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Eliminate the complexities of purchasing a 12V upright fridge/freezer with our essential buyer’s guide, covering all major brands!
Whether you’re outfitting the back of your vehicle, designing your ideal camping setup, or enhancing your caravan living experience, 12V upright fridges are among the most convenient and lightweight options available. While they may not offer the same storage capacity as chest freezers, they provide the comforts akin to home, making them perfect for quick trips or as secondary units.
We’ve researched extensively to present the nine top upright 12V fridge options to help you understand what’s on the market and what you’ll need to budget for.
Adventure Kings 12V upright fridges
Although we’re a bit disappointed that Adventure Kings clearly mimicked the branding of a premium shock manufacturer, their products genuinely represent good value. While their quality can be hit or miss, their upright fridges appear to meet standards, and their five-year warranty provides peace of mind.
The fridges are available in 85L and 110L sizes. Don’t expect any groundbreaking technology—these models boast practical features such as an internal freezer, a lower vegetable drawer, and adjustable shelves.
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Brass Monkey 12V upright fridges
As one of the newest players in the market, Brass Monkey is gaining recognition for its expansive product line and solid quality. While their eye-catching console fridges often take the spotlight, their 12V upright fridges do not disappoint either.
Available in sizes ranging from 40L to 95L, they include standard features such as reversible and locking doors, battery cut-off, and adjustable shelving. Notably, the freezer and crisper compartments are removable for easier cleaning or to accommodate larger items.
A unique feature worth mentioning is the compressor’s flexibility, as it can either be remotely mounted or installed directly at the back of the fridge. While this design may be somewhat unattractive, it offers convenience for those with limited space. They also provide larger models of 95L and 138L, but these are not recommended for mobile use, so be cautious if planning a trip down Gibb River Road.
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Bushman 12V upright fridges
Known for its high-quality products, Bushman has become a popular choice for 12V upright fridges. Their 50L and 60L models are especially favored for use in 4×4 setups.
Larger caravans aren’t left out, as they offer up to an impressive 230L size. Their fridges are generally straightforward without excessive features, focusing on durability and reliability. Remarkably, they are one of the few models available with a Tropical T rating, allowing for use in temperatures up to 43 degrees Celsius. Additionally, even the largest caravan versions are designed for off-road conditions.
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Dometic 12V upright fridges
As a leading name in the camping industry, Dometic boasts an extensive range of products that includes everything from rooftop tents to BBQs, and, of course, 12V upright fridges. They offer ten sizes across three different ranges: the rugged CoolMatic CRX, the versatile RUC range featuring 12/24V and mains power, and the RUA range that includes a gas-powered option.
While you will pay a premium for Dometic products, their quality is well recognized. It’s worth noting that their size labeling may not match actual capacity; for instance, the CRX 65 has only 57L of usable space. Additionally, the doors on these models aren’t reversible, which is another factor to consider.
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Engel 12V upright fridges
Renowned for its high-quality camping fridges, Engel offers five upright fridge sizes, ranging from 40L to 95L. In keeping with Engel’s reputation, these fridges are designed without superfluous features but are built to endure and operate efficiently.
Each model utilizes the tried-and-true Sawafuji Swing Motor compressor and operates on 12/24V and 240V power without needing an adapter. They also feature reversible doors with replaceable panels, allowing users to customize them to match their kitchen decor. If you’re seeking a reliable refrigerator at a fair price without a focus on complex features, Engel’s options are hard to beat.
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Evakool 12V upright fridges
Focusing on sturdy products over flashy designs, Evakool, known for its excellent ice boxes, draws, and traditional chest fridges, does offer 12V upright fridge options, but they are somewhat limited.
They have a 110L fridge/freezer and a 95L version available in silver or black. However, these sizes may be too large for many 4×4 setups and insufficient for larger caravans. If they fit your needs, though, you can count on years of reliable performance, with common features such as reversible doors, a fruit crisper, and a Tropical T rating for extra durability.
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OZtrail 12V upright fridges
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, OZtrail hopes its 80L 12V upright fridge grabs your attention. Despite its minimal features, it is equipped with an LG compressor and electronics system, which should reassure customers despite its limited two-year warranty.
Currently, there is only one 80L model available, but OZtrail claims it is tailored for 4×4 or off-road usage, capable of operating at a 30-degree angle without problems, and with a max operational temperature of 55 degrees Celsius at 90% humidity.
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Thetford 12V upright fridges
Known primarily for camping toilets, Thetford may not be the first brand that comes to mind for 12V upright fridges, but their products are worth considering. Focusing on caravan users, they offer larger models, starting from 105L up to 274L, for those with ample space and budget.
Each of their four models includes features such as low-voltage cut-offs to prevent battery damage and over-current protection to safeguard the fridge. Although they lack premium perks like Bluetooth connectivity, they do come with a useful night mode that reduces power consumption and noise, ideal for those who may have a fridge running at night inside a caravan.
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Vitifrigo 12V upright fridges
Despite being a major brand that many may not recognize, Vitifrigo is part of the sizeable Vitri Alceste Group and offers some intriguing 12V upright fridge designs. One standout feature is the ‘vent’ position that allows the door to be ajar to prevent mold when not in use.
While they carry a higher price tag, the DW360 OCX2 fridge/freezer is distinctive with its three compartments: a typical 157L upright fridge section, an 80L fridge/freezer drawer below, and an additional 64L fridge/freezer at the bottom. Smaller variations are available at lower price points, but none can be categorized as budget-friendly.
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What About Other 12V Upright Fridges?
It’s no secret that overseas manufacturing has inundated the market with cheaper 12V upright fridges. This has enabled traditional brands to produce comparable products at lower prices. However, many little-known brands purchase these generic fridges in bulk, label them, and offer them without much differentiation.
This variability does not necessarily indicate quality, making it somewhat of a gamble. If you discover an inexpensive 12V upright fridge, conduct research to check the manufacturer’s history and website. You may save money with a less familiar brand, but there’s also the risk of getting a subpar product with limited recourse. Caveat Emptor.
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