What Kind of Refrigerator Can Be Used Outside?


This article discusses what kind of refrigerator can be used outside.  Not all refrigerators can be used outside. Refrigerators fall into two categories which are outdoor and indoor. Outdoor refrigerators can be used indoors while indoor refrigerators should not be used outdoors. Do not risk damage to an indoor fridge by using it outdoors. Let us learn more below about what kind of refrigerator can be used outside.

What kind of refrigerator can be used outside? Outdoor refrigerators are the kind of refrigerators that can be used outside because they are specifically designed for outdoor use. They are made with 304 food-grade stainless steel which makes them rust-resistant when exposed to a wet environment. Moreover, outdoor refrigerators are insulated.

If you are planning to have a refrigerator for your outdoor kitchen, make sure to choose the one that is specifically built for outdoor use. The outdoor refrigerators are made with features that can handle outdoor elements. Bear in mind that regular refrigerators are not durable enough to withstand rain, snow, heat, and other elements. Make sure that you purchase an outdoor refrigerator that runs efficiently even when exposed to different temperature ranges and can last for a long time.

What kind of refrigerator can be used outside
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What are Outdoor Refrigerators?

Outdoor refrigerators are refrigerators that are made for outdoor use. They can tolerate a wide range of temperature and climate changes. Furthermore, outdoor refrigerators feature durable materials which are rust and corrosion-resistant. On the other hand, while an outdoor fridge is built for outdoor use, it does not mean that it can be drenched in rain. It is still important that you keep the fridge as dry as possible because of its electrical components.

Why is an Outdoor Refrigerator Safe for Outdoor Use?

An outdoor refrigerator is safe for outdoor use because it can maintain a consistent internal temperature even when exposed to unstable environments. They are also weatherproof and can handle winter conditions. Below are some of the reasons why an outdoor refrigerator is safe for outdoor use. You can also read this article that discusses if you need a special refrigerator for outdoors. We have shared helpful information that you can refer to.

Outdoor Rating

One of the reasons why an outdoor refrigerator is safe for outdoor use is because of its outdoor rating. Make sure that you check the CSA, UL, or ETL certification of the fridge before you purchase one. Take note that these certifications are only provided to products that have passed various outdoor tests. Moreover, you need to check the packaging and product description of an outdoor fridge. It should have the certification approval stamp which means that the refrigerator is safe for outdoor use.

Materials

Another factor that you need to consider to make sure that a refrigerator is safe for outdoor use is the materials. Refrigerators are usually made from stainless steel. However, there are two categories when it comes to the food grade of stainless steel. The higher the grade of the stainless steel, the higher the resistance it has against corrosion and rust. 

For fridges to be safely used outdoors, they should be made of 304 food-grade stainless steel or higher. This way, it can be rust-resistant when exposed to wet weather conditions. Outdoor refrigerators also have weatherproofed features. A refrigerator that features a door with bearing seals is more durable to handle extreme weather conditions.

Features

You also need to consider the features of the refrigerator. Nowadays, there is a wide array of available features. Below are some of the features that an outdoor refrigerator should have.

Digital Thermostat

One of the features that an outdoor refrigerator should have is a digital thermostat. The thermostat allows you to set the exact temperature that you want.

Lock and Key

A lock and key feature are recommended for an outdoor refrigerator. It will give you peace of mind since you know that your food is safe.

Built-in or Freestanding

Outdoor refrigerators can either be built-in or freestanding. You can install built-in units in the standard cabinets of your outdoor kitchen. On the other hand, a freestanding outdoor refrigerator can be moved from one place to another.

Tips on How to Keep Your Outdoor Refrigerator Running Efficiently

Protecting the refrigerator from the outdoor elements, doing regular maintenance, maintaining proper ventilation, and avoiding direct sunlight are some ways that you can do to make sure that your outdoor refrigerator runs efficiently. Let us learn more about these ways below.

Protect the Refrigerator from Outdoor Elements

One way to make sure that the refrigerator works efficiently is by protecting it from outdoor elements. Place it in a shaded area such as a covered porch or a patio. Moreover, you need to protect it from the sun, snow, rain, and wind. It is also recommended that you place the refrigerator on a platform where water will not reach it.

Provide Proper Ventilation

You also need to make sure that the refrigerator is placed in an area with proper ventilation. If you decide to have a built-in refrigerator, there should be enough space so that the refrigerator can exhaust heat from its body. Otherwise, it will overheat and cause problems.

Regular Maintenance is Required

It is also important that you do regular maintenance. This will make sure that the refrigerator works properly and will also resolve any issues. It is recommended that you have your outdoor refrigerator inspected by a professional at least once a year. With proper maintenance, small issues can be fixed and will prevent bigger damages from occurring. Moreover, you need to clean the condenser coils and wipe down the unit using the recommended cleaning solution.

Keep it Away from Direct Sunlight

Another way to make sure that the outdoor refrigerator runs efficiently is to keep it away from direct sunlight. Bear in mind that refrigerators work by pulling heat from the inside which it then releases into the outside air. If the temperature outside is too hot, the refrigerator cannot release heat properly. As a result, the heat is transferred through the metal as well as the other parts of the refrigerator.

Furthermore, if the outdoor refrigerator does not have the right insulation, the heat can get into the food stored inside it which can cause them to spoil. Make sure that you place the outdoor refrigerator in a shaded area and away from direct sunlight exposure.

✅ Video – Refrigerator Efficiency Tips

Columbia Water and Light shared the video below on YouTube. It discusses refrigerator efficiency tips. In the video, Dave Mars shared energy-saving tips for the refrigerator. Watch the video below to find out what these tips are.

How Can You Protect Your Outdoor Refrigerator?

Placing the refrigerator in a shaded area or using a waterproof cover is some of the ways to protect it. Aside from that, you can also coat it with a stainless steel finish. Make sure that you watch out for any moisture in your refrigerator. Place it in an area that is out of reach of the water. While most outdoor refrigerators are waterproof, it does not mean that they can get soaked in water.

Bear in mind that they have electrical components that can get damaged or may even cause fire and electrical shock when they get in contact with water. We have also shared this article titled, how do I keep my garage fridge running in the winter? You can check out the article for more tips and information.

Can the Outdoor Refrigerator Get Water Damage?

An outdoor refrigerator can get damaged by water. If it gets soaked in a flood, it can get extensive damages that are sometimes irreversible. On the other hand, you need to take note that water damage does not always happen suddenly. The problem can start from a leak or moisture that gets into the refrigerator. If you notice any leak coming from the refrigerator, make sure to fix it as soon as possible. Do not ignore small issues because they can lead to larger damages that are more expensive to repair.

What to Do if Your Refrigerator Gets Wet?

If your refrigerator gets wet, the first thing that you need to do is to inspect it. Check the interior parts of the fridge if there is any water, especially at the bottom part. If the refrigerator got soaked in water has seeped into its components, the damage may be irreversible and the best thing to do is to replace the fridge. Make sure to have a professional technician inspect the fridge before using it again. You can also check out this article that discusses if you can keep a refrigerator in the garage in winter. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.

Conclusion

You have reached the end of this article that discusses what kind of refrigerator can be used outside. We have found out that there are refrigerators that are specifically made for outdoor use. These refrigerators are equipped with features that make them more efficient and durable when it comes to handling different outdoor environments. Outdoor refrigerators are made with high-quality materials and are also weatherproof. You can shop for the best outdoor refrigerator that you can find on the market. Thank you for reading!

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