When the warmer months hit, there’s nothing better than spending time outdoors with family and friends—whether you’re hosting a BBQ, enjoying a garden party, or just relaxing on your patio. But if you’ve ever struggled with keeping drinks cold or food fresh outside, you know how important it is to have the best outdoor fridge on hand.
Whether you need a built-in option for your outdoor kitchen or a portable fridge that you can move around in the campsite, there’s a perfect model out there for you. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of outdoor fridges, what you should consider before making a choice, and highlight the 5 best outdoor refrigerators of 2025 that will keep your gatherings running smoothly. Let’s dive in!
Types of Outdoor Fridges
When considering an outdoor fridge freezer, understanding the different categories can help you choose a model that meets your needs. Let’s break down the three main types.
Built-in Outdoor Refrigerators
Built-in outdoor refrigerators are designed to integrate smoothly into your outdoor kitchen or patio area. They often feature a stylish, flush finish that complements modern outdoor living spaces.
Homeowners appreciate these units for their ability to add value to outdoor renovations, offering both aesthetics and performance. Installation usually requires a bit of planning and sometimes professional help, but the result is a cohesive look that makes your outdoor area feel like an extension of your indoor home.
These fridge freezer outdoor appliances often come with durable materials that can withstand the unpredictable British weather, ensuring longevity and consistent performance. They are perfect for those who want a permanent fixture that not only chills drinks and food but also enhances the overall design of an outdoor kitchen.
Freestanding Outdoor Refrigerators
Freestanding models are a fantastic option if you’re looking for versatility without the commitment of a built-in unit. They can be easily relocated around your garden or patio, allowing you to experiment with different layouts for parties or family gatherings.
These waterproof outdoor fridges typically feature robust construction that stand up to rain and wind. They are a smart choice if you plan to change your outdoor setup from time to time or if you need a unit that can be moved between different outdoor venues.
Portable Outdoor Refrigerators
Portable outdoor fridges are all about convenience. Their lightweight design and compact size make them perfect to carry around when you want to host outdoor movie nights, picnics, go on camping trips, or spend a day at the beach. Imagine setting off on a weekend getaway and not having to worry about keeping your drinks and snacks chilled—all thanks to a portable unit that’s built for mobility.
They often come with rechargeable batteries that can be topped up with your car socket, home outlet, or solar panels, making it easier to keep your perishables cool even when you are off the grid. Their flexibility means you can take them wherever you go, ensuring you are never without a cool refreshment, no matter where your adventures lead.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Outdoor Fridge
When choosing the best outdoor refrigerator, several key factors come into play. Understanding these elements can help you make a decision that suits your unique requirements, from outdoor parties to rugged camping adventures.
Size and Capacity
Before anything else, you’ll need to think about how much space you have in your outdoor area and how much storage you need. Will the fridge sit under a covered patio, beside your pizza oven, or sit in your car?
Compact models (50–70L) fit snugly in smaller gardens, while larger ones (100+L) are ideal for frequent entertainers. For outdoor adventures, a camping fridge of 30-40L capacity will suffice.
Weather Resistance is Key
The British weather is famously unpredictable—think rain, UV rays, humidity, and occasional frost. Your outdoor fridge needs to handle it all! Look for models labelled weatherproof or outdoor-rated, with rust-resistant materials like stainless steel or powder-coated finishes.
Check for an IP54 rating or higher to ensure it’s dustproof and water-resistant, especially if you’re in a coastal area where salty air can accelerate corrosion.
Power Options and Energy Efficiency
Will you plug it into an outdoor home socket, car socket, or use a generator? Built-in models need mains power, while portable ones often run on 12V/24V car batteries, portable power stations, or solar panels.
Opt for energy-efficient models with a high EU Energy Rating (A+++ to D) to keep running costs low. If you are camping off-grid, a portable model that uses less kWh per hour will make it easier to keep fridge cold without power.
Portability and Mobility
If you plan on moving the fridge around—whether for different events, camping trips, or even just shifting it between different areas of your garden—portability is a must. Many models, particularly portable fridges, come with wheels or handles, making them easier to move. Freestanding fridges also tend to be mobile, but they may be bulkier and harder to shift. If you prefer flexibility, a portable fridge could be your best option.
Cooling Performance
Different types of portable fridges or built-in models have various cooling performance, which is key to ensuring your food and drinks stay fresh and chilled. Check the fridge’s temperature range—some are designed with separate freezer zones, while others are more suited to maintaining drinks at a refreshing temperature. Also, consider whether the fridge offers adjustable temperature controls, which can be especially helpful during fluctuating weather conditions.
5 Best Outdoor Fridges in 2025
Here, we’ve curated a list of the best outdoor fridges available in 2025, each offering unique features and reliable performance. These picks are designed to cater to a variety of needs:
1. EcoFlow GLACIER
If you’re looking for the ultimate all-in-one solution for your outdoor adventures, the EcoFlow GLACIER is hard to beat. This 3-in-1 portable fridge, freezer, and ice maker brings the convenience of chilled beverages and frozen food wherever you go. With its integrated ice maker, the GLACIER is perfect for outdoor parties, camping trips, and road trips, producing 18 solid ice cubes in just 12 minutes.
The fridge features a dual-zone design with independent temperature controls, so you can keep your food frozen while chilling drinks or snacks. Plus, its fast-cooling technology rapidly brings the temperature down, ensuring your items stay fresh and cool.
What makes the EcoFlow GLACIER stand out is its wire-free cooling powered by a large 298Wh battery, which allows you to access fresh food and ice for up to 40 hours. This is ideal for long outdoor excursions. You can also use it to charge devices like phones and laptops, so you stay connected no matter where you are.
With a large 38L capacity and a detachable suitcase design, this fridge can be easily moved around or placed in tight spaces like your RV or car. Plus, smart app control allows you to monitor and adjust temperatures remotely, while its Eco mode keeps energy consumption low—only 0.18kWh per day!
What’s Good:
- Dual-zone functionality: Independently controls two sections, offering cooling from 50°F to -13°F.
- Integrated ice maker: Makes 18 ice cubes in just 12 minutes, perfect for those summer BBQs or spontaneous gatherings.
- Fast cooling: Cools from 30°C to 0°C in just 15 minutes for quick access to fresh food and drinks.
- Long battery life: Enjoy up to 40 hours of wire-free cooling, powered by a 298Wh battery.
- Portable design: Detachable suitcase design and wheels for easy transport, perfect for outdoor adventures.
- Smart app control: Control temperature settings via the EcoFlow app through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
- Energy-efficient: Features Eco mode, using only 0.18kWh per day to save power.
2. Alpicool CF35 35L
The Alpicool CF35 35L is a highly portable fridge/freezer that offers excellent cooling performance for those who love to travel, camp, or go on long road trips. In just 15 minutes, this model can chill from 25°C to 0°C, and it can also hold that cold temperature for hours, even without a power source.
Its 35L capacity is ideal for small to medium outdoor gatherings or a weekend camping trip. Plus, it features multiple power options with both AC and DC cords, making it perfect for both outdoor and indoor use.
What’s Good:
- Fast cooling: Reduces temperature from 25°C to 0°C in just 15 minutes.
- Dual function: Can be used as both a fridge and a freezer for versatile storage.
- Battery protection system: Prevents the fridge from draining your car’s battery.
- Portable design: Easy to move and transport, perfect for road trips and camping.
- Flexible power options: Works with both AC and DC power, providing versatility for indoor and outdoor use.
3. Bull Outdoor Fridge Premium Single Door 150L
If you’re looking to outfit your outdoor kitchen with a reliable and stylish fridge, the Bull Outdoor Fridge Premium Single Door 150L offers a premium solution. With a large 150L capacity, this fridge has more than enough room to store all your drinks, condiments, and fresh ingredients.
The reversible door provides flexibility in how you set up your outdoor space, while the self-closing, sealed locking door ensures your food stays fresh and secure. The digital LED control panel allows for easy temperature adjustments, making this fridge both functional and user-friendly.
What’s Good:
- Large capacity: 150L of storage space, ideal for big outdoor gatherings.
- Reversible door: Customize your layout by choosing which direction the door opens.
- Self-closing door: Keeps food secure and fresh, even in windy conditions.
- Digital LED control: Easily manage temperature settings with the intuitive control panel.
4. Dometic CFX3 36L
For those who need a powerful and portable fridge, the Dometic CFX3 36L is a top contender. With a generous 36L capacity, this cooler offers exceptional performance with a VMSO3 compressor that efficiently cools between +20°C and -22°C.
It features a sleek, rugged design with ExoFrame construction that makes it durable enough to handle rough conditions while still being lightweight and easy to transport. You can monitor its performance via the Dometic CFX3 app, which connects through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
What’s Good:
- Powerful cooling: Cools from +20°C to -22°C for versatile food storage options.
- Rugged design: Heavy-duty ExoFrame construction ensures durability on outdoor adventures.
- App control: Monitor and adjust the fridge’s temperature remotely with the Dometic app.
- Energy-efficient: Operates with minimal power consumption, perfect for off-grid use.
5. BeefEater 120L Single Door Fridge
The BeefEater 120L Single Door Fridge is an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of durability and style to their outdoor kitchen. Boasting a 304-grade stainless steel finish, this fridge features a large 120L capacity, ideal for storing all your drinks and essentials.
One of its standout features is the insulated and heated double-glazed glass doors, which not only provide great visibility for your items but also prevent condensation.
What’s Good:
- Durable design: 304-grade stainless steel finish is weather-resistant, ideal for outdoor use.
- Heated double-glazed doors: Prevent condensation, ensuring clear visibility of your stored items.
- IPX4 rated: Protected against water splashes for peace of mind in outdoor environments.
- Large 120L capacity: Plenty of space for drinks, snacks, and small food items.
Conclusion
Finding the best outdoor fridge can really elevate your outdoor living experience. Whether you need a built-in fridge to match your outdoor kitchen or a portable one to move around as you need, there’s a model that fits your style and needs. By considering the key factors we’ve covered and exploring our top picks, you’ll be able to pick the perfect fridge and host stress-free, cool gatherings that everyone will love.
FAQs
What kind of refrigerator can be used outside?
Outdoor rated (e.g. IP54) refrigerators are designed to withstand harsh conditions like temperature fluctuations, humidity, and rain, making them perfect for patios, decks, or outdoor kitchens. They are built with durable, weatherproof materials like stainless steel and enhanced insulation. For outdoor entertaining, compact options like bar fridges or portable coolers are also good choices.
Do you need a special fridge for outdoors?
Yes, you need a fridge designed to handle the challenges of the outdoors. Outdoor refrigerators, often rated IP54 or above, are built with stronger insulation, weatherproof seals, and durable materials to withstand temperature fluctuations, humidity, and exposure to the elements. Regular indoor fridges are not designed for these conditions and can lose efficiency, rust, or suffer from condensation when exposed to outdoor environments.
Are outdoor fridges worth it?
Yes, outdoor fridges can definitely be worth it, especially for people who love spending time outdoors, host gatherings, or have an outdoor kitchen. They provide easy access to cold drinks and food without the hassle of running inside. These fridges are designed to handle the temperature fluctuations and elements like moisture, which would damage regular indoor fridges. They also free up space in your indoor fridge and keep your house cleaner by reducing trips in and out.
Can you put a fridge outside?
Yes, you can put a fridge outside if it’s designed for outdoor use. Outdoor fridges come with waterproof motors and rust-proof metal components to handle extreme weather, from hot summers to cold winters. Regular indoor fridges lack these features and may quickly succumb to the elements. Always opt for an outdoor-rated model to ensure durability and reliable performance, keeping your beverages and snacks perfectly chilled no matter the weather.