Absorption vs 12V compressor refrigerators
In this article
Choosing the right fridge for your camper can feel overwhelming — especially with so many options out there. But don’t worry, we’ve broken it down for you. In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between absorption fridges and 12V compressor fridges, so you can decide what fits your travel style best.
Side-to-side comparison absorption vs 12V compressor refrigerator
| Feature | Absorption fridge | 12V compressor fridge |
| ❄️ Cooling speed | Needs pre-cooling | Cools rapidly |
| ⚡Power sources | 3-way: gas, 12V, 230V | 12V (battery) only |
| 🔋Energy efficiency | Higher consumption on gas | Lower overall |
| 🔊 Noise level | Silent operation | Quiet, but not silent |
| 🌡️Performance in heat | Works best in moderate temperatures (10–32°C) | Performs well in hot and cold climates |
| 🚙Tilt sensitivity | Vehicle must stay level (<2.5° tilt) | Can operate at any angle |
| 🍃 Ventilation required | Yes – grilles & airflow, optional: ventilator | No vents needed – easier installation |
| 💡Ideal for… | Off-grid stays, silent nights | Journeys in warmer and colder climates, uneven terrain, fast use |
Let’s dive into how each one works — and who they’re really made for.
How absorption fridges work
Absorption fridges — often called 3-way fridges — can run on 12V, 230V or gas, making them ideal for flexible power use on the road. Unlike a household fridge, they don’t use a compressor. Instead, a heat source (from gas or electricity) powers a chemical process that cools the fridge’s interior. As part of this process, heat is released, which is why proper ventilation is essential. You’ll always find ventilation grilles on motorhomes with absorption fridges, and in warmer climates, an extra ventilator is often added to support airflow and maintain performance.Strenghts of absorption refrigerators
Great performance, wherever you go
The absorption fridge is ideal for when you like to camp off-grid for a longer period of time, as it can switch both manually or automatically between three different energy sources. Thetford’s N4000 series performs perfectly in all conditions, even on campsites where power supply varies from 160V to 230V.
Extremely silent
This system is a very quiet system since it has no moving parts. Therefore, it is ideal for smaller spaces like a RV.
Cooling performance
Absorption fridges perform best at medium and lower ambient temperatures (10 – 32˚ C).
Discover our N4000 absorption fridges
N4000 series
Discover the ultimate in silent, efficient, and versatile refrigeration for your RV with absorption fridges. Enjoy the freedom of cool food and drinks on the go, powered by a range of energy sources; 12V, gas, and AC electricity.
- Automatic power source selection
- Completely silent
- Large fridge volume in a slim design
Accessories
Vent Absorption Refrigerators
Thetford ventilation grills give a nice finish to the ventilation opening on the outside of your camper or caravan. An opening is necessary to keep your absorption refrigerator operating properly. Our vents are available in different colors to best suit your vehicle: white, light grey, dark grey and black.
- Size 186x483mm for table-top fridges
- Size 257x432mm for slim fridges
- Size 281x533mm for large fridges
Vent cover Absorption Refrigerators
A vent cover is ideal for storage or during cleaning. A well designed cover that can be placed over the ventilation register. This cover protects your refrigerator from cold air and ensures its continued optimal performance. A vent cover is ideal during winter if the temperature is below 6 ºC, during storage or during cleaning. Our vent covers are available in different colors to best suit your vehicle: white, light grey, dark grey and black.
- Size 186x483mm for table-top fridges
- Size 257x432mm for slim fridges
- Size 281x533mm for large fridges
Battery pack N4000
A battery pack for stand alone operation of your Thetford N4000-E refrigerator with LED control panel. Not for touch control models.
For N4000-E, N414x-E+ models
Ventilator kit for refrigerators N3000-N4000 series
Ventilator kit for perfect cooling. The fridge ventilator improves air circulation around the refrigerator and improves the airflow over the condenser, temperature control and maximization of the total cooling capacity. Even in environments with high temperatures, the Thetford fridge will keep food fresh, tasty and cool.
Slide-out box
The slide-out box with guiding cover is a great addition to your fridge. Install the box to better organize the contents of your fridge. The box is a perfect place for your breakfast items. You can easily take the box with contents out of the fridge in one go and put it on the breakfast table. The box and the guiding cover have to be ordered separately.
- Available for 420mm and 525mm wide fridges
- Available in grey transparent, white and translucent blue
Bottle retainer
The bottle retainer can be placed anywhere in the door bin of the refrigerator to prevent the bottles from moving while driving. They are available in white and compatible with any Thetford refrigerator.
Shelf food retainer
The shelf food retainer can be clicked on the wired shelves of your Thetford refrigerator. Flip the retainer up while driving to avoid the things inside the refrigerator fall. Flip the retainer down once you arrive to your destination to have better access to the shelves. The shelf food retainer is available in white and compatible with all the current Thetford absorption refrigerators as well as with some older models.
Trade-offs of absorption refrigerators
Slightly slower cooling process
Make sure to pre-cool some hours before use, as the cooling down process takes a bit more time (the exact time depends on the power supply of the RV).
Sensitive to vehicle tilt
3-way fridges are slightly more sensitive to vehicle tilt, and therefore need to be levelled (max of < 2.5˚).
Ventilation
In warmer climates, proper ventilation is key to maintaining cooling efficiency. Parking your motorhome, caravan, or van with the refrigerator side in the shade, ensuring well-placed ventilation grilles, and adding a fan can significantly enhance performance, even in higher temperatures.
How 12V compressor fridges work
The compressor refrigerator, also known as a 12V fridge, works much like the one you use at home. A compressor actively circulates refrigerant through the system, and the evaporator removes warm air from inside the fridge, cooling it down efficiently.Strengths of compressor 12V refrigerators
TIP: to have long off-grid functionality, it is advised to look at power options with additional batteries and solar panels on your vehicle.
Energy-saving options
With Thetford’s 12V T2000 fridge series, you have the option to turn off the freezer compartment completely, which saves you up to 45% energy.
Discover our T2000 compressor fridges
T2000 series
Our 12V refrigerators provide a home-like feeling with their efficient cooling performance, quickly reaching desired temperatures.
- Automatic temperature control
- Large fridge volume in a slim design
- Quiet operation and increased energy efficiency
Accessories
Bottle retainer
The bottle retainer can be placed anywhere in the door bin of the refrigerator to prevent the bottles from moving while driving. They are available in white and compatible with any Thetford refrigerator.
Shelf food retainer
The shelf food retainer can be clicked on the wired shelves of your Thetford refrigerator. Flip the retainer up while driving to avoid the things inside the refrigerator fall. Flip the retainer down once you arrive to your destination to have better access to the shelves. The shelf food retainer is available in white and compatible with all the current Thetford absorption refrigerators as well as with some older models.
Slide-out box
The slide-out box with guiding cover is a great addition to your fridge. Install the box to better organize the contents of your fridge. The box is a perfect place for your breakfast items. You can easily take the box with contents out of the fridge in one go and put it on the breakfast table. The box and the guiding cover have to be ordered separately.
- Available for 420mm and 525mm wide fridges
- Available in grey transparent, white and translucent blue
Trade-offs of compressor refrigerators
Less silent
A compressor fridge is less silent compared to an absorption fridge. However, Thetford’s compressor range has a day mode and a silent night mode.
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Frequently asked questions
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In the refrigerator. Behind the vegetable drawer or on the side wall there is a data plate with all the model information.
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You can do this after a minimum of 8 hours cooling, the food can be placed in the refrigerator. Do not completely cover the cooling fins with food, to preserve an optimal performance of the refrigerator. Make sure air can still circulate around the fins.
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Yes, in most instances you can replace your RV fridge. Locate your current model and find a suitable replacement with our fridge replacement chart. For further information on replacing your refrigerator, please contact your dealer or Thetford Service Centre.
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In this case, a 12V refrigerator is the best solution.
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An absorption fridge is the best solution, because it runs on gas, 230V and 12V.
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Please check if you switched on the refrigerator according to the instructions. Check if the vehicle stands level or if there is an available energy source to start the refrigerator with. If none of this is the case, please contact your dealer or Thetford Service Centre.
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While the display is flashing, hold down all three control buttons at the same time until it stops flashing. The temperature level bars that light up show the error code. You can read the error code from the table. In the example, it is error code “10”. You can find the meaning of the codes here.
3: Error in gas operation
Go to a specialist workshop4: Indicates a defective 12V heating element
> Go to a specialist workshop6: 12V power supply is out of tolerance (11.4V-15.5V)
> Establish a sufficient, resilient power supply. If necessary, visit a specialist workshop7: D-plus signal is missing
> Check whether the vehicle engine is running. If necessary, visit a specialist workshop8: Indicates a defective 230V heating element
> Go to a specialist workshop10: 230V power supply is outside the tolerance (190V-260V)
> Establish a sufficient, resilient power supply. If necessary, visit a specialist workshop11: No usable energy can be found
> Check whether the desired type of energy is available.13: The temperature sensor is defective
> Exchange temperature sensor. Note: If the temperature sensor is defective, the refrigerator shows a fault, but continues to run in an emergency mode.Notes:
Work on live parts should always be carried out by a specialist workshop. If one type of energy cannot be used due to a fault, select an alternative type of energy.
