Does your outdoor kitchen need a refrigerator? If you're designing and building your own custom outdoor kitchen, one of the big questions you have to answer is what accessories to include. With great choices like side burners, sinks and warming drawers, it can be tough to pick and choose the right items for your design. We'd all love to include everything, but space and budget constraints don't always allow that.
One popular choice for many homeowners are outdoor refrigerators. These outdoor-rated appliances provide the perfect spot for keeping drinks and food chilled and close at hand when you're cooking on the grill or even just relaxing on the patio with friends and family. For homeowners looking to create the perfect backyard, an outdoor refrigerator is an excellent option. To help you decide whether they're right for you, we've put together this helpful guide to the value that an outdoor refrigerator can bring to your outdoor kitchen.
Can I Add a Refrigerator to my Outdoor Kitchen?
You can almost certainly add a refrigerator to your outdoor kitchen. There are a few things to keep in mind when you plan to do so, however. First, it's important to shop specifically for a refrigerator that's rated for outdoor use. We'll go into more detail about what makes a refrigerator suitable for an outdoor kitchen below, but for now we just recommend looking for specific mention of outdoor suitability.
In addition, you'll need to plan for your refrigerator to be connected to an electric socket. While some might choose to run an extension cord to their refrigerator, that's not generally considered a good idea as it can create a trip hazard and risk of electric shock. Instead, we recommend working with a qualified electrician to have a socket installed in your outdoor kitchen. This has a number of added benefits, including allowing you to plug in other appliances and accessories as needed.
Is an Outdoor Refrigerator Worth It?
We certainly think an outdoor refrigerator is worth adding to your grill island. Adding a refrigerator to your outdoor kitchen provides a lot of value. Benefits include:
- Fewer trips in and out of the house while cooking on the grill
- Extra storage space to free up room in your indoor fridge
- Keep cold drinks close at hand without needing a cooler
The question of whether an outdoor refrigerator is worth the cost will depend on your budget and needs, but the benefits listed here should help you decide if it's right for you.
What's the Difference between an Indoor and Outdoor Refrigerator?
While there are some obvious similarities, it's important to note that there are some key differences between indoor and outdoor refrigerators, and not all refrigerators can be used outside. When shopping for a fridge for your outdoor kitchen, be sure to seek out units that are labeled as safe for outdoor use. These are some of the things that set outdoor refrigerators apart:
- Weather-resistant materials like 304 stainless steel
- More powerful compressors to deal with a wider range of temperatures
- Robust electrical components that resist corrosion
Finding the Right Outdoor Refrigerator
The benefits and information above are just a portion of what makes an outdoor refrigerator a good addition to your outdoor kitchen. If you're interested in exploring some high-quality outdoor refrigerators, check out our guide to the best models on the market. You can also find out more about our outdoor kitchen design services by checking out the landing page. Finally, if you're in need of more personalized assistance, feel free to get in touch with our team for help.