Dometic CFX3 45 vs ARB Zero 47: Which Should You Buy?

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The short answer

Both are excellent overland fridges, and you won’t go wrong with either. Buy the Dometic CFX3 45 if you want the more established efficiency reputation, a mature app and the widest range of sizes. Buy the ARB Zero 47 Quart if your rig already uses ARB gear, you want a lid you can hinge from either side, or you plan to mount it on an ARB fridge slide. For most buyers, the Dometic is our slight favorite.

Dometic CFX3 45 vs ARB Zero 47 at a glance

Feature	Dometic CFX3 45	ARB Zero 47 Quart	Amazon
Capacity	45 liters (about 47.5 quarts)	47 quarts	Check price
Zones	Single	Single	Check price
Power	12/24V DC, AC, solar compatible	12V DC and 110V AC	Check price
App control	Yes, Dometic app	Yes, ARB app via Bluetooth	Check price
Lid	Fixed hinge	Removable, hinges from either side	Check price
Ecosystem	Dometic covers, slides and larger CFX3 sizes	ARB slides, transit bags, tie-downs	Check price

How we compared them

We compared manufacturer specifications, owner reviews and published reviews from overlanding publications and forums. We did not test these fridges ourselves. We focused on what affects life on the road: efficiency on battery power, usable space, build quality, app and controls, lid design, accessories and long-term owner feedback.

Capacity and layout

On paper, these two are almost identical in size. The Dometic’s 45 liters works out to roughly 47.5 quarts, while ARB lists its fridge at 47 quarts. Both are single-zone, meaning the whole box runs as a fridge or a freezer, and both fit a long weekend of food and drinks for two people. The real difference is shape. Measure your cargo area, drawer system or truck bed, including the space needed for the lid to open, before you choose.

If you need separate fridge and freezer space, both brands sell dual-zone models. ARB’s 101-quart Zero is a popular pick for families, and Dometic’s CFX3 line includes dual-zone options too.

Efficiency and power

Dometic’s VMSO3 compressor has a strong reputation for low power use, and that’s a big reason the CFX3 is so common on vehicles that rely on a single power station or auxiliary battery. ARB’s Zero line is also efficient and designed for 12V use, and both fridges include low-voltage battery protection to avoid draining your starter battery.

In practice, real-world draw depends far more on outside temperature, how full the fridge is and how often you open it than on the badge. Either one pairs well with a 1kWh power station and 200W of solar for a weekend.

Build and features

Both fridges are built for rough roads, with reinforced cases and sturdy handles. The ARB’s party trick is its removable lid, which can hinge from either side. That’s genuinely useful if your fridge sits on a slide against one wall of the cargo area. The Dometic has a well-regarded app, a clear display, and a range of protective covers and accessories.

Good to know: ARB has updated Zero listings over time, so check the exact model and quart size in the listing. Dometic sells the CFX3 45 under more than one listing as well.

Choose the Dometic CFX3 45 if…

• Efficiency is your priority. The VMSO3 compressor has a long track record on battery-powered rigs.
• You want size options. The CFX3 line spans many sizes, so you can match a fridge to your vehicle exactly.
• You value a polished app. Dometic’s app and display are easy to use.

Check the Dometic CFX3 45 on Amazon → →

Choose the ARB Zero 47 if…

• Your rig runs ARB gear. ARB’s fridge slides and tie-downs are built for the Zero.
• Your lid needs to open the other way. The reversible lid helps in tight cargo areas.
• You like ARB’s support network. ARB dealers are common in overland hotspots.

Check the ARB Zero 47 Quart on Amazon → →

Verdict

The Dometic CFX3 45 gets our nod for most people thanks to its efficiency reputation and wider size range, but the ARB Zero 47 is a very close second and the better pick for ARB-equipped rigs. If neither fits your budget, see our full roundup of the best 12V fridge freezers for value picks like the ICECO JP50, and our guide to sizing a power station to run it.

Long-term ownership

An overland fridge is something you should expect to own for many years, so support matters. Dometic is a large global company with service centers and a big parts catalog, and the CFX line has been on the market long enough that owners have documented common questions and fixes. ARB has a strong dealer network in overland hotspots and a long history of supporting its fridges, with spare parts and accessories designed for the Zero line.

Either way, register your fridge with the manufacturer, keep the receipt, and follow basic care: keep the vents clear, clean the seal, and dry the inside before storage so it doesn’t develop odors.

Which size should you buy?

We’ve focused on the 45-liter Dometic and 47-quart ARB because they’re the sizes most people choose, but both brands make smaller and larger versions. If you’re one person on short trips, a smaller fridge saves space and power. If you feed a family or take week-long trips, consider a 55-liter-plus single zone or a dual-zone model. Think about what you’ll store: a 45-liter fridge holds a solid weekend of food and drinks for two, but cans of drinks take up a lot of room. Some people carry drinks in a separate cooler and keep the fridge for food.

How to power either fridge

Both fridges run directly from your vehicle’s 12V system, but running one off a starter battery overnight is risky. The most common setups are:

• A portable power station. Easy, no wiring, and it can move between vehicles. Pair it with solar for multi-day stays.
• A dual-battery system. A dedicated auxiliary battery with a DC-DC charger is permanent and tidy.
• Solar on its own. Panels need a battery to buffer overnight use, so solar is usually part of one of the two setups above.

Our guide to the best portable solar panels covers matching panels to a power station.

FAQ

Is the Dometic CFX3 better than the ARB Zero?

Neither is clearly better. The Dometic has a stronger efficiency reputation and more sizes, while the ARB has a reversible lid and integrates with ARB accessories. Both are top-tier overland fridges.

Which uses less power, Dometic or ARB?

Both are efficient compressor fridges. Real-world power use depends more on outside temperature, how often you open the lid and how full the fridge is than on the brand.

Can both fridges run as a freezer?

Yes. Both single-zone models can be set to fridge or freezer temperatures. For both at once, choose a dual-zone model.

Do I need a fridge slide?

Not always, but a slide makes a fridge in a deep cargo area or truck bed much easier to reach. Both Dometic and ARB sell slides designed for their fridges.

Can I run either fridge from a portable power station?

Yes. Plug the fridge into the power station’s 12V car socket for the best efficiency. A 1kWh-class station typically runs either fridge for a couple of days.