FRIDGES - 3-WAY (GAS) VS 12V COMPRESSOR

There seems to be a rumour going around that for some reason gas (3-way) fridges are both unreliable and/or "yesterday's technology". Nothing could be further from the truth. Gas refrigeration is by far the cheapest and most convenient way for normal van use, and the 3-way fridge is the ultimate in versatility.

It probably stems from the fact that "fridge not working on gas" is a common question - but what people seem to ignore is that this problem usually occurs after 20 years of solid service! Compare that with the life span of the average kitchen fridge.

Whenever somebody asks for advice about a gas fridge, you can always bet that someone else will advise to get rid of it and fit a 12v compressor fridge.

12v Compressor fridges exist because there are situations where gas isn't available - ie in many yachts. They are also getting more use in motorhomes because solar power has greatly increased in efficiency and price has come down. But they are still 12v only - no power, no fridge, so the 12v situation has to be constantly monitored, and even if the roof is covered with solar - there is still no escaping the weather, especially in the UK winter. However in the interest of balance I do agree that there are certain cases where a compressor fridge might make sense. An example of this would be where the owner has higher than average 12v system knowledge or perhaps the van is intended for use much further south - ie winters round the Med.

But spending between £1000 and £2000 for the fridge and possible 12v upgrades plus labour? Compared with fixing the original fridge that will cost between zero and a couple of hundred quid?

My contention is that if you possess a working 3-way fridge, there is absolutely no logical reason to rip it out in favour of a compressor fridge. Gas is cheap and plentiful - and always present - otherwise you would have no cooking or heating.

The 3-way system has been around for donkey's years and is as good today as it ever was. 220v when on EHU - 12v while driving and gas at all other times - always on, beer always cold.