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What actually matters in a van fridge
1. Compressor, not thermoelectric. This is the one non-negotiable. A compressor fridge works like a home fridge: it pumps heat out, then switches off until the temperature rises again. That cycling is what makes it battery-friendly.
2. Single or dual zone. A single-zone box is either a fridge or a freezer. A dual-zone box has a divider and two thermostats, so you can keep frozen food and cold drinks at once. Dual zone adds flexibility – useful for long stretches away from shops.
3. Footprint and access. Chest-style portable fridges open from the top, which keeps cold air in but means sliding them out on a drawer slide in most layouts. Upright 12 V fridges open like a house fridge and fit cabinetry, but lose more cold air when opened. Measure the length of your galley run before falling for a model.
4. Power inputs. Most portable compressor fridges accept 12/24 V DC and many also accept mains AC through an included cable – handy at campsites.
5. Ventilation. Compressors reject heat. A fridge boxed into cabinetry without airflow works harder and uses more energy. Plan vents in and out of the enclosure.
The two models compared
Dometic CFX3 45
Best for: Builders who want a single-zone compressor fridge from an established brand with a wide service network.
- Capacity
- 46 L
- Temperature range
- +20 °C to −22 °C
- Power input
- 12/24 V DC and 100–240 V AC (cables included)
- Weight
- 18.7 kg (41.2 lb)
- Dimensions (W×H×D)
- 398 × 476 × 694 mm
- App control
- Wi-Fi / Bluetooth (CFX3 app)
- Single zone: fridge or freezer, not both at once
- Long footprint (694 mm) – measure your galley before ordering
- Daily energy use is not published on the product page; plan with a battery margin
Specs: manufacturer page, checked 2026-11-14. Based on manufacturer specs and public reviews – not a hands-on test.
BougeRV CRD45 Dual Zone
Best for: Van dwellers who want frozen and chilled food in one box on a tighter budget.
- Capacity
- 45 L / 48 qt
- Zones
- Dual zone (fridge + freezer)
- Temperature range
- −20 °C to +20 °C
- Rated power
- 60 W (Eco mode under 45 W per manufacturer)
- Weight
- 19.5 kg (42.5 lb)
- Warranty
- 2 years (manufacturer)
- Compressor brand not stated on the product page
- Smaller dealer network than the big European brands
- Check current model naming – BougeRV runs several 45 L variants
Specs: manufacturer page, checked 2026-11-14. Based on manufacturer specs and public reviews – not a hands-on test.
Want the line-by-line comparison? See Dometic CFX3 vs BougeRV.
| Spec | Dometic CFX3 45 | BougeRV CRD45 Dual Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 46 L | 45 L / 48 qt |
| Temperature range | +20 °C to −22 °C | −20 °C to +20 °C |
| Power input | 12/24 V DC and 100–240 V AC (cables included) | — |
| Weight | 18.7 kg (41.2 lb) | 19.5 kg (42.5 lb) |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 398 × 476 × 694 mm | — |
| App control | Wi-Fi / Bluetooth (CFX3 app) | — |
| Zones | — | Dual zone (fridge + freezer) |
| Rated power | — | 60 W (Eco mode under 45 W per manufacturer) |
| Warranty | — | 2 years (manufacturer) |
| Best for | Builders who want a single-zone compressor fridge from an established brand with a wide service network. | Van dwellers who want frozen and chilled food in one box on a tighter budget. |
Source: manufacturers' product pages (linked on each product card), checked 2026-11-14. “—” = not published on the page.
Sizing your battery for the fridge
Because the fridge runs around the clock, it's the load that sets your battery size more than anything else. Take the manufacturer's consumption guidance, add your other loads in the van electrical system calculator, and leave a margin for hot weather. Then choose a battery in best lithium batteries for camper vans.
Our take
If you want maximum support and a long-established brand, the Dometic CFX3 45 is the safe pick on paper. If you specifically need fridge and freezer in one box, the dual-zone BougeRV CRD45 offers that layout. Either way, measure first, and confirm current specs on the manufacturer page – models get revised.
Frequently asked questions
Compressor or thermoelectric fridge for a van?
Compressor. Thermoelectric coolers can only cool to a fixed amount below ambient temperature and run constantly, so they struggle in summer and drain batteries. Compressor fridges reach true fridge and freezer temperatures and cycle off once cold.
What size fridge do I need for van life?
Around 35–50 L suits one or two people who shop every few days. Go bigger only if you shop rarely or need a freezer section, and remember a bigger box means more energy and more floor space.
Can a 12V fridge run off the starter battery?
Many have a low-voltage cut-off to protect a starter battery, but for living in a van you should run the fridge from a separate house battery charged by a DC-DC charger and/or solar.
How much power does a 12V fridge use per day?
It depends on the model, the set temperature, the outside temperature, ventilation around the compressor and how often you open it. Check the manufacturer's figures and plan with a margin – use our electrical calculator to see the effect on battery size.
Spotted an outdated spec? Tell us.