If you’re on the hunt for the best outdoor refrigerators in the market right now, make sure you consider some important things first: outdoor-proofing, storage capacity, size, installation and venting, and price. I searched far for the best of the best right now. To find out what made it into our list according to these factors, keep on reading below!
An outdoor kitchen in a covered patio right in the backyard is any homeowner’s dream. I know it’s always been a dream of mine. Imagining cooking outside gives me a kick to learn to cook newer and fancier meals every day.
An outdoor kitchen is also great when you like entertaining guests for outdoor parties, get-togethers, and barbeque nights. An outdoor kitchen would need a good outdoor refrigerator as well. Whether it’s keeping fresh food supplies, keeping leftovers or beverages cold, a good outdoor kitchen is a perfect addition.
With an outdoor refrigerator, gone are the days of constantly going back in to get yourself and your guests cold and refreshing beverages. Now, it’s all within a reach in your outdoor kitchen and you won’t have to leave the fun of the party!
For the best outdoor refrigerators in the market right now, I’ve got you covered below!
Why You Should Get an Outdoor Refrigerator
Even if you don’t have an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor refrigerator is still a tempting investment. If you have a pool, or gazebo, or simply enjoy spending time outside, do consider getting an outdoor refrigerator.
Having an outdoor refrigerator allows you to have your favorite drinks and beverages within reach, instead of constantly going back inside the house.
If you enjoy the company of friends and family coming over for parties and barbeque nights, you also give them a variety of chilled beverage options within their reach.
Overall, an outdoor refrigerator is convenient and practical.
Indoor vs. outdoor refrigerator
Though an indoor and an outside refrigerator are technically the same in functions and purposes, there are many differences between the two.
Indoor refrigerators are designed and engineered to exist in one, consistent environment: the inside of a house. They’re meant to handle differences that occur inside a home.
What makes outdoor refrigerators from those meant to be inside is that they can handle drastic changes in the environment better. Outdoor refrigerators are engineered and designed to handle temperature and weather changes well.
Can’t I just use an indoor refrigerator outside?
Basically, no, you can’t just install an indoor refrigerator outside. As mentioned above, an indoor refrigerator is not designed to withstand fluctuating weather and environmental conditions the way outdoor refrigerators are.
Installing an indoor refrigerator for outside use means you are risking the integrity of the unit. This means you’ve put it at risk of serious functionality issues. This can lead to a much shorter life span of the refrigerator.
Does this mean outdoor refrigerators are all-weatherproof?
Just because outdoor refrigerators are engineered with weatherproofing, rust resistance, UV protection, advanced cooling systems, and whatnot, this doesn’t mean it can withstand all weather conditions.
Outdoor refrigerators are able to withstand fluctuations in temperature and some amount of water. But this doesn’t necessarily mean you can leave it outside during heavy rain and storms. Covering them up or even taking them inside for protection is highly recommended.
Are outdoor refrigerators more expensive?
In your search for the best outdoor refrigerator, you may be shocked at how expensive the options are compared to indoor refrigerators.
Due to the extra safety measures engineered into outdoor refrigerators to make it applicable for outdoor use, they are generally pricier.
Types of Outdoor Refrigerators
Outdoor refrigerators can come in a variety of different types. The type of refrigerator you should get would depend on your needs.
You can opt for a beverage-only outdoor refrigerator. This is able to store tons of bottles and cans of beverages from water to soda to beer. It can also store some food for a while but definitely not for long-term storage.
There are also basic outdoor refrigerators with functions like a freezer or crisper.
Outdoor refrigerators also have a variety of installation options – freestanding, built-in, or maybe even both. This would depend on your outdoor kitchen, patio, or pool situation.
Always consider what your needs are in choosing an outdoor refrigerator type.
Our Top Picks for the Best Outdoor Refrigerators
Product Image | Product Name | Price | |
Our Pick | HCK 161 Can Indoor/Outdoor Beverage Refrigerator | Check Price | |
Best Storage Solution | Danby DAR044A6BSLDBO Outdoor Mini Refrigerator | Check Price | |
Best Sleek, Stylish Design | Whynter BR-130SB Beverage Refrigerator | Check Price | |
EdgeStar CBR1501SSOD 142 Can Outdoor Beverage Refrigerator | Check Price | ||
Bull Outdoor Products 11001 Stainless Steel Front Panel Refrigerator | Check Price |
The Best Outdoor Refrigerator
1. HCK 161 Can Indoor/Outdoor Beverage Refrigerator – Our Pick!
Our number one pick for the best outdoor refrigerator is HCK 161 Can Indoor/Outdoor Beverage Refrigerator! An outdoor-rated refrigerator, this promises normal operation under temperatures of up to 108°F.
With SUS 304 stainless steel body and IPX4 waterproof rating, you can rest your mind on its safety of use and maximum durability. This has both ETL and DOE certification, ensuring its safety of use in any home and business setting.
This has a temperature range of 32°F to 50°F. A built-in Temperature Management System (TMS), constantly monitors the temperature it’s working on to suit your needs. You can freely adjust the temperature settings on the user-friendly press button controller on the unit.
This comes with a powerful compressor-based cooling system for the best performance. The highly-efficient compressor works well while also reducing energy use aka not weighing down on your electric bills. And with R600a refrigerant, this sure is an environmentally-conscious outdoor refrigerator.
This can be installed either freestanding or as an under-counter built-in unit. Thanks to the front-venting design, this makes a great addition to any counter island in your outdoor kitchen.
This boasts of compact yet spacious construction with 5.12 cubic feet of space. This promises to fit up to 161 cans of the standard 12 oz. beverages. This comes with three removable wire shelves that offer maximum storage flexibility for all your storage needs. Whether you want to use the fridge for tall, medium, or small-sized cans and bottles, this has got you covered.
This comes equipped with a convenient auto-defrost function. Now, you won’t have to worry about defrosting this over time as it does it for you already. There is also a built-in blue LED light inside the fridge to give you a better view of what’s inside, whether it’s light or dark out.
The door on this is self-closing and reversible, allowing for placement flexibility as well. There is also a pre-installed built-in lock so you can rest assured whatever’s inside stays secure even when you place it outside.
This has a super low noise level. This is able to keep stuff really cold and as a bonus, it just doesn’t work for beverages. You can only keep fresh food inside, just don’t leave it too long.
The one common drawback to this is that a number of users found it difficult to reverse the door.
Pros:
- Outdoor-rated and IPX4 waterproof rating
- 32°F to 50°F temperature range
- Operation under temperatures up to 108°F
- Front-vent for built-in installation
- Reduced energy consumption and environment-friendly
- Auto-defrost and reversible door
Cons:
- Difficult to reverse the door
2. Danby DAR044A6BSLDBO Outdoor Mini Refrigerator – Best Storage Solution!
If what you’re looking for in an outdoor refrigerator is a smart and convenient storage solution, check out Danby DAR044A6BSLDBO Outdoor Mini Refrigerator! This 4.4 cubic feet mini fridge promises a compact yet spacious storage space with a total of four shelves. It comes with two glass adjustable shelves and its own vegetable crisper, too, to house some of your fresh food.
There’s also an integrated door shelving with a beverage dispensing system for more storage solutions. This is perfect for additional cans, tall bottles, and whatnot you might want to put inside for storage.
This is an outdoor-rated mini refrigerator with tons of weatherproofing functions – waterproof electrical housing and UV-protected plastics for sure durability. This comes with an IPX4 waterproof rating and water-resistant outer coating on a stainless steel body.
This was also tested for use in a tropical environment during development. This is able to maintain normal function under outside temperatures of up to 109°F.
It’s Energy-Star rated and compliant and utilizes the known environment-friendly R600 refrigerant. It’s also available in four color variations (Spotless Steel, Black, Silver, and White) for whatever fits your outdoor kitchen’s aesthetics.
There is an automatic defrost function and a built-in mechanical thermostat for even more convenience in maintaining your outdoor fridge. There is also a fully-integrated lock to keep the contents secure inside even as you leave it outside your home.
On the interior of the refrigerator is a LED light to assist you in looking for whatever you would need. The doors are reversible as well for maximum placement flexibility. The top of the freestanding fridge’s housing is scratch-resistant, allowing you to put anything on top of it, even your favorite snacks for easy reach and access.
This comes with four rust-resistant casters for easy transportation and ease of mobility. This works well at keeping beverages chilled and refreshing while you’re outside. The roomy interior is sure to give you your money’s worth, as well. With a retro look, this will look good against any outdoor setting.
One thing to keep in mind about this is that the listed height does not coincide with the actual height with the casters in place. Make sure to factor in about an extra inch when it comes to the height.
Many of those who purchased also reported getting their units damaged and dented due to the shipping situation. Make sure to take this into account as well.
Pros:
- 4 adjustable shelves and vegetable crisper
- Integrated door shelving
- Outdoor-rated and IPX4 waterproof rating
- Operation under temperatures of up to 109°F
- Energy-Star rated
- Weather-proof engineering
Cons:
- Not the best shipping situation
3. Whynter BR-130SB Beverage Refrigerator – Best Sleek, Stylish Design!
If one of your top priorities in an outdoor refrigerator is a sleek and stylish exterior, make sure you check on Whynter BR-130SB Beverage Refrigerator! With a stainless steel trimmed glass door, this is a modern and stylish design.
Inside is a soft, modern touch LED light feature with an on/off switch. This is sure to be a center of attention at parties and barbeque nights.
It’s a freestanding unit and is sure to fit in easily in any space in your home and can double as a beautiful display of your favorite beverages. The back is also conveniently flat so it can stand against walls with no problems of eating up additional space at all.
But don’t be fooled by the stylish and sleek design as this has proven itself as a powerful beverage refrigerator. This is powered by a quality compressor and internal air-cooled system for optimal performance. This promises to distribute even and consistently cool temperatures throughout the entire fridge.
This offers a temperature range of 30ºF to 60ºF for all your cooling needs. It has mechanical temperature control so you can adjust the setting however you see it fits your needs. Many were impressed at how cool this gets and how consistent the overall temperature actually is.
This comes with five slide-out and adjustable wire shelves to maximize storing flexibility. Whether you’re storing small cans or tall bottles, this will provide you with an easy solution. Sure, this is stylish but still spacious with 3.1 cubic feet of storage space. Many were pleasantly surprised at how spacious and deep this one is.
This has a reversible door to allow for flexible placement. It comes with a stainless steel towel bar handle that adds a sleekness to the overall appearance. It doesn’t, however, have an automatic defrost system so you would need to defrost the unit manually every once in a while.
As many refrigerators are, this can get noisy, especially if placed in a closed area. But in an open and outdoor area, the noise level comes down to a more tolerable level.
A few also found that because of the glass door, they can have a harder time keeping the temperature down if it’s especially hot and humid outside. Because of this, you might notice some condensation on the exterior.
Pros:
- Stylish and sleek
- 30ºF to 60ºF temperature settings
- Evenly distributed cool temperature
- Flexible and spacious storing solutions
- Glassdoor for a modern touch
- Reversible door and flat back
Cons:
- Can be noisy
- Glassdoor can make it hard to keep the temperature down
4. EdgeStar CBR1501SSOD 142 Can Outdoor Beverage Refrigerator
The next item to make it into our list of the best outdoor refrigerators is EdgeStar CBR1501SSOD 142 Can Outdoor Beverage Refrigerator! An outdoor-approved refrigerator, is able to withstand the constantly changing weather conditions of the outside environment.
Even the compressor and power cord used for this unit are applicable for outdoor use so you can rest assured you’re getting the best.
This has adjustable temperature settings ranging from 38°F to 65°F. This also comes with convenient digital temperature control. With a single push of a button, you can adjust the temperature so it stays on optimal performance. You can also view the current temperature it’s running on in the digital display.
Powered with a fan-circulated cooling system, this circulates even cool temperatures throughout the fridge and effectively prevents hot spots. With a high-quality stainless steel door, this looks sleek and modern. Not only that but it’s also able to maintain the cool temperature you set so nothing melts or loses its refreshing temperature.
Inside the refrigerator is a LED interior lighting to help illuminate the inside contents once opened. The door to this is also reversible to allow for flexible placement anywhere you choose.
This comes with three glass shelves where you can store all your choice of drinks and beverages. This is able to store up to approximately 142 standard 12 oz. cans. Many were happily surprised at how many drinks this can actually hold.
The door to the outdoor fridge also has a built-in lock so you can secure everything placed inside even if you leave it out through the night. This operates with very minimal noise and works great even under hot and brutal weather conditions.
This comes with casters for increased mobility and ease of transportation as well. You can opt for a freestanding installation but thanks to the front-venting design, this can easily be built in under any of your counters.
Some drawbacks to this a few have shared is that the shelves are not adjustable, at least without the right tools. Some also noticed that the door doesn’t close easily. You would have to push and see it close to being sure.
Pros:
- Outdoor-approved fridge
- 38°F to 65°F. adjustable temperature settings
- Withstands changing weather conditions, even the compressor, and power cord
- Freestanding or built-in installation
- Even temperature throughout
- Reversible door and inclusive casters
Cons:
- Door doesn’t close easily all the way
- Shelves are noy easily adjustable without the proper tools
5. Bull Outdoor Products 11001 Stainless Steel Front Panel Refrigerator
And our last favorite outdoor refrigerator for today’s list is Bull Outdoor Products 11001 Stainless Steel Front Panel Refrigerator! Built with a 304 stainless steel body, this promises to withstand the changing weather conditions of the outside environment. From the trusted brand of Bull Outdoor Products, you can definitely trust this one when it comes to outdoor kitchen supplies.
With a 4.4 cubic feet capacity, you can trust this one to provide great storage solutions for all your outdoor needs. It has full range temperature control so you can keep it at optimal working levels for all your and your guests’ favorite drinks. It’s ETL certified so you’re sure of its quality and safety for use.
This comes with two adjustable wire racks for flexible storage solutions. There is also one crisper that doubles as a drawer at the bottom of the fridge. Not only does this store drinks and beverages, but you can use this to store fresh food for some time as well.
On the side of the door is a fully integrated beverage can dispenser that can store up to five standard 12oz cans. There is some additional storage on the door side as well for extra cans and taller bottles of whatever. This is indeed a smart and sleek-looking storage solution any home can ask for.
The door to this outdoor fridge is completely reversible. You can opt for swinging it open right or left and is sure to provide placement flexibility for you and your family. This also comes designed with a flush back so it doesn’t take up any valuable space with a bulky back.
Many unsurprisingly fell in love with how much space this offers. Not only does it hold tons of drinks (and food!) but it also holds the temperature well and even throughout usage. Many found it durable for outdoor use and holds well even through extreme heat and humidity.
Like many outdoor refrigerator options out in the market, you might notice that this can struggle to operate on especially very hot and humid days. You might even see some condensation on the door and sides of the unit these days.
Pros:
- Withstands changes in weather conditions outside
- Spacious storage solutions
- Adjustable racks and integrated can dispenser
- Reversible door placement
- Stainless steel body
- Holds temperature well under hot weather conditions
Cons:
- Can struggle on especially hot and humid days
- Some condensation on door and sides during very hot days
Taking Care of Your Outdoor Refrigerator
Just because outdoor refrigerators are designed and engineered to withstand changes in temperature and weather conditions doesn’t mean you can just leave it be after installation.
A few extra steps to take care of your new outdoor refrigerator will ensure that it provides you with optimal performance and that it lives longer for you to use and enjoy.
Below are some general guidelines on how you can take better care of your new outdoor refrigerator.
Outdoor ≠ all-weather
Just because it’s an outdoor refrigerator doesn’t mean it’s all-weatherproof. This means you can’t let your new fridge sit outside during a storm or during winter when it’s at risk of getting wet. This would also entail protecting your fridge from any water sources ie. or pools.
Getting your new refrigerator wet will lead to ruining the processors and components inside. This would shorten your refrigerator’s life span.
Keep under the shade
It’s not a good idea to install your new outdoor fridge where it’s directly under the sun. The best place to install an outdoor fridge is somewhere where there’s shade – under the roof of your deck, gazebo, or outdoor kitchen.
Being in direct sunlight, the fridge will heat up and will work harder than it needs to. This can damage the processor and shorten its lifespan as well.
Regularly clean
As with indoor refrigerators, it’s always a good idea to regularly clean the interior and exterior of your outdoor fridge. This will make sure that it keeps running on optimal level, without the risk of breaking down anytime soon.
Follow installation and caring instructions
Each outdoor refrigerator comes with its own set of manuals and instructions on how to install and clean them. Make sure you read them carefully and follow each one.
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Refrigerator
Outdoor-proofing
Because you are looking for an outdoor refrigerator, one of the first things you would want to be looking at is all its weather-proofing features. Look for ones with weather-proofing, rust-resistance, UV protection, and advanced components and ventilation, among others.
Unknown to many, outdoor refrigerators actually need to be outdoor-rated to be considered for outdoor installation. The waterproof rating is also another important thing to look into. Whether it’s the body, compressors, or power cord that’s waterproof, make sure to look into it, too.
Storage capacity
Refrigerators have different storage capacities. Most outdoor refrigerators are only meant to store beverages. They can still store fresh food though not for extended periods of time. There are also outdoor refrigerators able to store both drinks and food. Ask yourself which one would be most beneficial for you and your needs.
Refrigerators also have a variety of storage capacities. How many cans and bottles can it store? Does it have integrated door shelving as well? And do you need that extra storage space? Ask yourself these when you’re taking into consideration how much can fit into the fridge.
Size
Another thing to keep in mind is the size of the fridge. This is especially important if you’re concerned about the space it will occupy or if you’re planning on putting it under counters and islands.
Manufacturers always include these dimensions in their item listings so make sure to always check that.
Installation and venting
Refrigerators can either be freestanding or built-in. Depending on the installation process of the fridge, it will also come with different venting systems.
Built-in refrigerators have front-venting systems to allow you to enclose them under countertops. Freestanding refrigerators don’t have this feature. So with freestanding units, you have to make sure that the back and sides are free and can release air.
Price
Outdoor refrigerators are generally pricier than indoor ones. But this doesn’t mean all options are overly expensive. You can definitely get one without breaking the bank so make sure to set a price well within your budget. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to splurge!
Conclusion
Outdoor refrigerators are the perfect addition to any outdoor kitchen. Even if you don’t have an outdoor kitchen, it’s so convenient when you have people over or enjoy having a barbeque party right in your backyard.
Our number one pick for the best outdoor refrigerator is the HCK 161 Can Indoor/Outdoor Beverage Refrigerator! Outdoor-rated, this has a durable stainless steel body and waterproof rating as well. It’s powered by a powerful cooling system that will never add any weight to your electric bills. Not only is it cost-effective, but it’s also environmentally friendly! Its front-vested design is also perfect for either built-in or freestanding installation.
If you’re looking for a smart storage solution not only for your beverages but for some fresh food as well, check out Danby DAR044A6BSLDBO Outdoor Mini Refrigerator! This has everything – adjustable shelves, vegetable crisper, and even integrated door shelving with a beverage dispensing system! Now you won’t have to worry about storing food and drink items as you enjoy your day outside.
And if one of your top priorities is a sleek and stylish design, Whynter BR-130SB Beverage Refrigerator might be for you! The stainless steel trimmed glass door gives this one a modern, beautiful touch. And with a LED light illuminating seen from outside the door, this is sure to catch the eyes and attention of your guests.
And that has been our list of the best outdoor refrigerators! Happy shopping!