One of the biggest challenges for a vanlife enthusiast is having fresh food on hand. Although devices like the reduced van fridge have been developed for this purpose, their limited storage space can be problematic. Hence the need to adopt a certain way of doing things.
So, how to live with a reduced fridge during a van adventure? In this article, discover our tips and tricks.
Choose a reduced fridge adapted to your van
The choice of a mini fridge for Van should not only be based on your needs, but above all on the characteristics of your vehicle. In the following lines, discover the main selection criteria as well as the different types of reduced fridge for van.
The selection criteria for a reduced fridge for van
When choosing a mini fridge for Van, it is important to focus on the 3 main selection criteria which are size, capacity and power consumption.
In order to guarantee comfort of use, it is essential that the size of the mini-fridge is adapted to the space dedicated to it. To do this, you must take into account the height, the width, but also the depth.
Then, to determine the volume needed, you need to consider the size of the van, the number of people on board, the duration of the adventure and the food and drink requirements.
Finally, it is also necessary to take into account the capacity of the battery and the use of solar energy. Thus, it is recommended to take a fridge with an electricity consumption adapted to the energy needs of the van.
Different types of mini fridge for van
There are different types of mini fridges for vans. Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose between:
- Compression fridges: more common in camper vans, they offer better insulation and benefit from a longer lifespan.
- Absorption fridges: known for their low electricity consumption, they are perfect for van use. However, their effectiveness is limited in hot areas. Also, they offer a higher price than that of thermoelectric fridges.
- Thermoelectric fridges: Although known to be the cheapest on the market, they are handicapped by limited efficiency. Reason why they are recommended for occasional use.
Organize your reduced fridge to save space
Properly organizing the interior of your mini-fridge is a crucial step in saving space and maximizing its use. There are many tips related to the arrangement of food and the use of accessories.
Organize food location
This method is one of the most effective for optimal preservation of your food. To do this, you can place the most perishable foods (dairy products, meats, etc.) in the coldest area of the fridge. Products with an average refrigeration requirement such as fruits, vegetables and drinks can, for their part, be distributed in the less refrigerated parts of the appliance.
Opt for storage accessories
To save more space, it is possible to use storage accessories such as shelves or bottle racks. In this way, you can benefit from additional storage levels.
Investing in cooler bags can also be a great alternative for storing foods that take up too much space like vegetables, fruits, etc.
Optimize the use of the fridge
To optimize the use of the fridge and save energy, it is important to follow certain storage rules and implement practical tips.
Rules for storing food
First of all, it is necessary to know the ideal temperature for storing food in the mini-fridge (generally between 2 and 4°C). Also, it is important to properly manage the humidity inside to avoid the formation of mold and bacteria. For this, it is advisable to store food in airtight boxes or freezer bags.
Finally, to avoid any food contamination, it is recommended to carry out regular cleaning with a solution of water and white vinegar.
Tips for saving efficiently
Energy saving essentially involves temperature regulation. It is therefore advisable to adjust the temperature according to the food to be preserved. For example, for vegetables and fruits, a temperature of 8°C may be sufficient.
As you will have understood, the choice of food can influence energy consumption. Thus, for all your adventures in a van, the ideal would be to choose foods that require cold storage (dairy products, meats, vegetables).
However, if you do not want to worry about all these details, you can simply opt for solar panels.
L’une des choses les plus importantes lorsqu’on utilise un frigo réduit en van est de bien organiser l’achat des produits.
Tips for planning errands
So that the quantity of your food is proportional to the capacity of your fridge, it is recommended to make a shopping list according to the meals to be prepared. This not only optimizes space, but also prevents impulse purchases and food waste.
Favorite foods
In order to minimize the storage space used, it is important to favor foods that take up little space. Products that can be stored at room temperature such as pasta, rice, vegetables or even dried fruits are perfect. Also, canned foods are convenient because they do not provide refrigeration. Foods that need to be kept cold, on the other hand, must be purchased in individual formats or pre-cut portions.
At Van-It, we offer you different models of vans ideal for hiking.
The list of available vehicles is on the site. Do not hesitate to go see if you are planning a road trip. Indeed, our fitted vans will make your trip even more memorable. Discover here all our vans for rent. If you want more information, discover our tutorials and travel experiences already made on our YouTube channel.