
A 12V drawer fridge can be a great option when space, access and weight matter in your touring setup. They work particularly well in 4WDs, ute canopies, caravans and camper trailers because they sit low, slide open easily and don’t need the overhead clearance of a traditional portable fridge.
We started looking at drawer fridges when setting up the back of our Patrol for full-time travel around Australia. We had installed a false floor and 4WD drawers, and wanted a fridge that would fit neatly into the available space without adding a separate fridge slide. Weight was also a consideration because, once you start adding drawers, recovery gear, tools and other touring equipment, every kilo counts.
That research led us to a 40L EvaKool drawer fridge, which we installed in the back of our Patrol. We’ve since used it while travelling around Australia, including remote and off-grid trips, so this guide combines our own experience with a comparison of the other 12V drawer fridges available in Australia.
The best drawer fridge for you will depend on the space you have, how much capacity you need, whether you want to use it as a fridge or freezer, and how it fits into your overall 12V setup. Below I’ve compared the main options and explained what I’d look at before choosing one.
When A 12V Drawer Fridge Actually Makes Sense
A 12V drawer fridge makes the most sense when space, access, and weight distribution matter more than sheer capacity. In touring rigs where storage is tightly planned, drawer fridges allow you to use otherwise wasted space under false floors, drawer systems, or canopies without needing a fridge slide or upright clearance.
For off-road and touring setups, drawer fridges are often chosen for stability and ease of access. You don’t have to climb into the back of a vehicle or lift heavy lids repeatedly. The slide-out drawer design keeps contents secure on corrugated roads and makes it easier to grab food or drinks quickly, especially in tight or low-clearance setups.
Drawer fridges also suit travellers who already run a larger upright fridge elsewhere. A drawer fridge can also work well as a secondary fridge for drinks, quick-access food or frozen items, reducing how often you need to open your main fridge.
They’re particularly popular in utes, wagons with drawer systems, and canopies where keeping weight low and evenly distributed improves handling. By mounting the fridge lower in the vehicle, drawer fridges help keep the centre of gravity down, which is an advantage on rough tracks and long-distance touring.
However, drawer fridges aren’t always the best option for everyone. If you need maximum capacity, frequent access to large items, or the flexibility to move your fridge between vehicles, a traditional upright 12V fridge may be more practical. A drawer fridge makes the most sense when your setup is fixed or purpose-built and easy access in a compact space matters more than maximum fridge capacity.
Best Drawer Fridge 12v Comparison Chart
The comparison below focuses on popular 30–60L 12V drawer fridges commonly used in touring and off-road setups across Australia.
| Brand | Capacity | Power Source | Dimensions WxHxD | Weight | Check Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EvaKool Drawer Fridge![]() | 40 Litres / up to 48 cans | 12/24V | 590 x 326 x 836 | 28 kgs | CHECK PRICE | Secop PBC 2.5 compressor -18°C to +10°C Five-year warranty for units from Nov 2023 |
Engel Drawer Fridge![]() | 30 Litres | 12/24V | 440 x 250 x 716 | 21.5 kgs | CHECK PRICE | Sawafuji Swing Motor 35 × 375ml cans Rear, left or right compressor configurations available |
Dometic Waeco Coolmatic NRXD 30C Drawer Fridge![]() | 30 Litres | 12V | 24V | 440 x 250 x 730 | 19.3 kgs | CHECK PRICE | Continuous variable thermostat, Seacop BD35 compressor, Holds 35 cans |
Vitrifrigo Drawer Fridge 30L![]() | 30 Litres | 12V | 24V | 440 x 250 x 585 | 17 kgs | CHECK PRICE | Natural Gas Compressor, Night mode, Black or white |
Kings 60L Drawer Fridge![]() | 60 Litres | 12V | 24V | 490 x 410 x 720 | 23.8 kgs | CHECK PRICE | 68 can capacity, 5-year warranty, fits tall bottles upright |
Kings Drawer Fridge![]() | 30 Litres | 12V | 24V | 440 x 260 x 710 | 17.2 kgs | CHECK PRICE | Digital Thermostat, Secop BD1.4F compressor, Holds 35 cans |
XTM Drawer Fridge![]() | 30 Litres | 12V | 24V | 478 x 250 x 734 | 18 kgs | CHECK PRICE | Powder coated, 31 can capacity, 2-year warranty |
Bushman DF30-HD Drawer Fridge![]() | 30 Litres nominal / 25L storage tub | 12/24V | 440 x 310 x 840 | 24 kgs | CHECK PRICE | -18°C to +6°C Seven-year compressor warranty |
KickAss 30L![]() | 30L gross / 26L usable | 12/24V | 490 x 295 x 734 | 22.9kg | CHECK PRICE | Secop PBC 2.0 -10°C to +10°C Five-year limited warranty |
Best 12V Drawer Fridges in Australia
- EvaKool Drawer Fridge Freezer 40L Platinum
- Engel Drawer Fridge 30L
- Dometic Waeco Coolmatic NRXD 30C Drawer Fridge
- Vitrifridgio Drawer Fridge 30L
- Kings Drawer Fridge 30L
- Kings 60L Drawer Fridge
- XTM Drawer Fridge
- Bushman Drawer Fridge
- KickAss 30L Drawer Fridge
How to Choose the Best 12V Drawer Fridge
Fridge Only or Fridge/Freezer?
One of the first things to decide is whether you need your drawer fridge primarily for chilled food and drinks or whether you want the option of running it as a freezer.
Some 12V drawer fridges can operate across a wide enough temperature range to be used as either a fridge or freezer. This can be particularly useful for remote travel, where carrying extra frozen meat or prepared meals gives you more flexibility between food shops.
The important distinction is that most single-drawer models operate as either a fridge or a freezer at one time. They don’t give you separate fridge and freezer compartments like a dual-zone camping fridge.
If you only need quick access to drinks, snacks and everyday food, running a drawer fridge as a fridge will suit most setups. If you’re planning longer stretches between towns or already have another fridge in your caravan or vehicle, being able to use the drawer as a dedicated freezer can be very handy.
What Size 12V Drawer Fridge Do You Need?
Most of the drawer fridges in this guide are around 30L, with some larger options around 40–60L. The right size isn’t simply the biggest fridge you can squeeze into the available space.
Start by measuring the width, height and depth of the area where the fridge will be installed. Then check the manufacturer’s required ventilation clearance and allow enough room for wiring, the compressor and the drawer to open fully. Two fridges with the same capacity can have very different external dimensions, so don’t choose on litres alone.
Think about what you’ll actually store in it as well. A 30L drawer can work well for drinks, snacks or as a secondary fridge, while a larger drawer gives you more flexibility if it will be your main vehicle fridge or a dedicated freezer.
We chose a 40L drawer fridge for the back of our Patrol because it fitted the space we’d built into our drawer system and gave us enough usable capacity without moving to a traditional fridge and slide setup.
Weight matters too. Check the fridge’s weight and remember that you’ll also be adding the weight of everything you put inside it. In a 4WD or ute canopy setup, that all contributes to your vehicle’s payload.
Compressor, Warranty and Australian Support
The compressor is one of the first specifications worth checking when comparing 12V drawer fridges. Brands such as Secop and Engel’s Sawafuji Swing Motor have established track records in portable refrigeration, but the compressor isn’t the only thing that determines how well a fridge will perform.
Also look at the temperature range, insulation, ventilation requirements, low-voltage battery protection and the warranty covering both the fridge and compressor. A long compressor warranty can look impressive, but check what warranty applies to the electronics, cabinet and other components as these may have different coverage periods.
For long-term touring around Australia, I’d also consider how easily you can get support or replacement parts if something goes wrong. A fridge might look great on paper, but being able to have it repaired without replacing the whole unit matters when you’re travelling for months at a time.
If you plan to use the drawer as a freezer, check the manufacturer’s stated operating temperature range rather than assuming every fridge/freezer will maintain deep-freeze temperatures in hot Australian conditions.
Other Considerations For 12V drawer Fridges
Installation, Ventilation and Power
Installation, Ventilation and Power
Before buying a 12V drawer fridge, check where and how it will be installed. Drawer fridges are often built into 4WD drawer systems, ute canopies, caravans and camper trailers, so the external dimensions are only part of the equation. You also need enough clearance for the drawer to open fully and adequate ventilation around the compressor.
Good airflow is important because the fridge needs to remove the heat generated by the refrigeration system. Installing it in a tightly enclosed space without sufficient ventilation can reduce performance, particularly in hot Australian conditions. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation and ventilation requirements for the model you choose.
You’ll also need a suitable 12V or 24V power supply. Check the manufacturer’s wiring requirements rather than assuming an existing cigarette-lighter socket is suitable, particularly for a permanently installed fridge. Voltage drop over long or undersized wiring can affect fridge performance.
Look for low-voltage battery protection as well. This allows the fridge to shut down before the supply battery drops below a set voltage, which is particularly useful when the fridge is running from your vehicle or auxiliary battery while camping.
Most current drawer fridges use an electronic thermostat that lets you set and monitor the temperature. If you plan to use the drawer as a freezer, check both the available temperature range and the manufacturer’s recommendations for operation in high ambient temperatures.
Best 12v Fridge Drawer Reviews
Evakool Drawer Fridge Review
Rating
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Specifications
- 40L – holds 48 cans
- Compressor – Secop PBC 2.5
- Weighs 35kgs
- 12/24v
- Temperature ranges -16C – 10C
- 2-Year Warranty – Electronics and Cabinet
- 5-Year Warranty – Compressor
Our Experience With the EvaKool 40L Drawer Fridge
We installed the EvaKool 40L drawer fridge in the back of our Patrol and have used it throughout our travels around Australia. We use it almost entirely as a drinks fridge, with Kev’s beers, bottles of wine and usually our milk kept in there. Having drinks in a separate fridge also means we’re not constantly opening the main fridge in the caravan.
One of the things I like most about the drawer design is how easy everything is to access. We don’t need a separate fridge slide and there’s no lifting a lid or moving things around to get to what’s underneath. Open the drawer and everything is right there.
We’ve found the temperature stays consistent and the fridge is quiet when running. The removable inner lining is another feature I’ve come to appreciate because it makes cleaning the fridge very easy.
It’s also handled our travels without any problems. We’ve taken the Patrol over plenty of corrugated and rough roads and haven’t had an issue with the fridge itself. Bottles and cans can move around inside if the fridge isn’t very full, so we find it works better when there’s enough in there to stop everything rattling around.
After living with it, I’d choose a drawer fridge again. If we were setting up a ute and canopy for touring, I’d definitely install one because the easy access and efficient use of space suit the way we travel.
Engel 30L Drawer Fridge Review
Rating
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Specifications
- 30L – holds 35 cans
- Sawafuji Swing Motor
- H165 x W335 x D470
- Weighs 19kg
- 12v/24v
- Temperature range – +8C – 8C
- 2-year manufacturers warranty
The Engel 30L Drawer Fridge is our premium 30L pick, particularly for a permanent 4WD, canopy, caravan or camper setup where installation flexibility matters.
It uses Engel’s Sawafuji Swing Motor and has a solid steel cabinet, stainless-steel drawer runners, built-in ventilation with dual fans and an internal LED light. The drawer holds up to 35 standard 375ml cans.
One of its most useful features is the choice of rear, left or right compressor mounting. That gives you more flexibility when you’re trying to fit a fridge into an existing drawer system or canopy where every bit of space matters.
At 30L, it doesn’t have the capacity of our 40L EvaKool, so I’d see the Engel as a better fit for someone prioritising a compact installation over maximum storage.
Dometic NRXD 30C Drawer Fridge Review
Rating
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12v Draw Fridge Specifications
- 30L – holds 35 cans
- Secop compressor
- 240H x 440W x 720D
- Weighs 19.9kg
- 12V/24V
- Temperature ranges –2°C to +12°C
- 1-year full warranty + additional 1 year (parts only) compressor
The Dometic NRXD 30C is a newer 30L drawer fridge designed for permanent installations in 4WDs, canopies, caravans and campervans.
One of its biggest advantages is installation flexibility. It can be flush or standard mounted, and the compressor can be mounted remotely if space behind the drawer is limited. That’s particularly useful in a canopy or custom drawer setup where available depth can be a problem.
The drawer runs on metal rails with self-locking runners and a bottom latch to keep it secure while travelling. Adjustable dividers also help stop bottles and food moving around inside.
The NRXD 30C can be used for refrigeration or freezing, with temperatures down to -15°C. Controls are positioned on the front of the fridge, making temperature changes easy once the unit is installed.
For someone building a new touring setup, I’d choose the newer NRXD 30C over Dometic’s older CD30 unless the older model was available at a substantially better price.
Vitrifrigo 30L Drawer Fridge Review
Rating
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Specifications
- Night mode
- Sturdy and roomy
- Weighs 17 kgs
- 440 x 250 x 585mm
- Two-year warranty
- Natural Gas Compressor
- Two colours, white or black
- You decide the temperature anytime and anywhere
Benefits
The Vitrifrigo 30L is another compact option for installations where available space is limited. It can operate as either a fridge or freezer and is available in black or white.
A useful feature is the removable cooling unit, which gives you more flexibility when installing the fridge into a tight drawer system, canopy or caravan. Rather than requiring the entire refrigeration system to sit directly behind the drawer, the cooling unit can be positioned remotely where the installation allows.
The digital thermostat gives you direct temperature control, while the night mode reduces compressor activity and noise when quieter operation is more important.
At 30L, its capacity is similar to the Engel and Dometic options, so I’d compare the external dimensions, compressor location, warranty, price and availability before choosing between them.
Drawbacks
Vitrifrigo tends to sit toward the more expensive end of the 30L drawer-fridge market, so its installation flexibility needs to be useful to your particular setup to justify the extra cost.
Kings 30L Drawer Fridge Review
Rating
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Specifications
- 30L – holds 35 cans
- 260H x 440W x 695D
- Weighs 17.2 kg
- 12v/24v
- Temperature ranges -10C to +10C
- 5-year warranty
The Kings 30L Drawer Fridge is one of the more budget-friendly options in this comparison and suits someone who wants the convenience of a permanently mounted drawer fridge without spending as much as the premium brands.
Its 30L capacity makes it best suited to drinks, snacks and smaller food items, or as a secondary fridge alongside a larger upright or caravan fridge. The drawer layout also means you don’t need to add a separate fridge slide.
There are multiple threaded mounting points built into the cabinet, which makes it easier to incorporate into a 4WD drawer system, ute canopy, caravan or camper trailer. Temperature is controlled through the front digital control panel.
The biggest reason to consider the Kings is price. If you’re building a touring setup on a tighter budget, it gives you the basic benefits of a drawer fridge for considerably less than some premium alternatives.
I’d weigh that saving against how heavily you’ll use the fridge. For occasional trips or a secondary drinks fridge, the lower purchase price may be attractive. For full-time or remote touring where the fridge will run continuously, I’d put more weight on compressor quality, warranty support and long-term reliability when comparing it with the other options in this guide.
Kings 60L Drawer Fridge Review
Rating
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Specifications
- 12V/24V
- Holds 68 cans
- Weighs 23.8 kgs
- 5-year warranty
- 490 x 410 x 720mm
- Removable dividers
- Use as a fridge or freezer
The Kings 60L Drawer Fridge is the largest model in this comparison and makes more sense if you want a drawer fridge to carry a substantial amount of food and drinks rather than simply act as a secondary fridge.
The extra height is useful because taller bottles can stand upright, something that can be difficult in the lower-profile 30L drawer fridges. Removable dividers also make it easier to organise the larger internal space.
That extra capacity comes with a trade-off. A 60L drawer takes up considerably more room than the compact models in this guide, so measure your available installation space carefully and consider the total weight once the fridge is loaded.
For a ute canopy or larger touring setup where capacity matters more than keeping the installation compact, the 60L format could be worth considering. If you’re primarily looking for quick-access drinks or a secondary fridge, I’d stick with one of the smaller 30–40L options.
XTM 30L Drawer Fridge Review
Rating
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Specifications
- Takes 31 cans
- Weighs 18 kgs
- 478 x 250 x 734mm
- Two-year warranty
- Removable drawer dividers
- 3-level adjustable power cut-off
- Temperature range from -20°C to +10°C
The XTM 30L Drawer Fridge is another compact option designed for permanent installation in a 4WD, ute canopy, caravan or camper setup.
Its drawer includes removable dividers, which are useful for keeping cans, bottles and food organised and reducing movement while you’re travelling. A locking mechanism keeps the drawer closed on the road, while the controls are positioned at the front for easy access once installed.
The XTM also includes adjustable low-voltage battery protection, an important feature if you’re running the fridge from a vehicle or auxiliary battery.
One of its advantages is availability. XTM is sold through BCF, so it’s relatively easy to see the fridge in person or buy through a major Australian camping retailer rather than ordering from a specialist manufacturer.
For someone comparing the XTM with similarly sized drawer fridges, I’d look closely at current price, warranty, compressor, external dimensions and weight rather than choosing on capacity alone, because most of the compact models in this guide sit around the same 30L mark.
Bushman DF30-HD Drawer Fridge Review
Rating
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Specifications
- 30L capacity with drawer-style access
- Dual voltage compatibility: 12V / 24V DC
- Cooling range: -18°C to +10°C
- Digital thermostat with simple button controls
- Low-voltage cut-off to protect your battery
- Sturdy, powder-coated steel body with smooth drawer slides
- Quiet brushless compressor (approx. 40 dB)
- Drain plug and easy-clean interior
- 24 kg weight
- 7-year compressor, 3-year fridge warranty
The Bushman DF30-HD stands out from the other 30L drawer fridges in this guide because it has been designed specifically for demanding refrigeration and freezing conditions.
Bushman rates the DF30-HD to operate as a fridge or deep freezer, with temperatures down to -18°C even in high ambient temperatures. That makes it particularly interesting for remote and off-grid touring where you may want to use a drawer fridge as a dedicated freezer rather than simply keeping drinks cold.
It uses a genuine Secop Danfoss HD-series compressor and has a heavy-duty steel cabinet, stainless-steel drawer runners and slam latch. The drawer also has a removable tub, making it easier to clean.
The trade-off is size and weight. At around 24kg, the Bushman is heavier than several other 30L options, and its 840mm depth means you’ll need to check your available installation space carefully.
For someone wanting a compact drinks fridge, there are lighter and potentially cheaper options in this guide. But if maintaining freezing temperatures in hot Australian conditions is a priority, the DF30-HD is the model I’d put near the top of the shortlist.
KickAss 30L Drawer Fridge Review
The KickAss 30L Drawer Fridge/Freezer is another option worth considering if you’re building a compact 4WD, ute canopy, caravan or camper setup.
It uses a Secop compressor and can operate as either a fridge or freezer, with a stated temperature range of -10°C to +10°C. The drawer design gives you easy access without needing a separate fridge slide, while removable dividers help keep food and drinks organised when you’re on the road.
Its 30L gross capacity puts it directly against models such as the Engel, Dometic, XTM, Kings and Bushman, so capacity alone isn’t a reason to choose it. I’d compare its price, external dimensions, weight, compressor and warranty against those models based on the space available in your particular setup.
At 22.9kg, it isn’t one of the lightest 30L options in this guide, so keep that in mind if payload is already tight.
The KickAss is worth shortlisting if you want a Secop-powered drawer fridge/freezer and its dimensions suit your installation, particularly if it’s available at a competitive price against the premium 30L models.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a 12V Drawer Fridge
- Assuming a drawer fridge will automatically use less power. A drawer design doesn’t necessarily make a fridge more energy efficient. Compare the manufacturer’s power-consumption figures and consider how you’ll actually use the fridge, including whether you’ll run it as a fridge or freezer.
- Buying on capacity without checking dimensions. Two 30L drawer fridges can have quite different external dimensions. Measure the full installation space and check ventilation requirements, compressor position and the clearance needed to open the drawer.
- Expecting a 30L drawer to replace a large family fridge. Drawer fridges are brilliant for compact storage, drinks and secondary refrigeration, but 30L disappears quickly if you’re trying to store several days of food for a family.
- Forgetting the total installed and loaded weight. The fridge itself is only part of the equation. Add the drawer system, mounting hardware and the food and drinks you’ll carry inside it when considering your vehicle’s payload.
- Not allowing enough ventilation. A compressor fridge needs to get rid of heat. Building one tightly into a drawer system or canopy without the manufacturer’s required ventilation can affect its performance, particularly during hot Australian weather.
- Not thinking about how contents will be secured. Bottles and cans can move around on rough roads when a drawer isn’t full. Removable dividers can help, and we’ve found our own EvaKool is quieter inside when there’s enough in it to stop everything moving around.
12V Drawer Fridge FAQs
Are 12V drawer fridges any good?
Yes, a 12V drawer fridge can be a great option for a 4WD, ute canopy, caravan or camper where space and easy access matter. They work particularly well in permanent touring setups because you can build them into a drawer system without needing a separate fridge slide. The main compromise is capacity, with many models around 30–40L.
Can a 12V drawer fridge be used as a freezer?
Some can. Several drawer fridge/freezers allow you to set temperatures below freezing, but the achievable temperature varies between models. If you specifically want a freezer for remote travel, check the manufacturer’s temperature range and performance specifications in high ambient temperatures before buying.
Does a drawer fridge need ventilation?
Yes. A compressor fridge produces heat while operating and needs adequate airflow around the refrigeration system. Follow the manufacturer’s installation and ventilation requirements, particularly if you’re building the fridge into an enclosed drawer system or ute canopy.
Is a 30L drawer fridge big enough?
It depends on how you’ll use it. A 30L drawer fridge can work well for drinks, snacks, lunches or as a secondary fridge. If you want it to be your main fridge for longer trips or need to carry food for several people, a larger 40–60L model may be more practical if you have the space and payload available.
Does a 12V drawer fridge use less power than a normal camping fridge?
Not necessarily. The drawer design itself doesn’t automatically make a fridge more energy efficient. Power consumption depends on factors including the compressor, insulation, temperature setting, ambient temperature, ventilation and how often the fridge is opened. Compare manufacturer specifications for the models you’re considering rather than choosing on fridge style alone.
Which 12V Drawer Fridge Would I Choose?
After travelling with our EvaKool 40L drawer fridge in the back of the Patrol, I’m still a fan of the drawer setup. It’s easy to access, doesn’t need a separate fridge slide and makes good use of space that was already built into our 4WD drawer system.
For our setup, I’d choose the EvaKool 40L again. The extra capacity over a 30L model works well for us because we use it primarily as a drinks fridge, and it has handled our travels around Australia without giving us any problems.
If I wanted a compact premium 30L fridge, I’d look closely at the Engel SB30, particularly because of the different compressor mounting options. If I specifically wanted a drawer to operate as a freezer during remote travel and hot conditions, the Bushman DF30-HD would be high on my shortlist.
For a more budget-conscious setup, Kings and XTM are worth comparing, while Dometic, Vitrifrigo and KickAss give you further options depending on your available installation space and budget.
Whichever model you choose, measure the space carefully before buying and check the fridge’s dimensions, ventilation requirements, weight, compressor position and power requirements. Those details matter far more than choosing a drawer fridge based on capacity alone.
If you’re preparing for extended touring, our guide to Big Lap planning covers route prep, vehicle setup, and essential gear.
Read our other complete guides for the other caravan accessories and gear for caravanning and camping.




























Hi
Just looking at a fridge to take up the space in back of a 7 seat Prado, what is the longest fridge draw your can get as I didn’t want to waste space behind where the fridge will sit
Thanks Wanda
Hi can you tell me the name of the drawers you have fitted in your car ?
Finding it difficult to find one that works well with the draw fridge in a 200 series
Thank you Annette & Kev, this was great information. I`m about to start my 4×4 adventures and I didn`t realise there was suck a big difference in draw fridge/freezers.
Julie