When you need to select a refrigerator for your car, the best choice by far is an energy efficient compression style 12v fridge.  This article will briefly address the main reasons way this fridge is the right choice for you.

12v Or 3-way Fridge

People shopping for a car fridge have multiple fridge styles to choose from.  The major types are those designed specifically for 12v, and those designed to run from multiple power sources.

A dedicated 12v fridge is specially designed to be very energy efficient when running from a car battery.  They function using an efficient compression style refrigeration technology, which is able to operate on terrain that is not level.  They are also able to incorporate freezers.

The alternative, a 3 way fridge has disadvantages for car use. Refrigerators that can be powered by propane – one of the power sources for a 3 way fridge – operate using an absorption style refrigeration technology.  These refrigerators must be operated on level terrain, and when operated using 12v DC are a tremendous battery drain.  Also, absorption fridges have a difficult time providing the ability to freezer, they are better at less extreme cooling.

So with a 12v fridge for your car you get – energy efficiency, ability to take off-road, and potential freezer capacity.  With a 3 way fridge for your car you would get – rapid battery drain, on-road use only, and poor cooling ability.

While a 3 way camping fridge is going to be cheaper than a 12v fridge, this is definitely one of those occasions you get what you pay for.  If you intend to make heavy use of a car fridge, a 12v fridge freezer is certainly your best option.  Be sure to check out the Waeco, Norcold and Engel model line-up and you should find a refrigerator that meets your needs.