Maybe your parents would frown at the thought of taking a fridge into the great outdoors but modern camping models mean you can have lots of fresh food which means you can cook yourself and save money!

There are 3 main types of camping fridge;

12 volt – usually the cheapest and only really used in the car on the way to the campsite although you can usually buy an adapter for use on mains supply

240 volt – allows you to have constant cooling but does require an electric hookup on the campsite

Gas – Uses cylinder gas tanks to power the fridge. Expensive but gives you the ultimate freedom and constant cooling throughout your trip

1) Dometic (Waeco) Combicool RC 1200 (£160)

Once you hit the £160 make you get true independence due to the addition of gas power. Although it sounds potentially dangerous gas fridges have been used in caravans for years and have to meet strict regulations.  So now you get cooling even in remote campsites. Also includes 240 & 12v power options with a 41 litre capacity and 25 degrees below ambient cooling.

Pros: includes gas option for freedom camping
Cons: relatively small capacity, only gives thermostatic control when using 240v option

Waeco Mobicool U32 AC/DC thermoelectric Cool box (£55)

A step up from an entry level electric coolbox, this one from fridge experts Waeco comes with an inbuilt adapter that works with 12 or 240v. Thus if you get a hookup on the campsite you can have constant cooling. The 32 litre capacity is enough for couples or small families who just want to cool the basics.

Pros: large capacity whilst still being easily portable, dual power options built in
Cons: probably not big enough for families, dependant on electric hookup

Outwell Cool Box 24 ltr 12v 230v (£50)

With a 24 litre capacity its not going to store a huge amount but it looks good and has a dual power option of 12/240v. It can cool up to 20 degree below ambient temperature and also has a heating option. For under £50 you can’t really go wrong!
Pros: dual power option and heating facility
Cons: one of the smallest capacities

Royal 24L 12v Coolbox (£29)

This entry level coolbox is essentially a standard 24 litre box with a cooling unit in the lid. Only really useful for weekend camping as it can be used on the drive to the campsite. However you can buy a mains adapter for around £10. For under £30 its good for storing the milk, bacon and butter!

Pros: very cheap cooling option
Cons: only for short term use and limited storage

Dometic CombiCool RF 60 (£260)

If you have a large family or go camping in groups this fridge has the capacity you are looking for! With a 60 litre capacity and an upright style like your fridge at home it’s like you are in your own kitchen back home! This is a 3 way fridge for full freedom and cools to 30 degrees below ambient.

Pros: huge capacity for groups and families
Cons: the most expensive fridge in our list

Mobicool coolbox W35 DC/AC (£100)

The best feature of this fridge is the addition of wheels and a pulling handle as once it’s full it can get pretty heavy! 35 litre capacity and has a dual electric power adapter built in. Can be used in chest style or stand up and the door can be removed for easy cleaning.

Pros: easy to transport and very sturdy construction
Cons: no gas option

Quest 45 litre 3 Way Cooling Camping Fridge (£180)
With a large capacity this fridge is ideal for families and groups. Plus with the gas powered option available you can camp wherever you like knowing there is a cold drink close at hand! Cools to 25 degrees below ambient.

Pros:  good capacity for families, stylish silver finish
Cons: can only be used as a chest style fridge

Quest 33 Litre Wheeled 12v/240v Coolbox (£110)

Another fridge that comes with wheels for easy transportation. The 33 litre capacity is respectable and it can fit 2 litre bottles without problems. Heats and cools down to 20 degrees below ambient.  Stylish design with a digital display. Dual electric power fridge with 12/240v options built in.

Pros: stylish design, wheels for easy transportation
Cons: expensive for a fridge without gas option

Quest Tristar 45 Litre 3 Way Absorption Fridge (£170)

A stylish 3 way fridge with very minimal noise with operating and peizo ignition for easy lighting when using the gas option.  Large 45 litre capacity with cooling to 25 degrees below ambient.

Pros: reasonable price for 3 way fridge
Cons: Dometic/Waeco similar price and more well known

Royal 3-Way Absorption Fridge 42l (£175)

Another large 3 way fridge which adds the gas option. No internal fan makes this completely noise free. Large 42 litre capacity and cools to 25 degrees below ambient. Not the best looking mind!

Pros: large capacity and reasonably priced for 3 way
Cons: not the best looking!