What Happens if You Plug in a Mini Fridge Without Waiting 24 Hours?

Jun 13, 2025

Plug in your mini fridge or camping refrigerators too soon and you might just give it a mechanical migraine—less cooling, more whining, and possible long-term damage. Short answer? Wait 24 hours. Why? So the refrigerant and compressor oil can chill too. Keep reading to save your fridge (and your trip).

The Critical Wait: Why You Can't Plug in a Fridge Right Away

Getting a new mini fridge or camping refrigerator is exciting, and it’s tempting to plug it in immediately. But it’s better to hold off. That 24-hour wait isn’t just a suggestion—it’s key to keeping your fridge running well and lasting longer.

When fridges are moved, their internal fluids shift. Powering them up straight away can do more harm than good.

Compact mini fridge with black door and grey sides, on a white background.

What Happens if You Don't Wait? The Risk to Your Fridge's Compressor

Switching on your fridge too soon can cause damage. The compressor, which does most of the cooling work, is especially vulnerable.

It may end up running harder than it should. This can lead to increased wear, reduced efficiency, and even early failure.

Understanding the Role of Compressor Oil and Refrigerant

Inside your fridge, both refrigerant and compressor oil must be in the right spots. During transport, they can move around.

If they’re not settled properly, your fridge won’t cool as it should. Running it like this stresses the system unnecessarily.

How Transporting a Fridge (Especially on its Side) Displaces the Oil

Fridges moved on their side are at greater risk. Tilting or laying them down allows compressor oil to flow into places it shouldn't be.

This displaces the refrigerant and creates an imbalance in the system. That imbalance leads to poor performance—and in some cases, lasting damage.

The Damaging Consequences of a "Dry Start"

A “dry start” happens when the compressor runs without enough settled oil. This creates friction and stress inside the unit.

It may not show problems straight away. But over time, it can shorten the fridge’s lifespan and hurt its cooling power.

How Long to Wait Before Plugging In: The Official Guidelines

Now the big question—how long should you actually wait?

In general, the answer depends on how the fridge was handled during delivery.

If the Fridge Was Kept Upright: The Minimum Wait Time

If the fridge remained upright during transport and wasn’t shaken too much, a 4-hour wait is often enough.

Still, it’s smart to check performance after powering it on. Better safe than sorry.

If the Fridge Was Laid on its Side: The "Time on Side = Time to Stand" Rule

If your fridge was laid on its side, the rule of thumb is this: however long it was horizontal, let it sit upright for at least the same amount of time.

So if it travelled on its side for 10 hours, give it 10–12 hours upright before plugging in.

Why 24 Hours is the Safest Bet for Peace of Mind

Even with good handling, 24 hours is the safest choice. It gives the refrigerant and oil more than enough time to settle back into place.

It’s the simplest way to avoid problems, especially with more sensitive camping fridges.

Tall fridge-freezer with open door showing shelves filled with food and drinks, on a white background.

The Correct Steps for a Safe and Successful Fridge Start-Up

Starting your fridge the right way not only prevents damage—it ensures it works as intended from the get-go.

Positioning Your Fridge with Proper Airflow

Make sure the fridge is placed with enough space around it. This helps with ventilation and keeps the motor from overheating.

Avoid pushing it directly against walls. A few centimetres of space on all sides makes a big difference.

Waiting for the Fridge to Reach Room Temperature

If the fridge arrived cold—say, from a chilly delivery van—let it warm to room temperature before switching it on.

This helps avoid condensation and temperature-related stress on the internal parts.

Plugging it in and Setting the Initial Temperature

Once everything’s settled, plug in the fridge and set the temperature. Most mini fridges and camping coolers perform well at 3–5°C.

Let it run empty while it cools to that level.

Man using portable fridge with open lid, storing fresh meat and vegetables, inside a campervan setting.

How Long to Wait Before Loading Food into Your New Fridge

After powering on, wait at least 2–4 hours before adding food. This gives the fridge time to reach a safe storage temperature.

If you’re using it outdoors or for camping, a quick check with a thermometer will help make sure it’s ready.

Other content you might like:

Back to Camping Refrigerators Blog