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Making the perfect outdoor entertainment area requires careful attention to your appliance choices. Besides a grill, fire pit, and other cooking essentials, you also need weatherproof storage and refrigeration.
Outdoor refrigerators are specially designed to withstand snow, rain, sun, and other potential sources of outdoor damage. The cooling systems inside standard indoor refrigerators aren’t weatherproofed, so they can easily get damaged outdoors even if they’re up against the wall of your house.
Some outdoor refrigerators have much better durability, capacity, and overall design, though. Their prices also vary widely depending on quality. Here are our reviews of the 11 best outdoor refrigerators.
In A Rush? Check Out Our Top Choice!
- Good capacity relative to its size
- Excellent overall value
- Door is reversible
Saving money on your outdoor refrigerator means you’ll have more money for the other essentials in your entertainment spaces. This refrigerator costs hundreds of dollars less than most competitors yet is still rated for outdoor use and will hold up to the elements just as well.
Although many users love the recessed handle, you can also choose the optional door upgrade kit to add a handle. The clear produce drawer is a useful addition, especially if you’re storing multiple types of items and need to stay organized.
Top 7 Best Outdoor Refrigerator Reviews
Saving money on your outdoor refrigerator means you’ll have more money for the other essentials in your entertainment spaces. This refrigerator costs hundreds of dollars less than most competitors yet is still rated for outdoor use and will hold up to the elements just as well.
Although many users love the recessed handle, you can also choose the optional door upgrade kit to add a handle. The clear produce drawer is a useful addition, especially if you’re storing multiple types of items and need to stay organized.
The main potential issue with this fridge is that its insulation isn’t as good as higher-priced models, meaning that it may use noticeably more energy to stay cool in high outside temperatures. However, it’s still the best budget option for outdoor use.
Who Should Get This?
Families on a budget who live in moderate climates or can deal with higher utility costs will appreciate the low price tag on this basic yet highly effective fridge.
Pros
- Excellent overall value
- Good capacity relative to its size
- Door is reversible
Cons
- 4” narrower than most outdoor refrigerators
- Less energy-efficient than similar models
Refrigerator drawers are an unusual shape, but they’re smart engineering for compact undercounter fridges that require the user to bend down. Some drawer designs have both a fridge and a freezer drawer, but this model offers two fridge drawers for maximum beverage storage.
The 2-layer design also makes it easy to organize, giving you the option to keep food in the bottom drawer and drinks in the top drawer. Since each drawer holds 2.5 ft³ of storage, it’s more than enough for most families.
It’s energy-efficient and is estimated to use only around 305 kWh of energy per year, which is as low as $32 a year. The stainless steel finish is durable and easy to clean, so your investment will last for many years, even when used outdoors.
Who Should Get This?
Older adults or families who regularly welcome grandparents may find this drawer system to offer the most comfortable access to fully organized food and drinks.
Pros
- Ergonomically friendly design
- Huge overall capacity
- Includes removable drawer dividers
- Drawers have soft-close mechanisms
Cons
- It does not include freezer drawer
The standard outdoor refrigerator’s width is 24”, which is enough for most large party trays and other wide items. If you’re short on space, though, consider a more narrow option like this 20” model. It’s also available in a 24” version, though, which may be the best option for you if you like the overall design but ultimately decide to go with a standard size.
Although it’s the same brand and width as our Best for the Money option above, it’s better construction and has a field-reversible door for easier adjustments after you install it. It’s UL-rated with a fully sealed back for optimal safety and performance outdoors. The interior shelves are adjustable and sturdy, with excellent door storage built-in as well, including a rack specially designed for convenient can dispensing.
Who Should Get This?
Families with small outdoor kitchen areas or replacing an existing 20” wide refrigerator will find this to be the best compact fridge option on the market.
Pros
- Constructed from 304 stainless steel
- Lockable for added security
- Adjustable leveling legs
- The temperature range adjusts to a maximum of 52°F
Cons
- Lower capacity than some other 20” models
- Analog temperature dial with imprecise settings
Many outdoor refrigerators are designed to accommodate various sized items ranging from food containers to wine bottles. If you are only using your fridge for drink selections, a more specialized design that displays all the options at once may be the best option.
Beverage centers are usually designed with transparent doors to allow users to see what’s inside more easily. Although this results in a slight reduction in energy-efficiency because of less insulation in front, the difference is usually not noticeable if outdoor temperatures are moderate.
This beverage center’s sleek and attractive design looks right at home in any commercial or residential outdoor area. Use it to offer complimentary self-serve drinks for your guests, or adjust the shelves on the inside to store snacks if desired.
Who Should Get This?
Small businesses like bars and cafes with outdoor dining will get the most use out of this, but it also works well for families with a home bar who want to clearly display beverages.
Pros
- Allows upright display of bottles and cans
- Commercial-grade design perfect for businesses
- Excellent shelf adjustability
Cons
- Narrow temperature range of only 36°F-43° F
Because outdoor refrigerators are usually well below waist height, some find them easier to open if their handle is at the top. This is especially true for high-quality refrigerators with a solid seal for better insulation.
This refrigerator has a door that swings open just like a standard refrigerator, but the handle is horizontal at the top. It’s helpful for older adults who need a full-sized handle instead of a recessed one but don’t want to bend over for optimal grip.
Besides the handle, the overall design and quality lives up to the Bull brand’s exacting standards. The insulation on the front door is extra thick for better energy efficiency. Order the optional finishing frame for even better protection from the elements and an extra aesthetic touch.
Who Should Get This?
If you want the flexibility to reconfigure your outdoor entertaining area, this fridge’s horizontal handle and reversible hinge ensure that it will fit neatly into any space regardless of the layout.
Pros
- Includes flat glass shelf perfect for small items
- Field reversible door
- Wide temperature range goes up to 54°F
Cons
- No in-door storage
As the brand name implies, Bull refrigerators are respected for their strength and durability. This model holds up even better than most in part thanks to its recessed handle. Separately attached handles on other Bull models are still strong, but recessing it eliminates a potential weak spot that can take damage from a hard enough blow.
The interior wire shelves are coated to prevent corrosion and prolong the life of the unit. The design even includes a small clear produce drawer for better organization. The in-door storage is designed to be as flexible as possible to accommodate a variety of jar, can, and bottle sizes.
The overall capacity is lower than average since it’s a narrow, compact size. However, if capacity isn’t too big of a concern, it’s a stellar option for a long-lasting unit.
Who Should Get This?
Busy families who have kids playing in the yard nearby will appreciate the peace of mind afforded by this tough and easy-to-clean fridge.
Pros
- Excellent shelf adjustability
- 304 stainless steel door
- Durable yet attractive design
- Clear plastic drawer for storing produce
Cons
- 4” narrower than standard outdoor refrigerators
Outdoor refrigerators are generally designed with limited capacity and are only meant to supplement your existing indoor equipment. Although this refrigerator is not a full-size model, it is significantly larger than most outdoor models.
The digital display inside the fridge makes it easy to adjust the temperature for a wide range of uses. With a 100W cooling system, this fridge can handle a wide range of environments and keep your drinks cold even in the middle of summer.
The shelves are made of wire, so they can hold bottles, cans, or other round containers without them rolling around. They are easy to remove for cleaning or even opening up more space inside the fridge. The inside is free of any irregularly sized spaces or other obstacles to fitting all of your food and drinks.
Who Should Get This?
Large families who entertain frequently and want a moderately priced, high-capacity refrigerator that can withstand outdoor wear and tear should grab this stellar model.
Pros
- Up to 50% more capacity than competitors
- Shelves are large enough for a variety of items
- Integrated door lock
- Durable stainless steel door
Cons
- Few shelf spacing options
- No freezer section
Best Outdoor Refrigerator Overall
Outdoor refrigerators improve your outdoor entertainment areas’ functionality and offer the convenience of beverages and snacks within easy reach. Get a high-quality refrigerator that meets your family’s needs and is durable enough to stand up to tough outdoor conditions.
The best outdoor refrigerator on the market is the Blaze BLZ-SSRF130 20-Inch 4.5 Cu Ft. Compact Refrigerator, which delivers ample space with adjustable storage options in a sturdy package. Get this affordable unit today to impress your friends and family with your hospitality.
