Which Outdoor Refrigeration Class is Right for You?
When designing your outdoor space, it might get tempting to just throw an old mini fridge or indoor wine cooler into the mix, but this isn’t a great idea. Unless you want your food to go bad and your electricity bill to jump up, you’re going to want to invest in outdoor refrigeration.
It can be tricky to decide which outdoor refrigeration appliances to choose. Thankfully, this refrigerator buying guide will make things easier for you. Outdoor refrigeration is incredibly varied, and each appliance is made for a specific purpose. Luckily, you can find what you need at a variety of price points.
Standard Outdoor Refrigeration
Quality
The age-old adage of “you get what you pay for” stands true, even with outdoor refrigeration. These units are made of painted metallic exteriors and plastic interiors that are not as durable as stainless steel. They also lack aesthetically beautiful glass doors and LED interior lights. These refrigerators will do the job for a season or two and are great as an entry-level step into an outdoor kitchen but be prepared to replace them every few years.
Performance
These appliances struggle to keep cool in the heat and are not recommended for food storage if they are going o be used in temperatures that rise above 90 degrees. Although their cold-plate refrigeration doesn't consume a lot of electricity like forced-air systems, Standard outdoor kitchen appliances cool slowly, and they're likely to ice out, and since they lack front-vented designs, these units need more space to fit in your outdoor kitchen.
Features
If you do not need or want exciting and flashy features but rather want the bare-bones essentials for your kitchen, this may be the class for you. Most units have only simple incandescent lighting instead of LED lights available in higher classifications, but you still might be able to find an outdoor refrigeration appliance with locking doors to keep your drinks and foods safe in your backyard or patio if you're very lucky.
Premium Outdoor Refrigeration
Quality
Premium outdoor refrigerators feature solid stainless steel construction or a blend of stainless with other metals, meaning they can withstand harsh outdoor environments. Most models also have glass, stainless steel, or glass doors and glass, plastic, wood, or wire shelving for a sense of style. This class is well-known for providing appliances with front-venting designs and zero-clearance. It means you can find the best refrigerator for your BBQ.
Performance
With these units featuring robust compressors and fan-forced cooling systems, you can expect your outdoor refrigerator cabinet to maintain steady temperatures. Most models also boast smart control panels, low-temperature sensors, and alarms to keep you in control. Some of them even offer dual zones, allowing you to store your favorite foods and beverages at different temperatures both at the same time.
Features
In this class, you can find models with exciting features like LED interior lights that make your space very attractive. Besides that, their glass doors allow your visitors to gaze upon your wine and beer selection. You'll also find these units with practical features such as auto-defrost settings for consistent operation. The low-temperature sensor alarms will always notify you when something is wrong, and their locking doors come in handy.
Luxury Outdoor Refrigeration
Quality
Luxury outdoor refrigeration appliances have special designs that meet the highest materials and construction standards. They feature stainless steel bodies and doors with metallic interiors, usually strengthened or coated with vinyl for excellent insulation. Besides their impressive durability, these outdoor kitchen appliances come with stainless steel or glass doors and wood or glass casing to give your space a striking appearance.
Performance
Luxury outdoor refrigeration requires more than just a simple outdoor rating, it must be able to function under specific conditions without compromising results. With powerful compressors and fan-forced cooling systems, these units can provide the lowest operating temperature ranges, despite having to operate in a variety of environments. All this makes for a much more reliable and efficient machine than refrigerators of the past.
Features
Most appliances in this class depend on their quality and performance, but they boast tons of adorable features. For example, their self-closing doors eliminate most worries about your appliance losing temperature when you forget to fully shut it. Additionally, locking doors can help keep your children away from your foods and beverages. Their colored LED interior lights can help to give your patio or backyard an elegant vibe and feel.
