A 3-way camping fridge is one of the most practical investments for caravanners and motorhomers — it runs on LPG gas, 12V DC, or 230V mains, so you always have a power source available whatever your setup. The Mestic MAC-40 is a well-specified 3-way fridge at a competitive price point. Here's everything you need to know.
Mestic MAC-40 3-Way Camping Fridge — £319.00
Key Specifications
- Capacity: 42L (accommodates upright 2L bottles)
- Power: LPG gas (butane or propane) / 12V DC / 230V mains AC
- Cooling: Fridge-temperature performance when outside temp is up to 30°C
- Weight (empty): 17kg
- External dimensions: 52 x 48 x 47cm (W x D x H)
- Internal dimensions: 43.5 x 27.5 x 37.5cm (W x D x H)
- Colour: Black with grey lid
Features
- 3-way power: Gas (butane or propane — Calor, Flo, CampinGaz compatible), 12V DC, 230V mains. Supplied with 12V and mains leads.
- Silent operation: Absorption cooling — no compressor, no noise. Ideal in a sleeping area.
- Low gas consumption
- Piezo push-button ignition — simple, reliable flame ignition on gas mode
- Manual gas flame control or electric thermostat depending on power source
- Magnetic sealed lid for a secure, insulated close
- Side carry handles
- Integrated spirit level — essential for absorption fridges, which must be level to operate correctly
- Robust construction for outdoor leisure use
What is a 3-Way Fridge?
A 3-way fridge uses absorption cooling technology — a heat-driven process with no moving parts and no compressor. This means:
- Completely silent — no compressor hum
- Runs on gas — ideal for off-grid camping without EHU hookup
- Flexible power — switch between gas, 12V, and mains as needed
- Must be level — absorption fridges don't work correctly if tilted significantly. The integrated spirit level helps with setup.
The trade-off vs a compressor fridge is that absorption fridges are less efficient in hot weather — the MAC-40 achieves fridge-temperature performance when outside temperatures are up to 30°C. For UK summer camping, this is typically adequate. In very hot conditions or for freezer performance, a compressor cool box is the better choice.
Mestic MAC-40 vs Compressor Cool Box — Which Should You Choose?
- Choose the MAC-40 if: You want gas operation for off-grid use, you need silent running, you have a traditional caravan with a built-in 3-way fridge space, or you want the flexibility of all three power sources.
- Choose a compressor cool box if: You want the best cooling performance in hot weather, you need freezer capability (-20°C), or you're primarily on EHU hookup or 12V with a good leisure battery setup.
See our Cool Box Buying Guide for a full comparison of cool box types.
Gas Compatibility
The MAC-40 works with both butane and propane gas, and is compatible with popular UK gas brands including Calor, Flo, and CampinGaz. Propane is recommended for colder weather as it continues to flow at lower temperatures than butane.
Shop the Mestic MAC-40 at Newquay Camping Shop
Available online with UK-wide delivery and in our Cornwall showroom:
Newquay Camping Shop
4 Bamber House
Victoria
PL26 8LQ
Open Monday to Friday
Buy the Mestic MAC-40 3-Way Fridge — £319.00
Frequently Asked Questions
What gas does the Mestic MAC-40 use?
The MAC-40 is compatible with both butane and propane LPG gas, including Calor, Flo, and CampinGaz bottles. For winter or cold-weather use, propane is recommended as it flows better at low temperatures.
Does the Mestic MAC-40 need to be level?
Yes — absorption fridges must be level (or close to level) to operate correctly. The MAC-40 includes an integrated spirit level to help with positioning. It should not be used while the vehicle is moving in gas mode.
What temperature does the Mestic MAC-40 reach?
It achieves standard fridge temperatures (around 5°C) when the ambient temperature is up to 30°C. In very hot weather, cooling performance will be reduced compared to a compressor fridge.
Is the Mestic MAC-40 noisy?
No — absorption cooling has no compressor or moving parts, making it completely silent. This makes it particularly well-suited to use in sleeping areas of a caravan or motorhome.
Can I use the Mestic MAC-40 in my car?
Yes — it runs on 12V DC via the car's power supply. Note that 12V thermoelectric or absorption fridges are less efficient than compressor cool boxes and will draw more power over time. For extended car use, a compressor cool box is typically more efficient.
Can I buy the Mestic MAC-40 in Cornwall?
Yes — Newquay Camping Shop stocks it at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ (Monday to Friday) and online with UK-wide delivery.
