Are you looking for ways to increase space in your caravan?
It’s a struggle that every camper has to deal with. We want all of the fancy appliances but we soon run out of room. However, there are some easy ways to save space if you’re open-minded!
A caravan drawer fridge could be the solution to your congestion problems.
These pull-out appliances take up less space than a standard refrigerator and can be used in the caravan, camper or 4WD. This flexibility is fantastic because it offers a lot of freedom.
Let’s find the best drawer fridge for your needs!
| Evakool 40 Litre Drawer Fridge/Freezer | Dometic CD-30 Drawer Fridge | Engel SB30F Drawer Fridge | Brass Monkey 20L Drawer Fridge/Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Our pick  |  |  | Best Value  | |
40 L | 30 L | 30 L | 20 L | |
48 cans | 30 cans | 35 cans | 24 cans | |
836 x 595 x 326 mm | 715 x 440 x 250 mm | 716 x 440 x 250 mm | 700 x 440 x 250 mm | |
35 kg | 18 kg | 19 kg | 21.8 kg | |
-16ºC to +2ºC | -12ºC to +12ºC | -8ºC to +8ºC | -20ºC to +20ºC | |
12V/24V | 12V/24V | 12V/24V | 12v | |
1.2 - 2.4 A | 3 A | 3.4 A | 5 A | |
2 years (fridge) 5 years (compressor) | 3 years | 2 years | 3 years |
Best Drawer Fridges Australia
Evakool 40 Litre Drawer Fridge/Freezer
Our Pick
The Evakool drawer fridge is one of the best on the market today.
It has a large 40-litre capacity that’s big enough to hold up to 48 cans of drink! As you don’t need a fridge slide, you can use it in your caravan, motorhome, or even your towing vehicle.
This battery is very portable because it’s compatible with car and boat batteries. You can operate it with a 12 or 24V connection. Meanwhile, it has a near-silent operation. Dimension-wise, it’s one of the biggest fridges in its category.
There are two different speeds.
Eco mode sets your drawer fridge to 2ºC with an average power consumption of 1.2A/hr. Turbo mode cools your fridge much quicker. The freezer’s minimum temperature is -16ºC with an average power consumption of 2.4 A/hr.
Evakool uses high-quality materials to make this fridge freezer with drawers.
The metal cabinet is fully insulated and is powder-coated for enhanced protection. It also comes with a metal bracket so that you can easily secure it to a flat surface.
Also, it uses advanced technology like a self-diagnostic fault system, low voltage protection, and automatic reverse polarity protection. This is truly one of the best caravan drawer fridges you can buy.
However, it may not be the most convenient to move around because of its weight. The large size comes at a cost. This fridge weighs a hefty 35kg which is far more than its nearest competitors.
Another potential downside is the price.
Evakool sells this product for about $969. However, its phenomenal features and reliability make this an excellent long-term purchase. They also offer decent warranty protection with 2 years for the cabinet/electrics and 5 years for the compressor.
Dometic CD-30 Drawer Fridge
Runner Up
Dometic is one of the most reliable brands in the world of caravan appliances.
They also offer a popular drawer fridge in the form of the CD-30. This great option is more compact than Evakool’s product at 715 x 440 x 250mm. Meanwhile, it’s almost half the weight at just 18kg.
Of course, this means that there is a lower capacity.
It has 30 L of interior space with the ability to hold up to 35 drinking cans. However, this will be more than enough for many people, given the nature of the product.
There are several high-end features like temperature regulation and low voltage protection. Rest assured that this is a very safe product to use. It is also powder-coated on the outside.
One of the advantages of this drawer fridge is that you can dial in your desired temperature very precisely. This isn’t always possible with this kind of product. The temperature range is between 12ºC and -12ºC.
It is hungrier than the Evakool with a draw of 3A when connected to a 12V power source.
This fridge freezer with drawers costs a bit over $800 and comes with a 3 year warranty.
Engel SB30F Drawer Fridge
Most Reliable Option
The Engel SB30F Drawer Fridge is a quality unit.
Its specifications are very comparable to the Dometic CD-30. Realistically, you will choose between one of these two products. Arguably, the SB30F is less advanced than its rival.
According to Engel, it has a 35 can capacity compared to Dometic’s 30. This is despite the same 30L overall interior capacity.
However, it is a little bit heavier at 21.5kg, with dimensions of 716 x 440 x 250mm. Furthermore, it uses robust materials like steel for a strong, durable product. There is also interior LED lighting so you can easily look inside.
Features include built-in ventilation and auto-switching between 12V and 24V power sources. There is also a reliable Sawafuji motor.
However, the main negative is that it is hungrier than the Dometic.
It consumes up to 3.4A on 12V. This is quite a difference compared to the other appliances and means that it will flatten your battery faster.
Cost-wise, it’s in the mid $800s and comes with a 2 year warranty.
Brass Monkey 20L Drawer Fridge/Freezer
Best Value
Brass Monkey created their drawer fridge with the express intention of creating a cheap but effective product.
They succeeded. Their fridge costs around $450 but it is still a highly effective appliance. You might think that they’d compromise on quality and features, however, this isn’t the case.
Firstly, they construct their fridges from durable steel and make them shockproof. This makes the Brass Monkey a great option if you’re driving off the grid. There’s also a door-latch for increased security.
It will even work at a 45º incline for a limited period! Most standard caravan fridges don’t have this ability because they require a flat pitch to operate.
Despite the cost, the Brass Monkey has the widest temperature range of any of the products in this guide at -20ºC to 20ºC. You adjust the temperature to your preference using the digital monitor.
Choose between max and economy modes per your requirements. The downside is that it has a very high current draw of around 5A, which is well above the competitors. This indicates that the compressor and/or fridge are not very efficient, especially when you consider the small capacity of these units.
Don’t expect to get a lot of life out of your batteries when you’ve got one of these hooked up.
Furthermore, the dimensions are similar to the Dometic and Engel options yet the capacity is much lower at just 20L or 25 cans, which doesn’t make a lot of sense.
This product comes with a 3 year warranty.
What To Consider When Buying A Drawer Fridge
Now it’s time to look at some important aspects to consider before buying a drawer fridge.
Check them out!
Dimensions and Weight
If you’re interested in a drawer fridge it’s because you want to save space.
They’re much lighter, more portable, and space-friendly than standard caravan and 4WD fridges. But it’s still important to check the dimensions of the product before you buy it. Otherwise, it may not fit into the space you wish to put it in.
There is a range of sizes available for all requirements.
It stands to reason that bigger units like the Evakool are also heavier. However, the majority are around 715 x 440 x 250mm with an average weight of about 19kg.
Capacity
Before you get your new drawer fridge you should think about how you plan to use it.
Is it just for a few cool beverages on a hot day? Or do you plan on stocking it with your regular groceries as well? Furthermore, how many people will be using it?
These are all questions to keep in mind. A drawer fridge will quickly become overcrowded if you don’t keep an eye on it. The Evakool is the biggest option, but it’s also the most expensive.
Your lifestyle and vacation plans will play a key role in determining which drawer fridge suits your needs best.
Power Source/Consumption
No fridge is much good without a power source.
Usually, drawer fridges require a 12V power source. Generally, people run them from the cigarette socket in your vehicle, or from a second dedicated battery. These fridges are also compatible with solar panels, allowing for extra flexibility.
Make sure you have the capacity to run your drawer fridge before buying it!
Another point to consider is power consumption. Brass Monkey has the cheapest product but it also draws the most power. This means that you’ll be draining your batteries faster, and potentially risking either flattening your car battery or spoiling your food.
Think about the fridge’s current draw, your battery size, how many solar panels you have, and how long you’ll be going between charges.
Warranty
Different manufacturers offer a variety of different warranties.
Most offer two to three years when it comes to caravan fridges. Ensure that you buy from a quality brand so that they will help you if something goes wrong. The majority of them have respected support teams.
If you buy from a cheaper or unknown brand you may not receive the same treatment. It could even cost you money in the long term if you need to replace a faulty fridge.
Here's more info about the Evakool warranty and the Dometic warranty.
Caravan Drawer Fridges - FAQs
What size and shape of drawer fridge do I need?
Drawer fridges come in a range of sizes.
When you’re buying a fridge consider how you plan to use it and what capacity you’ll need. Also, think about the dimensions of the area where you plan to put it. Ideally, it should be on a flat surface so that it will work efficiently.
How much do drawer fridges cost?
Caravan drawer fridges cost anywhere from $400 to $2,000.
It stands to reason that the more expensive options have the best features. But it’s advisable to shop around because most people will find a product they like for much cheaper. For example, the Brass Monkey is highly advanced despite the relatively low cost.
The Evakool drawer fridge is the most expensive in this guide but it’s also one of the most popular in Australia. That’s because of the size and reliability.
Is a drawer fridge better than a standard fridge?
It’s difficult to say that one style of fridge is better than the other. Both styles serve different purposes.
Regular 12V portable camping fridges are great for families or if you’re travelling long distances. You can fill them up with a lot more food.
3 way fridges are great for those who are going off grid for extended periods and want the flexibility of being able to run their fridge off LPG.
Drawer fridges typically have a lower capacity. But they take up less space and can slot into tight spaces, which makes them great for cars and caravans.
Final Thoughts
A good caravan drawer fridge may change your camping life!
If you have a trailer van and don’t have a lot of space, you may finally be able to bring a fridge with you. Caravan and motorhome users can also benefit because they don’t take up a lot of room. You could remove your regular fridge and replace it with a pull-out version.
The best overall drawer fridge is the Dometic CD-30. It does everything right, with excellent features and a great warranty.
Furthermore, Evakool produces the best larger fridge. The capacity will be appealing to many buyers. If you’re looking for a bargain, then nothing beats Brass Monkey.
As ever, if you have any questions about these products please leave a comment below.
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Note that while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this page, there may sometimes be errors. Check all specifications with the manufacturer before purchasing any product.
Great article, thank you. Can you add the new Kings 30L to this ASAP?