skip to main content

Best refrigerator for the garage

15 years ago

Hello everyone. Can anyone please tell me of a refrigerator with cooling on bottom and a freezer on top that works in the garage? We purchased a used Frigidaire that wasn't very old, but it did not even survive a year. We love having the ability to cool extra beverages in the fridge, and store frozen meats in the freezer. However, we live in the midwest. Temps range from over 100 degrees in the summer, to 15 below zero in the winter. Sears carries one or two models that are fridge or freezer only, not both. ~~~~~~ I also wondered if a refrigerator could be insulated, kind of like with a water heater blanket or something similar since the garage is unheated. Has anyone tried this? Any help is greatly appreciated!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

clinresga
15 years ago
Given those temps, doubt anything but a true outdoor refrigerator will survive long term. Biggest problem is actually wintertime, as indoor fridges will freeze up compressors trying to run as temps drop, not to mention that there is no way a fridge can keep stuff from freezing if it's 15 below. A quick look online shows mainly undercounter style units, nothing like a full sized unit that you appear to be looking for.

Here is a link that might be useful: Approved for outdoor refrigeration
paddy_99
15 years ago
At one time Maytag made a fridge that they said had the same type of indoor-outdoor compressor that is on soda vending machines that are outside summer and winter. I have no idea if they were any good or if they still make them but I guess a phone call or two would tell you.
Related Discussions
Surprise find in the garage refrigerator
Q
Comments (5)
Hi Kristi, What a cool (no pun intended) find!!! That's even better than finding a $20.00 bill in your coat pocket.. :-) Take care of this cutie and keep us updated on her progress. Warm Regards, Fred
...See More
garage refrigerator problem
Q
Comments (1)
Frost free? there should be a fan or blower between the freezer and the fridge section. If there are two setting dials, one is for the freezer and the other is for an airmix shutter. Check this out, it may have frosted up.
...See More
Garage refrigerator for Chicago/Midwest Climate
Q
Comments (7)
I have a Frigidaire switchable refrigerator (like Costwolds) in the garage and a Whirlpool freezer, which I think is also switchable, but we just use it as a stand-up freezer. I would not get a fridge/freezer combination in your situation and just get the switchable refrigerator. If you need a freezer in the garage, get a non-defrosting chest, and then you will not have to worry about food defrosting in it. My garage is not insulated or heated, but it never gets below 55 degrees in the winter (if that), but it does get up to 80 degrees in the summer, and that does not seem to have caused a problem. The best thing is not to keep anything in either of them too long. We just got a new refrigerator for the house and did not keep our SxS, as we prefer to have separate refrigerator and freezer in the garage. I'm keeping a lot less in the house now, which means I rotate food from the garage more often.
...See More
Best design to replace garage doors when converting garage heavy front
Q
Comments (13)
Is there currently living space above the garage nearest the door? I think it would make a huge difference to add some kind of contemporary dormer above that garage, that ties in the angles on the right side of the house. Even without immediately removing one of the garage doors, I think it would make a big difference in breaking up the long line of the roof that draws even more attention to the garage doors. Once the garage door becomes a wall, it will also provide more dimension. I think this will be a really interesting update to follow, I’m glad I stumbled on it! Please post pictures as you go along :)
...See More
wa8b
15 years ago
Whirlpool Corporation makes a line of refrigerators especially for garage installations. They used to call it "Gladiator", but I think they've rebadged it now and call it "Chillerator". See the link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Whirlpool Chillerator Garage Refrigerator/Freezer
jlj48
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you for your responses. I had no luck on the Maytag website. I loved the Whirlpool "Chillerator", but it is a little more than I wanted to spend. However, I think my community provides rebates to consumers who purchase energy star appliances, so maybe it can work. I am surprised that the market has not created more of a selection. I would think that lots of people would be interested in a garage frige/freezer combo.

Related Stories

KITCHEN DESIGN Stay Cool About Picking the Right Refrigerator

By KitchenLab Interiors

If all the options for refrigeration leave you hot under the collar, this guide to choosing a fridge and freezer will help you chill out

FUN HOUZZ Houzz Call: What’s on Your Refrigerator?

By Becky Harris

Magnets, menus, children’s art, coupons, perfect-attendance certificates, song lyrics — what is fridge-worthy in your house?

BATHROOM DESIGN Spotted: Refrigerators in the Bathroom

By Becky Harris

You read that right. Before you protest, here are seven good reasons why people are chilling in the bath

KITCHEN DESIGN Small Luxuries: Wine Refrigerators Offer Handy Storage

By Sheridan Interiors, Kitchens and Baths

No more tossing whites in the freezer at the last minute. Get the facts on wine coolers so you can just chill before guests arrive

STUDIOS AND WORKSHOPS Studio Tour: Garage Keeps the Wheel of Creativity Turning

By Tamara Armstrong

Step inside potter Lisa Russell's converted garage and find out how she creates her ceramics at home

MOST POPULAR How Bluetooth 4.0 Will Change Remote Control

Manage lights, TV, refrigerators and more through your phone or tablet when the latest wireless technology rolls into all your home devices

REMODELING GUIDES Get the Look of a Built-in Fridge for Less

By Kathryn Peltier Design

So you want a flush refrigerator but aren’t flush with funds. We’ve got just the workaround for you

HOUSEKEEPING How to Clean Your Fridge, Inside and Out

By Bonnie McCarthy

Keep your refrigerator clean and fresh, while you gain storage space and lose those ‘UFOs’

VINTAGE STYLE Revel in Retro With Vintage and New Kitchen Appliances

By Laura Gaskill

Give your kitchen old-fashioned charm with refrigerators and stoves that recall yesteryear — even if they were made just yesterday

KITCHEN STORAGE Smart Storage for Fresh, Tempting Produce

By Tiffany Carboni

Keep fruits and veggies in easy reach with baskets, refrigerated drawers and cabinet pullouts, to stay healthy all winter long

Sponsored

More Discussions

Stove exhaust vent moving and closing an old one

15

Induction stove

11

2 bathroom exhaust fans vented together, mold problem

14

Good quality countertop microwave ovens?

7

French door wall oven

0