A Best Outdoor Refrigerator is an essential appliance for any outdoor kitchen or entertaining area. These refrigerators are designed to withstand the elements and keep food and beverages at the proper temperature, even in extreme weather conditions.
With a wide range of brands, sizes, and features to choose from, finding the best outdoor refrigerator can be a daunting task.
However, by considering factors such as weatherproofing, insulation, and durability, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect refrigerator for your outdoor space.
In this article, PublicanAnker will explore some of the top outdoor refrigerator brands and features to help you make an informed decision.
TOP Rated 8 Best Outdoor Refrigerators
Bull 24-inch Compact Outdoor Refrigerator
This best outdoor undercounter refrigerator is a top-of-the-line appliance that offers various features to cater to your needs.
One of its standout features is the built-in lock that ensures the security of your items. This is especially important when you’re hosting a party or gathering outdoors, as you want to make sure that your drinks and snacks are safe from unauthorized access.
The reversible door is another convenient feature that makes it easy to install the refrigerator in any outdoor kitchen, regardless of the orientation.
The three adjustable shelves allow you to customize the interior space according to your needs, making it easy to store items of different sizes.
Additionally, the built-in light illuminates the interior of the refrigerator, making it easy to access your items even in low-light conditions.
These features make the Bull 24-inch Compact Outdoor Refrigerator a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality outdoor refrigerator that offers both convenience and security.
Pros:
- Spacious interior provides ample storage space
- Durable stainless steel exterior can withstand outdoor elements
- Adjustable thermostat allows for customized temperature control
- Built-in lock ensures your items are secure
- Reversible door makes it easy to install in any outdoor kitchen
- Built-in light makes it easy to access items in low-light conditions
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other outdoor refrigerators
- May be too large for smaller outdoor kitchens
- Requires a dedicated electrical circuit, which may require professional installation
Avallon AFR151SSODRH Outdoor Built-In Refrigerator
The freestanding outdoor mini fridge is a premium outdoor appliance that boasts various features to meet your needs.
One of its key features is the digital touch control panel, which allows you to easily adjust the temperature and control the interior light. This best outdoor kitchen refrigerator provides you with convenience and control, especially when you’re hosting a party or gathering outdoors.
Another impressive feature is the built-in door lock that ensures the safety and security of your items, giving you peace of mind when leaving your refrigerator unattended.
The four adjustable shelves are another great feature, as they offer customizable storage options that allow you to organize your items efficiently.
Additionally, the reversible door allows for easy installation in any outdoor kitchen, regardless of the orientation.
These features make the Avallon AFR151SSODRH Outdoor Built-In Refrigerator an excellent choice for those who prioritize convenience, security, and durability.
While this best full size outdoor refrigerator may have a higher price point and require professional installation, its superior performance, and customizable features make it a worthwhile investment for outdoor entertaining.
Pros:
- The spacious interior provides ample storage space
- A durable stainless steel exterior can withstand outdoor elements
- The digital touch control panel offers easy temperature adjustment and control of interior light
- The built-in lock ensures your items are secure
- Four adjustable shelves offer customized storage options
- A reversible door makes it easy to install in any outdoor kitchen
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other outdoor refrigerators
- Requires professional installation
- May be too large for smaller outdoor kitchens
Blaze Frost-Free Outdoor Compact Refrigerator
The mini fridge for outdoors is a top-of-the-line outdoor appliance that offers a range of features to enhance your outdoor entertainment experience.
One of its key features is the reversible door, which allows for easy installation in any outdoor kitchen, regardless of the orientation.
Additionally, the adjustable shelves provide customizable storage options that allow you to organize your items efficiently. The built-in lock is another great feature, as it ensures the safety and security of your items, giving you peace of mind when leaving your refrigerator unattended.
The digital thermostat is also a valuable feature, allowing you to easily adjust the temperature to your desired level, providing optimal cooling for your food and drinks.
Finally, the frost-free design eliminates the need for manual defrosting, providing added convenience and ease of use.
While this outdoor mini fridge may have a higher price point and smaller capacity compared to other outdoor refrigerators, its durable stainless steel exterior, customizable features, and efficient performance make it an excellent investment for outdoor entertainment.
Pros:
- Durable stainless steel exterior can withstand outdoor elements
- Adjustable shelves offer customized storage options
- Built-in lock ensures your items are secure
- Reversible door makes it easy to install in any outdoor kitchen
- Digital thermostat allows for easy temperature adjustment
- Frost-free design eliminates the need for manual defrosting
Cons:
- Smaller capacity compared to other outdoor refrigerators
- Higher price point compared to other compact refrigerators
- May not be suitable for larger outdoor kitchens
Blaze Blz-Ssrf-50D Outdoor Refrigerator
The top-rated outdoor refrigerator is an impressive outdoor appliance that offers a range of features to make your outdoor entertainment more convenient and enjoyable.
One of its standout features is the digital thermostat, which allows for easy temperature adjustment to ensure your food and drinks are kept at the perfect temperature.
Additionally, the adjustable shelves provide customizable storage options, allowing you to organize your items efficiently. The built-in lock is another great feature, ensuring the safety and security of your items.
The reversible door allows for easy installation in any outdoor kitchen, regardless of the orientation, making it a versatile option for outdoor entertaining.
Finally, the auto-defrost feature eliminates the need for manual defrosting, providing added convenience and ease of use.
Pros:
- Large 5.5 cubic feet capacity for ample storage space
- Durable stainless steel exterior can withstand outdoor elements
- Adjustable shelves offer customized storage options
- Built-in lock ensures your items are secure
- Reversible door makes it easy to install in any outdoor kitchen
- Digital thermostat allows for easy temperature adjustment
- Auto-defrost feature eliminates the need for manual defrosting
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other outdoor refrigerators
- May not be suitable for smaller outdoor kitchens
EdgeStar CBR1501SSOD Outdoor Beverage Cooler
The EdgeStar CBR901SG Outdoor Beverage Refrigerator is a versatile and reliable outdoor appliance that comes packed with features to keep your beverages perfectly chilled and easily accessible.
The built-in door lock ensures the safety and security of your drinks while the digital thermostat allows for easy temperature adjustment, ensuring that your beverages are kept at the perfect temperature.
The reversible door design makes it easy to install in any outdoor kitchen, regardless of the orientation, while the adjustable shelves offer customizable storage options, allowing you to organize your beverages efficiently.
The stainless steel exterior of the EdgeStar CBR901SG Outdoor Beverage Refrigerator is not only durable but also weather-resistant, making it a reliable and long-lasting addition to your outdoor kitchen.
While it has a smaller capacity than other outdoor refrigerators, this unit makes up for its efficiency and performance, making it a great choice for those who love to entertain outdoors.
Pros:
- Large capacity of 142 standard 12 oz. cans
- Digital thermostat allows for easy temperature adjustment
- Adjustable shelves offer customized storage options
- Reversible door makes it easy to install in any outdoor kitchen
- Built-in lock ensures your items are secure
- Durable stainless steel exterior is weather-resistant
Cons:
- The unit may be heavy and difficult to move once installed
- Some users may prefer a refrigerator with a larger capacity
hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler
The hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler boasts a modern and sleek design that complements any decor, making it a stylish addition to any home or office.
Its adjustable shelves offer customized storage options, allowing you to store a variety of beverages of different sizes. The digital display panel makes it easy to control the temperature, ensuring that your drinks are always at the perfect temperature.
The reversible door feature of this refrigerator allows for easy installation in any space, while the built-in lock ensures the safety and security of your drinks.
These features make the hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler a great choice for anyone looking for a functional and stylish way to keep their drinks chilled and easily accessible.
Pros:
- Large capacity of 120 standard-sized cans
- Modern and sleek design that complements any decor
- Adjustable shelves offer customized storage options
- Digital display panel allows for easy temperature control
- Reversible door makes it easy to install in any space
- Built-in lock ensures the safety and security of your drinks
Cons:
- Some users may find that the unit is louder than expected
- The temperature may fluctuate depending on the ambient temperature in the room
Danby DAR044A6BSLDBO 4.4 Cu.Ft. Outdoor Mini Fridge
The best outdoor mini fridge Mini Fridge is a great addition to any outdoor space. Its spacious interior can hold up to 124 cans, making it perfect for parties and gatherings.
The tempered glass door not only allows you to easily view and select your drinks but also adds a touch of elegance to the overall design.
The built-in beverage dispenser provides easy access to your favorite beverages without having to open the door. The mechanical thermostat allows for easy temperature control, ensuring that your drinks are always chilled to perfection.
Additionally, the small outdoor fridge comes with a scratch-resistant worktop that can be used as a food prep area, adding to its versatility.
However, the portable outdoor refrigerator is not completely weatherproof and can be damaged if exposed to extreme weather conditions. The noise level of the fridge may also be slightly higher than expected.
Pros:
- Weather-resistant exterior makes it suitable for outdoor use
- Spacious interior can hold up to 124 cans
- Tempered glass door provides easy viewing and selection of drinks
- Built-in beverage dispenser for easy access to drinks
- Mechanical thermostat allows for easy temperature control
- Scratch-resistant worktop can be used as a food prep area
Cons:
- May not be suitable for extremely hot or cold temperatures
- May not be as energy-efficient as other mini fridges
Frigidaire EFR376-BLUE 3.2 Cu Ft Blue Retro Bar Fridge
The outdoor rated mini fridge is a stylish addition to any indoor or outdoor space. The retro design and vibrant blue color make it stand out and add a pop of color to your decor.
The mini fridge for outside has a capacity of 3.2 cubic feet, making it suitable for storing a variety of beverages and snacks. The adjustable glass shelves offer customizable storage options, allowing you to make the most of the available space.
The interior light makes it easy to find what you are looking for, even in low light conditions. The fridge also has a built-in can dispenser that can hold up to six cans, adding to its convenience.
However, the fridge may not be suitable for large gatherings or parties due to its limited capacity. The temperature control is manual, which may require some trial and error to find the optimal temperature.
Additionally, the best outdoor beer fridge may produce a higher level of noise than expected.
Overall, the Frigidaire EFR376-BLUE 3.2 Cu Ft Blue Retro Bar Fridge is a fun and functional addition to any space, with its unique design and useful features.
Pros:
- The retro design adds a unique and stylish look to any room or space.
- The 3.2 cubic feet interior provides ample space to store food and drinks.
- The adjustable shelves allow for customization of storage options.
- The compact size makes it easy to fit into small spaces.
- The reversible door allows for flexibility in placement.
- The energy-efficient design helps save on electricity bills.
Cons:
- The manual defrost feature can be inconvenient for some users.
- The interior lighting could be brighter to make it easier to see inside.
- The blue color may not match everyone’s preference or decor.
- The noise level may be slightly louder than some other models.
- It doesn’t have a built-in lock to secure items.
Best Outside Refrigerator Buying Guide
Design Materials
Outdoor refrigerators are exposed to various weather conditions, such as heat, rain, and humidity, which can cause damage over time. Therefore, it is essential to choose a refrigerator made of durable and weather-resistant materials that can withstand these conditions. Some common materials used in outdoor refrigerators include:
- Stainless steel: This is the most common material used for outdoor refrigerators because it is rust-resistant and durable.
- Aluminum: This material is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to clean.
- Glass: Some outdoor refrigerators have tempered glass doors that allow you to see inside without opening the door.
- Plastic: Although not as durable as other materials, plastic is often used for the interior of outdoor refrigerators.
Fridge Features
When considering which refrigerator to buy, there are several features to keep in mind. Some important fridge features include:
- Size and capacity: Consider how much space you have available in your outdoor kitchen or entertaining area, as well as how much food and beverages you need to store.
- Temperature control: Look for a fridge with accurate and easy-to-use temperature control, especially if you plan to store delicate items such as wine.
- Door design: Some refrigerators have reversible doors that can be adjusted to open from either the left or right side, making them more versatile for installation in any space.
- Shelving: Adjustable shelving allows you to customize the interior space of the fridge to fit your needs and accommodate different types of items.
- Lighting: Built-in lighting helps you see inside the fridge even in low-light conditions, making it easier to find what you need.
- Locking mechanisms: Look for a fridge with a built-in lock or the option to add one, which can help keep your items secure and prevent unauthorized access.
- Frost-free: A frost-free fridge eliminates the need for manual defrosting, making maintenance easier and more convenient.
Considering these features can help you choose the best outdoor refrigerator for your needs and ensure that it will provide reliable and efficient storage for years to come.
Capacity and Size
Capacity refers to the amount of space inside the refrigerator that can be used to store food and beverages. This is typically measured in cubic feet or liters. It’s important to consider how much space you will need to store the items you plan to keep in the refrigerator.
For example, if you plan to store a lot of drinks, you may want a refrigerator with a larger capacity.
Size refers to the physical dimensions of the refrigerator. This is important to consider because you need to make sure that the refrigerator will fit in the space you have available.
Measure the space where you plan to put the refrigerator and make sure that the dimensions of the refrigerator you’re considering will fit comfortably in that space.
Sealing and Filters
Sealing refers to how well the refrigerator keeps cold air inside and warm air outside. A good seal is essential for keeping food and beverages at a safe temperature and preventing energy waste.
Look for a refrigerator with a strong seal that will keep the cold air inside even in hot weather conditions. You can check the seal by closing the door and seeing if you can feel any air leaks around the edges.
Filters are important for maintaining the cleanliness of the refrigerator and ensuring that the air inside is free of contaminants.
Look for a refrigerator with a high-quality filter that can remove dust, pollen, and other particles from the air. This is especially important if you have allergies or asthma.
Weather-Proofing
When buying an outdoor refrigerator, weatherproofing is an important consideration. Since the refrigerator will be exposed to the elements, it needs to be designed to withstand a variety of weather conditions.
Look for a refrigerator that has weather-resistant features such as a sealed cabinet and door. This will prevent water and moisture from entering the refrigerator and causing damage.
The refrigerator should also have a rust-resistant exterior to prevent corrosion and damage from exposure to the elements.
Additionally, look for a refrigerator that has a temperature control system that can adjust to different weather conditions.
Some refrigerators have a built-in heater that can keep the unit operating in extremely cold weather, while others have a fan or ventilation system that can keep the unit cool in hot weather.
Additional Insulation
Additional insulation is another important consideration when buying an outdoor refrigerator. Insulation helps to keep the cool air inside the refrigerator, which is essential for maintaining the proper temperature for storing food and beverages.
Look for a refrigerator that has thick insulation, as this will help to keep the cold air inside even in hot weather conditions. Some refrigerators have additional insulation layers or foam insulation that can help to further reduce heat transfer and increase energy efficiency.
In addition to keeping the cool air inside, insulation can also help to reduce the amount of energy required to run the refrigerator. This can help to lower your energy bills and make the unit more environmentally friendly.
Another benefit of additional insulation is that it can help to reduce noise levels. Outdoor refrigerators can be noisy, especially if they have a compressor that runs constantly.
Additional insulation can help to dampen the sound of the compressor and make the refrigerator quieter.
Freestanding or Built-in Fridge
Freestanding refrigerators are typically less expensive and easier to install, making them a good choice for those who are looking for a more affordable and flexible option.
They can be moved around and placed in different locations, making them ideal for those who want to rearrange their outdoor space from time to time.
On the other hand, built-in refrigerators are designed to be installed directly into outdoor cabinetry or other structures, offering a seamless, custom look that is perfect for those who want to create a truly integrated outdoor kitchen design.
While built-in refrigerators can be more expensive and require professional installation, they are often more durable and can withstand harsh outdoor conditions better than freestanding refrigerators.
Ultimately, the decision between a freestanding or built-in refrigerator will depend on your budget, design preferences, and installation requirements.
Pricing Your Outdoor Fridge
Outdoor refrigerators can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the brand, features, and quality.
Less expensive models typically have fewer features and may not be as durable as more expensive models. They may also have less insulation, which can impact their ability to keep food and beverages at the proper temperature.
However, these models can still be a good choice for those who are on a budget or don’t need all the bells and whistles of a high-end refrigerator.
Higher-end models often come with more features, such as multiple temperature zones, advanced cooling systems, and built-in ice makers.
They may also have more insulation, which can help to keep the unit operating efficiently even in extreme weather conditions. These models may also have a more durable construction, which can help to extend the life of the refrigerator.
How to Maintain Your Refrigerators When Going Out?
If you’re planning to go out and leave your refrigerator unattended for an extended period of time, there are several steps you can take to ensure that it remains in good condition and is ready to use when you return.
- Clean the refrigerator: Before leaving, take the time to clean the refrigerator and remove any food or drinks that may spoil or attract pests. Wipe down the interior and exterior surfaces with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
- Turn off the power: Turn off the power to the refrigerator to conserve energy and prevent any malfunctions. This will also help to avoid any electrical hazards that may occur while you are away.
- Defrost the freezer: If your refrigerator has a freezer compartment, defrost it before leaving to prevent ice buildup that can interfere with the unit’s cooling ability.
- Keep the door open: Leave the door of the refrigerator open slightly to prevent mold or mildew from growing inside. Alternatively, you can prop the door open with a block of wood or other object to keep it ajar.
- Empty the water dispenser: If your refrigerator has a water dispenser, empty the reservoir to prevent stagnant water from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Check the temperature: Before leaving, check the temperature of the refrigerator and adjust it as necessary to ensure that it remains within the safe temperature range for storing food and beverages.
FAQs
What are The Best Outdoor Refrigerator Brands?
Some of the top brands for outdoor refrigerators include Lynx, Blaze, DCS, Summit, and Viking.
What Features Should I Look For In An Outdoor Refrigerator?
When choosing an outdoor refrigerator, look for features such as weatherproofing, insulation, sealing and filters, and capacity and size. Additionally, consider whether you want a freestanding or built-in fridge, and whether you need additional features such as a built-in ice maker or multiple temperature zones.
How Much Does An Outdoor Refrigerator Cost?
Outdoor refrigerators can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the brand, features, and quality. Less expensive models typically have fewer features and may not be as durable as more expensive models.
What Is The Difference Between A Freestanding and Built-in Outdoor Refrigerator?
Freestanding refrigerators are standalone units that can be moved around and placed in different locations. Built-in refrigerators, on the other hand, are designed to be installed directly into outdoor cabinetry or other structures, offering a seamless, custom look.
How Do I Maintain My Outdoor Refrigerator?
To maintain your outdoor refrigerator, be sure to clean it regularly, check the temperature settings, and turn off the power when you’re away for an extended period of time. Additionally, empty and turn off the ice maker, and consider leaving the doors open to prevent moisture buildup.
Can I Install An Outdoor Refrigerator Myself?
While some freestanding outdoor refrigerators can be installed by homeowners, built-in models typically require professional installation to ensure proper ventilation and weatherproofing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, investing in a high-quality outdoor refrigerator is a smart choice for anyone who enjoys spending time outside and hosting gatherings. With proper maintenance and care, a good outdoor refrigerator can last for many years and provide a convenient way to store and access food and beverages in your outdoor space.
By considering the factors we’ve discussed, including size, features, and pricing, you can find the best outdoor refrigerator to suit your needs and budget.
