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Quote: Originally posted by Valiant Son on 29/7/2013A table top fridge uses a compressor, as noted above. It also uses refrigerant gas (R-134a). The refrigerant gas in table top fridges needs to be allowed to settle before use. The common settling time quoted by manufacturers is 24 hours. They also need to be placed on stable and reasonably level surfaces for the refrigerant to circulate effectively.

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Absorption fridges (camping fridges) also use a refrigerant gas (ammonia) but operate on a different principle that requires a heat source rather than a compressor. (The heat source can be electrical or gas). Because of the different method of refrigeration these fridges have no moving parts and therefore no need for the same stability and levelness of surface on which they are stood. The refrigerant is also suitable for immediate use.

It is possible to use a compressor fridge while camping, but their performance will potentially be impaired and you will have no protection under the warranty as you will be using it in a manner contrary to that for which it is designed. The life of the fridge will be reduced also, even if you do not experience any problems with it during use.

The final issue is noise. They can be very noisy and while this may not bother you, it may irritate other campsite users who would be well within their rights to complain if it disturbed them during the night. Site owners would then be within their rights to require you to pay for those customers who had been disturbed and to cease from using the fridge.

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Quote: Originally posted by Inner Zone on 29/7/2013

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Quote: Originally posted by Valiant Son on 29/7/2013A table top fridge uses a compressor, as noted above. It also uses refrigerant gas (R-134a). The refrigerant gas in table top fridges needs to be allowed to settle before use. The common settling time quoted by manufacturers is 24 hours. They also need to be placed on stable and reasonably level surfaces for the refrigerant to circulate effectively.

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Absorption fridges (camping fridges) also use a refrigerant gas (ammonia) but operate on a different principle that requires a heat source rather than a compressor. (The heat source can be electrical or gas). Because of the different method of refrigeration these fridges have no moving parts and therefore no need for the same stability and levelness of surface on which they are stood. The refrigerant is also suitable for immediate use.

It is possible to use a compressor fridge while camping, but their performance will potentially be impaired and you will have no protection under the warranty as you will be using it in a manner contrary to that for which it is designed. The life of the fridge will be reduced also, even if you do not experience any problems with it during use.

The final issue is noise. They can be very noisy and while this may not bother you, it may irritate other campsite users who would be well within their rights to complain if it disturbed them during the night. Site owners would then be within their rights to require you to pay for those customers who had been disturbed and to cease from using the fridge.

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Have to disagree with that statement I have bolded. I own a Camping Gaz three way portable and a Electrolux 3 way built in to the caravan, both need to be level in all directions to function correctly.

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