Can You Put a Refrigerator Outside?

This is a question that I get asked quite often. The answer to this question is no. It’s because the refrigerator needs cool air inside in order to work properly and keep your food cold, so if you put it outside then the fridge would stop working correctly.

The “Can You Put a Refrigerator Outside?” is a question that has been asked before. It is possible to leave a refrigerator outside in the rain, but it will be ruined by the time you get back. Read more in detail here: can you leave a refrigerator outside in the rain.

Related Post: Best Table Saws

Can-You-Put-a-Refrigerator-Outside

A second refrigerator is a dream come true for families with large families, particularly if you prefer to party outdoors. Nothing beats having an icebox full of food and drinks right next to the grill or on the patio. Is it, on the other hand, safe to carry the refrigerator outside?

In general, normal indoor refrigerators aren’t meant to withstand the elements or be rust-proof, so using this outside isn’t suggested. A refrigerator designed for outdoor use, on the other hand, may be used outdoors provided the necessary safety measures are performed. 

It might be difficult to determine where to store your refrigerator if you’re new to outdoor refrigeration. We’re here to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about outdoor refrigerators. Let’s go more into the issue of utilizing refrigerators outdoors to see what is and isn’t safe.

 

Contents Table of Contents

  • Is it Possible to Take an Indoor Refrigerator Outside?
  • Things to Think About When Buying an Outdoor Refrigerator
  • The Best Ways to Use a Fridge Outside
  • Conclusion

Contents

Is it Possible to Take an Indoor Refrigerator Outside?

A refrigerator on the porch looks to be a great idea. It’s a great method to expand your chilled food storage, and if you have an outdoor stove or grill, it’s handy to have food and beverages nearby while you cook.

However, it is a common fallacy that all freezers are built to survive all weather conditions. If your refrigerator isn’t built properly, you risk your safety as well as the fridge’s performance and lifespan.

Indoor refrigerators aren’t designed to withstand the elements, and they’re much less safe outdoors. So, how does an outdoor refrigerator differ from a refrigerator in your kitchen?

What Is the Difference Between Refrigerators for Indoor and Outdoor Use?

Outdoor refrigerators can withstand a larger temperature range with ease. They’re also composed of rust-resistant, weather-resistant, and robust materials. Outdoor refrigerators must also be UL approved to assure their safety, since water and electricity are never a healthy combo.

 

While the core physics is the same whether you’re inside or outdoors, each refrigerator is tailored to its surroundings. Various temperature ranges need a variety of cooling options.

The average temperature in a home is between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Indoor refrigerators lose efficiency outside of this temperature range, so you’ll undoubtedly have some issues in the hotter and colder months.

There’s a reason why beverages are often stored in patio and garage refrigerators. Your refrigerator may seize and cease operating if the temperature drops below freezing. Its outdoor counterpart has a longer range and stronger insulation, ensuring that both the food and the mechanics are protected.

Things to Think About When Buying an Outdoor Refrigerator

Even if you choose an outdoor refrigerator, you may take steps to guarantee that it functions well and for as long as feasible. Here are some helpful hints to get you there.

  • Flexibility: Unlike inside refrigerators, outdoor refrigerators are designed to work in a much wider range of temperatures. As a consequence, a refrigerator built for outdoor use may be used inside as well.
  • Due to prolonged exposure to the elements, a standard refrigerator may rust; however, an outdoor model is composed of rust-resistant materials such as grade 304 stainless steel.
  • Construction: An outdoor unit is much better insulated to lessen the strain on system components such as the motor and compressor, as well as to limit the effect of temperature changes.

Budget, space, and duration of stay are all things to consider. Outdoor refrigerators are best used in areas where the winters are mild. When the outside temperature goes below the refrigerator’s inside temperature, the equipment will be unable to maintain the temperature and may shut down.

What Does an Outdoor Fridge Cost?

The price of an outdoor refrigerator/beverage cooler ranges from $550 to $1,200, whereas an inside under cabinet refrigerator is about $200.

An outdoor refrigerator is more expensive to make and is made of higher-quality materials. For example, your indoor refrigerator does not need to be built of 304-grade stainless steel or have UL-certified waterproof components. A standard indoor refrigerator, on the other hand, lacks the added insulation.

The Best Ways to Use a Fridge Outside

Purchasing an outdoor refrigerator is a significant financial investment. While you can’t control the weather, there are certain steps you can do to assist your refrigerator endure the elements while it’s outside. 

Right now, the most popular stories are

How to Hang String Lights in a Backyard Without Trees: 7 Methods

Is a Hot Tub Safe to Use on Gravel? (And Why You Should Use It)

Squirrels in the Backyard: What to Feed Them

 

Inspect and clean your refrigerator on a regular basis.

Leaving a refrigerator outdoors exposes it to additional dust, grime, and the risk of damage. To maintain your refrigerator running, it’s essential to inspect and clean the appliance components on a regular basis.

Examine the fridge from the inside out, paying special attention to any areas that seem to be damaged. Look for dents and scrapes on the inside and exterior of the refrigerator.

Inspecting the coils is also necessary. You might lose a lot of money if you don’t clean the coils in your refrigerator. When the coils in your refrigerator get clogged, it needs to work harder to perform the same tasks. If the refrigerator is working harder, it will wear out faster, and you will need to repair it sooner rather than later. 

Protect your outdoor refrigerator with a cover.

Even if it is designed for outside use, excessive exposure to rain, sun, and wind may hasten the death of any equipment.

We suggest locating the optimal place for your new outdoor fridge to protect it and prolong its life. A covered patio shields you from the worst of the rain and the scorching direct sun heat. Installing a pergola or other sort of roof over your outdoor kitchen can enable you to use it more frequently and safeguard your outdoor equipment if you don’t have a covered patio.

Consider where you want to put things.

While an outdoor refrigerator can sustain greater temperatures than an interior refrigerator, it is best to limit them to a minimum to ensure that the unit functions well and lasts. Keep the refrigerator out of direct sunlight and the elements, and clean the area surrounding it of plants and rubbish.

A adequate flow of air surrounding an outdoor fridge is also essential to prevent the engine from overheating. Make sure there’s adequate room for air to move around the perimeter on all sides. Remove any fallen leaves or other debris from the area around it.

Conclusion

For safety reasons, it is not a good idea to utilize an inside fridge outdoors. Outdoor refrigerator prices have dropped dramatically in recent years, making them more accessible.

The convenience of having an outdoor refrigerator in your outdoor kitchen cannot be overstated. Whether you’re keeping meat before grilling, entertaining guests, or just wanting a cool drink without having to walk back and forth inside, this is the place to be.

If you’re thinking about adding an outdoor kitchen to your backyard patio or deck, we’ve got a few articles that explain how big an outdoor kitchen should be, how much an outdoor kitchen should cost with six examples, and which worktops are ideal for outdoor kitchens. Wishing you the best of success with your outdoor kitchen project!

 

The “can you keep a refrigerator in the garage” is a question that has been asked for years. The answer is yes, but it must be done with caution.

  • can you leave a refrigerator outside in the winter
  • can you keep a fridge outside in the summer
  • can you put a fridge in sunlight
  • outdoor fridge
  • can you use an indoor mini fridge outside
You May Also Like