A 3 way fridge is a cooling unit that can run off 12 volt power, electricity mains or LPG gas.
3 way fridges provide travelling/4WD/camping enthusiasts all the freedom of keeping important food items cool.
Use gas operation when in remote locations, 12 volts from the car or motor-home cigarette lighter socket and then convenient 240-volt connection at powered campsites.
With a 3 way fridge you can easily adjust the temperature to suit your needs or switch-over from one energy source to another with a flick of a switch.
Like conventional fridges the 3 way fridge comes in different sizes, depending on your needs.
3 Way Fridge Buying Tips
- Look for fridges with a low-voltage cutout so when running off your car battery they don’t accidentally drain it dry.
- Stick to major brands like Waeco, Repco, Engel, Dometic or Coleman.
- Common sizes run from 30-50 litres, depending on your consumption. Larger fridges can be taller which means things can get buried at the bottom (invariably when you need them!)
- If you go for the fridge/freezer option, try cooling things at home before you go on a trip so you get the hang of how to keep your ice frozen and your beer cool, not the other way around!
- B aware of strong breezes when using gas as they can quietly extinguish the flame
- Careful not to sit the fridge at a sharp angle when in use. Keep it as level as possible to make sure the convection system works effectively throughout the fridge.
3 Way Fridge Usage Tips
A 3 Way Fridge Comparison
The 30-35 litre 3 way fridge is a great compact companion for camping and remote work. It chills very quickly due to highly efficient insulation and a tight rubber seal between the lid and fridge body.
Designed for use with 240 volts, 12 volts and gas the fridge cools down to 25°C below ambient temperature. It can be used as a temporary drinks fridge at home or using the 12 volt connection in the car. LPG gas operation keeps things cold while you when you are away from a power source.
Compare the Waeco and Dometic models below:
Model
Waeco CA-35 (capacity 35 litres)
Dometic 3 Way Fridge RC1600 (capacity 22 litres)
General Dimensions
Waeco:D515 x W520 x H454 mm
Dometic: D458 x W500 x H440 mm
Rough Weight
Waeco: 20 kg
Dometic: 15kg
Approximate Consumption Guide
Waeco: 72 watts on 240 volts, 72 watts on 12 volts 12g/hour on LPG
Dometic: 75 watts on 240 volts, 75 watts on 12 volts 11g/hour on LPG
3 way Fridge and Freezer
A 3 way fridge freezer includes a high performance cooling unit that can be used as a fridge or freezer in any mode - 240 volts, 12 volts or PLG gas. This option is a great essential for camping and or even just for a picnic with the kids.
Completely silent, an absorption system of refrigeration/freezing with full insulation in polyurethane foam means no compressor noise like other fridges.
Some fridge/freezer combo units have multi-use aspects. For example a model might have a 30 litre fridge and a 16 litre freezer which can be converted to a 50 litre fridge by removing the internal divider.
Check out our articles on types of 3 Way Fridges including the Motorhome Fridge and the Camping Fridge Freezer.