Outdoor refrigerators are a must-have if you like to have BBQ parties, get-togethers, or just a small cozy dinner in your backyard. People with backyards and lawns often look forward to such occasions and having a fully functional kitchen essential around comes in handy.
An outdoor refrigerator is tough to maintain. This is because of the several factors at play here like weather conditions, deterioration of the material, and the set-up cost among others. This blog highlights the simple facts of an outdoor refrigerator, the best-sellers, and how you can grab the best one for yourself. Read for more.
Things to Consider Before Buying Outdoor Refrigerator
Insulation
The outdoors is often prone to frequent fluctuations, especially during summer. The thermostat has to work hard to ensure the temperature inside adjusts as per the temperature outside.
Add an extra layer of insulation inside if you want to reduce the pressure on the thermostat. This results in less loss of heat and the food stay fresh for long periods. Go with appliances that come with added insulation. Reviews of COSTWAY Unit 2-Door Mini Freezer Cooler Refrigerator verify of excellent insulation and energy-saving features.
Weather Proofing
An outdoor refrigerator requires additional weather-proofing as the weather changes often impact the refrigerator material. Go with refrigerators that are built with anti-corrosive or anti-rust material.
Make sure the door also has weather-proofing sealers as the door rubber tends to deteriorate sooner than other parts. Always go with the UL Approval stamp for the best build suitable for the outdoors. Reviews of Euhomy Mini Fridge with Freezer emphasize its weatherproof finish and durability.
Seals and Filters
The outside environment is filled with dust, moisture, humidity, as well as grime. Make sure to check the proper sealings if you go for a standard outdoor refrigerator. Sealings prevent dust and grime from entering your refrigerator check the product description well before your purchase. Such products, although expensive are durable and can last through all weather impacts. The Euhomy Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler review show a durable black stainless steel exterior frame and an evenly cooled space with functional sealers.
Type
Outdoor refrigerators can either have a free-standing taller built or compact under-counter fit. The free-standing taller ones often have a built-in freezer to stack beverages along with food. The compact ones have a built-in freezer facility. You can choose as per your requirement. People who what some extra storage space can opt for stand-alone freezers to keep the food fresh for a longer time. Read our dedicated blog on compact refrigerators to know about them more.
Capacity and Size
Standard outdoor refrigerators usually vary in size and should be chosen as per your storage as well as cooking needs. The free-standing tall ones with a built-in freezer can measure around 34x24x24 inches, while the compact ones, measure between 3-3.5 Cu. Ft. These are usually shorter than the standard variants. The reviews of TYLZA Wine and Beverage Refrigerator show that it has a good storage capacity as well as removable chrome shelves to accommodate more things.
Design and Material
Outdoor refrigerators are made of a variety of designs and materials. These appliances come with a solid door or see-through door and you can choose them as per your preference. Go with durable types like stainless steel or other metals like chromium when it comes to material. Such materials are easy to clean and cause less hassle while maintenance. Read our detailed cleaning guide on refrigerators for more information.
How Do you Weatherproof an Outdoor Refrigerator?
Outdoor refrigerators built into cabinets or other fixtures can still become wet if it rains, or if water splashes on them from the pool area, for example. To reduce the risk of electrocution when water and electricity are mixed, special design precautions are taken. Ensure the refrigerator you buy is UL (Underwriters Laboratory) approved for outdoor use.
You'll want to choose a fridge with a higher grade of stainless steel - which is a little more expensive. Models that are less expensive will be made from a lower grade of stainless steel, which is prone to rust. You may also want to cover your fridge in, particularly wet weather. All these practices will make your fridge weather-resistant. You can check model like ICECO VL75 ProD Portable Refrigerator which has a multi-opening lid design that helps change the opening direction of the lid without assembly.
The Key Takeaway
Outdoor refrigerators are handy appliances and have been gaining popularity for some time now. The majority of them are affordable, and the higher-end variants come with added features to keep the food fresh. Make sure to prepare the place where you will place it.
It is recommended to go for outdoor refrigerators that come with at least a 1-2 years warranty. Check the reviews of the product well before investing if you are planning to get it online. You can also read our blog on how to choose the right small refrigerator if you are looking to buy a mini-fridge for yourself.
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