How an outdoor fridge can elevate your al fresco entertaining

In Australia, we’ve turned the humble backyard barbie into something of an art form. Gone are the days of burnt bangers and singed eyebrows, the experience now elevated with smokers, rotisseries and convection cooking. But is your cold drinks game keeping up with your BBQ prowess?

Whether you're hosting a barbecue, or simply lounging in your alfresco area at the end of a hard day, an outdoor fridge can be both convenient and a little luxurious.

The popularity of outdoor kitchens has grown hugely in Australia in the past decade or so. We’ve got the climate for it, and as higher quality outdoor entertaining areas have become more affordable and accessible, Aussies have become more inclined to upgrade from freestanding barbies to built-in structures with grills, sinks, benchtops and alfresco bar fridges.

Even if you don’t have a full outdoor kitchen setup, though, a conveniently placed bar fridge can still enhance your deck or entertaining area.

There are a few key things to consider when buying an alfresco fridge, from the amount of bottles you want it to hold, to how well it will withstand the elements.

Consider the available space in your outdoor area and choose a fridge that complements, but doesn't overwhelm it. A fridge with a capacity of between 100 and 200 litres is generally suitable (for context, that’s between 60 and 200 beer bottles). This provides ample space for storing drinks and snacks, as well as the sauces and condiments you use when barbecuing.

It’s also worth checking whether you can adjust the shelf height and configuration of the fridge’s interior to store bottles and cans of varying shapes and sizes. Some fridges will include flat shelves as well as contoured wine shelves that allow you to store wine bottles horizontally.

With the Australian weather veering from scorching heat to torrential rain, you want to choose an outdoor fridge that’s made from durable materials and has a high-quality stainless steel or weather-resistant finish that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions.

Typically, the front doors of outside bar fridges are made of tempered glass. Used for its strength and safety, tempered glass undergoes a specific heat treatment that makes it more durable than regular glass. Heated glass also prevents condensation from forming when there’s high humidity, which can reduce the chance of puddles beneath the fridge.

Fridges with adjustable temperature controls and multiple zones allow you to store various items at their ideal temperatures, ensuring beverages are chilled to perfection. Not all fridges have this, and depending on how you plan to use it, you may not need different zones.

Outdoor fridges generally have a temperature range between 0°C and 10°C, though some have super cold sub-zero settings of up to -5°C. They are engineered to operate efficiently in a wider temperature range compared to regular indoor fridges. They are designed to maintain optimal cooling performance even in hot outdoor environments of over 40°C.

Regular fridges, which often operate in more moderate, air conditioned environments, may struggle to perform effectively in hot outdoor conditions as the compressor works overtime. This may be why your old second fridge in the garage sounds like it’s about to take off on hot days!

While it's common for bar fridges to have interior lighting, it's not universal in smaller or more basic models. Good interior lighting can really enhance both the functionality and the effect of your bar fridge, especially during evening gatherings. Look for models with bright LED lighting that clearly display the fridge’s contents.

Opt for models with higher energy star ratings if possible. Some outdoor fridges feature energy-saving compressors and fans that enable them to maintain their cold temperature using less power. LED lighting uses less energy than conventional refrigeration lighting, which is also a bonus.

The tempered glass doors on fridges will often be coated with a low-E glass (low emissivity) coating that reflects heat away from the fridge, helping it stay cool without the compressor needing to go into overdrive.

You’ll want to consider the aesthetics of your outdoor fridge, as it will likely be a focal point of your entertaining area - everyone wants to know where the bar is, right?

Almost all outdoor bar fridges will have glass doors that allow you to see the contents at a glance, but there are a small number of models available with black or stainless steel fronts. If the fridge is going to be beneath a benchtop with its top and sides hidden from view, the colour of its exterior doesn’t really matter (although a small amount will be visible as the trim for the glass front).

If you plan to have it as a freestanding unit, though, you should consider whether a stainless steel or black bar fridge would look better with the rest of your outdoor dining setup, as well as surrounding walls, furniture and garden umbrellas or awnings.

Even if they’re beneath cover, outdoor glass door bar fridges are exposed to the elements. They may not be rained on directly, but dust, salty sea air and humidity can get to them, so be sure to clean your fridge regularly to minimise weathering or problems caused by dust and salt buildup.

In terms of the fridge’s interior, look for easy-to-clean features like removable shelves and spill-proof trays. To be honest, though, if your bar fridge is staying true to its purpose of holding bottles and cans, it shouldn’t encounter too much in the way of leaks, crumbs and sticky residues. Cheers to that!

Some outdoor fridges can be noisy, which might disrupt the serenity of a quiet evening dinner. Look for quiet running models with lower decibel (dB) noise levels: in general, a quiet range for a fridge is around 32 to 45 decibels (dB). Some larger capacity triple door and double door fridges, as well as some single door models, can be up to 55 dB. Most noise comes from the compressor, and is cyclical rather than constant, because the compressor turns on and off to maintain the set temperature inside the fridge.

The noise produced by outdoor refrigerators varies, partly according to the quality of design and technology, and partly due to the mode of operation that has been selected. For example, some fridges will have rapid cooling or ‘party modes’ that increase their chilling capabilities during times when the fridge will be in heavy use. At these times, the noise from background music and general party chatter is likely to drown out even the noisiest fridge.

Check whether the fridge you’re considering is lockable. Most bar fridges that can be locked have manual key locks, while some will simply be able to have their handles padlocked together. Others have electronic locks.

Depending on your location and home security, the ability to lock the fridge can be very valuable, because it will generally be located in your back garden and therefore less secure than if it was indoors.

Research the reputation of the brand, look at star ratings and read customer reviews. A reliable brand with a good warranty can provide peace of mind regarding the fridge’s quality and durability. Many outdoor fridges have a standard 2-year warranty, though some models from Husky and other brands have a 3-year warranty.

The main reason you’re getting an outdoor fridge is for its convenience, so you’ll want to position it close to the BBQ, as well as to the dining or eating area where guests gather. It should be placed in a shaded spot, away from direct sunlight and harsh elements, to ensure it operates efficiently and lasts longer. Naturally, it will also need to be close to a power outlet.

While the Esky’s great for keeping the bevvies chilled when you’re out and about, when you’re entertaining guests, an outdoor fridge can really take things up a level.

Appliances Online stocks outdoor fridges from brands including Rhino, Husky, Schmick and Artusi, ranging in size from 100L to over 300L capacity - or in terms of beer bottles, from 60 to over 330!

We deliver to 95% of Australia's population with Appliances Online's legendary FREE delivery - and we can usually get your new outdoor fridge or wine fridge to you by the next day (Mon-Fri) as long as it's in stock. Plus, we now offer paid Same Day Delivery in NSW, QLD, and VIC metro areas if you order before 12pm Mon-Fri.

As part of our commitment to sustainability, we'll also take your old fridge away for recycling, for free - something you won’t find many retailers doing! If you have any questions, just call our friendly team 24/7 on 1300 000 500, or message us via the chat icon at the bottom right of your screen.