Ever opened your garage door and wished you had a cold drink or a snack readily available? Many homeowners dream of this convenience, but outfitting a garage with a refrigerator can feel like a confusing puzzle. It’s not as simple as picking any old fridge; you need one that can handle the temperature swings and the rugged environment of a garage.
Choosing the right refrigerator for your garage presents unique challenges. You might worry about energy efficiency, how it will perform in extreme heat or cold, or if it will even fit the space you have. These are common concerns that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for in a garage refrigerator. We’ll break down the essential features, discuss different types, and offer practical tips to ensure you pick a model that’s perfect for your needs and budget. Get ready to transform your garage into a more functional and convenient space!
Our Top 5 Refrigerator For The Garage Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Refrigerator For The Garage Detailed Reviews
1. BANGSON 7.7 Cu.Ft Refrigerator with Freezer
Rating: 9.3/10
The BANGSON 7.7 Cu.Ft Refrigerator with Freezer is a stylish and practical choice for smaller living spaces. Its stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen, apartment, or office. This fridge offers a good amount of storage without taking up too much room.
What We Like:
- Space-saving design: It measures just 21.5 inches wide and deep, making it perfect for apartments or tight spaces.
- Ample storage: With 7.7 cubic feet of total space, including a separate freezer, you can store plenty of food and drinks.
- Adjustable temperature: Five temperature settings let you keep your food perfectly chilled or frozen.
- Smart interior: Removable glass shelves, a crisper drawer, and door racks help you organize everything easily.
- Quiet operation: It runs at a low 39 dB, so it won’t disrupt your daily life.
- Helpful features: Reversible doors, an automatic interior light, and leveling legs add convenience.
What Could Be Improved:
- Initial setup: It’s recommended to let the fridge stand upright for 6-12 hours before plugging it in to ensure quiet operation.
This BANGSON refrigerator is a solid option for anyone needing a compact yet functional fridge. It provides good cooling and smart storage solutions for everyday needs.
2. Kenmore 33 in. 20.5 cu. ft. Capacity Refrigerator/Freezer with Full-Width Adjustable Glass Shelving
Rating: 9.3/10
The Kenmore 33 in. 20.5 cu. ft. Capacity Refrigerator/Freezer in classic white offers a smart solution for your kitchen. It provides plenty of storage without taking up too much space. This fridge is designed to keep your food fresh and organized.
What We Like:
- It’s a full-size refrigerator and freezer with 20.5 cubic feet of space.
- Its 33-inch width is great for saving kitchen space.
- The adjustable, full-width glass shelves let you fit tall items easily.
- Humidity-controlled crisper drawers keep fruits and veggies fresh.
- A clear dairy compartment holds butter and spreads.
- Clear door bins, including two for gallon milk, help with organization.
- It’s ENERGY STAR Certified, which means it uses less energy and saves you money.
- The LED lighting is bright and efficient.
- You can add an optional icemaker that makes up to 3 lbs. of ice daily.
What Could Be Improved:
- The icemaker is an optional add-on, not included.
- The white finish might show smudges more easily than other colors.
This Kenmore refrigerator is a solid choice for many households. It balances useful features with a space-saving design.
3. hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler – Mini Fridge with Glass Door for Soda Beer or Wine – 120 Cans Capacity – Small Drink Dispenser Machine for Office or Bar with Adjustable Removable Shelves
Rating: 9.0/10
The hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler is a stylish and practical mini fridge designed to keep your drinks perfectly chilled. Whether you’re setting up a home bar, need extra storage in your office, or want cold drinks in your dorm, apartment, or RV, this fridge delivers. Its sleek design features a glass door and a matte silver stainless steel frame, plus a cool white LED light inside. It’s the perfect way to keep your sodas, beers, or wines ready to enjoy at any time.
What We Like:
- It holds a lot of drinks – up to 120 cans!
- You can easily move or rearrange the shelves to fit different-sized bottles or cans.
- The digital temperature control lets you set the exact coldness you want, down to 34 degrees Fahrenheit.
- It has a memory function, so if the power goes out, it remembers your temperature setting.
- The fridge is quiet, so it won’t disturb you while it’s running.
- It looks good with its modern glass door and silver frame.
What Could Be Improved:
- It is a freestanding unit, meaning it doesn’t have a reversible door, so you need to plan its placement carefully.
- While it’s quiet, some users might notice a low hum.
Overall, this hOmeLabs beverage refrigerator is a fantastic addition for anyone who loves having cold drinks readily available. It combines good looks with smart features for excellent drink storage.
4. Upstreman 7.7 Cu.Ft. Refrigerator with Freezer
Rating: 8.5/10
Meet the Upstreman BD75, a stylish and practical refrigerator designed to fit seamlessly into apartments, offices, or dorm rooms. This black, double-door unit offers a generous 7.7 cubic feet of storage, making it a smart choice for those needing a good amount of space without a large footprint. Its sleek design and thoughtful features make it a standout option for anyone looking for reliable cooling and freezing.
What We Like:
- More Space, Same Price: This fridge packs a lot of storage into a compact 21″ x 21″ x 56″ frame. You get a roomy 6.2 cu. ft. fridge and a larger 1.5 cu. ft. freezer.
- Seven Temperature Settings: Easily adjust the temperature for both the fridge and freezer. Keep your frozen foods perfectly chilled from -9.4°F to 14°F, and your fresh foods between 28.4°F and 48.2°F.
- Quiet and Energy Saving: It runs super quietly at only 39dB, so it won’t bother you. Plus, it’s budget-friendly to run, costing about $0.12 a day.
- Keeps Produce Fresh: A special crisper drawer keeps your fruits and veggies crisp and juicy.
- Flexible Storage: You can move the shelves around to fit your needs. Organize your food just the way you like it.
- Reversible Door Swing: The door can open from either the left or the right. You can switch it to match your room’s layout perfectly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The temperature settings are manually switched, which might be less convenient than digital controls for some users.
- While it offers good capacity, the freezer section might be small for those who buy a lot of frozen items in bulk.
Overall, the Upstreman BD75 is a fantastic option for those needing efficient, flexible, and quiet refrigeration. It offers great value and thoughtful features for everyday use.
5. Commercial Cool 11.1 Cu. Ft. Convertible Freezer Refrigerator
Rating: 8.6/10
The Commercial Cool 11.1 Cu. Ft. Convertible Freezer Refrigerator is a versatile appliance that can be a refrigerator or a freezer. It’s perfect for storing lots of food. This unit is designed to be efficient and easy to use.
What We Like:
- It’s a convertible appliance, so you can use it as a fridge or a freezer. This gives you flexibility for your food storage needs.
- It has a large 11.1 cubic feet of space, which is great for families or anyone who buys food in bulk. You can store plenty of meat and other frozen items.
- You can easily control the temperature with its electronic controls. This ensures your food stays at the right temperature, whether it’s a fridge or a freezer.
- The bright LED lighting makes it easy to see everything inside, even in the back. The lights are located conveniently at the top.
- It’s Energy Star Qualified, meaning it’s good for the environment and helps save money on electricity bills.
- The door is reversible, so you can open it from either the left or the right side. This makes it fit better in any space.
- It’s garage ready, so it can handle different temperatures.
- Auto defrost means you won’t have to chip away ice.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 11.1 cu. ft. capacity might be too small for very large families or commercial use.
- While it has electronic controls, the placement might be less convenient for some users.
Overall, this Commercial Cool appliance offers great flexibility and efficiency for your home. It’s a solid choice for reliable food storage.
Your Garage’s New Best Friend: The Ultimate Refrigerator Buying Guide
Having a refrigerator in your garage is a game-changer. It’s perfect for extra drinks, storing garden supplies, or even keeping your catch fresh after a fishing trip. But not all garage fridges are created equal. Let’s find the best one for you!
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a garage refrigerator, keep these important features in mind.
- Temperature Control: Garages can get really hot or cold. You need a fridge that can handle these swings. Look for models designed for garage use. They have special thermostats that work better in extreme temperatures. This keeps your food safe and your drinks frosty, no matter the weather.
- Capacity: How much stuff do you need to store? Fridges come in different sizes. Think about how many drinks you usually keep or if you’ll be storing large items. Smaller ones are good for just a few extra beverages. Bigger ones can hold a lot more.
- Energy Efficiency: A fridge that uses less electricity saves you money. Look for the ENERGY STAR label. This means the fridge meets strict energy-saving rules. It’s good for your wallet and the planet.
- Durability: Garages can be dusty and damp. You need a fridge that can stand up to it. Look for sturdy construction. A strong exterior will last longer.
Important Materials
The materials used in a garage fridge affect its strength and how well it works.
- Exterior Finish: Stainless steel is a popular choice. It looks nice and is pretty tough. However, it can rust if it gets too wet. Other fridges have durable enamel or powder-coated finishes. These can be more resistant to rust and scratches, which is great for a garage environment.
- Interior Shelving: Glass shelves are easy to clean. They look good too. Wire shelves are also common. They allow air to flow better, which can help keep things cool. Make sure the shelves are strong enough to hold what you plan to store.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a garage fridge better, while others can make it worse.
- Garage-Ready Technology: This is a big one. Fridges made for garages are built to work in wider temperature ranges. They have better insulation and fans that help keep the temperature steady. A regular fridge might not cool properly or could even break if it gets too hot or too cold.
- Frost-Free Operation: Nobody wants to defrost a fridge in a hot garage. Frost-free models automatically remove ice buildup. This makes your life easier and keeps the fridge running efficiently.
- Noise Level: Some fridges can be quite noisy. If your garage is attached to your house, a quieter fridge is a good idea. Check reviews to see how loud the models are.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a garage fridge is all about convenience and extra space.
- Beverage Cooler: Many people use garage fridges for extra drinks. It’s perfect for parties or just having cold sodas and water readily available.
- Gardening Supplies: Some gardeners store potting soil, fertilizers, or even seeds in their garage fridge. This keeps them cool and dry.
- Extra Freezer Space: Some models are freezers, or have freezer sections. These are great for storing extra frozen foods or meats.
- Workshop Assistant: Fishermen might keep their catch on ice. Hunters might store game. Mechanics might keep special oils or coolants cold. The uses are endless!
Having a garage refrigerator can make your life much simpler. By understanding these key features and factors, you can choose the perfect one for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a regular refrigerator in my garage?
A: You can, but it’s not ideal. Regular refrigerators are made for indoor temperatures. Extreme heat or cold in a garage can cause them to work too hard, not cool properly, or even break down.
Q: What does “garage-ready” mean for a refrigerator?
A: “Garage-ready” means the refrigerator is designed to work well in a wider range of temperatures, from very cold to very hot. It has special features to handle these changes.
Q: How much electricity does a garage refrigerator use?
A: Energy use varies by model. Look for the ENERGY STAR label. These models are more energy-efficient, which means they use less electricity and save you money on your power bill.
Q: What is the best type of finish for a garage refrigerator?
A: Durable finishes like enamel or powder-coated steel are often best. They are usually more resistant to rust and scratches than stainless steel in a garage environment.
Q: Do garage refrigerators need special ventilation?
A: Most garage refrigerators do not need special ventilation beyond what’s recommended for any refrigerator. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement to ensure proper airflow.
Q: How do I know if a refrigerator is truly garage-ready?
A: Check the product description or specifications. It will usually state if the unit is designed for garage use or has a wide operating temperature range.
Q: Can I store food that needs to be kept frozen in a garage refrigerator?
A: Only if you purchase a garage-ready freezer or a refrigerator with a dedicated freezer compartment. A standard refrigerator section is not designed to freeze food.
Q: How do I clean a garage refrigerator?
A: You can clean it with mild soap and water. For the exterior, a damp cloth is usually enough. Make sure to unplug the fridge before cleaning the interior.
Q: What size refrigerator is best for a garage?
A: The best size depends on your needs. Consider how much you plan to store. Smaller units are good for drinks, while larger ones can hold more.
Q: Are garage refrigerators more expensive than regular ones?
A: Sometimes. The specialized features that allow them to work in extreme temperatures can make them a bit more costly. However, the durability and performance in a garage environment are usually worth the investment.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!