A refrigeration maker built around boats
Vitrifrigo is an Italian manufacturer that specialises in refrigerators, freezers and drawer refrigeration for boats and other mobile applications. That focus is the main reason it appears on so many yachts. Instead of adapting a household fridge, builders can choose units designed with limited space, onboard power and movement in mind.
Cold storage is spread all over a modern yacht. Provisions are kept in the galley, drinks on the flybridge and in the cockpit, snacks in guest cabins, and crew supplies in the mess. A maker with many formats makes it easier to cover each of those spots without forcing one shape into every space.
Choosing the right format for each space
- Galley refrigerators and freezers. Upright or built-in units hold daily provisions. On smaller boats, a combined fridge and freezer may be enough; larger yachts often add separate freezers for longer passages.
- Drawer units. Refrigerated drawers fit under counters where a hinged door would be awkward. They work well in the galley, the guest pantry, the cockpit and the flybridge bar.
- Deck and bar areas. Drinks fridges near the outdoor seating save crew trips through the boat. Units for these areas must suit an exposed location.
- Cabins and crew mess. Compact units can serve as cabin refrigerators or give the crew their own space for food and drinks.
Think about provisioning as well. A yacht heading off on a long passage or to a remote cruising area needs more frozen storage than one that returns to a marina every few days. Matching the mix of fridge and freezer space to the cruising plan avoids overfilled units in one place and empty ones in another.
Where ice is part of the plan, our Hoshizaki marine page covers ice machines for deck bars and galleys.
Keeping boat fridges cool, latched and reachable
DC, AC or both, and the battery bank at anchor
Boat refrigeration can run on the DC system, on AC from shore power and generators, or both, depending on the model. Check which supply each unit will use, how it fits the battery bank and charging setup when the boat is at anchor, and whether AC units match the yacht's voltage and frequency.
Airflow through the cabinetry
Every refrigerator has to get rid of heat. Built-in units need a clear airflow path through the cabinetry, with inlet and outlet openings that are not blocked by stowage. Hot spaces, such as compartments near machinery or on a sunny deck, need extra care.
Door and drawer security
Doors and drawers must stay shut when the boat rolls or slams into a sea. Check the latching arrangement, especially for units that face fore and aft or sit on a flybridge.
Measuring the old cut-out before choosing
Built-in units need an accurate cut-out, a fixing method into the joinery and, where used, a flush frame. When replacing an existing fridge, the old cut-out is often the deciding factor, so measure it carefully before choosing.
Cockpit and flybridge units in sun and spray
Sun, salt and spray are hard on any appliance. Units for the cockpit or flybridge should be suitable for that location, with materials and finishes chosen for it.
Reaching the compressor without removing joinery
Plan access to the compressor and electrical connections for maintenance. A unit that can only be reached by removing joinery will cost time later.
Supply versions, frames and combined deliveries
We are an independent supplier based in Wallingford, Connecticut, with a supply chain across Europe, Asia and the United States. For boat refrigeration we:
- go through the spaces, power supply and cut-outs with you and suggest suitable units with clear options;
- source the right supply version and fitting accessories, such as frames;
- consolidate refrigeration with other galley, laundry or bar equipment if needed;
- ship to the shipyard, marina, agent or warehouse you choose;
- help your installer with questions and handle spare parts and replacements later.
On larger yachts with a professional galley, refrigeration may come from a mix of makers; our Electrolux marine page covers professional galley refrigeration. You can also browse all brands on the brands page.
Existing cut-out sizes and label photos for replacements
Send us the boat details, the spaces you want to cool and any existing cut-out sizes through the quote form. Photos of the current units and their labels make replacements much quicker.
"Vitrifrigo" is a trademark of its respective owner. VST Marine is an independent supplier of marine equipment; this page is not an official Vitrifrigo website.
