Choosing The Best Fridge for Your Toyota Coaster: Top Tips

Where to Start

Choosing the best fridge for your Toyota Coaster motorhome can be daunting with so many options available.

However, it is an important decision. You need to make sure your food stays cold, your freezer is reliable and that your beer and wine chill nicely while you are out on the road. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or an extended adventure, the right fridge can make all the difference. Here, we delve into five upright fridge brands that will suit Toyota Coaster motorhomes in Australia. We will explore all the pros and cons to help with choosing a fridge for your Toyota Coaster motorhome.

For the record, we have an old Waeco two door fridge/freezer in our Toyota Coaster bus that is still going strong. This brand is no longer available though (Waeco have been taken over by Dometic) so this research project was valuable for me personally. I am now fully prepared in case I have to replace the fridge in the future!

1. Bushman

Bushman upright fridges are a popular choice when it comes to choosing the best fridge for your Toyota Coaster motorhome They are well known for their quality and efficiency. These fridges come in a variety of sizes ranging from 50L to 230L, providing options for different storage needs and motorhome configurations. If you choose a Bushman fridge for your Toyota Coaster bus you will be in good company with many other happy Toyota Coaster owners.

Positives:

Wide Range of Sizes: Available in capacities from 50L to 230L, allowing you to choose the perfect size for your Toyota Coaster configuration, and travel requirements.
Energy Efficient: Designed for minimal power consumption, making them suitable for off-grid camping and solar setups.
Durable Construction: Built with high-quality materials, Bushman fridges are designed to withstand the rigors of travel and outdoor use.
Versatile Power Options: Capable of operating on both 12V and 24V, ensuring reliable performance regardless of your power source.
User-Friendly Features: Equipped with adjustable shelving and easy-to-use controls for enhanced convenience and organization.

Negatives:

Weight: Larger models can be quite heavy, which may affect the overall weight capacity of your Toyota Coaster.
Price Point: Some users may find Bushman fridges to be on the higher end of the price spectrum, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
Installation Complexity: Depending on the model, installation may require additional effort to ensure proper ventilation and power connections.

Overall, Bushman upright fridges are a great investment if you are looking for a reliable and energy-efficient fridge for your Toyota Coaster.

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2. Engel

Engel fridges have an enviable reputation for reliability and durability in the Australian marketplace over a long period of time. This impressive reputation is certainly well deserved. If you are choosing the best fridge for your Toyota Coaster motorhome that will easily last you 20 years then this is the one for you. Available in a variety of sizes from 40L to 95L, Engel offers both compressor style fridges and three-way fridges, providing options to suit different needs and preferences.

Positives:

Variety of Sizes: With sizes ranging from 40L to 95L, there’s a suitable option for various storage needs and Toyota Coaster layouts.
Compressor and Three-Way Options: Users can choose between the efficient cooling performance of compressor fridges or the flexibility of three-way fridges.
Durability: Known for their robust build, Engel fridges are designed to withstand tough conditions and long-term use.
Energy Efficiency: Compressor models are particularly noted for their efficient power consumption, making them ideal for solar setups and off-grid use.
Consistent Cooling: Both fridge types maintain reliable cooling performance, ensuring your food and drinks stay fresh even in hot climates.

Negatives:

Higher Cost: Engel fridges, especially compressor models, tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Weight: Some models, particularly the larger ones, can be quite heavy, which might be a consideration for Toyota Coasters with weight restrictions.
Power Source Dependence: Three-way fridges require proper ventilation and may need manual switching between power sources, while compressor models need a consistent power supply.

Overall, the Engel brand is a solid investment when you are choosing the best fridge for your Toyota Coaster bus. Whether you opt for a compressor or a three-way model, Engel provides options that cater to a variety of needs and preferences, ensuring your travel experience is as comfortable and convenient as possible.

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3. Dometic

Dometic upright fridges are a popular choice for Toyota Coaster Owners, offering versatility and reliability. Available in a range of sizes from 55L to 224L, Dometic provides both compressor and three-way fridge types, catering to various needs and preferences when choosing the best fridge for your Toyota Coaster motorhome.

Positives:

Wide Range of Sizes: Options from 55L to 224L ensure you can find the perfect size fridge for your Toyota Coaster layout.
Versatile Power Options: Choose between compressor fridges, which are highly efficient and great for off-grid use, and three-way fridges, which can run on 12V, 240V, and LPG for maximum flexibility.
Energy Efficient: Both types are designed to minimize power consumption, making them suitable for extended trips and reducing strain on your power resources.
Advanced Features: Many models come with features like automatic energy selection, digital control panels, and adjustable shelving, enhancing convenience and usability.
Reliable Performance: Known for their consistent cooling performance, Dometic fridges maintain stable temperatures even in challenging conditions.

Negatives:

Higher Price: Dometic fridges tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
Weight: Larger models can be quite heavy, potentially affecting your Toyota Coaster’s overall weight capacity and fuel efficiency.
Installation Requirements: Some models, especially three-way fridges, may require more complex installation procedures, including ensuring proper ventilation.

Overall, Dometic upright fridges are a top choice for Toyota Coaster motorhome owners looking for reliable and versatile refrigeration options. With a range of sizes and advanced features, they offer solutions for different travel needs and preferences.

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4. Vitrifrigo

Vitrifrigo upright fridges are an excellent choice as a fridge for your Toyota Coaster bus, offering a wide range of sizes. They also offer both compressor fridges and three way fridges. Known for their efficiency and reliability, these fridges are designed to meet the needs of Toyota Coaster motorhomes.

Positives:

Wide Range of Sizes: Available many sizes, providing flexibility when choosing the best fridge for your Toyota Coaster motorhome.
Low Power Consumption: Designed to be energy-efficient, making them suitable for solar setups and extended off-grid use.
Quiet Operation: Runs quietly, enhancing comfort within the Toyota Coaster without disturbing noise.
Durable Build: Built with high-quality materials for longevity and resilience in mobile environments.

Negatives:

Installation Considerations: May require more complex installation processes, including ensuring adequate ventilation and power connections.

Overall, Vitrifrigo compressor-style upright fridges offer reliable and efficient cooling solutions for Toyota Coaster owners. With a variety of sizes and energy-efficient performance, they are a great investment for ensuring fresh food and cold drinks on your travels.

5. Thetford

The Thetford Compressor Fridge is an excellent choice as a fridge for your Toyota Coaster motorhome. It has a reputation for being reliable and efficient. Available in a variety of sizes, including 150L, 174L, 224L, and 274L, it caters to different space and storage needs.

Positives:

Superior Cooling Performance: Thanks to its compressor technology, it maintains excellent cooling efficiency even in high ambient temperatures.
Variety of Sizes: With options ranging from 150L to 274L, there’s a size to fit different Toyota Coaster layouts and storage needs.
Energy Efficient: Operates quietly and efficiently on 12V or 24V, making it ideal for off-grid use and extended trips.
Robust Design: Built to be durable and withstand the rigors of mobile living.
User-Friendly Controls: Easy-to-use controls ensure straightforward operation and temperature management.

Negatives:

Higher Cost: Generally more expensive than absorption fridges, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers when choosing a fridge for your Toyota Coaster motorhome.
Power Dependence: Requires a consistent power source, potentially limiting its use for those who rely heavily on LPG.

Overall, the Thetford Compressor Fridge stands out for its reliability, range of sizes, and superior cooling performance, making it a versatile choice of fridge for your Toyota Coaster motorhome.

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Choosing the best fridge for your Toyota Coaster motorhome

Choosing the best fridge for your Toyota Coaster motorhome comes down to your bus configuration, your power source, your preference and of course, your budget. Each of these brands offer unique features and benefits, catering to different needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize capacity, energy efficiency, or versatility, there’s an option that will suit your specific requirements.

When selecting a fridge, also consider the length of your trips to make the best choice. With the right fridge, you can enjoy fresh food and cold drinks no matter where your adventures take you.

Happy Coasting!

Where to Start

1. Bushman

2. Engel

3. Dometic

4. Vitrifrigo

5. Thetford

Choosing the best fridge for your Toyota Coaster motorhome

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