The Battle of 3-Way VS Compressor Fridges.

The Age-Old Battle of

Compressor or Absorption Fridge

Nearly everyone that pulls up to a caravan park, quite quickly start comparing gear with their neighbours. (even if you claim not to).

Everyone has an opinion and an argument that often comes up is “my 3-way fridge is better than your compressor fridge” and visa versa.

After all the fridge is the most important part of your RV as its designed to keep the snags cold and the beer colder.

So is a 3-way fridge really better? or is a 2-way (compressor) fridge the way to go ?

Not all fridges are created equal. So, of the two main types of fridge, which is best? A compressor (2-way) fridge or an absorption (3-way) fridge?

Here we will convey points for both pros and cons of the two main fridge types ?

Let the battle commence !

The Rivals

Compressor fridges are just like your fridge at home. Also often known as 2-way RV fridges, they run on 12/24-volt (usually from your vehicle or camping batteries) or the ability to run on 240-volt power (which is available through a powered site or your portable generator).

Absorption / 3-way fridges are designed to run on 12V, 240V, and gas, hence the name “3-way”. 3-way fridges run on the absorption principle. If you want to dive really deep into the workings of a 3-way fridge, it works on the “Law of Partial Pressures by Dalton”. But let’s not get that deep into the workings.

Let’s address the most common concerns and most needed features here.

Cooling Power:

A compressor fridge in most cases will win this round time and time again due to the powerful compressor motor. The compressor motor can provide more consistently cool temperatures even in super-hot climates. Which makes the compressor fridge an obvious choice if you’re planning on travelling to hotter climates of Australia. Absorption fridges can’t get as cold in hot climates (at least in most cases).

So, from our own testing and customer feedback, the compressor fridge wins the round hands down.

Next is Life Span:

Absorption fridges will actually have the edge here over compressor fridges. Absorption fridges can last 20 + years! Compared to the average life span of a compressor fridge being 10-15 years.

So 1 point to absorption fridges here!

Another great point to consider is Efficiency:

Absorption fridges run extremely efficiently on gas – this where these fridges are extremely popular, as if you are planning on camping off grid for longer periods of time the absorption fridge can last around 2 weeks on 1 x 9kg gas bottle.

Although compressor fridges are built with 12-volt operation at the forefront of operations so they run far more efficiently on 12 volt than the absorption fridge.

Depending on how you look at it, id almost call this round a tie.

Next point to consider for your trip is Terrain:

Most compressor fridges work well on almost any type of uneven terrain. As an example, the Dometic CRX compressor fridge is claimed to be capable of operating at angles up to 30 degrees.

The gas flow cooling system in an absorption fridge needs to stay completely level during operation to operate properly.

This round has got to go to compressor fridges.

Last point we would recommend to consider is Noise:

Absorption fridges use a heat exchange system rather than a compressor. This keeps absorption fridges running dead quiet. Whereas a compressor the opposite is true. Just think back to your fridge at home on a quiet night. They are much more audible than an absorption fridge.

Some models run much quieter than some but this round definitely goes to Absorption.

So with all points considered who’s the winner?

There doesn’t really seem to be an outright winner here, does there? That’s because it comes down to what’s important to you and how you plan on camping / living in your RV.

3way fridges are more often chosen by free campers due to the efficiency of these running on gas, leaving ample battery power for lights on phone charging!

But if you’d prefer a fridge that can run more consistently cool, on uneven terrain and aren’t worried about battery usage then the compressor fridge may be a better choice for you.