As summer approaches, most homeowners begin to dream of good weather, sunlit patios, and lots of hours spent in the backyard with the family around the grill. If you were thinking about a renovation job for the summer, why not plan to build a secluded outdoor inner yard with a cooking place?
Planning and creating an outdoor kitchen space is a tough but rewarding task that is perfect for spending summertime with your friends. Your outdoor kitchen can be as simple as a countertop where you can spread grilled dishes for all to enjoy.
Home owners go so far as to outfit them with outdoor kitchen work. However, the most important part of your outdoor kitchen is the refrigerator. A refrigerator is a must even if you don't have any other appliances in your outdoor kitchen. The fridge will keep your drinks cold and your salads fresh while you wait for your food to finish grilling. If you want another drink, take a walk out on the patio. An outdoor refrigerator will save you a trip to the kitchen.
Outdoor refrigerators are designed to withstand the elements and keep your food and drink cool in hot weather. But with so many different models on the market, it can be tough to know which one to choose.
We bring you reviews on the best outdoor refrigerator models and deals with the top models. Read our buyer's guide and pros and cons sections and choose the outdoor fridge that suits your needs. To help you narrow down your options, we've compiled a list of the best outdoor refrigerators on the market, complete with reviews of their pros and cons. So whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or a top-of-the-line model, we've got you covered.
Our Top Choices Briefly
In our search for the best outdoor refrigerator, we reviewed dozens of models. Here are our top three picks to save your time.
We have a refrigerator for every category. Any of these fridges would make a great addition to your outdoor kitchen. Choose the model that meets your needs.
1. Top pick: Blaze 24-Inch 5.5 Cu. Ft. Outdoor Rated Compact Refrigerator
With a volume of 5.5 cubic feet, a security lock, and a stainless steel cover, the Blaze is our top choice for the overall best outdoor cooler in this review.
This model fits perfectly under the panel, and the digital thermostat lets you control the unit with the touch of a button.
2. Premium Choice: Bull Outdoor Products 13700 Series II Outdoor Refrigerator
If you're looking for the best premium model outdoor refrigerator, Bull's 24-inch model is a great choice. This outdoor refrigerator has everything you need, with three shelves and 3.7 cubic feet of storage space, this refrigerator will keep your drinks at a stable temperature between 23 and 68F.
3. Affordable choice: Avallon AFR242SSRH Compact Refrigerator
The Avallon is our second-place model in this review. Stainless steel finish and has a 5.66 cubic foot interior and a slim profile that fits under the counter. This model also works as a standalone refrigerator. The digital control panel gives you full control over the refrigeration process.
Outdoor Fridges Reviews in Detail
Overall Best Choice: Blaze Outdoor Rated Compact Refrigerator
Winner of the overall best outdoor cooler in this test, the Blaze offers homeowners the ideal combination of stylish looks and advanced cooling technology.
A high-quality brushed stainless steel door and reliable interior components make the Blaze our top choice. With a height of 33.25″ and a width of 23″, this model slides nicely under your outdoor kitchen counter.
Blaze is CEE Tier II certified and uses up to 25% less energy than other outdoor refrigerators of similar capacity. The insulated door and airtight closure ensure this unit will last a long time. We love that the door has a lock to keep kids out of places they shouldn't be looking.
Inside the refrigerator is an interior LED light that produces a warm glow, and a special control panel that controls the digital thermostat on this model.
Inside the refrigerator are three adjustable shelves, each 20 inches deep and 23 inches wide, providing plenty of storage space.
The 4.1 cubic foot capacity of this outdoor refrigerator makes it ideal for large families and those who like to entertain. An internal fan increases circulation and cooling speed after the door is closed, helping the refrigerator get back to operating temperature quickly.
This refrigerator comes with a sealed cabinet, which means that dirt, dust, debris or water cannot enter the motor and compressor housing. Therefore, this refrigerator has excellent weather resistance and can operate in hot or cold environments.
Features
- Capacity 4.1 cubic feet.
- Adjustable shelves.
- Interior fan.
- Electronic control.
- Reversible door.
- Interior lighting.
Pros:
- Plenty of room for families to entertain.
- Fast cooling action with an internal fan.
- Sealed body for weather resistance.
- Best overall value in this review.
Cons:
- Costly.
Best Premium Outdoor Cooler Box - Bull 24 Inch Compact Outdoor Cooler
If you have the budget for the best outdoor cooler you can find, then we recommend the Bull 13700 Premium Stainless Steel Cooler. This model offers homeowners high cooling efficiency with quality construction components that give the unit a long lifespan.
This refrigerator may have a high price tag, but the value you get with the offer is great. The refrigerator has a stainless steel finish on both the exterior and interior. We like the addition of a towel rack that doubles as a convenient door handle.
Inside the fridge, you get a digital display and control panel. The temperature sensor allows you to select the desired cooling settings.
The temperature range of 23 to 68 F is impressive, and the low setting is the freezing mode. This additional cooling feature can be helpful if you live in an area of the United States with hot summer days.
The auto defrost feature on this model ensures that your refrigerator doesn't freeze, and you never have to flood the floor when defrosting this model. We also like the adjustable shelves with 20 heights to choose from, so you can put any size bottle you want in the fridge.
Three wire shelves are included as well as a glass shelf for added visual appeal.
This model also has a built-in temperature sensor with door alarm. If you leave the door open, the refrigerator will yell at you to close the door.
This outdoor refrigerator is CE, ETL and DOE certified as an energy-saving appliance. In the long run, the Bull 13700 will save you a lot of energy costs that you can offset against the purchase price. The refrigerator has external and internal fans with front ventilation for improved cooling performance.
The door on this model is reversible, so you can set it to open from the left or right.
Features
- Capacity 5.6 cubic feet.
- Dimensions: H 32.5″ x W 23-5/8″ x D 27-1/8″.
- Door lock.
- Adjustable shelves.
- Interior fan.
- Electronic control.
- Stretch legs.
- Additional glass shelf.
- Self-closing door.
Pros:
- Sturdy stainless steel design.
- The best premium option in this review.
- Large capacity.
- Perfect for entertaining guests.
- Fast cooling effect.
Cons:
- A more expensive option.
Best Bang for the Buck: Avallon AFR151SSODRH Outdoor Built-in Refrigerator
The Avallon AFR151SSODRH outdoor refrigerator has a capacity of 3.3 cubic feet, as well as a high-quality motor with many great features and functions. This refrigerator is not the largest in this review. However, it is a great budget model for those looking for a smaller outdoor refrigerator that still offers a decent amount of functionality and value for the money.
The slim profile design of this refrigerator makes it an ideal choice for freestanding and built-in options. Smaller kitchen appliances like these are much cheaper than full-size units, so you'll save a lot of money on your purchase.
This model manages to incorporate some impressive features into its design while maintaining an affordable price. With this refrigerator, you get the latest modern compressor that provides fast cooling on the hottest summer days.
A digital touch control panel lets you select the interior temperature from 34 to 50F. Most other outdoor coolers available have trouble maintaining temperatures in the 30s. An internal fan helps improve cooling time and reduce condensation in the refrigerator.
With purchase, you get three frosted glass shelves with six different height positions. This model is also equipped with carbon filters that remove unpleasant odors from your refrigerator. The exterior of the refrigerator looks smooth and modern, and the stainless steel finish adds a sophisticated feel to your outdoor kitchen.
The insulated door also has drink shelves, so you can put cans or bottles inside the door for extra cooling. The refrigerator also has a security lock on the door. In general, the Avallon AFR151SSOD offers homeowners a good value for their money when choosing the best outdoor refrigerator.
Features
- Capacity 3.3 cubic feet.
- Dimensions: H 34.5″ x W 15″ x D 24″.
- Door lock.
- Adjustable shelves.
- Fan
- Electronic control.
- Interior lighting.
- Carbon filter.
- Rollers.
- Door shelves.
Pros:
- Available model.
- Slim design.
- Works as a built-in or freestanding unit.
- Plenty of storage space with door shelves.
- Good price-performance ratio.
Cons:
- Might be noisy.
- One design.
Honorable Mentions: Compact Outdoor Refrigerators
Affordable and Sturdy: Bull Outdoor Products 11001 Refrigerator
Strong, durable and spacious are the first words that come to mind when describing this outdoor cooler from Bull Outdoor Products. The Bull Outdoor Products 11001 Stainless Steel Front Panel Refrigerator is constructed with a stainless steel door panel for strength and durability. And with 4.4 cubic feet of refrigeration space, you can store plenty of food and beverages to keep you stocked up during your camping trip.
Weighing just 51.2 pounds, this refrigerator is truly lightweight, making it ideal for transporting and taking along on outdoor picnics and camping vacations. Add to that the space-saving rear design, which allows the fridge to fit tightly in tight places.
The door with its stainless steel trim is strong and convenient. You can open the door to the left or right. This is convenient if you have limited space and the door can not be opened on one side. Then you can simply replace the hinges on the other side and open the door fully.
The cooling system of the refrigerator is the same.
Cold air is evenly distributed throughout the 4.4 cubic feet of cooling space. No matter where you put your cold brew or beer, it will be cooled. Temperature control allows you to adjust the temperature to your needs. If you only have one drink or a few items in the fridge, this allows you to raise the temperature and save energy.
As for the minus, the refrigerator collects frost quite quickly. Although the product is not specified to be frost-resistant, it is expected to accumulate frost slowly. You will need to unplug the refrigerator before defrosting and then use it again.
Pros:
- 4.4 cubic feet of refrigeration space.
- Weighs only 51.2 lbs.
- Stainless steel door trim.
- Reversible door.
- Compact design.
Cons:
- Frost accumulates pretty quickly.
For Beverages: hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler
If you only want to store drinks in your outdoor cooler, then a cooler with a clear door is more ideal for your needs. The hOmeLabs beverage fridge and cooler is designed to keep your wine and beer cans chilled. A glass door lets you know when to store the fridge before a barbecue or gathering.
Homelabs has a 3.2 cu. Inside, the space is neatly divided by three chrome shelves. The lower shelves are large enough for wine bottles, while the upper ones are suitable for beer and beverage cans. And to help you see what's inside the fridge without opening the door, there's a white LED light that illuminates the cooling area at night.
The refrigerator's cooling system has a convenient control panel that lets you set and control the temperature inside with just a few touches. You can lower the temperature to 34 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfect for chilling wine and drinks, but not so cold that you freeze them. The system also has a memory preset for when you need to reset the refrigerator. This way, you don't have to fiddle with the controls every time you turn the cooler on and off.
In addition to an energy-efficient, powerful cooling system, the fridge also features an automatic defrost function that makes it easy to freeze ice at the touch of a button.
The main criticism we had with this cooler was about the shelves. They are just too flimsy and unstable. The shelves change every time you put a can or bottle in or take it out. It's a minor design flaw, but it can cause problems if you're not careful when storing the fridge.
Pros:
- Transparent glass door.
- 3.2 cubic feet of cooling space.
- Automatic defrost function.
- Holds up to 120 sodas at a time.
- Affordable price.
Cons:
- Shelves are very shiny and not attached.
Most Stylish: Frigidaire EFR176-MOONBM 1.6 cu ft Moonbeam Retro Fridge
Rugged construction, compact size and a powerful cooling system are the three main features of this retro Frigidaire outdoor refrigerator. The Frigidaire Retro Refrigerator takes you back to a time when appliances were built to last and passed down through generations.
The retro look is the first thing that catches your eye with Frigidaire. Even before you open the door and look inside, you'll already be impressed with the refrigerator's sharp design. Inside, you have 0.1 cubic feet of refrigeration space. Two non-slip glass shelves conveniently divide the space. The bottom shelf is reserved for large food products and containers.
Frigidaire stays true to its retro design, even though the inside of the door is divided into compartments of different sizes and heights. But it is not only looks and design. Different compartments come in handy when you want to store water, soda and liquor bottles, as well as food cans and milk cartons.
The compact size of the refrigerator allows you to place it in any corner. It's also available in several color options, so it won't look out of place in any setting. And the built-in bottle opener on the side of the fridge is always handy for opening a beer bottle.
Despite the sturdy design, the door handle does not live up to expectations. This may be related to the door's insulation. The door seals well, so it can be difficult to open it by holding the plastic handle.
Pros:
- Retro design and sturdy construction.
- 3.2 cubic feet of refrigeration space.
- Two non-slip glass shelves.
- Good insulation.
- Several color options.
Cons:
- Door handle is not as strong as the rest of the refrigerator frame.
Most Versatile: Danby External Mini Fridge
An outdoor refrigerator needs to be strong and durable enough to withstand wear and tear from the elements and constant movement. And these are some of the features that make the Danby DAR044A6BSLDBO 4.4 Cu.Ft. Outdoor Mini Refrigerator brilliant. With its compact size and waterproof and UV-resistant frame, it is perfect for your patio or gazebo.
Despite its compact size, the Danby is surprisingly spacious inside. It offers 4.4 cubic feet of cooling space and a powerful cooling system that evenly distributes cool airflow. Add to that a clean design that eliminates handles as a bonus. A door knob is a recess at the top of the door that makes it easy to open a well-sealed door without having to contend with heavy insulation.
Danby also takes weather stripping very seriously. It protects electrical cables from moisture and precipitation by hiding them in a well-protected electrical enclosure area. Sun and UV damage also do little to harm protected plastic parts. The ball bearings that support the door frame and refrigerator wheels are stainless steel to prevent rust and keep the refrigerator in good condition.
The refrigerator works well in tropical conditions and can handle outdoor temperatures up to 109 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, the arrangement of the shelves leaves plenty of room for improvement. They provide enough space for cans and small food containers. But large bottles and food products will have problems.
Pros:
- 4.4 cubic feet of refrigeration space.
- Plastic is protected from UV damage.
- Works well in tropical conditions with temperatures around 109 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Built-in door handle.
Cons:
- Shelf arrangement does not accommodate large items.
Fridge Picks Summed Up: Top Choice
An outdoor refrigerator is an essential appliance for your outdoor entertaining and activities. After comparing eight of the best outdoor refrigerators on the market, we awarded the Blaze Outdoor Compact Refrigerator with our Editor's Choice. This spacious refrigerator has 5.2 cubic feet, a security lock, and a stainless steel cover and its compact design and stainless steel door make it better suited for outdoor use. It's also lightweight for better portability and portability.
For the best budget option, we chose the beverage refrigerator and cooler from Avallon AFR151SSODRH. With its 5.66 cubic feet of cooling space and an automatic defrost function, it gives you the best value for your money. The beverage cooler can hold up to 120 cans of soda at a time and keep them cool with its powerful and energy-efficient cooling system.
Another refrigerator that deserves a spot at the top is the Bull Outdoor Products 13700 Series II Outdoor Refrigerator. With a sophisticated retro look, it offers 3.7 cubic feet of refrigeration space and is available in several color options. The bottle opener built into the side of the refrigerator is the icing on the cake.
References we used to compile this article:
Blaze Outdoor Products
