Thinking about having friends over for a nice barbecue in the backyard? Then you may want to consider investing in a cool outdoor refrigerator. Outdoor appliances are a must when you just want to relax and have a nice time outside. This is the reason why today we’ll be sharing with you some of the best outdoor refrigerator options currently available.
Make a sunny weekend even more enjoyable with an outdoor refrigerator that can hold all your cold beverages as you spend time by the pool. Outdoor refrigerators aren’t just reliable to refrigerate drinks, but they can store food you’re going to use for your grill. Instead of having to walk to the kitchen inside your home, an outdoor refrigerator can store all the food and drinks you need.
As you can see, an outdoor refrigerator can make life easier for you and especially if you often have family and friends over for a good time. However, if you are new to outdoor refrigerators and find yourself on the lookout for the best possible option for you and your needs, things may seem a bit overwhelming. With many options in the market, things get a bit fuzzy but do not worry because we’ll be breaking down everything you need to know. Check out below some of the best outdoor refrigerator options of 2022.
Outdoor Refrigerator FAQs
Can refrigerators be kept outdoors?
A refrigerator that is labeled for outdoor use can be used in outdoor environments. At a cabin, outdoor camp, or just a backyard, you can run your refrigerator outside to suit your needs. For extra storage, outdoor cold beverages, or easy access while camping, you can run a fridge outside. Although you probably will use more energy than if the fridge were inside, you still can practice some efficiency.
What kind of refrigerator can be used outside?
So ensure the fridge you buy is UL certified for outdoor use and is made of 304-grade stainless steel, so it can deal with rain and large fluctuations in outside temperature.
Why do you need an outdoor refrigerator?
These refrigerators will have everything you need to store food and beverages in outdoor environments. When you have friends and family over for outdoor gatherings, they’ll enjoy the convenience of being able to reach into an outdoor refrigerator for a quick beverage.
How long will a refrigerator last outside?
Keep an eye on your fridge thermostat: If it’s at 40 °F or below, food items are still safe. The FDA estimates that the fridge will stay cold for about 4 hours if it remains unopened. The freezer will be cold enough for about 48 hours, with doors closed. The freezer should be at 0 °F.
What is the difference between an indoor and outdoor fridge?
There are differences an outdoor refrigerator is designed to better deal with the constant fluctuations in temperature due to the weather, while an indoor refrigerator does not have to work as hard to deal with temperature changes as indoor temperatures tend to stay relatively the same.
Should I unplug my outdoor refrigerator in the winter?
Despite living in rainy and snowy locations, you can keep your outdoor refrigerator or beverage cooler safely stored in your backyard patio or an outdoor kitchen. Just be sure it is emptied and unplugged during times when you know it won’t be used for weeks or months at a time.
Can you put a fridge in sunlight?
The issue with placing a fridge in a sunlit area though, still remains one of excess power consumption and the increased workload on the unit and all of its parts, which can then cause the unit to fail. This can often render your warranty void, so always keep your fridge away from any direct sunlight.
Can outdoor fridges get wet?
Outdoor fridges can get wet because they’re built to withstand weather conditions. But in extreme weather conditions, it may be beneficial to cover your fridge for extra precaution.
What are the types of outdoor refrigerators?
They can come freestanding or built-in for your outdoor setup. Select models are built as side-by-side refrigerators or have drawers. Each provides the same outdoor performance and quality but requires slightly different setups.
- Built-in: These are placed snugly under the counter and require no air gaps. This is due to their front venting design which allows for full air circulation and cooling without rear or side fans.
- If installed under a counter, Freestanding models required at least a 1″ gap on all sides to allow for adequate ventilation. Not only does this look unrefined, but it’ll also quickly break up the look of a seamless outdoor kitchen.
What factors to keep in mind when choosing an outdoor refrigerator?
- Extra Insulation: The first thing you’ll notice about an outdoor fridge is just how thick and heavy they are. Because of the varying outdoor temperatures, they need to have an increased amount of insulation to compensate. This added protection provides a barrier that helps keep the inside cold regardless of the weather.
- Added Weather Proofing: Outdoor refrigerators are equipped with multiple forms of weatherproofing such as door seals, elevated construction, and corrosion-resistant materials. When combined, these reduce or eliminate the hazards associated with water and debris entering your fridge. Plus, they typically offer an enhanced outdoor lifespan and reduce necessary maintenance.
- Size and Capacity: The overall size and capacity of an outdoor refrigerator are both important factors to consider. The market is divided into normal and compact-sized units. A normal unit typically runs a 34″ tall, 24″ wide, and 24″ deep. They have storage capacities in the range of 5.5-6 cu. ft. depending on insulation and wall thickness. A normal-sized unit is what you’ll find in most outdoor kitchens. They are large enough to hold raw ingredients as well as keep quite a few drinks ice cold.
- Material: If you’re considering purchasing a quality outdoor refrigerator, make sure it’s made from 304 stainless steel. You’ll also find it labeled as 18/10 or 18/8 stainless steel. Due to its high chromium content of around 18%-20%, it is extremely resistant to rust. This is absolutely necessary for a wet, humid outdoor environment.
- Maintenance: Once the outdoor season is over, it’s a good idea to empty the unit’s contents and unplug them from the wall. In addition, you’ll want to prop the door open slightly to promote airflow and inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria.
- Other factors you should keep in mind about an outdoor refrigerator: getting a refrigerator deodorizer, cool fridge magnets, and why not a fridge lock.
Outdoor Refrigerator
1. Summit SPR627OS Frost-Free Outdoor Compact Refrigerator
Experts and most reviewers agree that this is the number one choice for the best outdoor refrigerator for 2022. It is compact with great capacity and you can control the model with the touch of a button.
The Summit SPR6270 offers 4.6 cubic feet of interior storage space, this outdoor compact refrigerator features factory-installed lock that provides security you can count on the electronic controls located inside the unit for precise temperature management.
What Our Testers Say
Wanted and outdoor, built-in rated refrigerator for my outdoor kitchen. Panel ready was an extra bonus! Fit perfect in my cabinetry and I built the panel door to match everything else. Nobody can tell from first glance that it`s a fridge! Interior is nice. digital read-out and alarm work great. Mine came with a door lock even though it wasn`t advertised. The ONLY thing, there are no directions for installing the panel. Now, I`m a cabinet builder so I figured it out, some people might have an issue. Summit should consider getting that in the manual.
Also featuring three adjustable glass shelves, door racks, and a scalloped bottom for summer-fun rosé’s, champagne, and whites, there’s more than enough room for the essentials.
What We Like
- Stainless Steel
- Door Lock
- Compact
What We Don’t Like
- Instructions Manual is Unclear.
2. Avallon 5.5 Cu Ft 24″ Outdoor Built-In Refrigerator
Using powerful, fan-forced cooling this Outdoor Built-In Fridge (AFR241SSODRH) has 5.5 cu. ft. of storage space for food or drinks. This model has a stainless steel wrapped exterior cabinet and is safety-certified for outdoor use.
The door and handle are also made from durable stainless steel, allowing this unit to be placed outside and withstand the elements, inclement or otherwise.
What Our Testers Say
Really impressed with the Avallon “Outdoor Rated” refrigerator. Even more impressed with the care in which it was delivered. The refrigerator was delivered on a pallet, well insulated with Styrofoam and cardboard and wrapped in shrink wrap, with not a mark or a rub on it.
After opening the box and seeing the thickness of the door and the quality of the construction I was very satisfied that I chose the model that I ordered. Now I just need to find one with a left hand hinge for the other side of my outdoor kitchen…
Four casters are also included, two with brakes and two without, making it easy to transport and move around inside or outside. A true-key lock allows to leave your fridge outside and not worry about the security of its contents.
What We Like
- 5.5 Cubic Feet
- Built-in
- Stainless Steel
What We Don’t Like
- Not for very High Temperatures
3. Bull Outdoor Refrigerator, Stainless Steel
The Bull Series II Premium Outdoor Rated Refrigerator is the perfect addition to your outdoor living space, either as a free-standing unit or built in to an outdoor kitchen.
Features a self closing, reversible door that seals tight and includes a lock. 304 stainless steel construction means maximum resistance to rust and corrosion.
What Our Testers Say
It was very well packaged when it arrived. So far, it works as advertised. The only problem is the aluminum shelf brackets – they have very sharp corners. Nice stainless steel outside. Good insulation inside. I like it.
I have it on my back porch (unheated), which is completely enclosed with a real roof and 14 casement windows, so no weather gets in. I live in Massachusetts so I’m not sure if I should bring it inside for the winter.
Full-range temperature control from 32 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit with digital readout.
What We Like
- Stainless Steel
- Compact
- No Inverter
What We Don’t Like
- Some Users Said the LED Board Fail after a year.
4. Outdoor Beverage Refrigerator
the EdgeStar 15″ Built-In Outdoor Kegerator Conversion Fridge has a durable stainless steel exterior and forced-air refrigeration technology, this outdoor fridge is ready to accommodate one (1) slim quarter keg, one (1) 1/6 barrel keg, or one (1) Cornelius keg.
What Our Testers Say
Bought this for a tap on the deck. Perfect size that doesn’t take up too much room and has survived the Texas heat.
Because of its front ventilation, you can install this unit undercounter or build it into cabinetry for a seamlessly integrated look. Able to withstand outdoor elements, this durable fridge is perfect for use in your outdoor kitchen, bar, or garage. The entire cabinet, heavy-duty door and professional towel bar handle are fully wrapped in sturdy stainless steel.
Specifically designed for kegerator conversion, this refrigerator arrives with a stainless steel top cover, surface-mount drip tray, guard rail and four (4) mobile casters. Keep your keg as cold as you please using the integrated thermostat adjustable between 32 – 60 °F*
What We Like
- Full-length door handle
- Leveling legs
- Soft LED lighting on the interior consumes less energy and produces no heat, keeping the temperature of your kegerator stable
- Stainless steel towel bar handle ensures that clean up is an arms reach away
- Durable enough to be used in an outdoor kitchen, bar, or garage
What We Don’t Like
- Price
5. Avallon 3.3 Cu Ft 15″ Outdoor Built-In Refrigerator
Look no further for your ideal outdoor built-in fridge! This Avallon Built-In 3.3 cu. ft. The refrigerator is fully encased in durable stainless steel, allowing it to weather the elements, and comes with four casters to make it easy to move around.
Utilizing powerful, compressor-based cooling this single zone unit sports a temperature range of 34 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The compressor itself has a steel cover to help protect it against weathering.
What Our Testers Say
This is a wonderful outdoor refrigerator for our outdoor kitchen island. Seems very well made, holds a lot for a small version. It was one of the few models that would fit our particular space, so we were glad to find it. Definitely more expensive than the refrig. we were replacing, but hoping it will be worth it in the long-run. The last one only lasted two years.
Very user friendly. Excellent capacity, good quality shelves. Love the interior lights for night usage.
A true-key lock is included for an added level of security. Three sanded glass shelves and door storage are perfect for housing whatever food or beverage items your outdoor get-together calls for.
What We Like
- Stainless steel handle
- Three sanded glass shelves
- Touch control panel
What We Don’t Like
- Slightly More Noisy than the Indoor Version.
