Why Invest in a Compressor Fridge over a 3 Way Fridge?

Ammonia fridges have traditionally been very popular in motorhomes and caravans, with their original design dating back to the 1890s. However, they require heat to generate cold, making them less efficient than modern solar alternatives, and the use of gas has inherent risks and costs.

Below, we draw a comparison between ammonia and solar fridges, highlighting some key advantages and disadvantages to consider before making this investment:

Advantages of 3-Way Fridges:

• They are quiet, so they are popular in motorhomes and caravans. There are no moving parts in them; the operation is virtually silent except for the slight hiss of the gas burner. Apart from that, we cannot think of any other advantages.

The disadvantage of 3-Way Fridges:

• 3-way fridges require servicing regularly.
• Since they use a combination of gravity and heat to operate, they must be level to work properly. This is not always possible or practical in a motor home.
• They can be hard to ignite, especially if left unused.
• The 12-volt operation of the fridge relies on a heating element that draws about 8 times as much energy as the latest compressor fridges. This means they can only be run at 12 volts while the engine is running.
• The 12- and 240-volt heating elements burn out and need to be replaced regularly.
• Due to the inefficient nature of 3-way fridges, plugging them into your home's 240-volt AC supply and leaving them on will substantially raise your power bills.
• When fitting a new 3-way fridge to an existing motor home or caravan, the 2013 gas regulations must be met, and the vehicle must undergo GAS CERTIFICATION. This requires a gas practitioner to check the vehicle and all appliances, ensuring the vehicle meets the 2013 Gas Standards.
• The additional cost of fitting a gas fridge to meet the new regulations is substantial due to the vent and exhaust locations being predetermined by the 3-way fridge manufacturer. The location may not be altered, the warranty will be void, and/or the gas practitioner will not certify the installation.
• When purchasing a 3-way fridge, the correct vents must be fitted. The fitting and supply of these vents come at an additional cost to the appliance.
• While travelling, there is always a potential fire risk associated with running a 3-way fridge on gas. The fire risk is especially concerning when refuelling at a fuel station.
• Existing installations may, in some cases, cause carbon monoxide fumes to rise into the sleeping compartments of the vehicle. If occupants experience headaches at night, the vehicle should be checked immediately or fitted with a CO2 monitor.
• A new installation is often more expensive than a combined solar system and solar fridge.

Advantages of Compressor Fridges:

• Requires little or no maintenance.
• Are very easy to start; flick a switch!
• Compressor fridges will work at an angle of about 30 degrees from the level.
• They are available in efficient 12- or 24-volt DC units that require approximately 1 to 2 amps per hour to operate, depending on the fridge size.
• When plugged into your home's 240-volt AC system, the compressor fridge will use less energy than the home fridge and draw energy from the solar system and the vehicle's built-in charging system.
• Since the compressor fridge runs on the vehicle's 12- or 24-volt system, it does not require certification. Therefore, compressor fridges do not incur certification costs.
• Although fridge ventilation is essential, a more flexible approach to venting can be applied. A simple convection flow is required behind the fridge, but manufacturers do not prescribe any predetermined vent locations.
• No open flames are required to run a solar fridge. Consequently, there is no potential risk of fume inhalation or fire-associated risks.
• A new installation is significantly less costly than a 3-way fridge. A solar system will need to be fitted to run a fridge and maintain the batteries, provided it has been designed for this purpose.

Disadvantages of Compressor Fridges:

• Since they have a compressor pump, there will be some noise. However, this will be no more than the house fridge in your kitchen.
• The installation wiring used for fitting must be of a high standard, with suitable cabling, a good-quality solar system, and batteries; otherwise, the fridge will not function properly.

See what's available, and check sizes

If you would like an estimate to have a compressor fridge fitted, contact us