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
- LG 24 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator: Best Overall
- Samsung 15.6 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator: Best Slim Model
- Insignia 21 Cu. Ft. Garage Ready Convertible Upright Freezer: Best Convertible Unit
- Gladiator 17.8 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator: Best for Beverages
- Summit 24″ Stainless Steel Drawer Refrigerator: Best Built-in
- GE 21.9 Cu. Ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator: Best Classic Style
- BLACK+DECKER BCRK32V Compact Refrigerator: Best Mini Fridge
Compare Top Garage Refrigerators
| Product | Refrigerator Capacity | Freezer Capacity | Ice Maker | Garage Ready? | ENERGY STAR Certified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LG 24 cu. ft. Top Freezer RefrigeratorCheck Price | 17.6 cu. ft. | 6.2 cu. ft. | Optional | Yes | Yes |
Samsung 15.6 cu. ft. Top Freezer RefrigeratorCheck Price | 11 cu. ft. | 4.6 cu. ft. | Optional | Yes | Yes |
Insignia 21 Cu. Ft. Garage Ready Convertible Upright FreezerCheck Price | N/A | 21 cu. ft | No | Yes | Yes |
Gladiator 17.8 Cu. Ft. RefrigeratorCheck Price | 17.8 cu. ft. | N/A | No | Yes | Yes |
Summit 24″ Stainless Steel Drawer RefrigeratorCheck Price | 4.8 cu. ft. | N/A | No | Yes | Yes |
GE 21.9 Cu. Ft. Top-Freezer RefrigeratorCheck Price | 15.3 cu. ft. | 6.7 cu. ft. | Optional | Yes | No |
BLACK+DECKER BCRK32V Compact RefrigeratorCheck Price | 3.2 cu. ft. | 0.38 cu. ft | No | Not listed | Yes |
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
LG 24 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator
Good for: Families looking for the ultimate drink storage fridge with ice.
This large capacity top-freezer refrigerator with an internal water dispenser and recessed handle doors churns out up to 2 pounds of ice daily. Its multi-air flow system controls temperature and humidity for fresher food. Plus, LED recessed lighting on top provides an exceptionally bright interior.
Pros and Cons of LG 24 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator
- Has digital temperature controls to maintain proper temperature and humidity
- Holds up to three day’s worth of ice
- Features fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
- Recessed handles can be tricky when you’re carrying trays of leftovers to the garage
- No freezer light
What People Are 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.
Best Slim Model
Samsung 15.6 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator
Good for: Families with a smaller garage or less space available for a fridge.
If you have a crowded garage and need your fridge to fit into a thin area, this is a great choice. Despite a capacity of just 15.6 cubic feet, this top-freezer makes the most of limited space with special shelving for gallon beverages in the tight design, making it great for storing drinks like soda and water. This model also features recessed handles and spill-proof shelves, so you’ll never need to worry about cleaning up sticky messes.
Pros and Cons of Samsung 15.6 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator
- Has a reversible door to fit almost anywhere
- Uses multiple vents to keep food evenly cooled
- Includes vibrant LED lighting
- Ice maker is not standard
- Shelves don’t have the capacity for cartons of cans
What People Are 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.
Best Convertible Unit
Insignia 21 Cu. Ft. Garage Ready Convertible Upright Freezer
Good for: A household that stores plenty of ice cream, meats, and frozen meals.
This convertible model switches between fridge and freezer by adjusting the temperature setting. A door-open alarm reduces risks of accidental thaws. Four glass shelves and two plastic drawers offer easy organization. Settings adjust easily with digital touch-sensitive controls.
Pros and Cons of Insignia 21 Cu. Ft. Garage Ready Convertible Upright Freezer
- “Fast freeze” technology preserves fresh food
- Interior light boost visibility to reduce door openings
- Has an external temperature display
- Glass shelves are delicate
- Temperature varies throughout the day
What People Are 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.
Best for Beverages
Gladiator 17.8 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator
Good for: Someone who wants room for rows of bottles and cans.
This freezer-free refrigerator offers a narrow design with heavy-duty casters for easy moving. In addition to simple electronic controls for ease of operation, it offers three glass shelves and two wire doors for convenient organization. Bright LED interior light provides high visibility.
Pros and Cons of Gladiator 17.8 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator
- Designed to operate in extreme temperatures
- Silver tread pedal allows you to open the door with your hands full
- Has rugged styling that suits a garage well
- Some felt that the door shelves weren’t sturdy enough for beverage storage
- Drinks stored on the top shelf will be above eye level for most people
What People Are 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.
Best Built-in
Summit 24″ Stainless Steel Drawer Refrigerator
Good for: Someone looking for a low-height fridge or beverage cooler.
This ADA-compliant drawer fridge has a cabinetry-compatible design that can also make an elegant secondary kitchen fridge. It features 304 stainless steel, soft-close glides, adjustable dividers, removable drawers, and LED interior lighting. Drawer alarms and a digital thermostat simplify temperature management.
Pros and Cons of Summit 24″ Stainless Steel Drawer Refrigerator
- Can be used as a freestanding or built-in unit
- Has weatherproof construction that is suitable for an outdoor kitchen
- Features a stainless steel finish
- 4.8-cubic-feet capacity is very limited
- Lacks freezer compartment or dual zones
What People Are 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.
Best Classic Style
GE 21.9 Cu. Ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator
Good for: Someone who needs a large amount of storage space with a classic style and easy-to-grab handles.
Offering just over 21 cubic feet of space, this top-freezer refrigerator is available in multiple high-gloss finishes. It features natural-looking LED lighting and edge-to-edge glass shelves with easy to control dual settings for its fresh and freezer settings.
Pros and Cons of GE 21.9 Cu. Ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator
- Made in the USA
- Includes modular bins that allow for great flexibility
- Has a high-gloss finish that’s easy to clean
- Not ENERGY STAR® certified
- Ice maker is not included
What People Are 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.
Best Mini Fridge
BLACK+DECKER BCRK32V Compact Refrigerator
Good for: The person who wants to grab a cold drink while working in the garage.
This 2.2-cubic-foot mini fridge offers a reversible door, leveling legs, and flat-back design to squeeze easily under cabinets and desks. The true freezer with an ice cube tray is perfect for ice packs and popsicles. The recessed door handle stops this fridge from sticking out.
Pros and Cons of BLACK+DECKER BCRK32V Compact Refrigerator
- Door with storage shelf accommodates six 12-ounce cans for easy access
- Has removable glass shelves that create extra space
- Features low sound operation (45 dBA)
- Freezer space isn’t practical for anything other than treats or small ice packs
- Bars for holding in beverages aren’t very secure
What People Are 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.
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.