Discover the Disadvantages of Camping Fridges

Jun 13, 2025

Camping refrigerators might seem like the heroes of outdoor dining—until they drain your battery, hog your boot space, and hum louder than the crickets.
Short answer? They’re convenient but come with serious baggage.
Keep reading to learn why these chilly companions might just put a freeze on your fun.

The Major Hurdles: Cost and Power Requirements

The Financial Investment: More Than Just the Fridge

The High Upfront Cost of the Unit Itself

Camping fridges bring convenience and flexibility. Yet, they can also come with a hefty price tag.

For some outdoor lovers, the cost can be off-putting. It's worth weighing the benefits against the initial outlay.

Tall black compressor fridge with closed doors and bottom drawer, on a white background.

The Hidden Costs: The Need for a Power System (Batteries, Solar)

Beyond the fridge itself, you'll often need extras like a secondary battery or a solar setup.

These add-ons can push the total cost even higher. It's something to factor into your budget early on.

The Constant Need for Power: The Biggest Challenge

The Risk of Draining Your Vehicle's Starter Battery

One major drawback is power use.

Many fridges consume between 30 and 50 watts. Left running without the engine on, this can quickly flatten your starter battery.

High Power Consumption, Especially in Hot Weather

Hotter weather makes it worse.

Fridges need more energy to maintain cooling in extreme heat. This not only drains batteries faster but also risks spoiling your food.

The Complexity of Managing Your Power Source Off-Grid

Running a camping fridge off-grid takes planning.

You’ll need to monitor battery levels, consider solar input, and juggle usage times.

For beginners, this can be a bit overwhelming.

Black double-door fridge freezer with empty shelves and freezer compartment visible, on a white background.

Practical Drawbacks for Day-to-Day Camping

Weight and Bulk: The Space and Portability Issue

Taking Up Valuable and Limited Vehicle Space

Camping fridges are not exactly compact.

Storing one in a tent or small car can be tricky. It’s wise to measure up beforehand to avoid surprises.

The Challenge of Carrying a Heavy, Bulky Unit

These units can weigh between 15 and 25 kg.

That’s a lot to carry, especially on your own or across uneven ground. It's less than ideal for lightweight travel.

Camping Fridge Capacity	Approximate Weight	Suitable for
20 litres	10 kg	Solo campers
40 litres	18 kg	Couple or small family
60 litres	25 kg	Large family or group

Complexity, Noise, and Reliability Concerns

What Can Go Wrong: Potential for Mechanical and Electronic Failure

Camping fridges are exposed to dust, rain, and rough use.

These conditions can lead to faults, especially if not properly maintained.

A little damage can quickly affect performance.

Tall black fridge freezer with partially open door showing shelves stocked with food and drinks, on a white background.

Operational Quirks: The Need to Be Level and Well-Ventilated

Most fridges need to sit flat and have space around them for air circulation.

That can be hard to manage in cramped or uneven spaces.

The Annoyance of Compressor Noise in a Quiet Campsite

Some units make a noticeable buzzing sound.

At night, that quiet hum can become surprisingly loud.

It’s worth checking decibel ratings before buying to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Other content you might like:

Back to Camping Refrigerators Blog