Wich fridge have you got? Top loader or front? Any regrets and wich you chose the other?

[Skyliner33]

I'm currently sat thinking about the pros and cons of each set up.

But what are they like to live with?

WHat did you choose, and if doing it again would you make the same, or different choice? For what reason(s).

I've looked at the other threads but there isn't really much info.

 

[T6ChrisO]

Watching with interest as I fancy a top loader but also they cost more £££ (and limits my kitchen supplier options)

 

[Stay Frosty]

Dometic/Waeco CRX50, looks like a real fridge and works like a real fridge.
Ours worked like a champ through four weeks of those high 30s C temperatures this summer in France and didn't miss a beat.

 

[cgtmiles]

Dometic/Waeco CRX50, looks like a real fridge and works like a real fridge.
Ours worked like a champ through four weeks of those high 30s C temperatures this summer in France and didn't miss a beat.

Ditto

Couldn’t work out why people used top loader fridges before but seems to make more and more sense as time goes by. Particularly the ability to ram it full without it falling out every time you open the door!

 

[Badjamin]

ReVace RV35 12v 37 Litre Compressor Fridge.

I faced the limitations of a narrow (depth) cupboard resulting in a smaller volume door opening unit. This was a sacrifice I was happy to make having not had a larger volume fridge to compare it to.

That said and as I've mentioned before. I think if I had bought my interior from new and with the budget required, I would probably go for a top loading fridge (freezer alternatively). I have a SWB so the limitations are that to have toploading fridge in a traditional side unit with tall rear cupboard I would not be able to have both a sink and a hob. That said I don't want a sink or hob in my work top. (I'll be removing my sink and hob when I find a suitable work top to replace the unit).

Having a LWB, If you do go for a long side unit with no tall cupboard I think a top loading fridge is the better option, as you have a lot of space along that wall. @borat has a great example of this!

More fridge stuff here for anyone researching Recessed fridge in wall

 

[Moodz]

We have a top loader and it is excellent for fitting everything in and getting a beer out without getting out of bed. Its also good for really hot weather because you can lift the lid and stick your head in

 

[Aer0nautics]

Alpicool 35l top loading. Cheap as chips and absolutely fantastic. All the cold doesn’t fall out the moment you open the door, ha. And I plan to have mine on a rails so it pulls out.

 

[DXX]

Front loading Dometic CRX50, great fridge with fragile components - catch, shelf, door shelf cover. Parts are ridiculously expensive.
IF I had a LWB I would be able to get in the fridge while my California seat bed is flat. However we have workaround where one of us gets folded up in the mattress on the bed board like some kind of meat sandwich. It works and still better than getting out of bed, like Yoga but more fun.

 

[mvw]

I have a CRX50 and it's fine, but I also have two big dogs that are usually with us. They are always in the way if I need to open anything at the floor level. If I got another van I would get a top loader fridge and wouldn't rely on any cupboards/drawers at floor level. Either that or get rid of the dogs ;-)

 

[ginkster]

Webasto top loader. It’s brilliant and very efficient. Loads of space and can be a fridge or freezer. Only downsides are you have to clear the top to get into it (you soon learn to work around that) and it can freeze a little on the inside surfaces (I line it with some thin foam to stop things sticking to it - works great and stops rattles too!). I would buy again.

 

[Ayjay]

We’ve got a Dometic CRX50 and it works OK, especially in hot weather, but I reckon they’re way over priced for what you get - made with flimsy components that cost a fortune to replace. The door on ours doesn’t quite fit properly and I’ve never been able to correct it but over time I’ve learnt how to deal with that.
I’ve no experience of a top loader but can see the attraction after looking at the one fitted in a Cali Ocean. I’ve also been thinking about buying a smallish compressor cool box for extra fridge space but need to Look into it a bit further.

 

[Stay Frosty]

We’ve got a Dometic CRX50 and it works OK, especially in hot weather, but I reckon they’re way over priced for what you get - made with flimsy components that cost a fortune to replace.

You could be talking about a VW Transporter there.

 

[Ayjay]

Personally, I agree with you but there are some who would burn you at a stake as a heretic for saying that (indeed, I think I can hear the wood being chopped as I type!)

 

[Stay Frosty]

I typed that from the belly of the beast here at Busfest.

 

[Skyliner33]

Thanks for all the input. I'm pretty much decided to get a top loading fridge, the main downside for me then would be the lack of a freezer compartment.
Then sell my ARB fridge (as it wont fit under the bed board and then get a small top loading portable fridge (that fits under the bead board) that I can use as a freezer.

 

[DXX]

Thanks for all the input. I'm pretty much decided to get a top loading fridge, the main downside for me then would be the lack of a freezer compartment.
Then sell my ARB fridge (as it wont fit under the bed board and then get a small top loading portable fridge (that fits under the bead board) that I can use as a freezer.

Have you considered the noise from the fridge running being right under your head while you’re sleeping?

 

[Skyliner33]

Have you considered the noise from the fridge running being right under your head while you’re sleeping?

Not really, it used to be there in my last van. ever caused me an issue, the one I have now is quiet, much quieter than the diesel heater. The bed board in the last van was a bit higher. If it did, then the problem would be either to switch off overnight, or put it in the awning.

 

[Matt-T68]

I have a MyCoolman 20l now. Very quiet in operation. Can go down to -18 if needed. Uses very little power even on a 4-5 day jaunt. Has a carry handle so you can move it about easy. Very good thermals as it holds 3c for ages before kicking up. Ours is under the bed board when the RIB is down and we don't hear it at all.

 

[denz1968]

Top loader every time. Nice sleek lines ( no bulge out for a front door)
The top loader keeps the cool in when you open it
Easy to stack and deceiving how much you can fit in them

 

[chimpusmaximus]

Indel B Cruise 49 drawer fridge, was expensive but so far been worth it.