An outdoor refrigerator is a compact, usually undercounter fridge that its manufacturer has designed and rated to run outside, typically under a roof in an outdoor kitchen. Choosing one comes down to four things: a real outdoor rating with an ambient temperature range that fits your climate, a width (15, 21 or 24 inches) that matches your island cutout, front venting if it will be built in, and a proper outlet. Below we cover each, compare the outdoor fridges we list, and explain how to winterize one.
What makes an outdoor rated refrigerator different
We cover the rating labels in detail in our outdoor wine fridge guide, so here is the short version for food and drink refrigerators. Look for three things in the manufacturer documents, not just the product title:
- A stated outdoor rating and safety listing. Our listing for the Coyote 21 inch C121R-S describes it as “outdoor rated, UL certified, DOE certified,” and the Lynx Sedona 20 inch is listed as UL listed and outdoor rated. Marvel’s MORE215 spec sheet says “designed for outdoor use.”
- An ambient temperature range. This is the air around the unit. Coyote’s C124R-S owner’s manual asks for a location between 44°F and 106°F and says performance may be affected outside that range. Marvel’s outdoor getting started guide recommends 55°F to 100°F.
- Stainless construction. The Coyote and Sunstone units we list use 304 stainless steel exteriors, and the Sunstone listing says the interior is 304 stainless as well.
Can you use a regular fridge outside?
You can plug one in, but it is a gamble. Indoor refrigerators are built for a conditioned room, and the warranty is the clearest warning sign. Marvel’s warranty states that it applies to units operated outside “only if designed for outdoor use by model and serial number.” Even outdoor models have limits: Coyote’s manual says its warranty does not cover corrosion or discoloration caused by weather, and that direct sunlight and nearby heat sources may increase electrical consumption. An indoor unit, not built for that exposure, has even less margin. If you want a fridge on the patio, buy one rated for it and keep it under cover, out of direct sun and away from the grill.
15 vs 24 inch outdoor refrigerator: sizes and capacity
Outdoor fridges come in three common widths. Here is what we list, with widths and capacities from our product pages (and manufacturer documents where noted) and prices at the time of writing.
| Model | Nominal width | Capacity | Venting | Listed price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote 15 inch | 15 in | Not stated on listing | Front | $1,499 |
| Marvel 15 inch (MORE215) | 15 in | 2.7 cu ft | Front | $2,639 |
| Lynx Sedona 20 inch | 20 in (21 1/2 in cutout) | 4.1 cu ft | Built-in or freestanding | $1,529 |
| Coyote 21 inch C121R-S | 21 in | 4.1 cu ft | Front, bottom | $1,599 |
| Sunstone SAPFR21PRO | 21 in | 4.1 cu ft | Front | $1,436 |
| Coyote 24 inch | 24 in | 5.1 cu ft (listing) | Front | $1,799 |
| Marvel 24 inch | 24 in | 5.33 cu ft | Front | $3,039 |
One note on the Coyote 24: our listing says 5.1 cu ft, while Coyote’s C124R-S spec sheet lists 3 cu ft. Call us before you order if capacity is the deciding factor.
How to choose a width
- 15 inch: for a small island or a spot next to an undercounter ice maker. Marvel rates its 15 inch at up to 70 twelve ounce cans, so think drinks and condiments, not a weekend of groceries.
- 21 inch: the middle ground. Three of the models above land at 4.1 cu ft, which suits drinks plus marinating meat and prepped sides.
- 24 inch: the most storage and the standard width of many undercounter openings. Pick this if the outdoor kitchen is where you actually cook for a crowd.
Built in outdoor refrigerator: cutouts and front venting
A built in outdoor refrigerator has to breathe through its front, because the sides, back and top are closed in by the island. Coyote’s install guides list the following island cutouts:
- C115R-S: 33 1/4 in high, 15 1/4 in wide, 23 in deep
- C121R-S: 34 in high, 21 in wide, 23 in deep
- C124R-S: 33 1/4 in high, 23 3/4 in wide, 23 in deep
Coyote’s C124R-S manual says the front of the unit must be completely unobstructed, and for a built-in install it asks for 1/4 inch of space on each side and at the top. For freestanding use it suggests 5 inches at the back and sides. Marvel’s guide makes the same point about the toe grille: blocking it increases energy use and reduces cooling, and Marvel does not recommend custom grilles. A rear vented indoor fridge pushed into a closed cabinet has nowhere to dump its heat, which is another reason to stick with a front vented outdoor model.
If you are building with modular cabinets, Sunstone sells a 30 inch appliance cabinet for fridges up to 21 inches wide, listed at $2,110, which is open at the front and base for airflow. For full island packages that include a fridge, see our Cal Flame BBQ island guide, and for planning the whole layout, start with our built-in grill and outdoor kitchen guide. Adding a pizza oven to the same island? Our outdoor pizza oven buying guide covers fuel types and countertop, cart or built-in placement.
Power: dedicated circuit and GFCI
Coyote’s manual asks for a properly grounded 115/120 volt outlet used only by the refrigerator, and says not to use an adapter. Marvel’s guide requires a grounded 115 volt, 15 amp dedicated circuit and says not to use an extension cord. Outdoors there is a code question too: the Electrical Safety Foundation’s GFCI code book notes that the National Electrical Code has required GFCI protection on outdoor receptacles for decades, and the 2020 edition extended it to all residential outdoor outlets. Marvel cautions that GFCIs can nuisance trip and shut the fridge down, while acknowledging they are used where local codes require them. Have a licensed electrician wire the circuit to your local code.
Winterizing an outdoor refrigerator for the outdoor kitchen
Most outdoor fridges are not made to run through a freezing winter. Coyote says not to install its unit where temperatures fall below 44°F. Marvel’s guide says to winterize when the daily low reaches 38°F or below, and that running the unit below that temperature voids the warranty. Marvel’s steps, in short:
- Turn the unit off, empty it and unplug it. Turn off the outlet’s circuit if nothing else needs it.
- Clean dust and debris from under the toe grille and from the machine compartment.
- Wipe the interior and door gasket, then leave the door open to dry fully.
- Clean the stainless exterior and replace any corroded fasteners.
- Do not cover the unit, since a cover can trap condensation.
In spring, inspect it, plug it in and give it 24 hours to stabilize before loading, as Marvel recommends.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use a regular fridge outside?
It is not recommended. Manufacturers such as Marvel only warranty outdoor operation on models designed for outdoor use, and indoor units are not built for outdoor heat, humidity and weather.
What size outdoor refrigerator do I need?
A 15 inch unit handles drinks for a small patio. A 21 inch model at about 4.1 cu ft suits most outdoor kitchens. Choose 24 inch if you store food for regular cooking outside.
Does a built in outdoor refrigerator need front venting?
Yes. In a closed island the only open side is the front, so the grille must stay clear. Coyote and Marvel both say not to block it.
Do I need a GFCI outlet for an outdoor refrigerator?
The National Electrical Code requires GFCI protection on residential outdoor outlets. Ask your electrician what your local code requires for the circuit.
How do I get help choosing?
Call us at 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST. Orders of $999 or more ship free; see our return and refund policy before you buy. You can also browse all Coyote Outdoor products.
