Can You Keep a Mini-Fridge in the Garage?


A full-sized refrigerator is a popular choice for the garage, but can you also keep a mini-fridge? If you have a small garage, you may be thinking about purchasing a mini-fridge to save. Nowadays, there is a wide array of mini-fridges that are sold on the market. Of course, you need to find the one that is perfect for your needs. To learn more about keeping a mini-fridge in the garage, check out the rest of the article below.

Can you keep a mini-fridge in the garage? You can keep a mini-fridge in the garage. As compared to full-sized refrigerators, mini-fridges do well in unheated garages. If your garage experience extreme cold weather during the winter season and you do not have insulation or a heater, the mini-fridge can handle colder weather without having mechanical issues. On the other hand, you still need to check the thermostat.

If you do not have space for a full-sized refrigerator, then your option is a mini-fridge. Why should you use a mini-fridge in your garage? Can mini-fridges be used outside? Are mini-fridges safe? What are the things that you need to consider when purchasing a mini-fridge for your garage? These are some of the things that we will discuss in this article.

Can you keep a mini fridge in the garage
Photo by Cong Wang on Unsplash

Why Should You Use a mini-fridge in Your Garage?

There are many benefits of using a mini-fridge in your garage which include convenience, energy-saving features, a wide array of choices, and affordable price. It is a handy alternative if you cannot place a full-sized fridge in your garage. Let us learn more about these benefits below.

It Provides Convenience

One of the reasons why you should use a mini-fridge in your garage is that it provides convenience. It is smaller so you can quickly move it around the garage. Most mini-fridges have a 12-volt charger. As compared to a full-sized refrigerator, a mini-fridge is a convenient addition to your garage.

It is Handy

Another reason why you need to keep a mini-fridge in your garage is that it is handy. If you stay in your garage for many hours in a day, it is inconvenient to get inside the house and into the kitchen to get a drink. If you only plan to store a few items in your refrigerator, it is ideal that you keep a mini-fridge in your garage.

It Saves Energy

Mini-fridges are energy-efficient.  If you have few items to store, mostly beverages, a mini-fridge is ideal for your garage because it uses less energy than a full-sized fridge. Hence, you can save on your monthly energy bills. Moreover, mini-fridges have different power options. They feature a small compressor that requires fewer power requirements. Some mini-fridges run with the use of batteries. This type of mini-fridges can be recharged.

It is Affordable

Another reason why you should keep a mini-fridge is that it is affordable s compared to a full-sized refrigerator. On the other hand, depending on the features, some brands are more expensive than others. When purchasing a mini-fridge, make sure to check the features and compare one product to another so that you can get the best deals.

Wide Array of Choices

Mini-fridges come in a wide array of choices that you can opt from. Aside from the different features, they are also available in many colors and styles. Decide what you want to have in a mini-fridge and look for a product that suits your preferences.

What are the Factors to Consider When Purchasing a mini-fridge for Your Garage?

The factors that you need to consider when purchasing a mini-fridge include the temperature range, dimensions, shelves, energy efficiency, and finish. The best mini-fridges are durable and can handle the extreme temperature fluctuations in the garage.

Dimensions

One of the things that you need to consider is the dimensions of the mini-fridge. Make sure that it fits in the available space in your garage. Before purchasing, you need to measure the area where you want the mini-fridge to be installed. Aside from that, check the depth and the door swing of the fridge.

Temperature Range

Another thing that you need to consider when purchasing a mini-fridge is the temperature range. Make sure that it can handle the temperature inside your garage without malfunctioning. There are different temperature ranges that you can choose from.

Finish

You also need to consider the finish of the mini-fridge. Some are not that concerned with the finish of the mini-fridge because it will be placed in the garage. On the other hand, you can choose a finish that will complement the design and theme of your garage. There are different colors of mini-fridges that you can choose from. With the wide array of colors available, you can choose one that is the same as the colors of the toolbox in your garage.

Energy-Efficiency

Mini-fridges use less energy which means that you can save on your energy bills and also leave a smaller carbon footprint. Make sure that you choose a mini-fridge that is energy-star certified. This means that they are made to comply with strict guidelines for efficiency. You can also read this article that discusses if it is OK to put a refrigerator in the garage. We have shared helpful information that you can refer to.

Shelves

You also need to consider the shelving options for the mini-fridge. With sliding shelves, you can easily organize your food and beverage. On the other hand, the small size of the mini-fridge limits the number of sliding shelves that you can use. Some types have one or two sliding shelves while others do not have sliding shelves at all.

Can You Place a mini-fridge Outdoors?

You can place a mini-fridge outdoors, but take note that it comes with some risk. Exposing the mini-fridge to the fluctuating weather and temperature can affect how it works and can damage it in the long run. It is best to place the mini-fridge indoors where the temperature is stable to get the best performance and efficiency from it.

Moreover, if you place a mini-fridge outdoor during the winter season, its cooling mechanism can get damaged. On the other hand, placing the mini-fridge on direct exposure to sunlight can also damage its cooling performance. Make sure to keep the mini-fridge indoors at a stable temperature. You can also check out this article that discusses why people have refrigerators in their garages. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.

✅ Video – How Does a Refrigerator Work?

Lesics shared the video below on YouTube. It discusses how a refrigerator works. In the video, the operation of modern refrigerators and their energy efficiency is discussed. Watch the video for more information.

Is it Safe to Use a Mini-Fridge in the Garage?

It is safe to use the mini-fridge in the garage. Make sure to purchase the refrigerator from a reputable seller. Visit your local home depot for some of the best choices that you can find. If you are buying online, you need to check and read the reviews on the product. Compare one product to another so that you can get the best deals.

Moreover, the mini-fridge should also come with a warranty. In case something went wrong with the fridge, you can contact the manufacturer and have it fixed or replaced as long as it is within the warranty period. It is also important that you install and use the mini-fridge properly. Read the user manual and follow the steps and instructions on how to correctly install and use the fridge. You can also check out this article that discusses if freezing temperatures will damage a refrigerator. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.

How Much Electricity Does a mini-fridge Use?

Because of its size, a mini-fridge uses less energy compared to a full-sized fridge. It loses less cold air as compared to the regular fridge every time you open it. On average, a mini-fridge can use 65 watts when it is running. Moreover, it can use about 600 Wh of energy daily. On the other hand, older models of mini-fridges may need more power to operate. You can find the wattage of the mini-fridge on its specification label.

Can You Put a Carpet Under a mini-fridge?

You can put a carpet under a mini-fridge, but it is not recommended. When you place a carpet under the fridge, it will perform poorly because the carpet retains heat and restricts proper airflow. You shouldn’t place anything under the fridge. We have also shared this article titled, how do I protect my refrigerator in a hot garage? You can check out the article for more tips and information.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed if you can keep a mini-fridge in the garage. We have found out that it is safe to place a mini-fridge in the garage. Compared to having a full-sized refrigerator, a mini-fridge is more convenient to use. It consumes less energy and also saves space. If you have a limited area in your garage, keeping a mini-fridge is the best choice. We have also shared tips on how to find the best mini-fridge on the market. Thank you for reading!

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