Outdoor Refrigerators, Freezers & Coolers Buying Guide : BBQGuys

25 Oct.,2023

 

If you have more questions about outdoor refrigeration, don’t hesitate to give our outdoor living experts a call at 1-877-743-2269 . Our Free Outdoor Living Design Service can also be of help, especially once you have certain products in mind and are ready to move into the next phase of building your ideal outdoor space. And our easy financing and free shipping? They can be the cherries on top of that ice cream sundae you’ll keep stored in your outdoor freezer.

In addition to NSF certification, you may see refrigeration appliances with an Energy Star rating . This label is awarded to home appliances that meet all energy efficiency and environmental standards determined by the EPA. Buying products with this rating ensures less energy cost over time without having to sacrifice quality of performance, along with fewer greenhouse gas emissions than comparable, non-Energy Star units. That being said, Energy Star ratings are more commonly given to indoor appliances because they don’t have to work nearly as hard as outdoor units.

You think about capacity when it comes to cars and homes, so why shouldn’t you do the same for your outdoor refrigeration appliances ? As always, the capacity that’s right for you depends on what you plan on using the unit for. An outdoor deep freezer capable of storing a side of beef has much more space than, say, a countertop refrigerator for your home office. And we don’t think the multi-color LED beverage cooler for your beer cave will have quite the same specs as the undercounter refrigerator where you keep treats and drinks for the kids. Fortunately for you, we have an outdoor refrigeration model to fulfill whatever your needs are! Just be sure to carefully consider how much space you need, the weight of the unit when full, and if you have an area that can support its full weight while installing and once installed.

The majority of these appliances are used to store food, so it’s crucial to find units that have been certified for food safety , most often by the National Sanitation Foundation. The American non-profit safety standards company certifies home refrigeration products only if they’ve passed a strict set of evaluations to ensure they meet the FDA's food safety requirements and construction standards. What does that mean? They have to prove beyond any doubt that they can maintain temperatures below 40 degrees, even in fluctuating outdoor settings, and boast construction entirely from FDA-approved, food-safe raw materials. Qualified outdoor refrigeration products bear the NSF label, giving you the confidence of knowing your food can be stored safely and properly.

You’ve made it through the main points to consider when buying an outdoor refrigerator, freezer, or beverage cooler, but we understand many of you still may have lingering questions about these appliances. They’re where you store your all-important food and drinks, after all! We’ve set aside this final section to tackle some of the most common concerns about this category of products and put your mind at ease.

For all the differences and variables that come with tackling 3 product categories at once, we still managed to sort them into easy-to-understand classifications. How, you ask? We weighed the quality, performance, and features of every appliance to sort them into 3 classes — Luxury, Premium, and Standard. (We’ve heard good things come in threes, but now we have proof.) So, take a look below to find the skinny on each classification, then use it as a guide to point you toward the caliber of products that best fit your lifestyle.

Cold plate refrigeration, also called static cooling refrigeration, is a method of cooling that uses a dedicated cooling element at the back of the unit’s cabinet to pull heat out of the refrigerator, and in turn, your food. This older method of refrigeration, which takes about 24–48 hours to cool the whole appliance, relies on a certain density of products inside the appliance for optimal cooling to occur. Contents near the back of the fridge may block the flow of cold air, resulting in inconsistent temperatures from back to front. Additionally, contents directly touching the cold plate may freeze, and these units are more likely to ice or frost over.

In this type of system, a hidden cooling unit (usually a compressor) treats air in a space completely separate from the cabinet. A fan then forces the cold air out of the cooling area and circulates it through the cabinet, leading to much more consistent temperatures throughout the unit. Factors like how full the unit is and whether it has glass or metal shelving will affect the evenness of its internal temperature, but a refrigeration product is generally most efficient when it's about three-quarters full. Remember that a slam-packed freezer with restricted airflow will struggle to lower temperatures, while an appliance will have to draw massive power to cool an empty cabinet.

Not all refrigeration units refrigerate the same way. The appliances we carry use either cold plate refrigeration or forced air refrigeration, both of which are fairly self-explanatory but have certain advantages informed buyers should be aware of. That chill running down your spine? That’s the thrill of knowledge coming your way. Oh, wait, that’s actually from the refrigerator we accidentally left open. Sorry!

Undercounter refrigeration products are designed to fit into an indoor or outdoor kitchen island, making proper ventilation and drainage key. Front-venting units are best at exhausting excess heat in this configuration, while your owner’s manual and a licensed plumber are your best friends when it comes to drainage and water lines. Freestanding units , meanwhile, are a bit more easy-going because ventilation requirements aren’t as severe (you’ll still need to leave at least a 1-inch gap around the appliance so air can circulate). Stand-alone refrigerators and freezers go great in garages, sheds, workshops, pool houses, or any other outdoor space where friends and family congregate. However, you’ll need to make sure the area can sustain the weight of a large freezer or beverage cooler filled to capacity. The smallest outdoor refrigeration units are countertop models, which provide enough storage for liquors that need to be chilled (Jager, anyone?).

To be considered outdoor-rated , an appliance must pass a series of durability and performance tests – usually by impartial standards company Underwriters Laboratories, also known as “UL.” Though these units can maintain internal temperatures in sweltering heat, placing them in direct sunlight will cause undue stress on the compressor. This is especially important because outdoor units already use more electricity than indoor units, but there are some outdoor appliances with Energy Star ratings that can keep your power bill low even in harsh settings. Outdoor refrigeration products perform best in external environments between 60 and 80 degrees, though outdoor-rated models can function within the 40–100-degree range. Once below 40 degrees, most refrigerators and freezers (and especially combo units) tend to stop working correctly. Pro tip: If you want to continue using your outdoor refrigeration units in winter, just move them into your garage or basement.

You can’t explore the awesome effects of aged beef at home without a dry-aging refrigerator. (Literally, you can’t. Unless you want to use your fridge as a microbial culture.) These appliances are specially designed to create the necessary conditions to safely dry-age meat: temperatures just above freezing, humidity as needed for your particular cut, and a constant rate of air circulation across the surface of your meat. In any other environment, your steak — and their unveiling at the next big cookout — would be spoiled. Aging gives the enzymes within beef time to break down muscle tissues, resulting in a steak bursting with tenderness and nutty, concentrated flavor. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to 30 days, so you’ll want a reliable appliance capable of maintaining just the right setting for dry-aging meat. With such particulars in mind, it should come as no surprise that dry-aging refrigerators are intended for indoor use only.

Your beer and wine deserve proper storage, and that’s just what undercounter beverage coolers are for. Most of them operate somewhere between 40 and 45 degrees, which will incur less energy costs over time than a refrigerator but isn’t quite cold enough to ensure bacteria won’t grow on your food. That being said, outdoor beverage coolers maintain the perfect temperature range for carbonated drinks and beer. Just make sure your appliance is set within that golden window, and look for a unit with interior lighting instead of an incandescent bulb, whose UV light creates chemical reactions that ruin your beer. Though some units can cool their cabinets to almost freezing or maintain slightly warmer temperatures for wine, know that doing so will cause your beverage cooler to operate inefficiently. Still, undercounter beverage coolers can enhance your outdoor kitchen with a staggering array of features, including multiple temperature zones and locking doors.

Is your indoor freezer not cutting it in terms of space? Sounds like you could use an outdoor freezer, which can serve as a secondary place for long-term storage of meats and other food items. This “bonus freezer” can really be a game-changer for hunters and fishermen who don’t want to sacrifice indoor freezer space to store what they bring home from trips to the camp. Outdoor freezers also make it possible to buy meat in bulk, which saves your family a good bit of money over the long run. A quarter of beef (about $550–$750) can meet the needs of a family of 3 for a year, while a side of beef (about $1,100–$1,500) can provide a year’s worth of meat for a family of 5–6. Of course, you don’t have to store entire cow segments to get adequate use from an outdoor freezer. Undercounter freezers can keep frozen cocktails at the ready, hold tasty treats for the kids after a long day of swimming, or simply provide more long-term food storage in your outdoor kitchen.

Whether indoors or outdoors, refrigerators are designed specifically for short-term storage of food. Yours should be food safe certified and always set to 40 degrees or lower to slow the growth of food-ruining mold. We probably don’t appreciate these awesome appliances enough, and that goes double for outdoor refrigerators. Their food storage allows you to truly call your outdoor kitchen an outdoor kitchen, not to mention that the additional space comes in handy for large families and large gatherings. Luxury and Premium models even come with additional features like interior LED lighting , glass doors, and locking door panels. While a chill-blasted refrigerator is great for food and non-alcoholic drinks, it’s actually not the best storage option for wine and beer. Generally speaking, neither should be kept below 40 degrees (40–50 degrees for beer, 45–65 degrees for wine). But that won’t be a concern once your beer or wine dispenser arrives.

That’s a lot to take in at once, huh? Don’t worry, each of the 4 sections below will explain everything you need to know in greater detail so you can be confident when shopping for outdoor refrigeration appliances .

That being said, there’s more than one reason why they go by different names. Take temperature for instance — beverage coolers operate around 40–45 degrees Fahrenheit, refrigerators at 34–40 degrees, and if you follow FDA guidelines (generally a good idea), you’ll keep your freezer set at an even 0 degrees. Electricity consumption is another main differentiator, namely that it increases with compressor size and minimum temperature potential. It’s a fairly simple concept: The colder a unit needs to get, the bigger the compressor required and the harder it has to work. An appliance’s noisiness follows a similar spectrum. The final difference is that beverage coolers aren’t food-safe because mold and bacteria can grow in conditions above 40 degrees.

We know what you might be thinking: “Wait, shouldn’t each of these appliances have its own article?” It may seem that way, but the truth is these 3 categories are extremely similar in terms of construction despite being built for different purposes. All can be purchased in multiple configurations for indoor or outdoor use, have some form of cooling technology to keep their internal spaces cold, and operate within similar parameters for functions like ventilation and temperature control.

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"I’m out to inspire mouthwatering food, cooked simply but masterfully from everyday ingredients. And my culinary approach is all about showcasing world cuisine through a New Orleans lens."

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It’s just a lifestyle. I didn’t choose this; it chose me. The grill came, I saw it, and it just made sense. I knew where the knobs were, I knew how to light it, I knew how long the chicken and steaks should stay on.

Rasheed Philips

From the world-traveling and my stint at the CDC to competing on Netflix’s American BBQ Showdown… It was never a question of how or why. I just do things. And I don’t let anyone outwork me.

Danielle Diva Q Bennett

Let me tell it to you, as straight as I take my bourbon: I’ve been living the barbecue lifestyle for a long time now. Ever since the week I judged my first competition in 2006.

Kelsey Heidkamp

We want to teach people how to be comfortable behind the grill. We just happen to be doing it with a product that hasn’t gone through all these crazy evolutions.

Chuck's Flavor Train with Chuck Matto

Food should be a memory. You could convey your experiences and your lifetime moments. People should be able to relate to that and know when they take a bite of this, 'Oh, this person’s trying to tell me something and I can hear it!'

Chiles and Smoke With Brad Prose

That’s what I bring to the table: infusing base ingredients with cultural tastes, drawing their passion to the surface, and making gorgeous, delicious dishes that absolutely crackle with personality.

Cook at Home Mom with Laura Miner

When I’m not kept busy working and raising three wonderful children, I’m creating approachable recipes focused on gluten-free, low carb/keto, paleo, vegetarian/pescatarian, and Whole30 diets.

Paris Frederick

I like my barbecue more focused on the meat flavors, so I go drier and less sauce-based. Sometimes salt and pepper really is all you need! Especially for brisket, which really is the heart of BBQ for me.

Operation BBQ Relief Celebrity BBQ Academy & Golf Classic 2022

BBQGuys® Environmental Responsibility Initiatives for 2022

BBQGuys® Angel Tree 2021

BBQGuys® Volunteers with Habitat for Humanity

BBQGuys® Donates Essential Items to Aid Homeless Veterans

BBQGuys®: 2021 Louisiana Growth Leader

BBQGuys® Donates to Hurricane Ida Relief Efforts

BBQGuys® Assists CRCL and Common Ground Relief for Earth Day

BBQGuys® Earth Day PSA: How Wetlands Protect Our Cities

BBQGuys® Volunteers at Capital City Produce's Community Garden

BBQGuys® Delivers 75 Meals to St. Vincent de Paul Homeless Shelter May 2020

BBQGuys® to Sponsor Hogs for the Cause March 2020

BBQGuys® Gifts Valentine’s Day Care Packages for Teens Living in Foster Care February 2020

Baton Rouge Catholic Community Services 2019 Holiday Angel Tree December 2019

Flambeau Holiday Food Drive November 2019

The Spirit of Louisiana - BBQGuys® Donates $10,000 to the Cause October 2019

BBQGuys® Teams Up with Friends of the Animals of Baton Rouge October 2016

Pints and Pencils - School Supplies for Kids Affected by Baton Rouge's Historical 2016 Flood October 2016

Baton Rouge Food Bank Donation July 2016

Holiday Food Bank Donation - Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank December 2015

2015 Bark N' BBQ September 2015

Local Children's Shelter Receives Donations From BBQGuys® December 2014

BBQGuys® Hosts the Capital Region Builders Association Event March 2014

Free Outdoor Kitchen Design Service

Our free 3D design services will help you plan an outdoor kitchen.

Grill Vents & Outdoor Kitchen Ventilation

Outdoor kitchens need a place for the smoke and fumes to go.

Insulated Grill Jacket Buying Guide

All your insulated jacket information in one space.

Pro Picks: Gas Grills for Contractors & Builders

Our experts have picked the top rated gas grills for pros.

Outdoor Kitchen Design Gallery

These featured spaces highlight our customers dream outdoor areas.

How To Plan Your Outdoor Kitchen Zones

Check out these helpful tips on creating strategic “zones” in your outdoor kitchen.

Benefits of an Outdoor Kitchen

If you enjoy entertaining, you should consider putting in an outdoor kitchen.

What Do I Need For My Outdoor Bar?

Want to build an outdoor bar but don't know where to start? Start here!

What Are Unfinished Island Frame Kits?

Unfinished island kits are easy assembly cabinets used to build outdoor kitchens.

Outdoor Kitchen Planning & Design Tips

Here are some tips to help you with designing an outdoor kitchen.

Expert Reviews

Unbiased evaluations from our grilling experts to help you shop smart.

Outdoor Kitchen Checklist

Our guide shows you everything you need for your outdoor kitchen.

How to Clean Patio Umbrellas

Use these cleaning tips to keep your patio umbrella looking new all year long!

How to Clean Teak Outdoor Furniture

Follow these tips for restoring your teak to its original rich, amber-brown color.

How to Clean Aluminum Outdoor Furniture

Check out our tips to help keep your aluminum furniture looking its best!

How to Clean Wrought Iron Outdoor Furniture

Wrought iron is heavy duty, but can rust over time if not properly cared for.

How to Clean Wicker Outdoor Furniture

Follow our tips to keep your wicker pieces looking fresh year after year.

How to Clean Sunbrella Fabric

Follow our simple care guide to keep your Sunbrella® looking like new!

How to Clean Outdoor Cushions

Make sure your outdoor cushions are ready for patio season with these tips!

How to Clean Your Outdoor Fan

Use these 5 easy steps to keep yours in FANtastic shape!

How to Protect Patio Furniture: 3 Simple Steps

Get your patio furnishings ready for winter in 3 easy steps!

Camping Grills

RV & Camper Grills

Boat Grills

Portable Grills

Camp Cookers & Outdoor Ovens

Camping Accessories

Camping Grill Buying Guide

Get the skinny on camping grills and start picking out the perfect one!

RV & Camper Grill Buying Guide

Get help choosing the right size grill, fuel type, and road-friendly features.

Boat Grill Buying Guide

Learn what to look for before you buy a marine grill & take your BBQ game to sea!

Best Camping Grills

Best RV Grills

Best Boat Grills

Best Portable Gas Grills

Best Portable Charcoal Grills

Best Camping Cookware

Best of BBQGuys

Discover the best products for BBQ grilling & smoking and outdoor living.

Expert Reviews

Our experts have all the info on the most popular grills & outdoor living products.

Product Comparisons

Review comparison charts for different types of grills, pizza ovens, and more.

Buying Guides

The experts help you buy grills, outdoor kitchens, and outdoor living products.

Grillabilities

Discover Grillabilities that will help you step up your grilling game.

Gift Guides

Shop BBQGuys for gifts for holidays, weddings, birthdays, you name it.

Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

Find ideas to take the first step toward your dream outdoor kitchen!

BBQGuys Lifestyle

Get your BBQ on at BBQGuys.com with content created with fun in mind.

Recipes

Team BBQGuys share their favorite barbecue, smoker, & grilling recipes.

Beyond the Backyard

Check out buying guides and get some useful tips for on-the-go BBQ.

Inside BBQGuys

We’ve never stopped caring about oour customers, and our community.

BBQGuys Sales and Promotions

Find the best pricing on grills, outdoor kitchens, and more at BBQGuys.

More Outdoor Kitchen Planning Resources

We're here to help plan your outdoor kitchen, from planning to purchase.

Outdoor Kitchen Designs

We highlight our customers' journeys in creating their own Outdoor Oasis.

DIY Outdoor Kitchen

Thinking about building an outdoor kitchen? Here's what you'll need.

8 Outdoor Kitchen Mistakes to Avoid

We've compiled a list what to avoid when building your outdoor kitchen.

What do I need in my outdoor kitchen?

Check out our helpful guide to assist you in what you need to get started.

Free Outdoor Kitchen Design Services

Our design consultants can help you plan your very own outdoor kitchen.

Expert Reviews

We've asked our BBQ Experts to test and review our most popular gas grills.

Financing Your New Outdoor Kitchen

We have teamed up with Affirm to provide easy and affordable financing.

If you have any questions on Outdoor Refrigerator Manufacturer. We will give the professional answers to your questions.