With the winters almost ending, you must be already fantasizing about long, hot summer days with your family and friends. And if you can afford a refrigerator from the best outdoor kitchen refrigerators, your joy and experience can enter a whole new realm.
And that’s what we’re going to do here!
We’ll review the best outdoor refrigerators so that you can pick the best one for your purpose and budget. But before jumping onto it, we’ll talk about how to choose the right one?
At the core, a refrigerator is not hard to understand at all. It simply uses cold air and an insulated chamber to keep your eatables and drinks cold and fresh. However, when choosing the best outdoor kitchen refrigerators, there are few crucial factors to keep in mind.
Configuration choices, material, estimated costs, etc. being some of them. We’ll cover the ins and outs of choosing the best outdoor beverage refrigerator.
After all, the right appliance selection is critical if you want to upgrade your kitchen.
Comparison
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | NewAir Portable Ice Maker AI-215R [Style: Ice Maker]
| Price |
 | NewAir NBF046SS00 Beer Refrigerator*[23 DEGREES: COLDEST IN MARKET]
| Price |
 | Whynter FM-85G 85 Quart Portable Fridge*[Car, RV and home use “Fast Freeze”]
| Price |
 | Midea WHS-87LB1 Refrigerator*[Energy Saving]
| Price |
 | GE GDE03GGKBB Freestanding Compact Refrigerator*[Interior lighting]
| Price |
 | Danby DBC026A1BSSDB 95 Can Beverage Center*[Easy to Operate]
| Price |
How To Select The Outdoor Rated Refrigerator?
Outdoor vs Indoor Refrigerator
While they might seem pretty much the same, outdoor and indoor refrigerators are two totally different innovations. Inside your house, you typically have a controlled environment which means regulated humidity, stable temperatures, and limited dust, and so on.
While outdoors, the ambient temperature has a wide range, and the changing levels of humidity in combination with harsh weather pose a significant threat.
And for this reason, the outdoor refrigerators have to be built in accordance with these factors so that any adverse condition can be mitigated.
Extra Insulation
Probably the first thing you will notice about an outdoor kitchen refrigerator is just how heavy they are. Because of the varying temperatures outside, they must have an increased amount of insulation to compensate.
This enhanced protection provides a shield that helps to keep the stuff inside the outdoor fridge freezer cold no matter what the temperature is.
Shop around, and take a look at some of my other articles on this site about good outdoor refrigerators:
READ
- Choosing an Energy Efficient Refrigerator
- 10 best refrigerators under $500
- Best Mini Outdoor Fridge
- What Extra Features Should I Look For In A Refrigerator?
- How Does A Refrigerator Work?
- What types of technical problems are common with refrigerators?
- What should I look for if I’m buying a used freezer?
- How does the European “four star” freezer system work?
Enhanced Weather Proofing
Another complication that best outdoor refrigerators face is adverse weather conditions. Be it blowing sand or summer showers: Extra protection is needed to ensure proper functioning and reliability.
A decent outdoor kitchen will have an outdoor kitchen fridge equipped with multiple weatherproofing forms such as elevated construction, door seals, corrosion-resistant materials, etc. When combined, these minimize the risk of hazards associated with debris and water entering your fridge.
Robust Components
A lot of times, you must have seen your patio loaded with dust and debris in the corners. And do you know that this can prove to be deadly for an outdoor mini refrigerator motor? If it doesn’t have the essential filters & sealed bearings, it will inevitably clog up and fail.
Even minor parts such as hinges need to be sealed. Otherwise, they will get stuck and shut. Robust components are a bit expensive but worth it.
Built-in or Freestanding
Outdoor refrigerators come in two varieties – built-in and freestanding. Each type gives the same quality and performance but a different setup. Keeping all factors in mind, a built-in model will be much better for you.
See also You can be a Ramsey when you have this Campfire Grill Grate. These are placed comfortably under the counter & don’t need any air gaps. All thanks to their front venting design.
Size and Capacity
The size and capacity of a small outdoor refrigerator are also crucial factors to consider. The market has both standard and compact-sized units. Typically a standard one has the dimensions of 34*24*24. They have storage capacities of around 5.5 to 6 cu-ft depending on wall thickness and insulation.
While the compact outdoor beer refrigerators are smaller & provide around 3.3 cu-ft of space: They have almost similar measurements but are 40% slimmer
Outdoor Refrigerator Cost
As with other appliances whether outdoors or indoors, the cost varies between models. Most outdoor refrigerators in the 3-6 cu. ft range costs between 500- 2000$ depending on the company and materials. You can find some models that cost around 300$ as well.
We would advise you against going for these as they are not UL rated and are primarily designed for indoor use only.
Material Selection
If you want to buy a good quality outdoor refrigerator freezer, make sure that it is 304 stainless steel. It will be labeled as 18/10 or 18/8 stainless steel. It is highly resistant to rust, thanks to its high chromium content.
This factor is highly critical for a wet, humid environment outside. Cheap quality materials will rust out and get damaged.
Features
From basic outdoor beer refrigerators to the most high-end ones, you will find lots of features to pay attention to. Almost every model will come with leveling legs, adjustable shelves, interior light, etc., and the higher models can come packed with the following features.
- Adjustable thermostats
- Automatic defrost functions
- Door locks
- Glass doors
- Beverage shelving
- Interior fans
While all of these are optional, it’s crucial to know what you are spending money on.
Outdoor Refrigerator Maintenance
As with any outdoor appliance, a bit of additional maintenance as compared to an interior model is a must. One critical thing that you must keep in mind is that the outdoor refrigerator is not meant for temperatures below 40 degrees.
Like you don’t use your car’s AC in the winter, using a fridge in these conditions isn’t appropriate either.
Built-In Outdoor Refrigerator Reviews
As we’ve already mentioned, if you want to buy an outside fridge, most probably you will be interested in built-in units. These systems are developed to fit perfectly under a countertop and are made to require top ventilation and zero sides.
Top Rated 6 Best Outdoor kitchen Refrigerator Brands
#1.NewAir Portable Ice Maker AI-215R
Features:
- Capable of making more than 50 pounds of ice per day
- Automatic shut-off
- Overflow protection
- Empty water reservoir light indicator
- Compact, portable size is perfect for RVs and apartments
If you are serious about buying from the best refrigerators for outdoor kitchens, then NewAir Portable Ice Maker AI-215R is a must-have for you. Capable of minting more than 50 pounds of ice per day, this great quality ice maker is compact enough to take it anywhere.
Quick freezing time and a side-mounted drain for a mess-free cleanup make it even more desirable. This outside refrigerator is also equipped with a see-through window. An LED display & easy push-button controls add transcendent appeal to any party.
Pros
- Great ice producing capacity
- Easy to use self-clean feature
- Can make ice of 3 sizes
Cons
- None
#2.NewAir NBF046SS00 Beer Refrigerator*
Features:
- Coldest in Market (23 Degree Fahrenheit)
- Frost-Free Glass Shelves
- Portable
- Compact and Spacious
- Great design
If you are someone who likes to keep their drinks at just an arm’s length, then the NewAir NBF046SS00 outdoor stainless steel refrigerator is the perfect choice for you. What’s unique about this beauty is that it chills beer down to 23 degrees Fahrenheit in absolutely no time.
You don’t have to wait for the beer to get cold and spoil the mood of your party. Frost beer mugs, chill brews, or store mini-kegs; the NewAir NBF046SS00 outdoor refrigerator will make sure that you get the best experience out of your bash.
Pros
- Elegant design
- Offers the coldest temperature in the market
- Portable
- Spacious
Cons
- None
#3.Whynter FM-85G 85 Quart Portable Fridge*
Features:
- Fast freeze mode
- Operates both as a refrigerator and freezer
- Tough and solid outer casing
Whether you are cherishing a day trip or are on a major expedition, keeping your food and beverages fresh and chilled was never so easy. The Whynter portable freezer fridge is an epic outdoor kitchen refrigerator, which operates between -6 Degree F to 50 Degree F.
Having a firm and solid outer casing, the Whynter FM-85G 85 is a superb solution for every recreational freezing requirement and is one of the best outdoor kitchen refrigerators.
Pros
- Powerful Compressor Cooling System
- 2-in-1 Appliance
- Dual Voltage
- Fast Freeze Mode
Cons
- None
#4.Danby DBC026A1BSSDB 95 Can Beverage Center*
Features:
- Easy to operate
- Superior cooling system
- Bright and Modern
- Versatile Storage
- Huge Capacity
There’s nothing better than hosting a get-together to connect with your relatives and friends. And that get-together reaches a whole new level of fun with this astounding outdoor refrigerator cabinet. The Danby DBC026A1BSSDB keeps your drinks chilled, fresh and beautifully illuminated through a blue LED light.
This appliance has a generous 2.6 Cubic Feet of cooling and storage space and can hold around 100 (350 ml) cans on three adjustable black-wire shelves.
Pros
- Efficient Cooling
- Removable & Adjustable Shelves
- Interior LED Light
- Huge Capacity
- Sleek & Modern Design
Cons
- None
#5.Midea WHS-87LB1 Refrigerator*
Features:
- Large storage area
- Comes with adjustable legs and a reversible door
- Energy efficient
- High-quality Performance
- Manual Defrost Function
The Midea 2.4 Cubic Feet refrigerator is an innovative and perfect solution for a room, apartment, or a wet-bar. It’s one of the best refrigerators for outdoor kitchens and has a popular size & offers a world-class performance due to its simplified mechanical thermostat and manual defrost functions.
The Midea 2.4 Cubic Feet best outdoor refrigerator has a large storage area for excellent beverage chilling and healthy storage of snacks.
Pros
- Keeps your food and drinks amazingly chilled
- Huge capacity with adjustable shelves
- Super-fast and consistent cooling
Cons
- Doesn’t have a spacious freezer for stocking supplies
- Gets loud after several months of use
#6.GE GDE03GGKBB Freestanding Compact Refrigerator*
Features:
- Tested for extreme conditions
- Recessed handles
- Ideal storage
- Tall bottle storage
- Partial automatic defrost
If you are looking for an efficient and stylish outdoor fridge & that is too spacious, then missing out on GE GDE03GGKBB won’t be a smart move at all. It features a separate freezer compartment and bright interior lighting to ensure that your favorite drinks are in easy reach.
The sturdy glass shelves of the GE GDE03GGKBB outdoor mini fridge are easy to clean and also tested in extreme conditions to deliver a genius performance.
Pros
- Easy to use and clean
- Dedicated compartment for fruits and vegetables
- Double Door
- Partial Automatic Defrost
Cons
- None
How do I reduce the amount of energy used by my refrigerator?
In today’s tough economic times, it makes sense to try to save money wherever possible. One of the primary monthly costs we all incur is; energy usage, and one of the chief energy users is the refrigerator.
Credit: Energy Guide Label by Federal Trade Commission
Refrigerators consume electricity at an alarming rate. The outdoor mini refrigerator requires a constant power supply, with more power used if your refrigerator has additional features such as automatic defrost.
With so much cost involved with maintaining a refrigerator, it makes sense that people look to fridges as a way to reduce their monthly payments and save a bit of extra money.
Things You Can Do to Improve Efficiency
Replace a Used Fridge with a New Fridge
The older your outdoor kitchen fridge gets, the more likely it will suffer from hardware glitches that cause it to consume more electricity. It is especially true with older models that may not have as efficient a cooling system and supply your foods with a constant stream of energy.
The money saved by upgrading to a more energy-efficient model may cover the costs of the new refrigerator in just a few years.
Keep The Door Closed
The best undercounter refrigerators have internal sensors that tell them when to blast the inside with cold air. When the door is open, the air inside of the fridge warms, and the cooling system has to be running potentially for longer.
The more it has to cool your food, the more energy it will use & the more costs are being incurred. You should make sure that your door is getting closed all the way, as sometimes packages from food products can cause the door to remain slightly ajar.
Keep the Food at Medium Temperature
Refrigerators often allow you the option of making sure your food is kept extremely cool, with a very cold setting that makes sure that your food is cool and not prone to warming. But this feature also requires a more constant stream of cool air, so your refrigerator is working harder.
Keep Containers Closed
When you put an open container into the outside fridge- The water tends to evaporate and reappear around your refrigerator. The more excess water, the harder your refrigerator is working, so try to keep all containers closed to reduce evaporation.
Clean Your Coils
The cleaner the coils in the back of the appliance, the more efficient the entire machine will run. Coils play an important role with both warming and cooling the refrigerator, and over time they get dirty. If you are hoping to improve your efficiency, you should make sure they are cleaned regularly.
Saving Money the Right Way
In addition to saving money, these tips will also save energy, which is better for the environment and helps keep costs down. If everyone simply closed their refrigerator quickly, for example, tons of energy around the world would be saved, reducing pollution and keeping costs lower. Energy saving tips are both good for your wallet and good for the world.
Conclusion
An outdoor fridge is one of the best appliances to add to your outdoor kitchen. Apart from a grill and a sink they give more functionality and value than any other equipment. Additionally, a good quality outdoor refrigerator is very versatile depending on your requirements in almost every environment.
They are expensive, agreed but if you make a well-planned investment, they will be worth every penny of yours.
Now that you’ve got a decent idea about the best outdoor kitchen refrigerators*, we hope and believe that you will make the best purchase and take your outdoor parties to a whole new level.
All the best and keep partying!
Also check our previous post regarding the best 2 burner gas grills in the market to give you the most mouth watering Barbeque!
Put your questions or suggestions in the comments below, so we can all benefit from each other’s knowledge.
Happy Outdoor Living! Thanks for reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Blaze is a reliable brand you can opt for. Talking about the blaze outdoor refrigerator, it can be a worth-buying addition for your trips if you select the right one.
Why not? Not only the outdoor refrigerator range, but Summit indoor refrigerators are also worth buying products. Even better, if you invest in the BULL outdoor refrigerator.
The maximum capacity of a mini refrigerator Costco is around 161 liters. This refrigerator can fulfill the needs of 2-3 persons.
