What it is
The WCR50 is Dometic's value-end 12V compressor upright fridge. It gives you 44 litres of usable space with a 4.4-litre freezer compartment, adjustable shelves, door racks and an integrated LED light bar, run by an energy-efficient compressor with Performance and Quiet modes.
Note on the name: it is sold as the "WCR50" but the true usable capacity is 44 litres. We list it as 44L in the spec so there are no surprises.
It is the right size for a VW T6, a Transit Custom or any build where space and budget are tight.
Why we sell it
The WCR50 is the gateway 12V compressor fridge: the cheapest way into proper compressor cooling without dropping to an unknown-brand fridge off a marketplace.
- It is a real compressor fridge. Holds temperature in heat and on a slope, unlike an absorption fridge. The cheap marketplace fridges at half the price are a reliability and warranty gamble; this is a Dometic with a proper service network behind it.
- Two operating modes. Performance mode pulls temperature down fast; Quiet mode runs quietly enough to sleep near.
- Domestic-fridge layout. Adjustable shelves, door racks, a removable freezer shelf and a crisper. It is organised like the fridge at home, not a coolbox.
It will never be a luxury fridge, and it does not try to be. For a small build on a sensible budget, it is the honest choice.
Specifications
- Brand
- Dometic (Waeco)
- Model
- WCR50
- Total volume
- 44 litres
- Freezer volume
- 4.4 litres
- External size (H × W × D)
- 535 × 380 × 510mm
- Power
- 12V compressor
- Operating modes
- Performance / Quiet
- Refrigerant
- R600A (low global warming potential)
- Lighting
- Integrated LED light bar
- Wheelarch cut-out
- No
- Barcode
- 7333497007607
Features
- 44-litre total volume with a 4.4-litre freezer compartment
- 12V compressor cooling — holds temperature in heat and on a slope
- Energy-efficient compressor with Performance and Quiet modes
- Adjustable shelves, door racks, removable freezer shelf and crisper
- Flush-mounted interior LED light bar
- Matte black door panel — can be swapped to match the interior
- Dual-function door lock doubles as an off-season vent
- R600A refrigerant — very low global warming potential
Fitting it
- Ventilation. Like any compressor fridge it needs airflow around the condenser. Build vents into the cabinet; do not box it in airtight.
- Power. 12V to the leisure circuit on fused, correctly gauged cable.
- Door swing. It is an upright with a door. Plan the swing so it does not foul the walkway or a cabinet.
- Door reversibility. The door can be hung either side; decide which before fitting — it is fiddlier afterwards.
- Off-season. The door lock has a vent position — leave it vented when the van is stored to stop the interior going stale.
What's in the box
- Dometic Waeco WCR50 fridge
- Fitting instructions
Order alongside: fused 12V cable and ventilation grilles.
How it compares
vs a marketplace budget fridge (Alpicool and similar)
Those undercut the WCR50 heavily on price. The trade-off is unproven long-term reliability and a weak or non-existent UK warranty route. The WCR50 is a Dometic with a proper service network. On a fridge you rely on, that gap matters more than the saving.
vs the Dometic CRX-50
The CRX is the step-up: better interior finish, more refined. It also costs noticeably more. The WCR50 is the value choice; the CRX is the upgrade.
vs an absorption (3-way) fridge
The WCR50 holds temperature far better in heat and does not need to be level.
See our full guide: Campervan fridges explained.
Questions and answers
Is the WCR50 really 50 litres?
How much battery does it use?
Is Dometic better than a cheap marketplace fridge?
Can I change the door colour?
Can I fit it myself?
Delivery and returns
- Free UK mainland delivery on this product.
- 14-day returns on unfitted, unopened units (we cover return postage). See our Returns Policy.
- Covered by the Dometic manufacturer warranty.
Related guides and products
- Pillar guide: Campervan fridges explained
- Larger alternative: Thetford T1090E 84L compressor fridge — for larger van builds with a fitted kitchen pod
- Browse the full range: Compressor fridges — Dometic NRX, larger Waecos, portable coolboxes