100% Kiwi Owned & Operated
Off-Grid Appliance Specialists
Parts/Support Available
Quality You Can Trust
Keep your essentials fresh with New Zealand’s most trusted range of off-grid refrigeration. From high-efficiency 12V/24V DC compressor fridges for your campervan to robust gas freezers for the remote family bach, our appliances are engineered for low power draw and rugged NZ conditions. Backed by expert local support and full compliance, so you can adventure with confidence.
The choice depends on your power source and how you travel. 3-Way Gas Fridges are silent and offer total independence if you have limited solar, as they can run on LPG for weeks. They are the traditional choice for remote NZ baches and older caravans.
However, Solar (12V Compressor) Fridges are becoming the NZ standard for modern setups. They cool down much faster, perform significantly better in high summer temperatures, and don’t require gas venting or level parking to operate. If you have a reliable solar and battery system (especially Lithium), a 12V compressor fridge is generally the more efficient and powerful choice.
For a standard 12V fridge (between 60L and 130L), we recommend a minimum of 150W to 200W of solar panels. This setup typically provides enough “harvest” during a New Zealand summer day to run the fridge and replenish your battery bank.
If you are camping in the South Island, or plan to stay off-grid during the shoulder seasons, we recommend increasing this to 300W+. This accounts for shorter daylight hours and lower sun angles. Always pair your panels with a high-quality MPPT controller to ensure you are getting the maximum charge possible into your batteries.
Winter in New Zealand means fewer sunlight hours and lower solar yields. To keep your fridge running without draining your batteries, follow these tips:
Pre-chill on Mains:Â Always get your fridge down to temperature using 240V power at home before you head off-grid.
Keep it Full:Â A full fridge acts as a “thermal mass,” holding the cold better than an empty one. If it’s half-empty, fill the gaps with water bottles.
Adjust the Thermostat:Â In winter, the ambient temperature is lower. You can often turn your fridge down a notch or two without compromising food safety, saving significant battery power.
Check Your Ventilation:Â Ensure the vents behind the fridge are clear. Even in winter, a compressor needs airflow to run efficiently.
Park in the Sun:Â While you might want shade in summer, in winter, parking your solar panels in direct, unshaded sunlight is critical for battery health.
