Placing your refrigerator outside has a number of benefits, especially if you enjoy entertaining guests or family members in the backyard or on the patio. Nothing beats having a fridge full of refreshing beverages and snacks ready to go in those warm summer months. However, can you safely use a refrigerator outside?
Typical indoor refrigerators are not rust-proof and may suffer from harsh weather conditions, so outdoor use should only be done with certain precautions in terms of placement, cover, and upkeep. Outdoor refrigerators, which are specifically designed to withstand harsher conditions, are preferred.
If you don’t have any experience using a refrigerator outside, it might be a bit tricky to figure out how to do it safely. Let’s look at some common questions regarding outdoor refrigerator use and review the differences between an indoor and outdoor refrigerator.
Can You Use a Regular Refrigerator Outside?
Yes, you can use a regular refrigerator outside. However, it is unlikely to be the most efficient and effective option. Standard refrigerators are more likely to malfunction and rust outdoors because they aren’t designed to handle the weather conditions.
Most people are hesitant to use regular fridges outside because of various safety concerns.
Furthermore, the typical fridge can’t withstand extreme weather fluctuations, which means that leaving your refrigerator outside could lead to food going bad. Furthermore, the fridge may completely fail if temperatures rise or drop considerably.
In most cases, the fridge needs to work harder to function in hotter conditions, and it can shut down entirely in frigid conditions.
Precautions for Outdoor Fridge Use
Before placing a refrigerator outside, it is important to take some precautions to guarantee protection for the appliance.
Firstly, it is essential to shield your refrigerator from adverse weather elements, so providing cover for this appliance is highly recommended. Placing the refrigerator on your porch or patio works as long as you ensure the fridge is properly covered.
It is also important to place your fridge on an elevated platform to eliminate the possibility of stagnant water affecting the components. Ensure the area around your refrigerator is clear of dirt or any moisture.
Excess exposure to dirt or moisture will cripple your fridge, so make sure the spot you place your fridge is insulated from moisture or dirt.
Regularly cleaning the fridge is also important. So, if you decide to put your refrigerator outside, you should be prepared to clean it more often than you usually would. Thorough and regular cleaning will contribute to the longevity of the appliance.
Safety Concerns When Using Your Fridge Outside
Weather changes fast. That is why you should take note of some safety concerns when using your fridge outside:
- When your refrigerator gets exposed to hot temperatures above 110℉, problems can arise. The hot weather causes the refrigerator to work harder, putting more stress on the hardware. Subsequently, the effectiveness of the fridge reduces and quickens the deterioration of the refrigerator.
- Placing your refrigerator outside exposes it to various weather conditions that can damage its components. For instance, water and electrical appliances do not mix, so failure to properly safeguard the refrigerator can lead to fire hazards.
How to Safely Use Your Fridge Outside
Safety is always the top priority. After all, having a cold beverage outside is probably not worth an injury, right? The steps listed below will ensure you can safely use your refrigerator outdoors.
Add More Insulation
Adding insulation to the refrigerator ensures it will run adequately despite the harsh outdoor conditions. Consider building a completely insulated enclosure with adequate ventilation for your refrigerator.
Provide Cover for the Refrigerator
Your refrigerator shouldn’t be exposed to certain weather conditions such as snow or rain. Exposing your refrigerator to these elements can lead to rust and damage the internal components of the fridge.
It is best to place the refrigerator under a covered porch to protect it from outdoor conditions. If you don’t have a covered patio, consider relocating the fridge to any available covered spot outdoors.
Inspect and Clean the Refrigerator Regularly
Placing a refrigerator outdoors exposes it to additional dirt, dust, and possible damage. It is vital to regularly inspect and clean the refrigerator’s components to keep your refrigerator operational.
Assess the interior and exterior of the fridge, and pay close attention to any areas that appear to be damaged.
It is also necessary to inspect the coils. If you don’t clean your refrigerator’s coils regularly, you could end up spending a lot of money to them replaced or repaired. When your fridge’s coils get clogged, it causes the fridge to work harder. This extra stress will cause additional wear and tear.
Place the Fridge Properly
It is important to keep your fridge away from harsh elements and clear garbage and plants from its surroundings. It is best to keep the refrigerator away from direct sunlight.
Proper airflow around the fridge is also needed to prevent the motor from overheating. Be certain there is enough space for air to flow.
It would help if you also considered proximity to an electrical socket when placing the refrigerator outdoors. It is not advised to plug your refrigerator into an extension socket, so finding a direct socket is essential.
Finally, clear any fallen leaves and other debris from the area around it.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Refrigerators: Key Differences
If you plan to acquire a new refrigerator, you should be sure that it suits your needs. Refrigerators come in indoor and outdoor models, and there are a few important differences between them. Let’s take a look at a few:
Flexibility
Outdoor refrigerators are more flexible in terms of where they can operate, and they can generally function at a broader range of temperatures than indoor models.
Construction
A normal refrigerator is made to operate in temperatures ranging from 55℉ to 80℉ and loses effectiveness when running outside these temperatures. On the other hand, an outdoor refrigerator is highly insulated.
This insulation helps protect the contents within the refrigerator and reduce the effects of extreme temperature fluctuations while reducing the strain on the fridge’s components.
Finish
An indoor refrigerator can rust due to constant exposure to the elements, whereas an outdoor refrigerator is made of rust-resistant materials like grade 304 stainless steel. These materials help to extend the life of the outdoor refrigerator.
Price
Outdoor refrigerators are considerably more expensive to buy and operate than standard units. An outdoor refrigerator can cost more than $1,000, while an indoor fridge might come in at a few hundred dollars. This price difference is because outdoor refrigerators are made of higher-quality materials.
Conclusion
Indoor refrigerators are not particularly suited for outdoor use due to their design. So, if you want a fridge for the outdoors, purchasing an outdoor unit will be a better decision. Consider something like the NewAir 24″ Outdoor Beverage Refrigerator (on Amazon).
Understand that outdoor and indoor refrigerators are built for different purposes and, as a result, use different construction materials. The materials used for outdoor fridges enable them to withstand adverse weather conditions.
That said, if you have no other options and must use an indoor fridge outdoors, you should be fine as long as you take the necessary precautions. It is vital to find the best possible spot outdoors for this appliance and observe adequate safety precautions.
Keep in mind that the price of outdoor refrigerators has dropped considerably over the past few years, making them more affordable, and investing in the right refrigerator for your needs will save you some money in the long run.