There is no single best camping fridge for everyone. The right camping fridge depends on how you travel, how long you stay off-grid, your power setup, available space, and how you plan to use it day to day.
This guide explains what actually matters for Australian conditions so you can choose the right fridge for your setup.
We’ve used several different camping fridges over the years, including a portable 3-way fridge, chest fridges and our current drawer fridge. I’ve also had a Dometic portable fridge in the boot of my work car, so we’ve had plenty of opportunity to find out what works and what becomes annoying very quickly.
The best camping fridge for your setup comes down to how you travel, how much space and payload you have available, how long you spend off-grid and how much food and frozen storage you actually need.
For some people that will be a traditional chest fridge. For others, particularly those setting up a canopy, an upright fridge can make much better use of the available space. Drawer fridges are worth considering if easy access and a compact setup matter more than capacity.
In this guide, I’ve compared some of the most popular camping fridges available in Australia, along with the things I’d look at before spending the money, including weight, power use, capacity, access and how practical they are for real touring, especially when planning a lap of Australia.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is for:
- Caravanners, campers and 4WD travellers in Australia
- People planning longer trips or a Big Lap
- Anyone overwhelmed by brand opinions and Facebook debates
- Buyers who want reliability, efficiency and real-world performance
What Actually Matters When Choosing A Camping Fridge In Australia
Power draw and efficiency (especially off-grid)
If you free camp or travel remotely, power consumption is an important consideration. Your fridge is one of the appliances that will run around the clock, so it needs to work comfortably with your battery and solar setup. Outside temperature, ventilation, fridge size, temperature settings and how often you open it can all affect how much power it uses.
Weight and how it affects towing and GVM
Don’t just look at the empty weight of the fridge. Once you’ve added food and drinks, plus a fridge slide if you’re using one, the total can add a surprising amount of weight to your setup. If it’s going into your vehicle, make sure you account for all of it when working out your available payload and GVM.
Fridge type: upright vs chest vs drawer
Most people looking for a camping fridge will be choosing a portable chest fridge, but it is worth considering how the fridge will actually fit into your setup. Chest fridges are a popular choice for 4WDs and touring because there are plenty of sizes available and many can be used as a fridge, freezer or both. Upright fridges can work particularly well in canopies because everything is easy to see and access without pulling out a heavy fridge slide. Drawer fridges are another option when space is tight and easy access is important, although their smaller capacity won’t suit everyone.
Ease of access and day-to-day usability
This is something that’s easy to overlook when you’re comparing specs online. Think about where the fridge will sit and how you’ll actually use it every day. Can you open the lid fully? Can you reach everything inside it? Will you need a fridge slide? We’ve used fridges that looked great on paper but became frustrating simply because of where the lid, compressor or storage compartments were positioned.
Reliability on corrugations and in heat
If you’re travelling around Australia, your fridge could be dealing with corrugations, dust and temperatures over 40℃, so reliability matters. We’ve travelled in those conditions ourselves and I’d put a fridge’s ability to keep doing its job well ahead of extras such as apps, USB ports and other features.
Rather than ranking fridges by popularity, the table below compares options so you can match a fridge to your travel style, space and power setup.
| Brand | Weight | Capacity (Litres) | Dimensions | Check Price | Features | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bushman Upright Camping Fridge | 26kgs | 130L | W525 x H750 x D550mm | CHECK PRICE | 6L Freezer Internal LED light Reversible door Adjustable shelves | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Bushman Portable Expandable Fridge | 22.5kgs | Up to 52L | L690 x W385 x H390mm | CHECK PRICE | Expandable & adjustable to 35/42/45/52L Steel cabinet 3 cooling zones | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Engel 57L Twin Door Fridge Freezer | 34kgs | 57L | L490 x W790 x H441mm | CHECK PRICE | Twin door design Separate fridge/freezer Reversible door Removable baskets Large lockable door latches | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Dometic 55 Fridge | 20.7kgs | 55L | L720 x W455 x H480mm | CHECK PRICE | Heavy-duty lightweight Frame 3-stage battery protection system Temp control via App | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Dometic Upright | 31kgs | 135L | W525 x H815 x D620mm | CHECK PRICE | 3-way fridge/freezer Completely silent operation Replaceable door panels to suit | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Dune 75L Fridge Freezer | 27.8kgs | 75L | L900 x W485 x H460mm | CHECK PRICE | LG compressor Internal LED light Bluetooth app Bidirectional removable lid | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Dometic CFX5 95DZ Fridge/Freezer | 29.5kgs | 94L | L962 x W530 x H472mm | CHECK PRICE | USB Port Interior light Detachable lid Bluetooth & WiFi | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
MyCoolman 69L Fridge | 27.2kgs | 69L | L732 x W456 x H555mm | CHECK PRICE | Two way opening lid USB port and charger Bluetooth app | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Dometic 45 | 19.4kgs | 46L | L694 x W398 x H476mm | CHECK PRICE | Battery protection system High-Res Colour Display Heavy-duty yet lightweight | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
EcoFlow GLACIER | 23kgs | 38L | L776 x W385 x H445mm | CHECK PRICE | Ice maker USB Port Bluetooth & WiFi Detachable lever and wheels | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Top 10 Best Camping Fridges Australia 2026
- Bushman Upright Fridge DC130X 12/24v
- Bushman Portable Expandable Fridge 35L-52L
- Engel Fridge MTV60C 57 Litre Twin Door Combi Fridge Freezer
- Waeco Fridge Dometic Fridge CFX5 55
- Waeco Dometic Upright Fridge CoolMatic CRX140
- Dune 75L Dual Zone Fridge Freezer
- Dometic CFX5 95DZ 94L Dual Zone Fridge Freezer
- myCOOLMAN 69 Litre AC/DC Fridge Freezer
- Dometic CFX3 45 Portable Fridge/Freezer 45 Litre
- EcoFlow GLACIER Portable Refrigerator 38L
Choosing The Best Camping Fridge Review 2026
Before you start comparing brands and models, work out what you actually need from your camping fridge. Where it will live, how much weight you can carry, the space you have available and how long you plan to spend away from shops will narrow down your choices pretty quickly.
Type
Where your fridge is going to live is one of the first things to consider. A chest fridge in the back of a 4WD has different space and access requirements to an upright fridge in a canopy or a drawer fridge tucked underneath your storage.
Upright Camping Fridge
Upright fridges are particularly popular in 4WD canopies because they’re easy to access and make good use of vertical space. Open the door and you can see what you’ve got rather than digging through everything to find the cheese that’s inevitably hiding at the bottom.
One concern you’ll often hear is that cold air escapes when the door is opened. In practice, the food and drinks inside the fridge retain their temperature, and a good compressor fridge should bring the cabinet back to its set temperature fairly quickly.
An upright fridge can also remove the need for a heavy fridge slide, which is worth considering when you’re watching your vehicle’s weight. The trade-off is that items can move around on rough roads, so good internal storage and securing bottles and containers becomes more important.
Chest Camping Fridge
This is what most Aussies picture when you say camping fridge, and there’s a reason chest fridges are so popular. There is a huge range of sizes available and you can choose between single-zone models, which can usually be set as either a fridge or freezer, and dual-zone models that give you both at the same time.
Chest fridges also tend to hold their temperature well because cold air doesn’t spill out every time you open the lid. The downside is access. We’ve all played the game of emptying half the fridge because the one thing you want is buried at the bottom, and depending on where the fridge sits in your vehicle, you may also need a fridge slide to reach it comfortably.
Before choosing one, check the internal layout as well as the overall capacity. Compressor housings, baskets and dividers can make two fridges with similar litre capacities very different to use in the real world.
Drawer Fridges for Camping
Drawer fridges are becoming much more common in 4WD setups and they’re a great option when space and easy access are more important than having a large capacity. They can fit underneath drawers or other storage and, depending on your setup, can also be stacked or installed side by side.
We chose a drawer fridge for our Y62 Patrol because it suited the way our storage was set up better than a traditional chest fridge. We’ve used ours in temperatures over 40℃ and it hasn’t missed a beat. I also love being able to slide the drawer open and see everything without lifting a lid or pulling a fridge out first.
The obvious trade-off is capacity. Drawer fridges are generally smaller, so they’re not going to suit everyone, particularly if you need to carry a lot of fresh or frozen food for extended remote travel. They can also cost as much as some considerably larger chest fridges.
If you’re considering one, you can read our complete guide to the Best Drawer Fridges for a more detailed comparison.
Click here for our Complete Guide to the Best Drawer Fridge
Weight
If you’re travelling Australia, weight matters. Your fridge itself is only part of the calculation, so remember to allow for everything you’ll put inside it as well as a fridge slide or mounting system if you need one.
Check your vehicle’s available payload rather than assuming a GVM upgrade will solve the problem. Fuel, passengers, tools, recovery gear, water, accessories and everything else you’ve added to the vehicle all count, and a large fridge packed with food and drinks can be surprisingly heavy.
Capacity
Camping fridge capacity is measured in litres, but bigger isn’t automatically better. Think about how many people you’re travelling with, how often you can restock and whether you need freezer space as well as refrigeration.
A smaller fridge might be plenty for weekends away or keeping drinks and a few meals cold. If you’re travelling remotely or spending longer periods off-grid, you may want more capacity or a dual-zone fridge so you can carry frozen meat and prepared meals as well.
Also look at the shape of the usable space inside. A fridge might have an impressive capacity on paper but be awkward to pack because of the compressor housing, baskets or divider.
Dimensions
Measure the space where the fridge will actually be installed before you buy it. Don’t rely on litre capacity to judge whether it will fit, as fridges with similar capacities can have very different dimensions.
Allow room for handles, plugs and ventilation as well as enough clearance to fully open the lid or door. If you’re using a fridge slide, include its dimensions and make sure the fridge can still clear tailgates, canopies and anything mounted above it.
Other Considerations
Think about how you actually travel. A couple heading away for weekends will have very different needs to a family doing a Big Lap or someone stocking up before several days in a remote area.
Your battery and solar setup matters too. There’s little point buying a huge fridge/freezer if your electrical system struggles to keep it running when you’re off-grid. Your budget will obviously come into it as well, but I’d look beyond the purchase price and consider reliability, warranty and after-sales support.
Make a list of your must-haves before comparing models. Once you know your available space and weight, required capacity, power setup and whether you need freezer space, the choice becomes much easier.
Other Features
Once you’ve narrowed down the right size and type of fridge, there are a few extra features that can make it easier to live with. They shouldn’t be the reason you buy a particular fridge, but some are definitely worth having depending on your setup.
Internal Lights
An internal light is one of those simple features you appreciate when you’re trying to find something after dark. Most upright fridges have one and they’re becoming increasingly common in chest fridges too. If your fridge will be tucked away in a canopy or another poorly lit spot, it’s worth checking.
LED Display
An external display makes it easy to check the fridge temperature without opening it. Depending on the model, it may also show battery protection settings and other controls. They’re particularly handy at night or when the fridge is mounted somewhere that’s difficult to see into.
WIFI Connection and Bluetooth Capabilities
Many newer camping fridges can connect to an app using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, allowing you to check or adjust the temperature from your phone. It’s handy, particularly when the fridge is in the back of the vehicle, but I wouldn’t choose a fridge based on an app alone. Reliability, power consumption and how practical the fridge is to use matter much more.
Fridge Slides
If you’re putting a chest fridge in the back of a 4WD or canopy, you may need a fridge slide to access it properly. Remember that the slide adds weight and takes up additional space, so include both when you’re planning your setup.
Check the slide’s load rating against the loaded weight of your fridge, not just its empty weight. Also make sure you’ll have enough clearance to pull it out and fully open the fridge lid.
Fridge Baskets for Storage
Baskets are great for keeping a chest fridge organised, but they can also become surprisingly heavy once they’re full. They usually need to be lifted straight up to remove them, which can be awkward if the fridge is mounted high or the basket is at the back.
It’s a small thing, but have a good look at the basket layout when comparing fridges. We’ve found that how easy a fridge is to pack and unpack matters much more once you’re using it every day.
Portable Camping Fridge Lids
Check which way the lid opens and whether it can be removed or reversed. This can make a huge difference once the fridge is installed in your vehicle. A perfectly good fridge can be a pain in the backside if the lid hits the roof or you have to lean over it every time you want something.
Some models also offer interchangeable lids, built-in cup holders or bottle openers. They’re nice extras, but I’d get the basic layout right first.
Best Camping Fridges in Australia
Following are our findings from our research for the best portable fridges and car fridge reviews, including the best dual zone portable fridge freezer reviews.
Bushman Upright Fridge Review – DC130X 12/24v
Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Benefits
Bushman has been established for 38 years with an excellent track record. Plus, should you need after-sales customer service, it’s a simple call to Bushman, and an Aussie will pick up the phone to answer your question or concern!
Bushman has a simple philosophy – they keep it simple. Their products are
• Reliable – strong construction and the world’s best components
• Efficient – larger cooling units and lower amp draw
• Service – no call centres, just great old-fashioned service
This upright Bushman camping fridge is made from steel (like all the best camp fridges) and is built specifically for the extreme temperatures in mind we experience in Australia.
Other features include
- Custom settings for the Danfoss compressor
- Efficient – Less power usage due to low run times
- Room for large bottles
- Local Aussie quality control and customer service
- 3-year warranty
Drawbacks
A 130L upright fridge isn’t going to suit everyone looking for a portable camping fridge. It needs a permanent space in your setup and, unlike a chest fridge, isn’t something you’ll easily move between the vehicle, caravan and campsite. If you’re specifically looking for a portable fridge for the back of your 4WD, a chest model may make more sense.
Click here for more information and the price for the Bushman Upright Fridge
Bushman Portable Expandable Fridge 35L-52L Review
Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Benefits
This Bushman chest fridge expands from a 35L to a 52L camping fridge with a simple change of lids. It is strong, versatile and efficient and one of Australia’s best portable fridge freezers.
What customers like about this fridge apart from being versatile for storage it also has 3 baskets for the 3 cooling zones. The zone temperatures are
- Top basket for veg & fruit – 6 degrees
- Middle basket for dairy & meat – 2 degrees
- Lower basket for pre-frozen food – -5 degrees
Plus there is still space to stand up drink bottles.
Other features are;
- Durable steel construction
- Danfoss SECOP compressor
- Versatile 35/42/45/52L capacity to suit your trip
- External 2-way 12v and 240v – doesn’t eat into fridge space
- 5-year warranty
Drawbacks
The expandable design won’t be important to everyone and you’ll need somewhere to store the additional lids when you’re not using them. It’s also a single-compartment fridge rather than a conventional dual-zone model, so if you want completely separate fridge and freezer compartments, look at one of the dual-zone options below.
Click here for more information and the price for the Bushman chest fridge
Engel MTV60C 57 Litre Twin Door Combi Fridge Freezer Review
Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Benefits
The Engel MTV60C is a 57-litre twin-door combination fridge freezer designed for longer road trips, remote touring and off-grid camping.
Unlike a single-zone camping fridge that must be set as either a fridge or a freezer, this model gives you separate chilled and frozen storage. This can be particularly useful when you are away for longer periods and want to carry fresh food as well as frozen meat or prepared meals.
Engel has been used by Australian caravanners, campers and 4WDers for decades, and its portable fridges are known for their solid construction and Sawafuji Swing Motor.
Features of this Engel camping fridge include;
- Separate fridge and freezer compartments
- Twin-door design, so you only open the compartment you need
- 57-litre total capacity
- Suitable for 12V, 24V and 240V power
- Strong construction for touring and camping
- Separate baskets to help organise food
- Suitable for longer trips and off-grid travel
Drawbacks
This is a premium fridge freezer and is likely to be heavier and more expensive than a smaller single-zone model. Check the complete dimensions, weight and required ventilation before deciding whether it will fit your vehicle or fridge slide.
Its separate compartments provide more flexibility, but caravanners and campers who only need chilled storage may get better value from a simpler single-zone fridge.
Click here for more information and the best price Engel fridge
Waeco Fridge Dometic Fridge CFX5 55 Review
Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Benefits
Since the early 50s developing the Waeco fridge, the company embraces innovation for their Dometic camping fridge with this model being no exception.
Features of the CFX5 55 include
- Waterproof, digital interface
- An app to monitor performance and temps
- AC/DC and Solar power
- Removable ice trays
- Fits 85 cans
- Heavy-duty, lightweight frame
- 5-year warranty
Drawbacks
This is a single-zone fridge/freezer, so it doesn’t give you separate fridge and freezer compartments like a dual-zone model. If you regularly carry both fresh and frozen food on longer trips, that may be limiting. Also check the external dimensions carefully and allow for ventilation and a fridge slide if required.
Click here for more information and the price for the Dometic CFX5 fridge
Waeco Dometic Upright Fridge CoolMatic CRX140 Review
Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Benefits
As we’ve already covered some of the benefits of an upright fridge above we’ll head straight into the features of this brand of camping fridge.
The Waeco camping fridge, or as some know the now-branded Dometic upright fridge, has better energy efficiency and greater temperature control than previous models.
Designed specifically for recreation vehicles features include;
- 2-way fridge/freezer
- 12v/24v DC & 100-240v AC
- Custom Waeco Dometic compressor
- Drainage plug for ease of cleaning
- Digital interface
- internal lighting
- 3-year warranty
Drawbacks
At 135L this is a large fridge that needs a permanent installation, so it won’t suit someone looking for a portable camping fridge. Make sure you have adequate ventilation and check the power requirements against your electrical setup.
Click here for more information and the price for the upright Dometic Waeco camping fridge
Dune 75L Fridge Freezer Review Australia
Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Benefits
With a robust build and a comprehensive 5-year warranty, its innovative design includes a 3-stage battery protection system and brass anti-condensation coils. Ensuring both energy efficiency and enhanced performance. Its hefty insulation keeps contents chilled longer, while the versatile LG compressor offers temperatures from 10°C down to -22°C without heavy power consumption.
The two compartments can be set independently, so you can run one as a fridge and the other as a freezer, or use both at the same temperature depending on what you’re carrying. At 75L there’s plenty of storage, although you’ll need to allow for its size and loaded weight when planning where it will sit in your vehicle.
Other practical features include an internal LED light, removable lid, recessed handles, drain bung and built-in tie-down points. You can also monitor and adjust the fridge through the Bluetooth app.
Drawbacks
At 75L this is a fairly large chest fridge, so measure your available space carefully and consider whether you’ll need a fridge slide. Once it’s loaded with food and drinks, the total weight will also be considerably more than its 27.8kg empty weight.
Click here for more information and to check the price for the Dune Fridge Freezer
Dometic CFX5 95DZ 94L Dual Zone Fridge Freezer Review
Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Benefits
The Dometic CFX5 95DZ is a large 94-litre portable fridge freezer designed for longer road trips, remote touring and off-grid camping.
Its main advantage is the dual-zone design. The two compartments can be set at different temperatures, allowing you to use one side as a fridge and the other as a freezer. You can also configure both compartments for chilled or frozen storage, depending on what you need for the trip.
This flexibility makes it a practical option for Big Lappers, families, caravanners and 4WDers who like to stock up before heading into remote areas. The larger capacity gives you room for fresh food, drinks, frozen meat and prepared meals without needing separate fridge and freezer units.
The CFX5 range uses Dometic’s VMSO3.5 compressor, which automatically adjusts its speed to help balance cooling performance, noise and energy use. Vacuum insulated panels and upgraded seals are designed to improve temperature retention while reducing unnecessary power consumption.
You can monitor and adjust the temperature through the Dometic Mobile Cooling app using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It also has a high-resolution colour display for making adjustments directly from the unit.
Other features include;
- 94-litre total capacity
- Two independently controlled compartments
- Can be used as a fridge and freezer at the same time
- VMSO3.5 variable-speed compressor
- Vacuum insulated panels for improved temperature retention
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Temperature monitoring through the Dometic Mobile Cooling app
- High-resolution colour display
- AC and DC power options
- Suitable for touring, camping and off-grid travel
Drawbacks
This is a large portable fridge freezer, so it will not suit every vehicle or storage setup. Measure the available space carefully and allow enough room around the vents for airflow.
You should also check the fridge’s loaded weight against the capacity of your fridge slide, vehicle drawers and overall payload. Once it is packed with food and drinks, it will be considerably heavier than its empty weight.
The 94-litre capacity may be more than a couple needs for short weekends away, but it makes much more sense for families, extended travel and remote trips where shopping opportunities are limited.
The Dometic CFX5 95DZ is a strong option for caravanners, campers and 4WDers who want one large portable unit for refrigerated and frozen food. Its capacity, dual-zone flexibility and remote temperature monitoring make it particularly useful for extended trips and remote touring.
Click here for more information and the price for this Dometic CFX5 95DZ camping fridge
Engel Upright ST90F 80L Fridge Freezer 2-Way Compressor Fridge/Freezer Review
Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Benefits
One of the smaller upright fridges the Engel upright still incorporates Engel’s signature swing Sawafuji Swing Motor.
At 80L, the Engel ST90F is a more compact upright option for caravans, camper trailers and 4WD setups where you don’t have room for one of the larger upright fridges. It also includes a small freezer compartment, which is handy if you want some frozen storage without moving to a larger fridge/freezer.
The reversible door gives you more flexibility when installing it, particularly in a tight space.
Other features include;
- Auto-switching between 12/24V DC and 240v AC
- Thermostat controlled generator
- Solar panel compatible
- Lightweight and compact
- Low DC current draw at 12V3.3 Amps
- 3-year warranty
Drawbacks
The smaller 80L capacity won’t suit everyone, particularly for longer remote trips or families carrying a lot of fresh food. As with any upright fridge, check the installation dimensions and ventilation requirements carefully.
Click here for more information and the price for the Engle upright camping fridge
MyCOOLMAN 69 Litre AC/DC Fridge Freezer Review
Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Benefits
This 69L camping fridge can be used either as a single-zone fridge or a single-zone freezer.
It uses a variable-speed compressor designed to adjust its power use depending on how much cooling is required.
It has removable heavy-duty baskets and has an interior LED light.
Other features include;
- 12v ports located at both ends
- 2 bottle openers at both ends
- Bluetooth connectivity to the app
- USB port and charger
- Multi-voltage 12v/24v DC and 240v AC
- Recessed spring-loaded handles
- Removable lid
Drawbacks
The power cable is relatively short, which may affect where you can position it in some setups. At 69L it’s also a reasonably large fridge, so check the dimensions and loaded weight before deciding where it will live.
My Coolman also makes portable fridge freezers in sizes 36L/44L/69L/73L/96L/105L Click here to see the full range
Dometic CFX5 45 Portable Fridge/Freezer Review
Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Benefits
This is the Dometic camping fridge that sat in the back of my car for work. I’m glad I have used and tried this fridge and having done so I wouldn’t select it again purely for useability. Although it takes up a heap of space, I’d class it as a small car fridge because of the available space inside.
By useability I mean I find it difficult to use due to its front lifting lid. I acknowledge that my car was small and therefore so the lid doesn’t stay fully open as it hits the ceiling of the car.
The compressor/motor of the fridge also sits at the front so the bulk of the cold section is at the back of the fridge and I find it difficult to reach some of the lower items in the fridge. In the shallow section on top of the compressor/motor area, the temperature is noticeably warmer than in the main section.
I imagine I’d have zero luck trying to reach the back section of this fridge if it were mounted in the back of a 4wd without a fridge slide.
It’s worth looking inside a fridge rather than relying on the stated litre capacity alone. The internal layout can make a big difference to how much usable space you actually have and how easy everything is to reach.
Features for this fridge include;
- Heavy duty but lightweight frame
- Can deep freeze to -21 degrees
- Multipower options 12v/24v DC, 240v AC and Solar
- 2-Year Compressor & 3-Year Manufacturer Warranty
- Connect to Bluetooth or Wifi
Drawbacks
Small inside for the price and doesn’t hold much.
The Dometic CFX range of portable compressor fridge freezers also include 25L/46L/53L/75L/94L/ plus they also make a range of fridge slides and fridge covers. Click here to check out the range.
Click here for more information and the price for the Dometic CFX5 45 camping fridge
EcoFlow GLACIER Portable Refrigerator Review
Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Benefits
The EcoFlow GLACIER is quite different to the other camping fridges in this guide. Along with operating as a portable fridge/freezer, it has an optional plug-in battery, removable wheels and handle, and a built-in ice maker.
This dual-zone portable fridge-freezer offers flexibility with a removable divider, so you can run it as a fridge and freezer simultaneously or convert it into one big space. Whether it’s icy cold drinks or frozen steaks, it adapts to whatever you need.
What sets the EcoFlow GLACIER apart is its wire-free power option—you can run it for up to 40 hours on the optional 298Wh plug-in battery. This gives you the option of running the fridge without having it permanently connected to your vehicle or another power source.
One of its more unusual features is the built-in ice maker, which EcoFlow says can make ice in around 12 minutes. Whether you need an ice maker in your camping fridge is another question, but I can certainly see the appeal on a hot day.
Other features we love:
- Dual-zone temperature control (10°C to -25°C)
- Cooling from 30℃ to 0℃ in a claimed 15 minutes
- 38L capacity (fits up to 60 cans!)
- Detachable wheels and handle for easy transport
- USB-C 100W port for charging devices
- Control it from your phone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth using the EcoFlow App
- Eco mode – just 0.18kWh/day energy use
A lot of the appeal of the GLACIER comes from features you may not actually need in a camping fridge. The optional battery, wheels and handle also add to the overall cost, so I’d compare the price of the complete setup with a more traditional chest fridge before deciding whether those extras are worthwhile for you.
Click here for more information and the price for the EcoFlow GLACIER portable camping fridge
Common Mistakes People Make When Buying A Camping Fridge
• Buying too large or too heavy
• Ignoring power draw
• Choosing based on brand hype
• Not checking internal layout
• Forgetting fridge slides add weight
• Assuming bigger = better
FAQs for Portable Camping Fridges
1. What is the Best Portable Camping Fridge?
There is no definitive answer to this question as different portable camping fridges will work better for different people.
There are a few different factors you’ll want to consider when looking for the best portable camping fridge. The first is size – you’ll want to find one that is compact enough to be easily transported and large enough to store all your food and drinks. The second factor is the power source – most portable camping fridges run on either 12V or 240V, so you’ll need to ensure your vehicle or campsite has compatible power outlets. And finally, price is always an important consideration.
Once you’ve narrowed down the size, power requirements and type of fridge you need, compare the models above against your own setup rather than choosing purely by brand.
2. Is Dometic or Engel Better?
Both Engel and Dometic have been popular with Australian caravanners, campers and 4WDers for years, so I wouldn’t choose between them on the brand name alone.
Engel has a strong reputation for simple, durable fridges and its Sawafuji Swing Motor, while Dometic offers a broad range of sizes, layouts and features. Compare the individual models based on capacity, weight, power consumption, internal layout and price. The better choice is the one that suits your setup and the way you travel.
3. What is the most efficient 12v camping fridge?
There is no single camping fridge that will be the most efficient for every setup. Power consumption can vary depending on the fridge size, outside temperature, ventilation, temperature settings and how often you open it.
Engel fridges are well known for their Sawafuji Swing Motor and low start-up power draw, while brands including Bushman, Dometic and myCOOLMAN also offer energy-efficient compressor fridges.
Before buying, compare the stated power consumption, capacity and insulation rather than choosing on brand alone. A smaller fridge may use less power, but it will not help if it cannot hold enough food for your trip.
For longer trips, also consider how the fridge will work with your battery and solar setup, particularly if you plan to camp off-grid.
4. What size camping fridge do I need?
For a couple heading away for weekends, a fridge around 40L to 50L may be plenty. Longer trips, families and remote touring usually need more storage, particularly if you want to carry frozen food as well as fresh food and drinks.
Don’t choose on capacity alone though. Measure the space available in your setup, check the fridge’s empty and loaded weight and have a look at the internal layout. A well-designed smaller fridge can sometimes be more useful than a larger one that’s awkward to pack.
Wrap Up
There isn’t one camping fridge I’d recommend for every caravanner, camper or 4WDer. A fridge that works brilliantly in a canopy might be completely wrong for someone who needs a portable chest fridge they can move between their vehicle and campsite.
For most people looking for a traditional camping fridge, I’d start with the chest models and compare the capacity, internal layout, weight and power requirements against your setup. If you’re fitting out a canopy, don’t automatically rule out an upright fridge, and if space and easy access are your biggest priorities, a drawer fridge is well worth considering.
We’ve used several different types ourselves and that’s probably the biggest lesson we’ve learnt. How a fridge works in day-to-day use matters just as much as the specifications on the box. Think about where it will sit, whether you can easily reach everything inside it, how much weight you’re adding and whether your battery and solar setup can comfortably keep it running.
Hopefully this guide has helped narrow down the options and made choosing the right camping fridge for your setup a little easier.
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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!
Great insights on choosing a camping fridge! I especially appreciate the tips on energy efficiency and size considerations for Aussie camping trips. Can you recommend any specific brands that perform well in hot weather?
Either of the two Bushmans will do the job, depending on your setup.
Hi I’m after a secondary fridge around the 40l mark, I already have a 40l Engel but would like a secondary one. My question is what the lowest amp draw fridge around as even though it won’t be getting open much it’s more so a second fridge and I don’t want something that’s going to draw much current and use too much battery power.
PS I did have a secondary fridge but it drew way too much power. That’s why I’m asking what’s the best low drawing fridge. Any help would be appreciated.
Hi James
The Dometic CFX3-45 is the lowest I’ve seen. http://bit.ly/42p8gxT
Hi, thanks for the great article and effort. Is the Bushman Upright 130L (top pick) quiet? For use inside a 4×4’s cabin.
Hi Grant
Yes it is. The 130L model and smaller models are used in both 4×4 canopies and wagons. Plus you haven’t got the weight, extra expense and the rattle and squeaks of a fridge slide.