With more and more people investing in refrigerators to help keep their food for long back at home and in commercial places, there have been a surge of different models and brands in the market. The wide variety of residential refrigerators for rv has made it difficult for potential buyers to identify what suits them best. In this review guide we will be looking at the best residential refrigerator for rv you can buy.
After a series of research where we analyzed 56 refrigerators and consulted residential refrigerator for rv experts, we did find Avanti RA7316PST 2-Door Apartment Size Refrigerator as the overall winner. Some of the outstanding features that made it come in the first position are its compact design and multiple storage containers. The refrigerator is also capable of successfully fitting on both medium and small spaces and it is energy efficient.
How We Decided
--We researched every product, we review with our own.
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Research Sources
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Research Duration
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Expert's Opinions
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Customers Reviews
#Table of Contents
Top 06 best Residential Refrigerator for RV Reviews
01. Avanti RA7316PST 2-Door Apartment Size Refrigerator
Salient Feature
- Dimension: 55.75 x 21.75 x 23.5 inches
- Weight: 92 pounds
- temperature adjustment ranges: 29.8-52.4℉
- Drawers/Crispers: 2
- Refrigerator Capacity: 7.4 Cubic Feet
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Connector Type: Water Line
- Noise Levels: 43 dB
- Installation Type: Freestanding
- Customer Rating: 3.7 out of 5
Are you in the market for a spacious refrigerator that has a great look and comes with several compartments for holding different items? Then this Avanti RA7316PST 2-Door Apartment Size Refrigerator is a perfect option for you.
Design and Ease of Use
This refrigerator comes with narrow profile that has been accentuated by its sleek design making it perfect for condos, townhomes or apartments. It has a weight of 58 lbs. and a height of 56 inches and measures 23 inches in depth. It has an excellent interior finish and comes with several glass shelves that fit all the storage containers with ease.
Performance
The Avanti RA7316PST performs very well when compared to other types of refrigerators in the market. Its freezer has a net capacity of 1.50 ft3 and has one freezer shelf while the freezer compartment type is tray.
With an input voltage of 120V AC and an energy consumption of 251 kWh per year, this refrigerator performance very well when compared to the other types available in the market. It does have an efficient energy star rating that helps it save money on the users utility bills. Keeping your items organized in this refrigerator is very easy.Pros
Cons
02. Midea WHS-109FW1 Upright Freezer
Salient Feature
- Dimension: 18.5 x 19.72 x 33.9 inches
- Weight: 57.2 pounds
- temperature adjustment ranges: -11.2° to 8.6° F
- Drawers/Crispers: 3
- Refrigerator Capacity: 3 Cubic Feet
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Connector Type: Water Line
- Noise Levels: 40 dB
- Installation Type: Freestanding
- Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5
In case you are in need of a small freezer that can comfortable fit in small spaces or when you do not have lots of food stuffs to store, then you can consider the Midea WHS-109FW1 freezer.
Design
This Midea WHS-109FW1 is available in three different colors of black, white and stainless steel. The different color options make it possible for one to choose the color that will suit their room best. It also comes well equipped with adjustable legs that can easily adapt to any surface, ice maker and a reversible door hinge.
It is well made to perfectly fit in small spaces without affecting its performance or ease of use.
Performance
The Midea WHS-109FW1 freezer comes with an internal storage basket that makes it possible to retain your items keeping them rolling out. Its small size makes it easier to stay consistently cold throughout. It gets to work quickly when you set it up and plug it in. It is also possible for one to store food in it without having to worry about the food being spoilt. It has a great energy score that makes it among the cheapest freezers you can use.Pros
Cons
03. TACKLIFE Compact Refrigerator
Salient Feature
- Dimension: 17.3 x 18.3 x 32.7 inches
- Weight: 49.6 pounds
- temperature adjustment ranges: 33.8-46.4℉
- Drawers/Crispers: 2
- Refrigerator Capacity: 3.1 Cubic Feet
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Connector Type: Water Line
- Noise Levels: 39 dB
- Installation Type: Freestanding
- Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Do you have small space and in need of a compact mini refrigerator? The TACKLIFE Compact Refrigerator is the best option for you.
Design and Ease of Use
It is of flexible design and comes with a leveling leg capable of offering support even on the uneven surfaces. Its door is reversible and can be opened from left or right which helps in ensuring the refrigerator is placed anywhere.
This rv refrigeratoris available in two different size options. There is the larger 3.2 cu. Ft. and the smaller 1.6 cu. Ft. Despite being small in size, it does have enough capacity to take in your food storage requirements. It features one tiny freezer compartment that makes it perfect for storing ice cube trays and ready meals to help in complementing the beverages which are being stored in there.
Performance
This TACKLIFE Compact Refrigerator will help you to cut back on your energy bills. It is environmentally and economically friendly and it is energy star rated. It comes with a powerful compressor that takes in only 0.55 kWh in a day that equals $24 in a year in terms of running cost. It is very easy to control the TACKLIFE Compact Refrigerator temperature that gives one more control over their drinks temperature.Pros
Cons
04. SAMSUNG RF18HFENBSR Refrigerator
Salient Feature
- Dimension: 31 x 35 x 75 inches
- Weight: 256 pounds
- temperature adjustment ranges: 30.8-49.4℉
- Drawers/Crispers: 3
- Refrigerator Capacity: 17.5 Cubic Feet
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Connector Type: Water Line
- Noise Levels: 43 dB
- Installation Type:
- Customer Rating: 2.0 out of 5
Are you in the market for a reliable and solid refrigerator that is of reasonable price? Then this SAMSUNG RF18HFENBSR Refrigerator is the most suitable option for you.
Design and Ease of Use
It is made of a counter depth design and comes with handles that are sturdy and doors which have been contoured. It will always look like a masterpiece when placed in your kitchen.
This refrigerator does have LED lighting that is sprinkled making it easier to get food ingredients and snacks. The lighting is more efficient when compared to the older bulbs.
It does have an EZ open handle that makes the process of opening and closing the drawer of the freezer soft and simple.
The freezer also comes with an ice maker which is automatic making it very easy to access. The ice maker is capable of making up to 4 lbs. of ice on a daily basis. It also has an external filter that helps in ensuring the ice is clean and tasty.
Performance
You will be surprised by the high performance of this refrigerator when you consider its price and size. It comes with a power cool and power freeze buttons that helps in bringing the freezer compartment down into teens.
It uses a twin cooling system that helps in ensures temperatures are kept at perfect range as they circulate in the refrigerator.Pros
Cons
05. COSTWAY Compact Refrigerator
Salient Feature
- Dimension: 20 x 17.5 x 34 inches
- Weight: 52 pounds
- temperature adjustment ranges: -13°F to 50°F
- Drawers/Crispers: 2
- Refrigerator Capacity: 3.2 Cubic Feet
- Voltage: 115v
- Connector Type: Water Line
- Noise Levels: 45 dB
- Installation Type:
- Customer Rating: 4.4 out of 5
The COSTWAY Compact Refrigerator is among the most popular residential refrigerators for rv currently available in the market. There is no way it could miss out on our list of top residential refrigerators for rv.
Design and Ease of Use
Compared to other refrigerators in the market, this COSTWAY Compact Refrigerator comes with two doors instead of one. It is possible to use the freezer without letting the cold air out of the refrigerator to help get your ice cubes.
Its capacity is 2.2 cubic feet and almost half of that for its freezer that is past the average. It comes with attractive and sturdy inner shelves. Overall it is of innovative design that will make any person fall in love with it.
Performance
This COSTWAY Compact Refrigerator cools evenly and quickly. It will help in ensuring the ice frozen is kept solid and foods are well chilled. You can always rely on this refrigerator as it will bring you years of quiet and excellent value. The thermostat will help in regulating the fridge’s internal temperature.Pros
Cons
06. Midea WHS-160RSS1 Compact Refrigerator
Salient Feature
- Dimension: 19.72 x 21.26 x 33.86 inches
- Weight: 115 Volts
- temperature adjustment ranges: 32' to 35.6'F
- Drawers/Crispers: 4
- Refrigerator Capacity: 4.4 Cubic Feet
- Voltage: 115v
- Connector Type: No
- Noise Levels: 42 dB
- Installation Type: Free standing
- Customer Rating: 3.7 out of 5
This Midea WHS-160RSS1is an excellent choice for individuals that prefer having a compact refrigerator in their homes.
Design and Ease of Use
Measuring 4.4 cubic feet, this freezer provides more space than most of the other refrigerators in the market justifying its high price. It comes with reversible doors while its legs can be adjusted to a height that fits best. Other features include three wire shelves which are removable, integrated door shelving, narrow and sleek design with internal walls. It is a stainless steel model that is also available in different colors.
Performance
This best rv refrigerator is well known for its great performance. It can help keep your foods chilled and prevent them from going bad. It has a mechanical adjustment temperature of between -2º – 2ºC that offers temperature and stability. It comes with a large storage area that can fit all types of meals together with beverages.
It is a user friendly unit despite not including an automated defrosting system hence the consumers will have to be contented with using the manual defrost.Pros
Cons
How to Choose the Best Residential Refrigerator for Rv?
There are a number of factors that you need to pay close attention to whenever you are shopping for the best residential refrigerator for rv in the market. Due to the wide variety of refrigerators in the market, there are some that perform well while other does not perform as you expect. In this section, we will be looking at some of the features you need to look at before you settle on a particular refrigerator.
Control of Temperature
Getting a refrigerator that comes with a temperature control you can adjust will help add some convenience to you that your food products are always in good condition. Having an adjustable temperature control will help you control the level of coldness you want the freezer to be in consideration with the types of items stored inside.
Storage
It is important that you always consider the amount of space you will keep the refrigerator even when you are interested in saving space. It is possible to get compact freezers that can store items of up to 7 cu. Ft. While others in the market are able to store up to 1 cu. Ft.
However, when you will be storing minor items, then it is advisable that you go for a mini freezer that does not have lots of room on the inside. You can also consider checking the storage type available. There are mini freezers that provide a removable basket and shelve to enable you organize items better.
Location
You need to determine where you will place your refrigerator before you purchase it. There are freezers that work best when placed on the floor while others work best when placed on a countertop.
In case you are in need of a great versatility, it is advisable that you keep an eye on the freezers which are able of placed on the countertop, elevated or on the floor. Leveling of the refrigerator does play an important role when it comes to location. There are some that offer an adjustable leveling which can be a great method of changing the freezer location.
Defrosting
Defrosting is one of the top methods that will help keep your refrigerator in good condition and your food safe. There are freezers that offer a manual defrost system while other refrigerators do make use of an automatic one. The manual refrigerators are a bit silent and offer lots of help to the freezer.
Cost
Just like any other product in the market, the refrigerators are available in different prices. Ensure you go for what you can afford without breaking all the finances you had. However, never rush for the cheapest as there are high chances it is not durable enough. Do not settle for the most expensive thinking that it is the overall best. Go for what suits your needs and fits onto your budget.Can you put a residential fridge in a RV?
Yes, it is possible to place a residential fridge in a RV. However, there are a number of things that you will have to consider like the residential refrigerator will require 120 volt AC outlet for them to get power.
How do I convert my residential refrigerator to RV?
Let us assume that you have made up your mind and want to convert your residential refrigerator to a RV. Here, will be looking at some of the important steps you need to follow to ensure successful conversion.
Step 1: Take measurements of the available space for installing of new fridge
You will first have to measure where your residential fridge is currently standing. This will be of great help in ensuring that you get the right fridge size that can comfortably fit in the space available.
Step 2: Determine how you will get the RV fridge out
Another important feature you will have to make is how the existing refrigerator will come out and how you will get in the new unit. This will be very simple as you will just have to measure the residential refrigerator width and match it with the width of the fridge to see if it will pass through it freely.
Step 3: Installation New Unit
Since you have the right measurements with you and have a new unit that is ready forrv residential refrigerator install process, you will now have to get the job done. You can always choose to carry out the installation by yourself or contract a refurbished rv refrigeratorsand repair company to help you get the job done.
You will start off by removing the old unit to create way for the new unit. Disconnect the 110V and 12V propane line together with the ice maker if there is any. However, ensure that you avoid removing the unit for cooling at the back to help prevent the caustic ammonia gas from escaping. Get the new unit and set it up.
You will need to get the 120V AC 15 amp breaker together with line from the panel found at the rear section where you will be setting up your new unit. Have the new unit connected to the power cord and the ice maker liner. Ensure that you always create enough space at the back of the unit to help in promoting flow of air.
Switch the new unit on
You can now power on the new unit when you are through with the set up process.How do i install a residential refrigerator in an rv?
When you want torv residential refrigerator install new unit or a second hand refrigerator in your RV, there are a number of steps you need to consider.
Step 1: Ensure you measure everything twice
There are times when the entry ways and doors of the RV are a bit narrower than your home doors. When you have a spot present in the RV, the door might not be in a position of taking in the refrigerator. Ensure that you always include the space that will be consumed by straps and hand carts whenever you are taking in the measurements.
Step 2: Uninstall the refrigerator that is present
In case there is any absorption refrigerator that is in place, you will have to remove it. This will need switching the propane at the main valve off.
Remove the line from the refrigerator back and put in a propane terminator. When doing this, you will have to release the 12 volt wires and cap using wire nuts.
Ensure that you get any screws or other types of fasteners which can be holding it in place and release them. At that point the refrigerator should be free and you can take out the door or wiggle out.
Step 3: Seek for help or ensure you secure the refrigerator
At times, it can be very tempting to muscle the freezer into the RV by yourself. It is important to know that there are residential refrigerators which are much lighter than they appear to be. They are however a bit awkward and in case one manages to get away from you, you can easily get involved in some bad accident. It is therefore advisable to seek support from your friend. However, when you are not in a position of getting help, then it is advisable that you have the refrigerator secured using a heavy duty hand cart using ratchet straps. With that in case it gets loose, the hand cart will help in preventing from making a bad stop.
Step 4: Push the Refrigerator into place
When you do not have any exterior access hatch, you will have to plug it to the residential refrigerator into the 120 volt socket before you push it into position. When it feels lose in any way, you will then have to secure it using some fasteners.How does a residential refrigerator work in an RV?
The residential refrigerators available in most of the kitchens do use compression to help in affecting an enclosed Freon gas volume. With this it will be in a position of drawing the heat energy out of the freezer space. In most cases, they use this with the help of the 110 volt AC current which runs on the electrical system of your house.
Majority comprise of blower or fan mechanism types that help in cold air circulation. With several types of these home cooling appliances, the fan of the freezer will direct the cold air through its venting to help in sharing the cold air using refrigerator.
However, when overcrowded, the poor circulation of air will have profound cooling performance impact. These residential freezers are made to be in a position of holding things the way a family requires. They do come with a reasonable amount of the blower fans, moving parts together with other things that will help in driving the cooling process.
With majority of these refrigerators offering their air circulation, it is always possible to pack them more tightly without experiencing any adverse impact on their efficiency when it comes to cooling.
However, you will have to keep the old compression refrigerators level every time to avoid experiencing any residential refrigerator in rv problems. Anything that is simple as turning it on the side to help move it a couple of minutes into the truck or pick up cargo box will change the dynamics of the fluid that will in turn cause some slew of long and short term issues. Any small issue on the leveling with the old compression refrigerator will not cause any big problem.What is the best refrigerator for an RV?
There is never a bad refrigerator for RV. It all depends with your requirements and what you want to use it for. However, the most outstanding refrigerators for RV are the ones that consume less amount of energy but can help your food products remain chilled for a longer period of time protecting them from going bad.
Conclusion
We do hope that you are now in a position of choosing the best residential refrigerator for rv in the market. However, ensure that you take some of your time and go through some of the important things to consider when shopping for a residential refrigerator to enable you know what to look at. In case you have any suggestion, question or addition, always feel free to contact us.
FAQs
Can I put a bigger fridge in my RV?
It is advisable that you just stick with the size of the fridge that your RV came with. However, it is always possible that you slightly change the opening when you cut around the perimeter to ensure the opening is slightly larger. Ensure that you carefully measure the opening to know the right size you need and make necessary adjustments.
Will RV fridge run off battery while driving?
There is never any simple answer. Majority of the RV owners do run their propane while driving. When you have a three way fridge such as a propane, DC battery power and an AC shore power, it will never be a no brainer. All you have to do is switch off the propane and run the fridge on a 12 volt DC power.
How long will an RV residential fridge run on battery?
RV residential fridge will in most cases use 130 am hours of the battery within 11 hours. However, they will have to keep in mind that majority of the RV’s do come with four batteries of 6V offering a useable 200 amp hours.
Do RV refrigerators use a lot of electricity?
Whenever you put in any extra electrical appliance in your electrical system at home, there will always be an increase in usage of electricity. You will note an increase in the electric bill when you run RV fridge.