If you do a lot of entertaining outdoors, you may have thought about getting an outdoor refrigerator. But what makes outdoor kitchen refrigerators unique? Why are they so popular? How do I know which ones are the best outdoor refrigerators available to me? One element that makes outdoor fridges so well-loved is their convenience: what's the point of having an outdoor kitchen if you have to keep going inside to get your food? Another is the huge variety of configurations available. No matter what your plans for your outdoor kitchen are, you can find a fridge that makes them possible. The experts at Appliances Connection have compiled this post with all the information you need about outdoor refrigerators, as well as spotlighting some of the best outdoor kitchen refrigerators currently available.
The most compact refrigerator on this list is also the one with the best customer ratings. At just 21 in. wide, this freestanding outdoor fridge from Danby can fit into odd spaces, but it still offers 4.4 cu. ft. of total storage capacity. People building their outdoor kitchens love the CanStor™ beverage dispensing system, and the adjustable glass shelves and built-in crisper drawer make it easy to customize for your needs. Even the interior controls are conveniently placed at the front of the cavity, making it easy to adjust the interior temperature. The unit's IPX4-rated design (including a sturdy pro-style handle) makes it capable of standing up to just about any kind of weather, even in heat up to 110° F. With this fridge, you don't even need to worry about your children leaving the field-reversible door open thanks to its integrated locking mechanism.
A drawer refrigerator doesn't have to be indoor-only: this one from Summit proves this by being one of the best outdoor refrigerators out there. At 24 in. wide and with 4.8 cu. ft. of total capacity, it can handle even large items, while it's also made from hyper-durable 304 stainless steel and ETL-S listed for commercial use. The fully removable anti-slam drawers keep the fridge from closing too hard, and the anti-tip bracket adds yet another layer of safety. Even better, removable drawer dividers make it easy to keep the drawers organized. This fridge is entirely frost-free, reducing your maintenance needs, and the panel ready drawer fronts will coordinate with any style of outdoor kitchen. It even offers digital thermostats for easy temperature adjustments, as well as a temperature alarm that sounds if the unit's interior temperature goes outside the set range or if a drawer is left open for more than five minutes.
An undercounter refrigerator is one of the best ways to optimize your kitchen's space, and this includes outdoor kitchens. This 24-in. built-in compact refrigerator from Marvel offers an amazing 5.1 cu. ft. of capacity and three steel shelves. FreshFlo openings in the shelves allow cool air to circulate evenly throughout, while dynamic cooling technology ensures efficient, frost-free operation. The integrated Multifunction Marvel Intuit™ controls let you precisely set your preferred temperature, making this fridge great for storing a wide variety of food items. Finally, the bright arctic white LED interior lighting illuminates the whole cavity efficiently, without adding excess heat.
This 21-in. outdoor fridge's compact size and freestanding design make it a great choice for use on your patio. Its exterior (including the professional style handle) is fully constructed of 304 grade stainless steel, making it durable even in all-weather applications. Meanwhile, its automatic defrosting capability includes an adjustable thermostat, making it simple to pick the right temperature for the 4.1 cu. ft. interior. The unit is even front-vented, making it suitable for built-in installation as well.
The most spacious outdoor refrigerator on our list is this 24-in. one from Lynx that boasts a whopping 5.3 cu. ft. of interior capacity. Its forced-air system and digital controls allow you to set the fridge's temperature anywhere from 34° F to 60° F, while dynamic cooling technology lets you fine-tune the temperature even more. The glass door front lets you get the most use out of the blue LED interior lighting, while the two stainless steel shelves are easy to adjust for whatever utility you need. This fridge is also UL listed for outdoor installation and ENERGY STAR® certified for eco-friendliness and energy efficiency.
How Do Outdoor Refrigerators Work?
Outdoor refrigerators work in much the same way as indoor ones: they use refrigerants to cool the inside of their cavity, carrying heat outside the fridge and keeping your food at a consistent, cold temperature. However, there are a few differences between indoor and outdoor refrigerators.
The first difference between the types of refrigerator is that outdoor refrigerators have to operate in a much wider temperature range. While indoor fridges are built to work at room temperature, outdoor ones have to work at temperatures that reflect the climate they're installed in.
Another difference between indoor and outdoor refrigerators is that outdoor refrigerators are waterproof, and generally made of 304-grade stainless steel. This helps shield your fridge from the fluctuations in weather that naturally occur outside. These fridges have extra seals to ensure that the outdoors stays outdoors instead of going inside, where it can damage your food.
You'll also find a different selection of extra features in outdoor fridges: many outdoor fridges come with beer taps or serving carts instead of external touch panels and multiple drawers.
What Can You Store in Outdoor Refrigerators?
If you can store it in an indoor refrigerator, you can probably store it in an outdoor refrigerator! Many outdoor fridges have adjustable temperatures, so you can set them to being extra cold for seafood, or warmer for drinks. With an outdoor refrigerator, you can move any food you're grilling outside before you cook it, keeping it fresh and free of insects and other pests.
What Installation Types Are Available?
Related Questions
How do I protect my outdoor refrigerator?
The best way to keep your outdoor refrigerator safe from the elements is to keep it clean and well maintained. You may want to consider applying a stainless steel finish to the exterior for added protection.
Will a refrigerator work outside in the summer?
Outdoor refrigerators are built to work even in hot weather, though they'll have to run the compressor more often to account for the added heat.
What are the best outdoor refrigerator brands?
Popular brands for the best outdoor compact refrigerator models include Summit, Viking, XO, and Hestan.
For more information Outdoor Refrigerator Manufacturer, please get in touch with us!