If you are looking forward to setting up your outdoor kitchen, then the first appliance that you should consider buying is your outdoor refrigerator. This appliance not only helps in keeping the beverages cold but also helps in the easy and hassle-free cooking process While choosing to buy an outdoor refrigerator, it is important to choose a unit that is rated for outdoor use.
These refrigerators should be designed to work harder, owing to the fluctuations in the outdoor temperatures. They should be insulated for outdoor use and should have waterproofing, to avoid the risk of electrocution. There are also several other aspects to consider before choosing the refrigerator for an outdoor kitchen. Let us discuss them all along with the descriptions and features of the best outdoor refrigerators.
Factors to consider before choosing the refrigerator for the outdoor kitchen
Before choosing to buy an outdoor refrigerator, think about how best it adapts to the outdoor kitchen. Do not place it under direct sunlight, to help it last longer. The important factors to consider before choosing the refrigerator for the outdoor kitchen are as follows.
1. UL ratings
Choose refrigerators that have passed safety testing and certification and ensure that they meet the minimum standards for cooling the food and the beverages. The outdoor temperature keeps changing constantly and they have to work hard to maintain their cooling temperature. The UL rating ensures that the refrigerator is cool enough to store food items safely.
2. Venting system
The outdoor refrigerators should have both rear and front venting systems. Rear venting refrigerators are not preferred as they require space clearance on the top, back, and sides.
3. Compressors and noise
Choose an outdoor refrigerator with an efficient compressor that is designed to cool the fridge properly. Choose units that make use of environmentally friendly refrigerants. It also helps maintain low noise levels and adapts well to the outdoor kitchen.
4. Metal shelves
Outdoor refrigerators either have glass or metal shelves. Metal shelves are a great choice for enhancing airflow and for improving energy efficiency, as it allows smooth airflow between the grates.
5. Lighting
Make sure that the refrigerator is well lit in its interiors, to find its contents even in the dark. Refrigerators with LED lights are a great choice, as they do not create heat inside the refrigerator.
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Best Refrigerators for Outdoor Kitchen
#1. Bull Outdoor Products 11001 Refrigerator – Best Overall
| Features | Rating |
| Performance | 8.9 |
| Controls and functionality | 8.8 |
| Build quality | 9.1 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.5 |
| Value for money | 8.8 |
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The Bull standard refrigerator features a space-saving design that helps in keeping the food and the beverages ice cold. There is a beverage can dispenser that is capable of holding seven cans of 12 oz. the capacity that comes in is completely integrated into a stylish and reversible stainless steel door. It weighs only 62 pounds and is extremely lightweight and is thus perfect for office, dorm room, man cave, and outdoor BBQ area. It also offers a reversible door that swings from left to right and vice versa for opening.
Bull offers a complete line of quality outdoor kitchen equipment and they are designed and crafted with the finest materials that are available. These outdoor kitchen components are built with a stainless steel material for a beautiful finish and they help in enhancing the lifetime of the appliance. This refrigerator is being designed with a matching family look that compliments the outdoor kitchen and they also look professional and sleek.
Its exterior stainless steel door panel, in metallic grey color, can adapt to the external wear and tear of the outdoor kitchen. It holds a space-saving flush back design and doesn’t require much space for installation. The refrigerator has a reversible door for left and right swings and helps with full range temperature control. Its wire shelves can be removed and rearranged to accommodate taller containers and bottles.
Pros
- The appliance is energy efficient and doesn’t consume a lot of energy.
- Its 4.4 Cu.ft. of space is highly efficient to keep the beverages and food cold for a long time.
- The appliance is ETL certified and is energy efficient.
Cons
- The appliance is not self-defrosting.
- The freezer has only two temperature settings.
Also check: Best Refrigerator for Vegetable Storage
#2. Bull Outdoor Products 13700 Series II Outdoor Refrigerator – Editor’s Pick
| Features | Rating |
| Performance | 8.8 |
| Controls and functionality | 8.8 |
| Build quality | 8.9 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.4 |
| Value for money | 8.7 |
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This is an excellent outdoor refrigerator that comprises stainless steel construction throughout its body to ensure longevity and durability. The appliance offers full range temperature controls and it is capable of maintaining a temperature between 32 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit without much digital readout. The appliance is also outdoor rated for all seasons and is certified by ETL for energy efficiency. This outdoor appliance also comes with CE or energy saver certifications.
The appliance has front venting internal and external fans for both freestanding and built-in use. The refrigerator has a 4.9 Cu.ft. storage capacity to store a lot of vegetables and fruits for extended outdoor use. The refrigerator also has locking and reversible doors for a sleek and professional outdoor look. The Bull Series outdoor-rated refrigerator is built with an outdoor finishing frame.
This is an all-season outdoor rated refrigerator that comes with an internal digital LED control panel and it also features two or three-wire shelves. These wire shelves can be removed and adjusted to accommodate taller water bottles and cans. The refrigerator is built with both front venting external and internal fans and it is perfect for both outdoor kitchens and built-in applications.
Pros
- The appliance has a sleek and professional-looking installation for an outdoor kitchen.
- The 4.9 Cu.ft. of space is great to store a lot of fruits and vegetables.
- This outdoor refrigerator has an improved door seal and front venting fans.
Cons
- It cannot be used to make ice cubes and store frozen desserts, as there is no built-in freezer in this unit.
Check out: Best Refrigerators Under $700
#3. HCK 5.12 Cu.ft. Outdoor Refrigerator – Great for Outdoor Use
| Features | Rating |
| Performance | 8.7 |
| Controls and functionality | 8.6 |
| Build quality | 8.7 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.4 |
| Value for money | 8.5 |
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This can be used both as an indoor and outdoor refrigerator along with a built-in beverage cooler with a reversible door and it features an elegant stainless steel exterior finish. The refrigerator holds a massive storage capacity of about 5.12 cubic feet and it is capable of storing about 161 standard beverage cans of 12 oz. capacity. The refrigerator comes with three removable chromed shelves and a pre-installed factory lock that protects the contents of the refrigerator. The refrigerator also comes with an auto-defrost function with a stainless steel front vent.
This outdoor refrigerator also comes with a stainless steel front vent, reversible door and a built-in blue LED light. The refrigerator also has precise temperature control and it also works on a powerful and highly efficient compressor-based cooling system. The refrigerator makes use of an environmentally friendly R600a refrigerant, that helps in maintaining an ambient temperature of 32 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature in this appliance is monitored constantly by its built-in sensors and it helps in keeping the cold beverages and food in their best shape for a long time.
We can adjust the temperature in this outdoor refrigerator by using a simple button on its external LED display. This refrigerator is built to last and its stainless steel construction with IPX4 waterproof rating renders its exceptional durability and enhanced safety to use. This refrigerator qualifies for both indoor and outdoor use and it is also qualifying for both freestanding and built-in applications. This unit appeals for both commercial and home use.
Pros
- The appliance comes with a one-year factory warranty on components and 5 years warranty on the compressor.
- The refrigerator has an automatic defrost system and its hinges are of reversible type.
- It can be used as both a freestanding and built-in under-counter refrigerator.
- Its front venting design enables under-counter integration.
Cons
- The internal fan of this refrigerator is a little noisy.
Also check: Best Built-In Refrigerators of 2022
#4. Danby DAR044A6BSLDBO Outdoor Mini-Refrigerator – Most Compact Choice
| Features | Rating |
| Performance | 8.7 |
| Controls and functionality | 8.7 |
| Build quality | 8.8 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.5 |
| Value for money | 8.7 |
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This is an excellent outdoor Mini refrigerator that features a stainless steel look and it is an elegant refrigerator for the Patio, outdoor kitchen, pool bar, etc. This appliance is energy-star rated and its exteriors are made of spotless steel. This is an excellent outdoor rated compact mini-fridge and this contemporary classic outdoor mini fridge that is great for the backyard. The overall capacity of this refrigerator is about 4.4 cubic feet and this entire unit is extremely roomy to store a lot of vegetables and fruits.
This outdoor refrigerator is highly functional and durable, thanks to its waterproof electrical housing, UV protection, and UV-rated IPX4 water ingress protection for safety. The refrigerator has four castors that feature stainless steel ball bearings for rust resistance. All these features qualify this refrigerator as one of the top appliances for outdoor use. This refrigerator has been tested for a tropical environment. This refrigerator adapts itself to the tropical environment and is capable of adapting to temperatures up to 43 degrees Celsius.
You will love its integrated door shelving and it is great for storing tall bottles ideally at the door itself, within the reach of the hand. The refrigerator door also features a CanStor beverage dispensing system that helps with an efficient and tidy can-be dispensing system. Its clean and bright LED interior lighting system and glass shelves help in organizing the refrigerator efficiently and its ergonomic door handles save space and offer it seamless elegance.
Pros
- This is an elegant retro mini fridge that features reversible door hinges and stainless steel finish.
- The refrigerator holds adjusting shelves, door lock, and food-grade waterproof ice bucket.
- Its automatic defrost and mechanical thermostat helps with easy maintenance.
- The appliance is environmentally friendly and is energy-star compliant.
Cons
- There is no freezer in this refrigerator
- Doesn’t get very cold.
Check out: Best Refrigerators for Small Kitchen
#5. Thor Kitchen 24” Outdoor Built-in Refrigerator
| Features | Rating |
| Performance | 8.8 |
| Controls and functionality | 8.7 |
| Build quality | 9 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.4 |
| Value for money | 8.8 |
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This is an excellent refrigerator for an outdoor kitchen that features a double drawer and it also qualifies as an under-counter built-in fridge in stainless steel finish. The total capacity of this refrigerator is about 5.3 Cu.ft. and it doesn’t have a built-in freezer integrated into its unit. The temperature of this refrigerator can be adjusted with the help of a digital LED display and it is capable of maintaining a temperature between 34 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit. The thermostat helps in maintaining a uniform temperature and helps in maintaining food fresh for a long time.
The electric mini fridge comes with a handle and its large capacity is great for handling vegetables and fruits fresh for a long time. This is a mini and a compact refrigerator that is capable of occupying minimal space in the RV, apartments, office, and garage. This outdoor refrigerator works on a ventilated cooling system that helps in keeping the food items chilled at the exact temperature that is required to preserve them. The exteriors of this refrigerator are made of stainless steel material and are also fingerprint-resistant. If at all, there are any smears or watermarks, or fingerprints on the exteriors of the ice maker, it is possible to wipe them clean with a damp microfiber cloth.
The refrigerator features full extension stainless steel slide-out double drawers that fit in pretty well than the refrigerator that has a divider in the main fridge section. It also has a sliding fridge drawer to separate foods efficiently. Its weatherproof design makes this suitable for outdoor use. the appliance offers 100% satisfaction and comes with two years limited warranty. The appliance features a built-in design and it can also be used as a freestanding appliance.
Pros
- This is an outdoor refrigerator with a glossy stainless steel finish.
- Adjustable temperature controls.
- There are four adjusting leveling legs to adapt to any surface.
- There are two crisper drawers in this refrigerator.
Cons
- There is no freezer built into this refrigerator.
- Noisy appliance.
Check out: Best Refrigerator for Ice Making
Final Words
What matters the most in the outdoor refrigerator, more than the brand and the features is its maintenance. It is important to clean the coil and the compressor fan of this refrigerator regularly to maintain a sleek look and to enhance the efficiency of the refrigerator. We hope our product recommendations and our buying guide help you in choosing the best refrigerator for outdoor use.
