You can nowadays store your meals and beverages conveniently in your chosen space. The range of fridge types and their functions are diverse, meaning you have to conduct research for the best find. We have prepared this guide to help you choose the best outdoor refrigerator for your needs.
What type of fridge is this? Well, it’s a portable, compact and heavy-duty fridge that you can set up in various spaces. However, it's not a fridge that you can leave outside in the rain or snow. It is a fridge that you can put in places such as a patio or an outdoor island.
Below is a comprehensive guide to help with the selection process:
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PRODUCT | WHY IT’S A TOP PICK | Features |
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Compact and portable fridg |
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Portable and suitable for small spaces |
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Sits stable on most floor surfaces and is highly spacious |
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How to Buy the Best Outdoor Refrigerator
An outdoor fridge can be a great tool, and it's good if you can go for the right types for the task.
With temperature regulation systems that function regularly, fridges are the most hardworking tools out there today. When installed outside the home, they often have to work harder to maintain the ideal temperature levels. Plus, they must also be used safely when exposed to weather that changes regularly. Thus, ensure you go for a fridge that offers reliable use, especially outdoors.
Below is a list of factors you have to consider:
Placement
What’s your preferred setting for the outdoor fridge? Do you have an outdoor kitchen island, or will it be a free-standing unit in your backyard? Plus, you also have to ensure you store the fridge in a covered place. The location should be free from the weather and the direct sun, as these are two key factors that can compromise your fridge's functions. Keeping track of the fridge installation factors will ensure you install a fridge that blends well with your space.
If your goal is to set up the fridge in a large outdoor space, remember aspects such as the fridge vents. Also, keep track of the cutout dimensions of your chosen unit. Usually, front vented fridges have excellent ventilation from the front section and might require additional spacing when using any cutout system.
Durability
A good fridge should be durable enough to withstand exposure to issues such as moisture, dust, and more. It's an important factor for you to consider if you want a unit that can last for many years. Why? Because you are likely to set up the fridge in a space that’s spacious enough for your needs.
Aside from looking at material construction aspects, remember to keep track of features such as the material rating. Ensure you get the type that is suitable for use in rugged environments, such as in dusty areas or those prone to moisture. Expect the fridge construction to feature high-quality stainless steel or copper for longevity.
Capacity
Determining the items, you plan to keep in your fridge is important in choosing the right capacity for your needs. A good place to start will be with the fridge's dimensions and layout to determine if the storage is suitable.
Go for a “food certified” type if you plan to use the fridge instead of just storing beverages. Why? It's because these fridge types have been tested to maintain specific temperatures, and also feature food-safe materials for optimal performance. Thus, you have the confidence required to store your meals without going bad or unusual tastes.
Performance
Keep track of the cooling type or functions you expect from your fridges, as this plays a major role in your ability to your foods or drinks. Usually, the two common cooling features for fridges include forced air and cold plate.
Cold plate fridges come with a plate that sits in the back section of the fridge. The only issue with this function is that the fridge's contents may compromise the flow of cold air. Thus, this might cause unusual temperatures in the fridge.
The ideal cooling method when using fridges is using the forced air technique. These types come with fans in the interior section, which help provide circulation benefits and consistent temperatures.
Security
Being able to lock your fridge outdoors is important if you want to keep your pets and kids safe. Usually, these fridge types come with a keyed lock on the front door section for ease of access. Remember that these are features that can come at extra cost, so try and keep track of this aspect as well.
Choosing the Right Design
Installation and Maintenance
Best Outdoor Refrigerator Under $50
Coca-Cola Vintage Chic 4L Cooler/Warmer Mini Fridge by Cooluli for Cars
Coca-Cola Vintage Chic 4L Cooler/Warmer...
Enjoy portable refrigeration when you have the Coca Cola Vintage 4L cooler. It’s a powerful 4-liter thermoelectric cooler that is perfect for various types of beverages. The cooler is lightweight and has a modern profile that makes it exceptionally portable. The fridge also has a modern profile, which makes it a unique addition to your modern space.
Designed to suit several functions, you will find this unit easy to use for various refrigeration functions. You can use it for drinks, breast milk, medication, and more. The system is available with convenient AC/DC power cords for ease of use. Also, the fridge has a USB cord for the ultimate flexibility when it comes to power supply.
The good thing is that this fridge has a unique cooling system and stays quiet and cost-effective. It's also user friendly and does not comprise of freons.
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Best Outdoor Refrigerator Over $100
RCA RFR835-Black 3.2 Cubc Foot 2 Door...
Make your outdoor space much more functional when you have the RCA RFR835 Door Fridge and Freezer. The fridge has a unique two-door configuration to make it easy to keep your items organized. The top doors offer access to the freezer, where you get sufficient space to store your frozen meals. Plus, the bottom door opens the fridge, where you can access glass shelves and a vegetable drawer section.
On the side section, you will come across a dispenser and compartment that can hold 2-liter bottles. The fridge also functions through compressor cooling, such that your drinks stay cool regardless of the weather. Thanks to the inbuilt temperature dial, you can find it easy to maintain the perfect temperature level for your meals.
The fridge is exceptionally quiet and CFC free to make it an environmentally free resource for your needs.
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Midea Stainless Steel Fridge
Midea 3.1 Cu. Ft. Compact Refrigerator,...
Owning the right resources can have many benefits. Thus, we also recommend the Midea 3.1 refrigerator, which is perfect for preserving your meals. You can keep one stocked with snacks and beverages, such that you never miss out on having a good time. It’s a compact-sized fridge, but it also offers the same features you would expect from a fully functional fridge.
The other key aspect of this unit is the free-standing and streamlined design, which can complement almost any outdoor space type. The fridge is perfect for rooms far from the kitchen or any space requiring cold snacks or drinks.
The fridge is compact, but you can expect to provide large amounts of space for your meals and beverages. More so, the sturdy design means that you will find it easy to set up in your small spaces or more.
A silent fridge is an excellent addition to your modern space. You will be pleased with this whisper-quiet unit, that is undetectable when it cycles on or off.
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Midea WHS-65LW1 Compact Refrigerator
Midea WHS-65LW1 Compact Refrigerator,...
You can never go wrong with the Midea WHS-65LW1 Compact Fridge. This unit has a large storage area, making it perfect for storing beverages, health snakes, and more. Plus, the fridge comes with adjustable legs and a reversible door, making it easy to access the internal contents. If you are not aware, Midea is among the leading fish brand names on the market. You can use it as a wine cooler, kegerator, or even as a fridge.
Like all the high-end fridge units on the market, this unit has a heavy-duty construction that ensures years of reliable performance. It sits stable on most floor surfaces and won’t require maintenance when left unused. Customizing the fridge cooling features is also easy, and the durable exterior means that you can set it up in your outdoor space with ease.
Plus, thanks to its streamlined look, you have a powerful fridge that can complement any style or setting. Also, it's an excellent solution for minibars, small apartments, dorm rooms, and more.
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BLACK & DECKER Mini Refrigerator with Freezer
BLACK+DECKER BCRK32V Compact...
Take your outdoor space's functionality to the next level when you have the BLACK+DECKER BCRK32V compact fridge. The fridge is convenient to use and features full-width adjustable glass shelves for your convenience. With its reversible and space-saving flat back design, this fridge works well for various types of indoor spaces.
The BLACK+DECKER BCRK32V has several convenient customization features, which means temperature control is a breeze. Remember that controlling the temperature outdoors is crucial if you want to enjoy chilled meals and beverages.
Since this fridge will be sitting outdoors, it also has a heavy-duty finish that can resist exposure to dust and more. Also, the adjustable leveling legs means that you can adjust the fridge to suit your modern space. The fridge has a manual defrost setting to make it easy to prepare your frozen meals. The full-width freezer compartment is also available with a tray for ease of use.
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Best Outdoor Refrigerator Over $200
GE Freestanding Compact Refrigerator
GE GDE03GGKBB Freestanding Compact...
The GE GDE03GGKBB Compact fridge provides 3.1 cu ft capacity of space, which is perfect for your beverages, small meals, and more. It’s a fridge that blends well with your outdoor space and is also exceptionally portable.
The fridge also comes with a separate true freezer compartment that offers 0.93 cu of space. That is more than sufficient space to store your frozen meals. Thanks to the convenient interior lighting, you will have a fridge that illuminates easily when the fresh food door opens.
On top of that, the compressor has been durability tested to provide optimal performance regardless of the conditions. The recessed handles that nothing won't stick out and take up valuable space. Also, it's easy to open and close.
With the clear, crisp structure, you have the ideal storage to view your vegetables and fruits. The fridge has tall bottle storage that does well to free up valuable shelf space for other items. Equipped with door shelves, you can use this fridge to store small containers and boxed foods. It even has a partial automatic defrost function that is ideal for fresh foods.
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NewAir AB-1200 126 Can Freestanding Beverage Fridge
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NewAir Beverage Refrigerator Cooler with...
Various electronic brands are popular for their high-end products, and new air is among some of them. The fridge provides you with seven custom settings that you can use to calibrate the fridge's cooling functions. With the AB-1200 126 can beverage cooler, you can keep large water supplies, beer, soda, and more in a convenient space.
Whether you are preparing for a part or adding some drinks to your outdoor space, the AB-1200 is perfect. The fridge also features five removable racks and a spacious storage bin, ideal for large bottles and cartons.
The fridge also has a powerful compressor system that works automatically to adjust the temperatures. Thanks to its freestanding design, this unit is easy and highly convenient to set up. It even has a black and white stainless-steel finish that will complement any outdoor setup.
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NewAir NBC126SS02 Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler
Sale
NewAir NBC126SS02 Beverage Refrigerator...
Upgrade your indoor space with the NewAir NBC126SS02 Beverage Cooler. The fridge is reliable and can chill your drinks down to 37 degrees. Furthermore, it has a roomy design that can accommodate as many as 126 cans. The fridge also has removable storage racks that you can use to create space for bottles, cans, and more.
Thanks to the highly efficient thermostat, setting the precise temperatures of this unit is a breeze. It has seven custom settings for the perfect beverage servings. With the small interior fittings, you will find it easy to adjust the shelves to suit various item combinations. You can pack it full of sodas or beers for a part, or one week’s worth of fresh juices for the kids.
Equipped with a double-paned glass door, you will enjoy optimal insulation, perfect for regulating the chill. The durable stainless-steel door also features a recessed handle, making it easy to open the fridge in any direction.
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Best Outdoor Refrigerator Over $300
Bull Outdoor Refrigerator
Bull Outdoor Products 11001 Stainless...
The Bull Outdoor Products 11001 Stainless Steel Fridge is also another serious contender in this list. The fridge comes with a stainless-steel exterior door panel, making it both durable and perfect for longevity purposes. Thanks to the space-saving flash buck design, this fridge is easy to install in various types of indoor spaces.
The door is also reversible, either left or right, for the ultimate convenience. The fridge also features 30inch double doors with various types of access doors, storage drawers, and more.
The Bull Outdoor Products brand has done well to identify the importance of dynamic features on a fridge. It's what you can expect when you have Bull Outdoor Products 11001 front panel fridge. You will also be surprised by the special auxiliary functions on this unit that are ideal for your outdoor kitchen. These include a faucet, cutting board, removable tray, and more.
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Best Outdoor Refrigerator Over $400
Phiestina 15 Inch Beverage Cooler Refrigerator
Sale
Phiestina 15 Inch Beverage Cooler...
Enjoy high-performance refrigeration when you have the Phiestina 15-inch beverage cooler. The fridge has an advanced compressor cooling and air circulation system. Thus, you will enjoy high energy efficiency and low noise performance. More so, the digital temperature control and LED lighting make the cooler stand out from the rest.
The LED is a highly convenient mechanism that lets you customize the fridge's functions, regardless of the lighting conditions. It's also exceptionally convenient to use and customized to suit the specific nature of outdoor space and for longevity purposes.
With the exceptional inbuilt of a free-standing design structure, setting this unit up in your small space is a breeze. It’s a fridge that provides easy access to your favorite soda or alcoholic drinks and time. You can use it to throw elite entertainment for your guests or a pleasant surprise for the family next time.
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Whynter FM-65G 65 Quart Portable Refrigerator
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Whynter FM-65G 65 Quart Portable...
The Whynter FM-65G portable refrigerator is also an excellent addition to your modern space. It’s a powerful machine with all the features you need to store your meals with style and functionality.
The fridge features an exceptional 8 feet AC power cord and 10 feet DC power cord, to make things convenient. Plus, the two removable wire briskets make it easy to gain access to your meals and beverages.
Thanks to the insulated lid, you are sure the fridge won’t overheat or experience unusually cold weather. Whether you are on a day trip or a major expedition, you will find this unit easy to store your beverages. It can cool between -6°F to 50°F with convenient customization functions. With the “fast freeze” mode, this fridge rapidly freezes all the contents down to -6°F.
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Whynter BR-128WS Beverage Refrigerator
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Whynter BR-128WS Beverage Refrigerator...
It's easy to keep your meals and beverages chilled when you have the Whynter BR-128WS fridge. This unit is the ideal choice for compact and efficient refrigeration applications. It has premium features and a design that will make it the centerpiece for your modern space. Furthermore, the powerful compressor and internal air-cooled system ensure you enjoy consistent temperatures throughout the fridge.
You will appreciate the high profile and flush back design, making it easy to fit cleanly against most walls. Thus, the fridge can maximize space and reduce the footprint required for use in your outdoor space. The diverse functions of this unit make it easy to store drinks at different temperature levels. These include levels of between 30°F - mid 60°F.
Since this unit can perform fan-forced circulation, you are sure it can maintain an evenly cooled space with the right temperatures. The fridge has a cylinder that provides optimal protection and security from unwanted access.
It has a stainless-steel glass door and soft LED lighting that makes it easy to view the contents that are stored in the fridge. Plus, the unique structure will also help maintain and improve the energy efficiency of your unit. The door direction is also easy to reverse for ease of customization.
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RCA RFR441 Fridge, 4.5 Cubic Feet, Stainless Steel
RCA RFR441 Fridge, 4.5 Cubic Feet,...
The RCA RFR441 Fridge is reliable and simple to use fridge for your outdoor space. The fridge will provide an exceptional 4.5 cu ft capacity to make it suitable for storing various beverages and meals. The stainless steel construction is known for its longevity and ease of maintenance.
Thanks to the in-built can and freezer, you have a more reliable unit for storing your meals or beverages. Also, the inclusion of a reversible door makes it easy to access the contents of the fridge.
The shelves also come with adjustable level feet to make it easy to set up on different floor surfaces. With its sleek tempered glass shelves, you have a fridge that looks great and simple to clean. The fridge will perform well regardless of the outside temperatures and offers ease of customization functions.
The door sides have a convenient can dispenser and mini shelves, which are perfect for storing beverages. With its space-saving flush back design, you will find this unit easy to spot in any space.
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Final Thoughts:
You can complement your outdoor space's functionality when you have the right accessories for beverages and more. We have been looking at some of the best outdoor refrigerator brands on the market. When you have the right fridge for your outdoor space, enjoying beverages and more can be a simple process. The good thing about these fridge types is that they are convenient to set up and take up a small space. Unlike a conventional fridge, outdoor fridges tend to be small but highly spacious. Be sure to conduct some research before settling on a specific type of fridge for your meals and beverages.