The Dometic NRX50 Compressor Refrigerator gives campervan and motorhome owners a reliable 44 litre cooling solution that runs efficiently on 12V or 24V DC power. This range replaces the popular CRX50 series with improved energy consumption, approximately 9% better than its predecessor whilst maintaining comparable dimensions that fit most standard installations. The variable-speed compressor adjusts automatically to ambient conditions, offering three distinct operating modes - Eco for maximum battery conservation, Performance for rapid cool-down after restocking, and Silent for night-time use when noise reduction matters most. The bevelled rear design maximises usable space whilst the reversible door hinge allows left or right-hand opening to suit any galley layout.
Which Dometic NRX50 model suits my campervan conversion?
The NRX50C and NRX50S both feature a removable 4.4 litre freezer compartment, two crisper drawers for fresh produce, and complete internal organisation with shelves, bottle holders and door trays - ideal for extended trips where food variety matters. The NRX50E entry model offers a simplified interior with two shelves and door bottle holder only, sacrificing the freezer and crisper drawers for a lower price point that suits weekend campers or those prioritising fridge capacity over freezer functionality. Stainless steel front models (NRX50S) command a premium for their corrosion resistance and premium aesthetic, particularly valued in marine applications or coastal environments.
The installation requires 525mm height, 380mm width and 510mm depth, with the frameless door eliminating traditional mounting frames for a flush contemporary appearance. Touch controls sit inside the cabinet alongside an integrated LED light bar, whilst the dual-function door locks secure contents during transit and convert to ventilation points when stationary. Winter Mode creates a deliberate gap between door and cabinet for off-season airing, preventing moisture build-up and odours when the vehicle stands unused for extended periods. Power consumption averages 1.1 amp hours at 20°C ambient temperature, rising to 1.7 amp hours at 32°C, making the NRX50 compatible with typical 100-200Ah leisure battery setups when paired with adequate solar charging.
How does the UK campervan conversion market support NRX50 adoption?
The UK campervan conversion market reached £410.52 million in 2024 with projected 8.1% annual growth, supporting an estimated 225,000 leisure vehicles on British roads. Self-build conversions prioritise compressor fridges over absorption models for superior off-grid performance, with the 44-50 litre capacity class representing the most popular size for standard wheelbase van conversions.
What is the difference between the Dometic NRX50C, NRX50E & NRX50S?
The key difference is in the interior features. The NRX50E is the entry-level model, offering a more basic setup with no freezer compartment, no crisper drawers, and a simplified internal layout. It includes two shelves and a bottle holder in the door, which is enough for general chilled storage but not suitable for frozen items or fresh produce that needs separate storage.
The NRX50C, on the other hand, includes a freezer compartment and crisper drawers, giving you more flexibility and better organisation for longer trips or more varied food storage. It's a step up in terms of features, aimed at users who want more than just the essentials.
The NRX50S, is the same as the NRX50C, includes a freezer compartment and crisper drawers but has a stainless steel front panel.
Which NRX50 refrigerator configuration matches your needs?
| Feature |
NRX50C (Dark Silver) |
NRX50E (Black) |
NRX50S (Stainless Steel) |
| Total Capacity |
44L (4.4L freezer + 39.6L fridge) |
44L (fridge only) |
44L (4.4L freezer + 39.6L fridge) |
| Freezer Compartment |
Removable 4.4L |
None |
Removable 4.4L |
| Crisper Drawers |
2 drawers included |
None |
2 drawers included |
| Internal Shelves |
Multiple adjustable shelves |
2 fixed shelves |
Multiple adjustable shelves |
| Door Storage |
Bottle holder + door trays |
Bottle holder only |
Bottle holder + door trays |
| Front Panel Material |
Dark silver powder coat |
Black powder coat |
Stainless steel (SUS316) |
| Weight |
17kg |
17kg |
17.5kg |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) |
525mm x 380mm x 510mm |
525mm x 380mm x 510mm |
525mm x 380mm x 510mm |
| Power Consumption (20°C) |
1.1 Ah |
1.1 Ah |
1.1 Ah |
| Power Consumption (32°C) |
1.7 Ah |
1.7 Ah |
1.7 Ah |
| Operating Voltage |
12V/24V DC |
12V/24V DC |
12V/24V DC |
| Cooling Modes |
Eco/Performance/Silent |
Eco/Performance/Silent |
Eco/Performance/Silent |
| Ideal For |
Full-time van life, extended trips |
Weekend camping, budget builds |
Marine use, premium conversions |
Frequently Asked Questions
The NRX50C features a dark silver front with a 4.4L removable freezer compartment and two crisper drawers, whilst the NRX50E entry model has a black front with no freezer or crisper drawers, offering just two fixed shelves and door bottle holder. The NRX50S provides stainless steel SUS316 construction with the same freezer and crisper configuration as the C model, offering superior corrosion resistance for marine or coastal applications. All three models share identical dimensions of 525mm height, 380mm width and 510mm depth, with the same 12V/24V DC power consumption specifications.
The NRX50 achieves approximately 9% better energy efficiency compared to the CRX50 through optimised compressor and fan speed controls across Eco, Performance and Silent modes. The frameless door design eliminates traditional mounting frame requirements, whilst touch controls with integrated LED lighting provide a contemporary interface. Both models share the same external width of 380mm, allowing direct replacement in most existing CRX50 installations. Performance improvements include quieter operation particularly in Silent mode and faster cool-down times in Performance mode, with the variable-speed compressor adjusting automatically to ambient conditions.
The NRX50 draws 1.1 amps per hour at 20°C ambient temperature and 1.7 amps per hour at 32°C, averaging 26-40 amp hours per day depending on usage patterns and external temperatures. A 100Ah lithium battery provides 1-2 days operation without charging, whilst 200-300Ah capacity suits extended off-grid use when paired with 200-400W solar panels. The variable-speed compressor adjusts power consumption automatically, with Eco mode prioritising battery conservation and the compressor typically operating 30-50% of the time rather than continuously, reducing actual daily consumption compared to older fixed-speed compressor models.
DIY installation is feasible for the NRX50 as it requires no gas certification and uses standard 12V/24V DC connections. You'll need 4mm² cable minimum for runs up to 3 metres, with 6mm² cable recommended for longer cable runs to prevent voltage drop. Proper fusing at the leisure battery protects the circuit, whilst adequate ventilation clearance around the compressor location ensures efficient operation. The reversible door hinge allows left or right opening to suit galley layouts, whilst the bevelled rear design accommodates tight spaces. Optional flush-mount or standard frames are available as accessories for professional cabinet integration.
The 4.4L freezer compartment in NRX50C and NRX50S models provides one-star freezing capacity, suitable for storing already-frozen food for a few days and making ice cubes, but not designed for freezing fresh food from room temperature. The freezer temperature range operates between -15°C to -5°C. The compartment can be completely removed to provide 46L of refrigeration space when freezing capability isn't required. For proper freezing of fresh food or longer-term frozen storage, Dometic recommends their dual-zone models like the CFX3 range which offer dedicated two-star or three-star freezer performance.
The NRX50 C, E and S series operate exclusively on 12V/24V DC power, designed specifically for battery-powered leisure vehicles rather than mains hookup scenarios. This DC-only design simplifies installation and reduces purchase cost compared to dual-energy models. If 230V operation is required when connected to mains hookup, you can power the NRX50 through your existing battery charger which maintains the leisure battery whilst simultaneously running 12V appliances, or fit an optional AC/DC converter (Dometic part number 9620013451) which converts 100-240V AC mains power to the required 27V DC output.
Winter Mode creates a deliberate small gap between the door seal and cabinet when the fridge is switched off during storage periods, allowing air circulation to prevent moisture build-up, condensation and subsequent mould growth. This feature is particularly important for seasonal campervan users who store their vehicle for extended periods between trips. The dual-function door locks facilitate this by converting from secure transit locks to ventilation points. When returning the vehicle to service, simply return the locks to their standard position and close the door fully before switching the fridge back on.
The NRX50 shares the same 380mm width as the CRX50, allowing direct replacement in most existing installations without cabinet modification. Height increases slightly from 534mm to 525mm (9mm shorter), whilst depth remains comparable at 510mm versus 500mm (10mm deeper). The frameless door design actually simplifies installation by eliminating traditional mounting frame requirements that the CRX50 needed. The bevelled rear design provides additional installation flexibility by accommodating hull curves in marine applications or floor strengthening ribs in van conversions. The reversible hinge allows left or right door opening to suit your specific layout requirements.
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