Our 7 Best Garage Refrigerator Picks (2024)
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In This Review: Top 7 Picks | Buying Guide | Freezerless Refrigerators | FAQ | Methodology
Garage refrigerators are perfect for handling overflow from the main fridge, such as canned and bottled beverages, bulk purchases, leftovers, or prepared dishes for special events. This can be a must-have appliance in large households. With dependability and space efficiency on your mind, you may be wondering about the best refrigerators for your garage.
We recently looked at the top garage refrigerators on the market today to rank our top picks. The LG 24 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator is our best overall pick due to its roomy design, sleek profile, and garage-perfect price. We also reviewed six other garage refrigerators that were our favorites in specific categories.
Best Garage Refrigerators: Our Top 7 Picks
- Best Overall: LG 24 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator
- Best Slim Model: Samsung 15.6 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator
- Best Convertible: Insignia 21 Cu. Ft. Garage Ready Convertible Upright Freezer
- Best for Beverages: Gladiator – 17.8 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator
- Best Built-in: Summit 24″ Stainless Steel Drawer Refrigerator
- Best Classic Style: GE 21.9 Cu. Ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator
- Best Mini: BLACK+DECKER BCRK32V Compact Refrigerator
Compare Top Garage Refrigerators
| Product | Refrigerator Capacity | Freezer Capacity | Ice Maker | Garage Ready? | ENERGY STAR Certified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG 24 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator | 17.6 cu. ft. | 6.2 cu. ft. | Optional | Yes | Yes |
| Samsung 15.6 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator | 11 cu. ft. | 4.6 cu. ft. | Optional | Yes | Yes |
| Insignia 21 Cu. Ft. Garage Ready Convertible Upright Freezer | N/A | 21 cu. ft | No | Yes | Yes |
| Gladiator – 17.8 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator | 17.8 cu. ft. | N/A | No | Yes | Yes |
| Summit 24″ Stainless Steel Drawer Refrigerator | 4.8 cu. ft. | N/A | No | Yes | Yes |
| GE 21.9 Cu. Ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator | 15.3 cu. ft. | 6.7 cu. ft. | Optional | Yes | No |
| BLACK+DECKER BCRK32V Compact Refrigerator | 3.2 cu. ft. | 0.38 cu. ft | No | Not listed | Yes |
| Product | Refrigerator Capacity | Freezer Capacity | Ice Maker | Garage Ready? | ENERGY STAR Certified |
What Makes Garage Refrigerators Different?
Garage-ready refrigerators are designed to operate efficiently in a wider range of external temperatures, typically from 38°F to 110°F, which is crucial because garages often experience more extreme temperature fluctuations than the inside of a home. This matters because standard refrigerators may not function properly or could break down when exposed to such conditions.
Best Overall
Good for: Families looking for the ultimate drink storage fridge with ice.
What Are People Saying About the LG 24 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator?
Reviewers praise this refrigerator for its large, deep shelves, sleek design and quiet performance. A few reviewers noted that the appliance is noisy.
“So far (about a month and a half) I like the refrigerator, it’s really big! Shelves are big and deep! You can’t even hear it running. Hope it’s nice on the electric!” — Shirl2222 via LG.com
“I’ve had this refrigerator [for] just 2 weeks now. As far as the refrigerator itself goes, it is working as it should be. A little noisier than I think it should be, but it works.” — Kym55
Best Slim Model
Good for: Families with a smaller garage or less space available for a fridge.
What Are People Saying About the Samsung 15.6 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator?
While customers generally love the size and performance of this slim unit, some felt that it was not as durable as expected.
“Perfect size for fridge and freezer. Quiet operation and love the fingerprint free stainless steel.” — Ndia via Samsung.com
“Fridge has worked great in my garage through the hot days in Florida. Only downside has been the shelves are not strong enough to hold multiple cases of soda without bending.” — Duke08j via Samsung.com
Best Convertible Unit
Good for: A household that stores plenty of ice cream, meats, and frozen meals.
What Are People Saying About the Insignia 21 Cu. Ft. Garage Ready Convertible Upright Freezer?
People who own the appliance love the versatility offered by the configuration of this standup convertible freezer. A few commenters felt that the glass shelves were too delicate for the appliance’s purpose.
“This freezer/refrigerator is amazing! I love the space and [versatility] of this unit! I’m currently using it as a second refrigerator in the garage and I couldn’t be happier with this purchase.” — Tantera via BestBuy.com
“This is a pretty good freezer, but I wish the shelves were not glass. As I put stuff on the shelves they bow a little, and I get worried they will break. I think the traditional metal shelves would have been a better selection.” — CodyR via BestBuy.com
Best for Beverages
Good for: Someone who wants room for rows of bottles and cans.
What Are People Saying About the Gladiator – 17.8 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator?
The design of this garage fridge impresses people with its configuration and ease. The pedal for hands-free opening is a big hit. However, customers found that the unit doesn’t come with any of the frills that are common in traditional refrigerators being sold today.
“Perfect dimensions to get through narrow doorways; narrow width is compensated with more height. Large industrial size locking wheels make for easy movement. Two pull-out wire baskets for easy storage; sturdy tempered glass and metal shelving with extra shelf supports for changing shelf levels or optional purchase of more shelves; very sturdy door bucket shelves will hold more items. Best feature: front foot pedal for hands-free door opening…” — Satisfiedcustomer via BestBuy.com
“This refrigerator has a great design for the garage. It sits up high, it’s easy to move on the casters, and the step-to-open pedal at the bottom is great. […] Unfortunately, as so many other reviews of this model have mentioned, my refrigerator failed just outside of warranty. I got a good 18 months out of this refrigerator before it quit. The features of this refrigerator are excellent for a garage fridge; and for the price you would think high quality components would be used to ensure longevity, but no. It really is too bad because if Gladiator / Whirlpool would build this model to live up to the hype it would be amazing […]Unless Whirlpool is willing to beef this thing up where it will actually last 5+ years in a garage, it’s a waste of money.” — Surfing Orange via Gladiatorgarageworks.com
Best Built-in
Good for: Someone looking for a low-height fridge or beverage cooler.
What Are People Saying About the Summit 24″ Stainless Steel Drawer Refrigerator?
The high-end design and accessibility offered by this fridge score high reviews. A few commenters shared that the design would be better with casters or adjustable legs.
“Sleek and great shelf placement.” — HomeDepotCustomer via HomeDepot.com
“The unit keeps perfect temperature in my outside application… One improvement would be stronger adjustable legs.” — HomeDepotCustomer via HomeDepot.com
Best Classic Style
Good for: Someone who needs a large amount of storage space with a classic style and easy-to-grab handles.
What Are People Saying About the GE 21.9 Cu. Ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator?
With hundreds of positive customer reviews, this fridge earns praise for being an affordable option with major storage capacity. Among the few that were underwhelmed, the major complaint was that the door sometimes had difficulty staying closed.
“My 30 year old GE refrigerator finally was at the end of its life. I purchased this new ‘plain Jane’ refrigerator and I love it! It’s roomy. The shelves on the door have plenty of room and one shelf is great for tall items. I’m hoping this will be the last refrigerator I’ll ever buy!” — DebF via BestBuy.com
“It keeps things at a good temperature, but the doors don’t stay closed well; had to install child locks. Liquids in the fridge back tend to freeze, while front just barely cool, so poor circulation.” — JohnV via BestBuy.com
Best Mini Fridge
Good for: The person who wants to grab a cold drink while working in the garage.
What Are People Saying About the BLACK+DECKER BCRK32V Compact Refrigerator?
Customers love the convenience of this compact design. While most were happy with its performance, a few people shared that the fridge builds up condensation easily.
“I really like this little mini fridge. It’s the perfect size for the space I needed it to occupy. It’s also very quiet. I don’t even really notice any noise at all! And, it keeps things super cold. The price is right too! Would highly recommend.” — JJT via Amazon
“Within a month it started dripping water inside of the refrigerator and making clicking noises.” — Bella via Amazon
What To Know Before Buying a Garage Refrigerator
Buying a garage-ready fridge is a little different from buying a home’s main fridge. Garage refrigerators are typically used to store beverages, bulk purchases, foods for get-togethers, and other less frequently accessed items. They are typically smaller than a kitchen fridge, and are built to withstand greater temperature ranges. Here’s what you need to know when buying a new garage fridge.
How big are typical garage refrigerators?
The average garage refrigerator is around 18 cubic feet. The range varies from mini fridges that are around 3 cubic feet to larger styles that are 20 cubic feet or more. If you’re purchasing a garage refrigerator for deep cold storage, prioritize more cubic square feet. If you’re looking for something that will act as a beverage cooler, going with a smaller option is the best way to avoid wasting energy.
What storage options should you look for in a garage refrigerator?
The answer comes down to how you’ll use your garage fridge. For someone looking for a beverage cooler, door shelves and can holders that are designed for quick access are ideal. If you’ll be storing produce from a garden, meats, and other perishables, look humidity-controlled crispers or fridges with technology that circulate cold air more effectively.
What makes a refrigerator garage-ready?
The standard ambient temperature range a garage-ready refrigerator can operate under is 38 degrees Fahrenheit to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. This range is important because it ensures that food can stay fresh.
Are garage refrigerators energy efficient?
Not necessarily. While most garage refrigerators are smaller than household refrigerators, the temperature regulation required to maintain settings in a garage environment can require extra energy usage. The best way to ensure that a garage refrigerator is energy smart is to look for ENERGY STAR® certification.
What are some common features of a garage refrigerator?
Garage refrigerators often come with adjustable or removable shelves for easy storage and cleaning. When dealing with a smaller fridge, adjustable shelves are important for being able to fit different items inside the appliance. Garage fridges also tend to have interior LED lighting to ensure that you can see inside the appliance in a dimly lit garage. Unlike household refrigerators that often have protruding handles, garage fridges often have hidden handles in order to create a more streamlined profile that works in a tighter space. If you entertain guests frequently, look for an ice maker.
Is a Freezerless Refrigerator a Good Idea?
A single-door freezerless fridge can be a good option if you’d like to maximize your cool space by eliminating a freezer. This single-door design allows you to store refrigerator items from top to bottom. Here are a few reasons why you might want to purchase a refrigerator without a freezer.
- Freezerless fridges are generally cheaper than units with freezers.
- The lack of a freezer can help to cut your energy bill if you don’t really have a need for a second freezer because these units require less energy.
- The single-door design of a freezerless fridge creates a neater look.
- You don’t have to deal with defrosting or cleaning a freezer that you barely use.
- You’ll never have to worry about items hidden away in a secondary freezer.
- There are fewer components to worry about breaking.
Of course, it’s important to be realistic about your needs instead of just going for this option because it can save you some money today. If you end up needing a freezer later, paying for a separate standalone freezer is likely to cost far more than paying for a fridge with a freezer now. Garage freezers can be great for storing popsicles, ice cream, or ice packs. In a garage where lots of work is done, access to an ice pack can be essential when bumps happen. Some people also like to be able to use garage freezers for overflow when they have lots of leftovers to put away after holidays or special events.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garage Refrigerators
How are garage refrigerators different from regular refrigerators?
Garage refrigerators often look like smaller versions of regular household refrigerators. The big difference between garage refrigerators and regular refrigerators is that garage-ready refrigerators have more insulation that allows them to regulate internal temperature amidst more extreme external temperature fluctuations.
Are all garage refrigerators top-freezer models?
No, not all garage refrigerators are top-freezer models. While this is a popular style, garage-ready refrigerators are also available in freezer-only styles, drawer styles, and mini styles. The one style you won’t generally see is a French-door refrigerator.
Are garage refrigerators safe in the winter?
Yes, a garage refrigerator should be capable of working down to ambient temperatures of 35 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is lower, it could cause foods to start freezing. Consult with the manufacturer prior to purchasing a fridge if you have concerns about performance in extreme temperatures. Be aware of the fact that a freezer or fridge may begin to thaw in extreme temperatures. That can put you at risk for sickness from food spoilage.
Can you use a refrigerator in an unheated garage?
The answer can depend on the amount of insulation in your garage. However, garage refrigerators should only be stored in garages located in moderate climates.
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of garage refrigerators with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final short list, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
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