What is the difference between indoor and outdoor refrigerators

Both are available in a multitude of colors, including the most common shades of white, black or stainless steel. Each come in a variety of sizes, including small under-counter options and larger sizes for entertaining. Indoor and outdoor refrigerators both work to keep food and beverages at an ideal temperature.

An outdoor refrigerator is designed to better deal with the constant fluctuations in temperature due to the weather; whereas an indoor refrigerator does not have to work as hard to deal with temperature changes, as indoor temperatures tend to stay relatively the same. Outdoor fridges are also better able to deal with the elements and remain working safely regardless of the outdoor weather.

Outdoor refrigerators also contain more insulation to better protect their contents from unstable weather conditions. Indoor refrigerators, however, tend to have more features. For example, they may feature built-in TV screens or ice dispensers, whereas an outdoor refrigerator generally comes with the basics: adjustable shelves, adjustable thermostat and an interior light. Or, will it round out the features of your outdoor kitchen? This post will highlight the differences between and indoor and outdoor beverage fridge.

It will also tell you how to get the most out of your beverage cooler and help you pick the correct model for your needs. Indoor fridges are built to live in a consistent temperature zone US households generally stay between F. To avoid burning out the compressor system in your indoor fridge, make sure it is always kept inside.

Unlike an indoor fridge, outdoor fridges can maintain a consistent internal temperature in highly unstable environments. Ask the following questions when shopping for an outdoor model to make sure your cooler is up for the task. The most important factor you should look for when purchasing a fridge for your outdoor kitchen or entertaining space is its ETL, UL or CSA certification.

These certifications are only given to products that pass a series of outdoor tests, like outdoor performance, leak testing, or safety trials. Check the product description or packaging of an outdoor fridge. Both should include either a verbal mention or the certification approval stamp to indicate that the fridge is safe to use outside.

Almost all fridges—indoor and outdoor—are made from stainless steel. But the food grade of stainless-steel differs between the two categories. The higher the grade, the higher the resistance against rust and corrosion.

An outdoor fridge needs to be food grade stainless-steel or higher in order to resist rust in wet weather conditions or environments. Anything below a food grade will be more susceptible to rain, snow, heat, or debris. If a fridge comes with door and bearing seals , then you can guarantee it is more durable than others and able to withstand tougher conditions.

Combine these weatherproofing features with the proper high-grade material and you have a reliable outdoor fridge.

Indoor and outdoor fridges come with a myriad of additional features to consider. Not all are necessities, but they are worth keeping in mind if you want more beverage fridge benefits. Look out for the following features while on the hunt for your cooler:. The location of your beverage fridge is everything.

Now that you know which features to look for, you can make a confident purchasing decision for your home. The standard kitchen refrigerator operates in temperatures between 55 and 80 degrees fahrenheit. Its outdoor counterpart has a bigger range than this, with superior insulation to protect both the food and its mechanics. You can use an outdoor refrigerator indoors, but not the other way round. If in doubt for example, you want a fridge for a semi-outdoors space like a garage or covered porch , always go for an outside model.

Water and electricity is never a good combination: make sure the fridge you buy is UL certified for outdoor use to make sure the appliance is safe. Speak to a professional to ensure you have the right sort of power supply for your outdoor appliances.

Abandoning a fridge outside, with its doors on, is unlawful in most states. This is to prevent kids from playing in an abandoned refrigerator and becoming trapped inside. If you have an outdoor refrigerator, it can spend the summer outdoors, dispensing cool drinks and keeping your BBQ salads nice and fresh.

Keep it in a shady spot away from direct sunlight. Choose a cooler part of your yard to install your new outdoor refrigerator.