Tech Blog

We get this question a lot and so we figured it a good time to dive in and help answer some of those simple questions to make this as easy as we can.

There are ONLY TWO types of Norcold refrigerators and the same can be said for Dometic. We'll classify each by the way in which they cool.

• Compressor based (like a household refrigerator)
  • These models will all contain "DE" or "DC" in the model number. ie DC0051/ DE0051
    • DE - Duel Electric
    • DC - Direct Current / battery power
• Gas absorption (the ability to run on propane)
  • These models typically cool on LP and AC but they all require DC voltage to power the controls in the front. This doesn't draw much power at all but it's good to understand that the DC power does not actually cool the refrigerator, instead you will need to be plugged into shore power to run on AC or operate on LP when not plugged into shore power. 
  • These models need to be level in order to cool since they have a gravity operated cooling unit.
    • within 3 degrees of perfectly level
  • Operating on LP used to be the only way to camp off grid which made these a great option for campers that like to boondock.

Over the last several years DC compressors have come a long way with less moving parts to fail and their low draw capabilities, making them the future of RV refrigeration. They draw far less current than a residential unit, run off of DC power, and are very efficient. We hope this article gives you the information you need to decide on the right refrigerator for you. Gas absorption styles with the ability to run on LP certainly have their advantages with almost no power draw but be aware that more parts can fail and that you do need to remain level while stationary.