Who has a COMPRESSOR FRIDGE

Of course, an alternative way of thinking would be to ask whether you even need to run a fridge at all if you're away midwinter in the glens!

I've taken to minimizing the power used by mine by using it on a low setting, and storing very little fresh food in it anyway. If the milk goes off, it's no disaster if I just have to throw it away and open a fresh one!

But I have to admit that if you want ultimate flexibility, a 3-way fridge is hard to beat...

Maureen57 wrote:I am thinking of changing my Coachbuilt Nuevo (2016) for a small Van Conversion but..... they all seem to have Compressor Fridges due to space available.

I thought the advantage of a Compressor Fridge is that it works better in a hot climate.
Are Compressor Fridges also smaller than Absorption Fridges?


I appreciate the gas power option so hope to stick with a 3 way Absorption Fridge.

This is quite a good site-

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this looks like and old thread but still valid?...
of so, the Malibu Van 540 (by Carthago, so proper insulation, winterised tanks etc) is the size required, has a large fixed bed (with decent storage under) and a 3-way fridge...no available with no cab parcel shelf giving a very open and roomy feel to the cab...
new and used models available....try Southdowns, Go European,

Yes, an absorption fridge really only works well in a fairly narrow outside temperature band. Once you get below near freezing and above 30C performance drops off, whereas a compressor fridge tends to perform come what may. It is also  switch and forget, whereas an absorption has to switch, or be switched between it's three power sources.
Absorption can stop working if not level, compressors work at any angle. Absorptions need ventilation grilles in the van's body, compressors don't.
Your house fridge is a compressor type, so size is no barrier. Absorption are silent, whilst compressor types generally have a low hum and a click as the motor is turned on/off by the thermostat.
My van has a compressor type because there is a structural member of the van body right behind the fridge and it's impossible to cut grilles without compromising body rigidity.

Even if East Neuk were to agree to change the fridge to absorption type, their 15l (7.4kg propane) underslung gas tank is still a bit less than 2x3.9kg cylinders.