Fridge & Freezer
The fridge usually runs 24/7, so it is often the single biggest power user in an off-grid tiny home. An efficient 12V compressor fridge is the standard choice. Pricing is shown per country; regions marked "being researched" are coming soon.
Fridge & freezer options
12V Upright Compressor Fridge (off-grid favourite)
A front-opening upright fridge that runs on 12V DC straight from your battery/solar — purpose-built for caravans, vans and tiny homes. The off-grid standard.
Advantages
- Runs directly off battery/solar
- Front-opening with shelves — feels like a home fridge
- Very efficient (Secop/Danfoss compressors)
- Australian-made options (e.g. Bushman)
Disadvantages
- Dearer than a basic 240V bar fridge
- Smaller capacity than a full house fridge
- Needs ventilation around the unit
Indicative pricing
Portable / Chest Compressor Fridge
A chest-opening 12V fridge (Engel, Dometic CFX etc.) that can also come outside for camping. Extremely efficient, flexible, but less convenient for daily home use.
Advantages
- Most efficient per litre
- Doubles as a camping fridge
- Can switch fridge/freezer
- Tough and reliable
Disadvantages
- Chest-style — awkward for daily kitchen use
- Takes floor space
- Lower capacity
Indicative pricing
Standard 240V Bar / Compact Fridge
An ordinary mains-powered compact fridge. Cheapest to buy, but it is a constant 240V load — fine on mains/grid power, harder work for an off-grid battery system.
Advantages
- Cheapest to buy
- Widely available
- Familiar and simple
Disadvantages
- Constant 240V draw (tough off-grid via inverter)
- Less efficient than 12V compressor
- Basic build
Indicative pricing
Freezer (separate or built-in)
Many tiny homes rely on the fridge’s small freezer compartment or a dual-zone unit. A separate upright or chest freezer is an option if you batch-cook, at a power and space cost.
Advantages
- Dual-zone fridge/freezer saves a second appliance
- Chest freezers are efficient
- More frozen storage for batch cooking
Disadvantages
- A separate freezer adds power draw and footprint
- Often unnecessary in a tiny home
- Another thing to power off-grid
Indicative pricing