Nowadays, you can find a wide array of garage-ready refrigerators on the market, but what does a garage-ready refrigerator mean and how do they work? A refrigerator plays an important role when it comes to storing and preserving food. If you are thinking about purchasing a refrigerator for your garage, the best option is a garage-ready refrigerator. Let us learn more about what this type of refrigerator is below.
What does a garage-ready refrigerator mean? A garage-ready means that the refrigerator is specifically made for garage use. It can withstand hot and cold garage temperatures while maintaining a cool temperature inside. If a refrigerator is garage-ready, it is equipped with special thermostats and other technologies so that it can withstand the changing temperature inside the garage.
Many people are keeping a refrigerator in the garage. On the other hand, most refrigerators are not meant for garage use and will start to malfunction because of extreme cold and hot temperatures. If your garage is uninsulated or unheated, placing a regular refrigerator there is a big risk. The best solution is to choose a garage-ready refrigerator.
What Does it Mean if a Refrigerator is Garage-Ready?
A garage-ready refrigerator can maintain its internal temperature even if it is exposed to extreme hot and cold temperatures inside the garage. They are designed to handle extreme temperatures and humidity that can otherwise cause damage. Nowadays, there are many garage-ready refrigerators available on the market. Do some research before you purchase so that you can find the one that suits your needs and preferences.
Garage-ready refrigerators can operate at lower and higher temperatures as compared to regular refrigerators. Garages can be extremely hot or cold. If you have an uninsulated or unheated garage, it can damage a regular refrigerator. The good thing is that garage-ready refrigerators can operate from 0 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can a Garage-Ready Refrigerator Handle the Fluctuating Temperatures in the Garage?
A garage-ready refrigerator can handle the fluctuating temperatures in the garage. Refrigerators usually work harder in the garage because it needs to maintain a cool temperature which can be hard to do if the temperature in your garage is too hot. The good thing is that the design and features of a garage-ready refrigerator make them an ideal choice for garages.
Why is a Regular Refrigerator Not Suitable for Most Garages?
A regular refrigerator is not suitable for most garages because it is not made to handle extreme temperatures. When exposed to extremely hot temperatures, the refrigerator will work harder to maintain a cool temperature. This will put a lot of stress on the internal parts of the fridge, especially the compressor. On the other hand, if the fridge is exposed to extremely cold temperatures, its thermostat will think that the appliance is cold enough and will shut off. As a result, the food inside the fridge will spoil.
What are the Components of a Garage-Ready Refrigerator?
A garage-ready refrigerator should have a stronger compressor, thicker insulation, multiple thermostats, and a stronger seal. Aside from that, it should also be energy-efficient. Let us delve deeper into each of the components below.
A Thicker Insulation
Another component that a garage-ready refrigerator should have is thicker insulation. It means that the inside and outside of the fridge have more insulation which makes it easier to maintain the right temperature. Moreover, if the fridge has thicker insulation, it will lessen the amount of time needed for the compressor to run.
More than One Thermostat
If your refrigerator has more than one thermostat, it will have more dependable data. Aside from that, this also makes sure that you will have a backup thermostat just in case one of them stops working. A garage-ready refrigerator that has multiple thermostats will also reduce stress on the compressor.
A Strong Compressor
A garage-ready refrigerator needs to have a stronger compressor. It is the motor that directs cold air into the freezer section of the fridge. A stronger compressor is important because it can direct a higher volume of cold air.
A Stronger Seal
A garage-ready refrigerator should have a stronger seal. If it has a weak seal, air will easily go through it. With a stronger seal, you can rest assured that cold air stays inside the fridge and will not leak.
What are the Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Garage-Ready Refrigerator?
The water connection kit, compatibility with the garage temperature, guarantee and defrost drain are some of the factors that you have to consider when purchasing a garage-ready refrigerator. Let us learn more about these factors below.
Garage Temperature Compatibility
One of the things that you need to consider when purchasing a garage-ready refrigerator is garage temperature compatibility. Make sure that the refrigerator is compatible with the temperature in your garage. A fridge will stop working or can get damaged if it is not compatible with the garage temperature. Double check the temperature range before purchasing.
Water Connection Kit
Another thing that you need to consider when purchasing a garage-ready refrigerator is the water connection kit. Take note that some fridges need a water connection kit so that they can work efficiently.
Defrost Drain
You also need to consider the defrost drain of the refrigerator. This is an important feature that is used when the fridge gets too cold and has to be cleaned. The defrost drain also makes it easier to clean the refrigerator.
Guarantee
Take note of the guarantee of the refrigerator. They usually have a warranty of one year. On the other hand, some brands can extend the warranty by up to two years. You can also read this article that discusses if a refrigerator in the garage uses more electricity. We have shared helpful information that you can refer to.
✅ Video – Garage Refrigerator Tips
Schaeferstv shared the YouTube video below. It discusses tips for placing and running a refrigerator in your garage. Not all refrigerators are suitable for the garage. If your garage is uninsulated or unheated, it can damage the fridge. Watch the video for more tips and information.
Why is it Important to Purchase a Garage-Ready Refrigerator for the Garage?
The temperature is the main reason why you need to purchase a garage-ready refrigerator for the garage. Garage-ready refrigerators are well equipped with features that make them suitable for the garage. Below are some of the reasons why it is important to purchase a garage-ready refrigerator.
Humidity
One of the reasons why you need to purchase a garage-ready refrigerator for the garage is because of humidity. Garage-ready refrigerators are specifically designed to handle higher moisture in garages as compared to regular ones.
Extreme Cold
Another reason why you should purchase a garage-ready refrigerator is because of the extremely cold temperature in the garage. Most garages have below-freezing temperatures in the winter, especially those that are unheated. When exposed to extremely cold temperatures, the fridge can stop working and the food inside will thaw and spoil.
Fluctuating Temperature
If you live in an area that experiences fluctuating temperatures, a garage-ready refrigerator is an important purchase you can have for your garage. If your garage is insulated, the temperature change inside the garage is slower which enables the fridge to accommodate the change. However, if your garage is uninsulated, the fluctuation in the temperature can greatly affect the fridge. The temperature fluctuation tricks the compressors into working hard and shutting off.
Is a Garage-Ready Refrigerator and Outdoor Refrigerator the Same?
A garage-ready refrigerator and an outdoor refrigerator are not the same. Make sure that you do not confuse them with one another. While a garage-ready refrigerator is designed to handle temperature fluctuations, it is still considered an indoor refrigerator. An outdoor refrigerator, on the other hand, is designed to handle wet weather as well as high humidity levels. We have also shared this article titled, do outdoor fridges need to be under cover? You can check out the article for more tips and information.
What is the Difference between an Outdoor Refrigerator and Garage Refrigerator?
An outdoor refrigerator is designed for outdoor use while a garage refrigerator is still considered an indoor refrigerator. If the fridge is labeled outdoors, this means that it is weatherproofed and is suitable to be used in wet weather. The term weatherproof for refrigerators means that they can be used in warm to fairly moderate climates. However, it cannot be used in freezing weather conditions.
On the other hand, garage-ready refrigerators are not weather resistant and they can get damaged when exposed to harsh outdoor conditions. Garage-ready refrigerators are specifically created for the garage.
How to Protect the Garage Refrigerator?
The best way to protect the refrigerator in your garage is to make sure that the garage is insulated. If you do not have the time and the budget to insulate the entire garage, you can create an enclosed space where you can keep the refrigerator. This will help modulate the temperature around the fridge so that it will work efficiently.
Moreover, you can also use fans to provide proper airflow inside the garage. The temperature inside the garage can spike up, especially during the summer season. You can use the fan to keep the air cooler. It is also ideal to use a dehumidifier to keep the garage dry and to prevent moisture that can make the fridge rust. 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
You have reached the end of this article that discusses what a garage-ready refrigerator means. We have found out that this type of refrigerator is specifically made for garage use. It is designed to handle temperature fluctuations while being efficient. You can choose from a wide array of garage-ready refrigerators available on the market. Thank you for reading!