Do you have an outdoor refrigerator and are wondering if they need to be kept under cover? An outdoor refrigerator is popular, especially for those who love to host an outdoor barbeque party. On the other hand, the issue with outdoor fridges is how to protect them properly from the outdoor weather. Should you keep your outdoor fridge under cover? We will discuss this further below.
Do outdoor fridges need to be under cover? It is recommended that outdoor fridges should be kept in a covered area. While outdoor fridges are designed to withstand extreme temperatures as compared to indoor ones, it is still ideal that you keep them protected from the harsh weather so that they will work efficiently and last for a long time. Make sure that you place the fridge in an area that is out of direct sunlight and rain.
Where should you place an outdoor fridge? Do you need to cover an outdoor fridge? How to maintain the efficiency of your outdoor fridge? Is it illegal to leave a fridge outdoor? These are some of the questions that we will discuss. Read the rest of the article below to learn more.
Do You Need to Cover an Outdoor Fridge?
It is ideal to cover the outdoor fridge to keep it protected so that it will last longer. Nowadays, there is a wide array of outdoor fridge covers that you can find on the market. Make sure that you choose the one that fits the size of the fridge. Take note that an outdoor fridge requires good airflow. Do not cover the fridge all the way. See to it that there is an opening so that air can circulate and moisture will not accumulate to avoid rust.
Where is the Best Place to Set Up an Outdoor Fridge?
Place your outdoor fridge in an area that is shaded and is not exposed to direct sunlight, rain, or snow. Keep it in the coved area so that it is not exposed to a harsh environment. While the refrigerator is made from high-quality material and weatherproofed, it should not get wet. Make sure to place them in an elevated area so that water cannot reach it in case of strong rain results in flooding.
How to Keep Your Outdoor Fridge Running Efficiently
Placing the fridge out of direct sunlight, adding insulation, and protecting the fridge from harsh environments are some of the ways how you can keep it running efficiently. Let us delve deeper into this below.
Provide Additional Insulation
One way to keep the outdoor fridge running efficiently is to provide additional insulation. This will lessen the work that is required to keep the internal parts of the fridge working properly. If your outdoor is exposed to extreme temperatures, it is ideal that you build a covered and insulated area for the fridge.
Avoid Direct Sunlight Exposure
Another way to keep your fridge from working efficiently is by keeping it away from direct sunlight. Place it on a covered porch or a shaded patio. Make sure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight which can affect its cooling temperature.
Protect it from the Elements
Make sure that the fridge is not exposed to snow or rain. If the fridge gets wet, it will start to rust which can damage its internal parts. You can place the fridge on top of a platform or in an elevated area to make sure that it will not get flooded in case of heavy snow or rainfall.
How Do You Cover an Outdoor Fridge?
To cover the outdoor fridge, there are steps that you need to do such as choosing the right size and material for the cover. To do this, measure the dimensions of the fridge. Nowadays, covers are made from various materials like canvas and vinyl. The next step is to roll up the power cord of the fridge and use a zip tie to keep them in place.
Depending on the size of the cover and the height of the fridge, you might need to hire the assistance of a friend or family member to help you. Slide the cover into the corner of the fridge that is the farthest from you. Slide it over the next corner and pull it down. Once you have slid the cover on all corners of the fridge, pull it down slowly.
Secure the cover with a tie to keep it in place. While it is important to cover the fridge to keep it safe and protected from the outdoor environment, make sure that there is a slight opening to let air circulate and prevent moisture.
Is it Safe to Place a Fridge Outdoors?
It is safe to place a refrigerator outdoors as long as you keep it protected from the elements and by choosing a fridge that is specifically made for outdoor use. There are some precautions that you need to take to ensure that the fridge will work efficiently. Avoid placing the fridge in direct sunlight because it can damage the fridge. Aside from that, protect the fridge from the rain and snow.
✅ Video – How to Choose an Outdoor Fridge
The video below is shared by BBQGuys on YouTube. It talks about how to choose a fridge for an outdoor kitchen. If you are interested in purchasing an outdoor fridge, you can watch the video for helpful information.
Is a Fridge Safe to Use Outside During the Summer?
A fridge is safe to use outside during the summer as long as it is kept in a shady spot. Bear in mind that the fridge has to work harder to keep the food inside cool when exposed to hot temperatures. Hence, make sure that you choose a shady or cool part of the yard or patio to place the fridge.
Is it Okay to Leave the Fridge Outdoors During the Winter?
It is recommended that you do not leave the fridge outdoors during the winter, especially if your area experiences extremely cold temperatures. When the outdoor temperature drops below the thermostat settings of the fridge, it will stop working. The reason for this is that the fridge will think that the temperature is cold enough for the food and it will turn off.
Moreover, when exposed to extremely cold weather, the oil inside the compressor can freeze. As a result, the oil will not circulate as it is supposed to and the compressor will eventually burn out.
What is the Reason Why Outdoor Refrigerators are so Expensive?
Outdoor refrigerators can be expensive because of the materials used as well as their features. This type of refrigerator is made from high-quality materials as compared to regular ones. For instance, an outdoor fridge is made from 304-grade stainless steel and features waterproof components. Moreover, outdoor fridges also have additional insulation. You can also read this article that discusses the difference between a regular refrigerator and a garage refrigerator. We have shared helpful information that you can refer to.
Is it Safe to Leave a Fridge in the Rain?
While an outdoor fridge has waterproof features, it should not be left outside in the rain. Make sure that your fridge is protected during the rainy season. If there is no cover outdoors to prevent the fridge from being rained on, it is recommended that you move it indoors or to the garage. The internal parts of the fridge should not get wet because they can easily get damaged. Aside from that, there is also the risk of electrocution. We have also shared this article titled, does a freezer in the garage use more electricity? You can check out the article for more tips and information.
How to Protect Outdoor Fridge from Sunlight?
To protect the outdoor fridge from sunlight, you can place it in a shady or covered area on your patio or yard. Nowadays, many homeowners are also using low-emission glass or Low-E Glass. This is ideal for any reflected light and it can also maintain the temperature to a lower level.
Can You Prevent the Fridge from Rusting?
You can prevent the fridge from rusting by applying a protective layer of wax coating on its exterior. One option is to use an appliance polish. Read and follow the instructions in the manual on how to apply the polish. The polish helps protect the surface of the fridge from corrosion. Moreover, it makes the exterior of the fridge shine. You can also use polishes that include cleaning agents to remove dirt from the fridge as well.
Do Outdoor Fridges Require Winterization?
An outdoor fridge requires winterization. This is important especially when it comes to preventing the growth of mold and mildew during the winter. Winterizing your outdoor fridge also prevents damage that can happen when its internal components are exposed to extreme cold conditions. You can also check out this article that discusses where the warmest place in a refrigerator is. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed if outdoor fridges need to be under cover. We have found out that it is important that outdoor fridges are kept under cover. While they are made for outdoor use, they are still vulnerable to extreme cold and hot temperatures. Make sure to place the fridge in a covered and shaded area of the lawn, patio, or outdoor kitchen. Thank you for reading!