[Loggio]

Depends on your needs/wants... I thought long and hard about all this a while back as I wasn't happy with the thought of running a fridge on battery on my longer camping trips, as I knew this would mean I would have to get
1) second battery
2) isolator
3) take up more space space having a second battery and having to take a generator with me
5) possibly a solar kit

conclusion, totally not worth it just to keep some drink and food cold.

So I went with a three way option. All I need to bring with me is a gas bottle and this fridge/freezer will run for a month. It keeps everything cold and frozen, even in 39 degree heat. As long as you keep it in the shade, being a fridge and all.

I also got a small Waeco thermo electric fridge that stays in the back of my jeep, I use this to keep things cold/hot on day trips and I find this works great and was only about $100.

And for one or two day trips, honestly... just stick with an esky and some ice. It isn't worth all that cash to keep a fridge running when you're only going to be there for a couple days anyways.

Bottom line, compressor fridges run on battery, batteries last a few days (and you're constantly checking on them to make sure they're on), then they need to be charged, so you either need to go for a long drive or get the generator out. Generators are big and run on fuel, fuel costs money. You can see where I'm going with this. But they do what they claim to do, and they do it well.

Three way fridges last a long time on gas, will run on 12v, run great on 240v but won't work as great as a compressor fridge... though this is debatable in some cases because mine was freezing water on 39 degree heat.

Thermo electric, really only good to keep things cool for a day trip or a trip where you're on the road a lot.

Just my thoughts anyways. Lots of people disagree however.

Cheers,
loggio.