower amp draws due to larger cooling units
- Reliable – the world’s best components with a strong construction
- Service – great old-fashioned service rather than call centres
Like all Bushman fridges, the Bushman DC130X upright 12v fridge freezer is made of steel. It is built for the extreme temperatures of Australia and makes a great upright fridge for canopy or upright car fridge.
Other features include
- Australian customer service and quality control
- Efficient – low run times due to less power usage
- Danfoss compressor with custom settings
- Reversible door, left or right
- Can carry large bottles
- Adjustable shelves
- 3-year warranty
- 6L freezer
Waeco Upright Fridge Review
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Benefits
Waeco is now owned by Dometic, a company started by two Swedish engineers in 1919. Together, they created the world’s first refrigerator.
Dometic emerged from its initial roots in Artic, which was later bought out by Electrolux, who then created a division called Dometic at the end of the 1960s.
The company is innovative and constantly improving its camping fridges.
The body of this 12v Waeco fridge is a coated metal frame. The Waeco 12 volt upright fridge freezer has a plastic door frame and interior. The steel door panel is vinyl coated. The fridge has stainless steel fittings.
Some of the features of this Waeco upright fridge include
- -5 to -15 energy consumption
- Greater low ambient temperature control
- Custom-built variable speed compressor
- Variable door hinges and mounts
- Better air ventilation
- 3-year warranty
- Drainage hole
- 8.2L freezer
Dometic Upright Fridge Review
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Benefits
The Dometic NRX 115C Fridge / Freezer is 113L with temperature control, energy efficiency and reduced noise.
The body of this fridge is a coated metal frame. It has a plastic interior and door frame. The steel door panel is coated with vinyl. The fittings are made from stainless steel.
The features of the 113L Dometic 12v upright fridge are similar to the fridge above.
- -5 to -15 energy consumption improvement
- Greater low ambient temperature control
- Custom-built variable speed compressor
- Variable door hinges and mounts
- Better air ventilation
- 3-year warranty
- Drainage hole
- 8.2L freezer
Engel Upright Fridge Review
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Benefits
Engel needs no introduction to the camping and caravanning marketplace as they have a long-established reputation as one of the industry leaders. Some of their fridges were built as far back as 1962!
This 12v upright fridge Engel is the only one with no freezer space. A matching freezer is available should you need a stand-alone freezer.
Some of the features of this 12v compressor fridge include
- Auto-switching between 12v/24v DC and 240v AC
- Can be paired with a matching full freezer
- Swing motor compressor
- Standard turbofan
- Replaceable door panel
- Reversible door panel
- Drainage hole
Engel 80L Upright Fridge Review
Rating
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Benefits
The Engel ST90F 80-litre upright fridge also has a small freezer compartment. This smaller upright fridge is designed to fit in smaller caravans, boats and 4×4s compartments.
Features of this stand-alone 2-way compressor fridge include
- Auto DC to AC voltage selection
- Energy-efficient swing motor
- 2.5 amp low currency draw
- Lightweight and compact
- Reversible door
- 3-year warranty
- Turbo fan
XTM Upright Fridge Freezer 85L Review
Rating
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Benefits
Keep your food fresh and your drinks cold with the XTM 85L Upright Fridge Freezer – the perfect fit for caravans, 4WD canopies, boats, or off-grid setups. With a generous 85L capacity split into a fridge and a separate freezer compartment, it’s a solid choice for longer trips or travelling with the family.
Built for versatility, it runs on 12/24V DC, includes adjustable and removable shelving, and the reversible door hinge lets you install it your way. Plus, with a simple dial-controlled temperature range from -15°C to +10°C, you can easily fine-tune it to suit your needs. Durable metal side panels and an internal LED light round out the package, making it a practical and reliable fridge/freezer combo for life on the road.
The XTM 85L Upright Fridge Freezer includes:
- Large 85L capacity with separate fridge and freezer zones
- Adjustable temperature range from -15°C to +10°C
- Runs on 12/24V DC – ideal for off-grid and vehicle setups
- Adjustable, removable shelving and door storage
- Reversible door hinge for left or right side mounting
- Durable metal side panels and interior LED lighting
- Mounting brackets included
- Covered by a 2-year warranty
Perfect for caravanners, 4WD tourers, and boaties who want a space-saving, upright fridge/freezer combo that’s built for rough travel and everyday convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best 12V upright fridge in Australia?
The best 12V upright fridge depends on your setup, but compressor fridges from brands like Thetford, Bushman and Dometic are popular for long-term touring. They handle heat better and are more reliable when free camping.
Are 12V upright fridges good for free camping?
Yes, provided your power system is set up correctly. With solar and lithium batteries, most modern upright fridges are very manageable off-grid.
How much power does a 12V upright fridge use?
Power use varies, but most compressor upright fridges cycle on and off rather than running constantly. Usage depends on temperature, ventilation, and how often the door is opened.
Is a 3-way fridge better than a compressor fridge?
For many caravanners, a compressor fridge is the more practical choice. Compressor fridges generally perform well in hot conditions and suit caravans with an appropriate battery and solar setup.
Can you replace a 3-way fridge with a 12V compressor fridge?
Yes, many caravanners upgrade older 3-way fridges to compressor models. You may need to adjust ventilation or cabinetry, but it’s a common and worthwhile upgrade.
Wrap Up
We hope you have found this 12v upright fridge guide to finding the best stand up 12v fridge to suit your needs.
We’ve compared a range of upright fridges from brands including Thetford, Vitrifrigo, Dometic, Bushman, Waeco, Engel and XTM.
Looking for other
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With years of experience travelling Australia in a caravan, I’m passionate about helping others embark on their own unforgettable adventures. From off-grid camping tips to expert advice on planning the ultimate big lap of Australia, I share stories, practical hacks, and inspiration to make your journey stress-free and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just starting out, join me as I explore the beauty of Australia, one road at a time!
