The cooler is one of the most important appliances in your outdoor kitchen or barbecue area. You can keep all the food, beverages, and condiments in it so that you have everything at hand when serving guests delicious meal deals. However, it is not enough to get a cooler for your back garden; you need to get the best outdoor refrigerator or icebox as well. The right icebox will help you keep all the foods fresh and safe from heat, humidity, and insects until they are ready to be served. Working properly in an outdoor environment is challenging for any appliance. An indoor refrigerator has plenty of insulation and a heavy-duty motor but an outdoor fridge needs special features such as waterproof motors and rust-proof metal components to stand the test of time during hot summers and cold winters. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the considerations before buying an outdoor refrigerator…
Table of Contents
- The Different Types of Refrigerators for the Outdoor Kitchen
- What outdoor fridge choices are available? Pros & Cons
- Determining Which Type of Patio Fridge Is Right for You
- Brands with the Best Outdoor Refrigerators
- Conclusion
The Different Types of Refrigerators for the Outdoor Kitchen
If you love to entertain and spend time outside in the summer, a patio fridge is an excellent addition to your home. These appliances are known for their ability to keep food cool even when temperatures rise, making them perfect for outdoor spaces. There are several options available to you if you are interested in purchasing a patio fridge, and each one has its own benefits and drawbacks. Once you’ve read this article, you will be able to make an informed decision about which option is right for you.
There are again many manufacturers of the outdoor fridge, these fridges tend to be more expensive than the regular indoor fridge as they need to withstand all weather conditions. If you are buying a new refrigerator for your outdoor kitchen, you need to understand the different types available. You can choose between natural gas, propane, and electrical fridge models. The most popular choice is the propane refrigerator because it runs on a small gas compressor, which means you will not have to worry about electrical wiring or servicing it. It is also the most cost-effective option. For outdoor kitchen setups that are far from the power grid, you can choose a natural gas refrigerator. These models run more quietly than propane units and have a higher energy efficiency rating. However, they have a slightly higher initial cost and require a professional installation. Finally, there are a few electrical refrigerator models designed for outdoor use. These models are specially designed to handle the outdoor elements like rain, snow, extreme temperatures, etc. They also have a lower energy consumption and come with a long warranty. However, they cost more than the other options.
Most are glass fronted and can be bought as a single or a double fridge. The single fridge will fit in a 600mm opening and the double will need around a 900mm opening.
What outdoor fridge choices are available? Pros & Cons
There is only one type of outdoor kitchen refrigerator available in the UK. They are fairly expensive compared to a fridge that works inside. The reason for this price difference is the insulation and protection against water and vermin.
Propane Patio Fridge
A propane patio fridge is a type of outdoor refrigerator that is powered by a propane tank. These units are very similar to propane grills in that they use propane to generate heat and power the appliance. Propane patio fridges are large appliances that can function as both refrigerators and freezers, so you can use them to store all types of food.
Pros
A propane patio fridge is a great option for outdoor entertaining. It is the only patio fridge that can be used to store both frozen and non-frozen foods, so you can be prepared for any situation. A propane patio fridge can also be used in a variety of outdoor spaces, including covered patios and decks. You can use this fridge in hot or cold weather, which makes it ideal for areas where the temperature fluctuates throughout the year.
Cons
Propane patio fridges are very large appliances, and they take up a lot of space. They are also quite heavy, which makes them difficult to move when you need to use them indoors for a special occasions.
Electric Patio Fridge
An electric patio fridge is a type of outdoor refrigerator that runs on electricity. These units are great for people who are looking for a smaller option that doesn’t require a lot of space. An electric patio fridge is a great choice if you don’t want to deal with refilling a propane tank, but it may not be a good fit if you are expecting extremely hot weather.
Pros
An electric patio fridge can be used in a variety of outdoor spaces, even in areas that get very hot during the year. This fridge can also be used to store both frozen and non-frozen foods, which makes it an excellent choice for people who entertain often. An electric patio fridge can be placed in a covered patio or deck, but it can also be used in unshaded patios if you want it to blend in with your outdoor decor.
Cons
An electric patio fridge cannot be used in extremely hot weather because the motor may become too hot and permanently damage the appliance. It also may not be a good idea to place this fridge in an outdoor area that doesn’t have a lot of shade because it can become too hot.
Outdoor Refrigerator-Freezer
An outdoor refrigerator-freezer is a type of patio fridge that can only be used to store non-frozen foods. This appliance is designed to be placed outside, which makes it a great choice for people with outdoor kitchens or who love hosting outside. An outdoor refrigerator-freezer is a good option if you want to store a lot of food in one appliance, but you don’t need a freezer.
Pros
An outdoor refrigerator-freezer is a great option if you plan to store a lot of food in your patio fridge. It can store a large amount of produce, which can make it useful if you plan to host a lot of outdoor parties. An outdoor refrigerator-freezer is also a good choice if you want a large appliance that blends in with your decor.
Cons
An outdoor refrigerator-freezer doesn’t have a freezer, which means you cannot store frozen foods in this appliance. It also cannot be used in extremely hot weather because the temperature on the inside of the fridge can rise to unsafe levels.
Dual Temp Outdoor Refrigerator-Freezer
A dual-temp outdoor refrigerator-freezer is a type of patio fridge that can be used to store both frozen and non-frozen foods. This appliance is designed to be used outside and has two separate compartments that can be adjusted to fit your needs. A dual-temp outdoor refrigerator-freezer is a good choice if you plan to host a lot of outdoor parties, but it is also a good option if you spend a lot of time in your outdoor kitchen.
Pros
A dual-temp outdoor refrigerator-freezer is a great option if you want the option to store both frozen and non-frozen foods in the same appliance. This is an excellent choice if you plan to host a lot of outdoor parties but also want to use the patio fridge in your outdoor kitchen.
Cons
A dual-temp outdoor refrigerator-freezer is slightly more expensive than other patio fridges. These appliances are also on the larger side, which means you may need to rearrange your outdoor space to make room for it.
Stainless Steel Patio Fridge
A stainless steel patio fridge is a type of outdoor refrigerator that is made from stainless steel. There are a few different types of stainless steel patio fridges, including those that are designed to be used as refrigerators and those that are designed to be used as freezers. This option is a good choice for people who want a sleek, modern patio fridge that will blend in seamlessly with their outdoor decor.
Pros
A stainless steel patio fridge is a great option if you want a modern appliance that will blend in with your outdoor decor. Some stainless steel patio fridges can also be used to store both frozen and non-frozen foods, so they are a good choice for people who like to entertain often.
Cons
A stainless steel patio fridge is on the more expensive side and can be difficult to move if you need to use it indoors for a special occasion. It is also not a good option if you spend a lot of time in your outdoor kitchen because it may be too hot to store perishable foods.
Determining Which Type of Patio Fridge Is Right for You
When you are shopping for a patio fridge, one of the first things you will need to decide is what type of patio fridge you want to purchase.
Determining the Size of Your New Refrigerator
The first thing to do is to measure the space where you intend to keep the outdoor refrigerator. You need to allow at least 18 inches of clearance on each side, 6 inches of clearance above, and a few inches of clearance at the back of the fridge to access the food and drinks inside it. You also need to take into account the items you want to stock in the fridge. For example, if you want to store 2-liter bottles of fizzy drinks, you need at least 24 inches of space per bottle. If you intend to keep food in the fridge, you need to make sure there is enough space for a standard full-size standing refrigerator.
Check the Features You Want in an Outdoor Fridge
When buying an outdoor fridge, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, be sure to select a model that is designed for outdoor use. You can verify this by checking the manufacturer specifications or looking for the words “Outdoor use” or “Indoor/Outdoor” in the product description. Next, make sure the model you choose has a sturdy build to withstand all the outdoor elements. The best outdoor refrigerator should be rust-proof and have a weather-resistant exterior and door seal to protect the interior components. It is also a good idea to go for a model that features a water drainage system, which will allow you to easily clean out any water that may enter the fridge. Make sure the door is easy to open and close. You should not have to struggle with the door every time you want to get something out. Get a model that has a heavy-duty hinge to keep the door shut even when the wind is blowing.
Consider which Outdoor Fridge features you’ll need
Most outdoor kitchens come in two sizes, single door refrigerators about 550mm wide and double door refrigerators about 850mm wide. The doors are normally made of glass and come with internal lighting.
Consider how much Sunlight your fridge will receive
When choosing your fridge it is very important to understand how much sun the fridge will get. If the fridge will be in direct sunlight this will drastically reduce its efficiency of the fridge so where possible try to keep it on the shaded side of the kitchen. If that is not an option for your then you may need to consider a higher-cost appliance that can cope with direct sunlight.
Once you’ve figured out which outdoor fridge is right for you, you can move on to deciding which product is the best option for you. When you’ve narrowed down your choices, you can use the information in this article to help you decide which product is right for you. If you want to store both frozen and non-frozen foods, a dual-temp outdoor refrigerator-freezer or a stainless steel patio fridge may be a better option for you. If you only want to store non-frozen foods, an electric patio fridge or a stainless steel patio fridge may be best.
Brands with the Best Outdoor Refrigerators
If you are looking for the best outdoor refrigerator for your backyard, you will find a lot of options in the market. To make things easier for you, we have selected three of the best brands for outdoor refrigerators.
Beefeater
Beefeater produces a fridge which is the cheapest option but will suffer in high temperatures if in full sun.
Bradley
If you want to build a state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen, you can’t go wrong with a Bradley outdoor fridge. This brand offers a wide range of outdoor appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, wine coolers, meat smokers, and grills. You can use their products with a standard electrical outlet, propane, natural gas, or even solar panels. Bradley refrigerators are specially designed for outdoor use. They come with a stainless steel finish, a rust proof body, and a high-quality insulation that keeps the temperature inside the fridge stable in any weather condition. Bradley makes three models of outdoor refrigerators: 26-inch, 36-inch, and 48-inch.
Yeti
If you are looking for a high-end refrigerator for your outdoor kitchen, you should give Yeti a try. This brand is famous for making high-quality products for outdoor usage. Their refrigerators are specially designed to withstand outdoor elements, including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Yeti makes three types of refrigerators for outdoor use, including the Tundra, Roadie, and Tank. The Tundra is the biggest model and can hold up to 414 cans of soda. The Roadie is smaller and can store up to 224 cans. And the Tank is the smallest model and can hold up to 144 cans. Yeti refrigerators have a stainless steel finish, a high-quality insulation, and a sturdy build that is specially designed for outdoor use. They also come with a waterproof motor and a heavy-duty handle. Norcold – If you are looking for a high-quality refrigerator at an affordable price, Norcold is a good option. This brand makes outdoor fridges that are specially designed to withstand the outdoor elements. Norcold refrigerators can withstand extreme temperatures and are ideal for outdoor use. Norcold makes three models of outdoor refrigerators, including the NDF-295, NDF-295/DC, and NDF-250/DC. Norcold refrigerators have a stainless steel finish, a high-quality insulation, and a sturdy build. They also come with a waterproof motor for hassle-free operation.
Bull
We are a main dealer for Bull outdoor kitchen products.
The glass-fronted fridge
This Premium Outdoor Fridge with a glass door will keep your beverages and food cool in the Summer. It has a built-in internal digital control panel, an easy way to monitor the fridge’s temperature.
This is the premium solid-door outdoor fridge and will perform better if in direct sunlight.
This pull-out drawer fridge is another one in the Bull range.
The kegerator is outdoor rated.
An outdoor kitchen for beer lovers is simply not complete without a draft beer system. With the BULL Outdoor Rated Kegerator, you can take your pouring power to the great outdoors.
Blastcool
The Blastcool fridge range will work in all weather but is a higher-cost option. The Blastcool fridge comes with lots of options including solid metal doors. The fridge needs a ventilation gap around it to see manufacturer’s instructions for details. All about outdoor living can help with your ideal fridge choice and your dream outdoor kitchen. Take a look at our Outdoor Kitchens & Bars.
There are many brands to choose from when thinking about a fridge for your outdoor kitchen. The price can vary between the brands and some are known to perform better when in the direct sunlight.
Conclusion
All in all, the best outdoor refrigerator is the one that is reliable, durable, and built to withstand extreme temperatures. An outdoor refrigerator should have an efficient cooling system that allows you to store perishable items without having to worry about spoilage. To find the best outdoor fridge, you need to do your research and look for the right product that meets your storage requirements. You can also read customer reviews to find out which models are worth investing in.
