If you want some sort of refrigeration in your outdoor kitchen… you’re going to wonder what your options are. Do you really need an outdoor rated fridge? Or can you get away with just a regular old mini fridge?
It’s a question we get asked all the time, but you never really see it pop up on online searches. As an outdoor kitchen manufacturer that’s helped thousands of homeowners design their dream outdoor kitchen… we’ve come across the topic of outdoor rated fridge vs mini fridge more times than we can count. Through this experience, we’re well-equipped to help you make a decision about which option is best for your outdoor kitchen project.
In this article, you will get an in-depth comparison on outdoor rated vs mini fridges in several categories, and some helpful tips to guide you along in your final decision.
Outdoor Durability
Are outdoor rated fridges or mini fridges more durable for an outdoor kitchen?
Outdoor Rated Fridge
It’s right in the name… outdoor rated refrigerators are specifically designed to be used outdoors, in an outdoor kitchen. Therefore, these fridges are constructed with durability in mind from the ground up.
Outdoor fridges will (generally) be:
- Made from 304 stainless steel to prevent rust and corrosion
- Include compressors designed to operate in higher ambient temperatures and harsher environments
- Have ventilation designed specifically for outdoor use to keep out debris (leaves, etc.)
- Include specific insulation design for better thermal management and outdoor performance
- Include gaskets designed for outdoor use, which will have a tighter seal, and be more resistant to moisture, heat, and UV exposure
Mini Fridge
On the other hand, mini fridges are expressly designed for indoor use. As such, they simply aren’t as durable as their outdoor rated counterparts.
Mini fridges will (generally) be:
- Made from inexpensive plastic and metal components that will degrade quickly outdoors
- Include compressors that aren’t meant to handle high ambient temperatures and significant temperature swings
- Have different ventilation design that isn’t optimized for outdoor use
- Have different insulation design that isn’t optimized for outdoor use
- Will include gaskets with weaker seals, and have less resistance to the harsh outdoor environment
Because a regular mini fridge isn’t designed for outdoor use… it simply will not be able to provide long-term, high quality performance. It can work okay for a little while, but the rigors of the outdoor environment will cause materials and functional components to fail quickly.
Winner
Outdoor Rated Fridge
Cost / Price
What’s the price difference between an outdoor rated fridge and a mini fridge?
Outdoor Rated Fridge
Due to the materials and components required to make a refrigerator perform well outdoors… outdoor rated fridges will be significantly more expensive than a mini fridge.
High quality premium brands will start at around $2,500, while more luxury brands can hit prices of $6,000-$7,000 or more.
Mini Fridge
Mini fridges are far more cost effective, running you anywhere from $200-$400 or so depending on brand and size.
Winner
Mini Fridge
Compatibility with an Outdoor Kitchen
Which fridge option is more compatible with an outdoor kitchen?
Outdoor Rated Fridge
There’s no other way to slice it… outdoor rated refrigerators are specifically designed for use in an outdoor kitchen. From a performance perspective they’re designed for outdoor use, but they’re also designed for outdoor kitchens from an aesthetic perspective.
Virtually all outdoor refrigerators come with a trim kit to ensure your fridge has seamless integration with whatever outdoor kitchen solution you choose. They’ll also come in standardized sizes that are compatible with most outdoor kitchen brands. Additionally, most outdoor refrigerator brands also sell other outdoor kitchen appliances, so you can ensure all your appliances will match one another.
Mini Fridge
Since mini fridges were never intended to be used in an outdoor kitchen… they aren’t optimally compatible.
Mini fridges won’t come with a trim kit, which means you’ll have a large, open gap all the way around your mini fridge. In addition to the poor aesthetic finish, this gap is also open season for bugs and critters to access the inside of your outdoor kitchen.
Furthermore, since most mini fridges are made with a black or white plastic finish… they won’t match your other stainless steel outdoor kitchen appliances at all. So if a clean, cohesive look is important to you, this will be a detractor.
Winner
Outdoor Rated Fridge
Should You Buy an Outdoor Rated Fridge or a Mini Fridge for Your Outdoor Kitchen?
At this stage, you should understand how outdoor rated fridges and mini fridges compare for an outdoor kitchen. If you’re still not sure which option is best for you, the tips below will help you decide.
You should buy an outdoor rated fridge for your outdoor kitchen if:
- You want a fridge made with outdoor rated materials and components
- You want a long-lasting refrigerator with optimal performance
- You want an aesthetically cohesive look that matches your other appliances
- You have the budget to accommodate the higher cost of an outdoor rated fridge
You should buy a mini fridge for your outdoor kitchen if:
- You’re on an extremely tight budget and highly cost-focused
- You’re not seeking a long-term refrigerator solution
- You don’t mind outdoor kitchen appliances that don’t match
After all this, if you find yourself leaning towards an outdoor refrigerator… you’re likely going to want to learn more about them, and what brands may be best for you. This buyer’s guide for outdoor refrigerators is exactly what you need! Enjoy the read, and we’ll see you in the next blog.
