Are they most likely to:
- A) Spend 100% of their time in campgrounds connected to 120vAC power (shore power)?
- B) Spend a portion of their time connected to 120vAC and a portion of your time in remote locations without shore power?
- C) Spend all of their time off-the-grid or boon docking?
Knowing the end users’ travel style will help you select the right refrigerator with the right technology for your target end user and increase buyer satisfaction. Below are some of the similarities and differences you should be aware of between absorption and compressor refrigerators.
Absorption Refrigerators
- Considered the “Go Anywhere” RV Refrigerator
- Operate primarily on LP Gas Power
- Also operate on 120vAC and 12vDC power
- No dedicated power package required, e.g. additional batteries, solar panels, generator
- No additional weight from dedicated power package
- Silent operation (no moving parts) agrees with small living quarters
- Draws low amps (average 20Ah per day in 75- to 95-degree Fahrenheit ambient temps)
- Standard power package (20-pound LP Gas Tank) powers Absorption Refrigerator 21 days
- Manufactured to accommodate all RV styles and configurations
- Available in modern, aesthetically pleasing style
- Reliable cooling performance
Compressor Refrigerators
- Not generally considered the “Go Anywhere” RV Refrigerator
- Operates primarily on 12vDC Battery Power
- Also operates on 120vAC (not LP Gas)
- Dedicated power package required e.g. additional batteries, solar panels, generator
- Additional weight from dedicated power package
- Compressor noise & heat can be an issue in small living quarters
- Draws low amps (average 90Ah per day in 75- to 95-degree Fahrenheit ambient temps)
- Standard power package (100w solar, 200Ah lead acid battery) powers 12vDC Refrigerator 3 days
- Manufactured to accommodate most RV styles and configurations
- Available in modern, aesthetically pleasing style
- Reliable cooling performance
After deciding whether an absorption or compressor refrigerator is the right fit for the end user, it also helps to understand how much storage space is important to them. A couple going to the campground for the weekend will require much less space than a family of five going off the grid for two weeks. Dometic offers various sizes of absorption refrigerators that will fit the storage needs of any travel style and family size.
In addition, Dometic also offers portable compressor refrigerators with their CFX Series. These are a great additional storage space for long trips or big families or can be an alternative for smaller spaces or those who plan to bring less. The CFX Series compressor refrigerators make going anywhere a possibility.