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Recommendations on outdoor refrigerators
Posted on 5/16/19 at 10:09 am
Posted on 5/16/19 at 10:09 am
Looking for a compact fridge to go in a 24" wide space under the back patio, with no counter on top. Mainly looking for something to store water and other drinks. Don't want or need a freezer area.
Should I buy something that is outdoor rated? I don't mind paying more if I know it will last, but would like to stay under $1000. Looking for something that will keep the drinks cold and last.
Thanks in advance.
Should I buy something that is outdoor rated? I don't mind paying more if I know it will last, but would like to stay under $1000. Looking for something that will keep the drinks cold and last.
Thanks in advance.
Posted on 5/16/19 at 10:34 am to DrewTheEngineer
You definitely want something outdoor rated if you live in Louisiana. You know how you wake up every morning in the summer and it's hot as balls and your grass is soaked from the humidity? That same moisture will be all inside the motor of any appliance in the same environment.
Posted on 5/16/19 at 2:27 pm to DrewTheEngineer
I have a plain dorm fridge maybe $120-$150 bucks from Lowe's or Home Depot. It's been sitting on the patio for probably 7 years. I'll throw it away and get another when it dies. my only complaint is I have to adjust the cold settings for winter & summer weather, otherwise my beer freezes in the winter.
Posted on 5/16/19 at 2:35 pm to FrizzleFry
Same for me, I’ve been using dorm fridge for past 3-4 years outside. It’s actually my old dorm fridge from 1999. Twenty years and still works like a champ despite long period of no use.
I keep waiting for it to go out. Wasn’t sure how it would hold up outside but there’s no issues. We use it for the purpose of drinks only (beer, water, fruit drinks, etc).
I’ll probably replace with something similar in the future.
I keep waiting for it to go out. Wasn’t sure how it would hold up outside but there’s no issues. We use it for the purpose of drinks only (beer, water, fruit drinks, etc).
I’ll probably replace with something similar in the future.
Posted on 5/16/19 at 3:41 pm to DrewTheEngineer
Posted on 5/16/19 at 4:02 pm to DrewTheEngineer
Buy a cheap dorm fridge and skin it out to look nice. You could attach a cabinet door to it and make it look built in. It will last for years if it is kept out of the rain. Don't overthink it. Most do not even have a fan in them so the only motor is the compressor and it is a closed loop system.
Something like this:
Under Counter Fridge
Something like this:
Under Counter Fridge
Posted on 5/16/19 at 5:31 pm to DrewTheEngineer
I’ve heard more complaints about the outdoor rated ones going out than the cheap mini fridges.
You can replace the mini fridges 3x for what you pay for an outdoor rated one.
Similar to the outdoor rated TVs.
You can replace the mini fridges 3x for what you pay for an outdoor rated one.
Similar to the outdoor rated TVs.
Posted on 5/16/19 at 5:59 pm to Citica8
quote:
I’ve heard more complaints about the outdoor rated ones going out than the cheap mini fridges.
quote:
I have a plain dorm fridge maybe $120-$150 bucks from Lowe's or Home Depot. It's been sitting on the patio for probably 7 years. I'll throw it away and get another when it dies
Yep. Yep. Yep. Dorm fridge going on 6 years here.
And as far as outdoor rated things, I also saved money by buying a regular indoor 42" Smart TV for $179 two years ago and it's still going strong as opposed to the ridiculously priced outdoor TV's.
Of course I have a cover on my outdoor area.

Posted on 5/16/19 at 8:13 pm to DrewTheEngineer
Yes get outdoor rated. I have a Blaze outdoor one and no problems. Except for the cat that keeps spraying on it.
Posted on 5/16/19 at 8:36 pm to MightyYat
quote:I live in south LA and have multiple standard refrigerators that have lasted for 6+ years in my hot as hell garage.
You definitely want something outdoor rated if you live in Louisiana. You know how you wake up every morning in the summer and it's hot as balls and your grass is soaked from the humidity? That same moisture will be all inside the motor of any appliance in the same environment.
Posted on 5/17/19 at 6:58 am to FrizzleFry
quote:
I have a plain dorm fridge maybe $120-$150 bucks from Lowe's or Home Depot. It's been sitting on the patio for probably 7 years. I'll throw it away and get another when it dies.
This. Current one has been going strong over 10 years.
Posted on 5/17/19 at 7:29 am to DrewTheEngineer
Another vote for cheap.
I got one for $120 at Walmart and its going strong. Like someone else said, what you'll pay for outdoor rated you can replace a cheap one at least 4x if they go out often.
All of this is assuming the area is covered.
I got one for $120 at Walmart and its going strong. Like someone else said, what you'll pay for outdoor rated you can replace a cheap one at least 4x if they go out often.
All of this is assuming the area is covered.
Posted on 5/17/19 at 8:30 am to BallsEleven
I had a cheap one and it lasted a few years but they don't look as nice. Those will typically have a small freezer space in them which will be wasted.
Got a BLAZE stainless one about 6 years ago and it looks and works great. Had a guy pressure wash the house and he apparently sprayed it during the wash and a control board went out - BLAZE customer service was great about sending parts and giving me guidance on how to fix it.
Money wise - as others have said cheap works well too - the BLAZE was about $800
Got a BLAZE stainless one about 6 years ago and it looks and works great. Had a guy pressure wash the house and he apparently sprayed it during the wash and a control board went out - BLAZE customer service was great about sending parts and giving me guidance on how to fix it.
Money wise - as others have said cheap works well too - the BLAZE was about $800
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