However, cooking up a storm in your backyard for your next soiree still comes with a few inconveniences, such as leaving your guests (and your Weber) mid-BBQ and making the trek to your indoor kitchen to grab your next set of ingredients for the grill. Walking to and fro between your backyard and indoor refrigerator may seem like a non-issue for some, but having everything you need to make delicious creations all in one place – ready to go – is a luxury we’re willing to invest in.

That’s where outdoor fridges come in. And yes, there are specific fridges that are designed for outdoor entertaining. We’re talking about outdoor refrigerators with safeguards that protect against Mother Nature and sit nicely within your existing outdoor kitchen.

So, if you’re no stranger to hosting a backyard BBQ or an alfresco-style dinner party, you’ll want to read on as we have everything you need to know about outdoor fridges, including which models to buy this year.

The best outdoor fridges to shop in Australia

01

Napoleon Alfresco double door fridge NAPDD

$2083, Appliances Online

The ideal pick that will take the stress out of organising your next outdoor soiree. This outdoor refrigerator will cool your food and beverages between 0-10 degrees in shaded temperatures as high as 43 degrees Celsius. It features triple-glazed heated glass doors and fan-forced technology to cool evenly and prevent condensation in humid environments. Plus, it’s crafted with non-ferrous 304 stainless steel with an IP24 rating, so you know it’ll last for years.

Key features:

• Keeps food cool effectively in shaded temperatures as high as 43 degrees Celsius
• Triple-glazed heated glass doors
• Crafted from 304 stainless steel
• IP24 rating
• Adjustable feet
• Suitable for indoors and outdoors

Shop Now

02

Artusi 190L double-door outdoor refrigerator

$1893, Appliances Online

This outdoor fridge has a 190L net capacity and height-adjustable shelves to ensure you can organise the interior to your needs. With a temperature range of -2-10 degrees Celsius, easy-to-use digital touch controls, spring-loaded self-closing doors, and a safety lock feature, this outdoor fridge will instantly elevate any outdoor kitchen and dining experience. Plus, its black finish gives this fridge a modern edge.

Key features:

• 190L capacity
• Crafted with UV-safe stainless steel and black weatherproof exterior
• 4 interchangeable shelves
• -2-10 degrees Celsius temperature range
• Suitable for ambient temperatures of up to 38 degrees Celsius

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03

BeefEater 120L single-door outdoor refrigerator

$1299, The Good Guys

This outdoor fridge has been tested to withstand temperatures of up to 43 degrees Celsius, and since a 40+ degree day is not uncommon in Australia, this unit is an excellent choice for Down Under. With a 120L capacity, temperature range between -2-8 degrees Celsius, and self-closing lockable doors, this single-door outdoor refrigerator is everything you’ve been searching for.

Key features:

• 120L capacity
• Single-door
• -2-8 degrees Celsius temperature range
• LED lighting inside
• IPX4 rating indicating a weather-resistant build
• Adjustable shelves
• Withstands temperatures up to 43 degrees Celsius

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The best outdoor bar fridges and beverage centres

04

InAlto 118L outdoor beverage centre IBF118

$1435, Appliances Online

Investing in an outdoor beverage centre or bar fridge may be more suitable if you only need a refrigerator for beverages (rather than food). This bar fridge from InAlto is the perfect addition to your outdoor kitchen. Featuring a triple-glazed glass door that is slightly heated to ensure condensation does not accumulate during its use, you’ll have optimally chilled beverages within arm’s reach.

Key features:

• Heated triple-glazed glass door to eliminate condensation
• Designed for outdoor use with IPX4 rating
• Engineered to withstand temperatures of up to 43 degrees Celsius
• 0-10 degrees Celsius temperature range
• LED interior lights

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05

Rhino 148L ENVY alfresco bar fridge ENV1L-SS

$2541 (usually $2747), Appliances Online

Crafted from high-quality 316 marine-grade stainless steel, this outdoor bar fridge from Rhino will keep your drinks chilled even in scorching Aussie summers. Suitable for temperatures of up to 43 degrees Celsius (now, that’s hot), you can crack a cold one when you need it the most.

Key features:

• 148L capacity
• Adjustable shelves
• Suitable for temperatures up to 43 degrees Celsius
• Made from 316 marine-grade stainless steel
• Heat tempered glass door
• LED lighting within

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06

Husky 190L double door bar fridge HUSC2840BLK

$1995, Bing Lee

Invest in a spacious double-door bar fridge from Husky. Designed for sheltered outdoor use, this bar fridge features handy self-closing doors, interior LED lights as well as separate locks on each door for added security.

Key features:

• 190L capacity
• Electronic temperature controller
• Digital temperature display
• Adjustable shelves
• Painted galvanised steel exterior
• Adjustable feet

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What fridges can be used outside?

It may be obvious, but you cannot use an indoor fridge outside. Outdoor fridges have safeguards in place and are specifically engineered to withstand the weather. And especially when you’re living in Australia, when summers can hit temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius – or above – ensuring your outdoor fridge can handle external heat while keeping your food chilled optimally is vital.

Look for refrigerators that are designed for outdoor use. These units generally have Ingress Protection (IP) ratings, which grade the refrigerator’s resistance against dust or liquids. An IP rating consists of two numbers. The first number indicates its protection against solid objects on a scale from 0 (no protection) to 6 (highest level of protection). The second number indicates its protection against liquids on a scale from 0 (no protection) to 9 (protection from high-pressure hot water from various angles). You can learn more about IP ratings, here.

Is an outdoor refrigerator worth it?

If you spend most of your time (especially in the warmer months) lounging in your backyard, or you love to host friends and families frequently, an outdoor refrigerator is well worth the investment. It’ll save you time from going back and forth between your indoor and outdoor kitchen when cooking – which can be stressful when you have extra mouths to feed. If you entertain on occasion but still want to elevate your outdoor living facilities – an outdoor bar fridge or beverage centre may be a better-suited option. It’s not recommended to store food in bar fridges or beverage centres, so this is something to take note of when making your purchasing decision.

The post 6 outdoor fridges that are made for backyard soirees appeared first on Homes To Love.

Regardless of your budget, a well-thought-out combination of outdoor furniture and kitchen appliances, along with a cohesive colour palette will lift the value of your property and deliver endless enjoyment throughout any stage of the year.

How to design an outdoor kitchen

The most functional outdoor kitchens include a range of simple ideas that enable a genuine outdoor living experience.

• A gravel pit: A no-maintenance zone which is great for lighting charcoal, cleaning off grill plates or for hosting a fire bowl marshmallow party.

• Hot & cold water taps: Cleaning barbeques can get messy, so it’s best to keep the cleaning of grills and barbeque trays outside where possible.

• Close proximity to kitchen & dining: There’s nothing worse than having to walk to the opposite end of the house, or down the backyard to cook away from all the guests. This is important for social cooking, when you’re wanting to spend time with friends and family.

• A stainless steel workspace: Stainless steel is durable, easy to clean and is a very hygienic preparation and cooking space. It’s the perfect choice for an outdoor kitchen.

• A range of quality BBQ’s: It is totally ok to own more than one barbeque. A 3-4 burner gas grill and a portable charcoal smoker/grill will enable endless cook methods and flavours to wow your guests.

Feeling inspired (and hungry)? We’ve rounded up alfresco kitchen ideas that will make you want to transform your backyard into an irresistible outdoor gathering area for guests.

17 outdoor kitchens to inspire your next alfresco adventure…

In this Modernist-inspired home in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs, the outdoor kitchen is designed in off-form concrete and joinery to match the internal colours, bringing a sense of harmony and laidback indoor-outdoor flow to the space.

In this character-filled renovation of a Federation home in Sydney, an outdoor kitchen and dining area are integrated seamlessly into the backyard design. White masonry walls and dark accents give the home an ultra-modern feel.

The Block’s Jimmy and Tam’s new backyard and outdoor entertaining area features a stunning outdoor kitchen, with timber walls, a natural colour palette, and minimal styling that give it a modern, yet homely look.

This weatherboard home in Melbourne received an all-white revamp, giving it a fresh new look. Connecting seamlessly with the indoors courtesy of sliding steel-framed doors, the outdoor kitchen space features black cabinetry and a sleek stainless steel rangehood to finish the look.

Leigh Boswell, an interior designer from Highgate House in Brisbane, included a fully equipped kitchen and coastal-inspired outdoor sofas in this alfresco space to create a perfect area for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

In the creation of their dream home, this family opted for including a dreamy outdoor room that feels like a natural extension of the home’s interiors. With a pitched ceiling and exposed ceiling beams, the outdoor kitchen space includes a ceiling fan, shaker-style cabinetry and a statement barbecue.

A custom-made bench, matched to the shiplap cladding of this riverside home in Brisbane complements the tropical-style alfresco space, whilst also remaining a practical outdoor area for a family of six.

Taking the outdoor kitchen to the next level, the outdoor entertaining area of this waterfront home in the Gold Coast includes a statement kitchen island and ample space for bar stools. A wall-mounted television makes it perfect for keeping entertained by the pool all summer long.

This beautifully refurbished homestead in the Mornington Peninsula features an incredible outdoor entertaining area complete with a bespoke outdoor kitchen that features a BeefEater barbecue and dining area that is partially sheltered by limestone blockwork.

The outdoor kitchen of this revamped 1870s heritage home features a dramatic look courtesy of a statement burnished black concrete fireplace and warm timber floating shelves.

Entertaining is the main focus in this French-provincial paradise, located in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs. Dinners usually take place in the lanai, where the retractable sun cover for the skylight and see-through screens prevent damage from wind, rain and insects.

At the rear of this incredible maximalist home the outdoor entertaining area extends to include an outdoor kitchen and dining zone. Tongue-and-groove style cabinetry is paired with brass pulls for a glamorous touch, while the BeefEater barbecue makes a bold impression.

Featuring a Caesarstone benchtop that ties the outdoor kitchen directly to this relaxed Queenslander’s central kitchen, as well as a timber battened screen to provide privacy, this outdoor entertaining zone is perfect for relaxing in all year-round. A clever nook in the cabinetry perfectly houses a bar fridge that keeps cool drinks at the ready.

This outdoor kitchen design by Acre is what dreams are made of. Designed to complement a lush native coastal garden, the timber panelled ceiling adds a beautiful warm contrast to dark cabinetry and a statement barbecue from Smeg.

This outdoor space was designed for a Sydney family that loves to entertain. Fitted out with a beefeater barbecue, wall-mounted TV and heaters on the ceiling, it’s the perfect space for casual gatherings or seasonal celebrations.

Drawing inspiration from the iconic Hamptons-style, this new home in Perth features all the hallmarks of the classic look. For their alfresco entertaining area, white subway tiles for the splashback are paired with dark cabinetry, brushed brass tapware and pulls.

A wooden table and bench seats, paired with built-in outdoor seating arrangements and a wood fired pizza oven are ideal for entertaining in this contemporary family Californian bungalow situated in Melbourne.

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Summer is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start dining outdoors. There’s nothing better than a long, laidback dinner and drinks with family and friends on a balmy afternoon. So, dust off the outdoor table, stock the fridge, and fire up the barbecue.

For a fuss-free summer evening, it pays to invest in a fantastic alfresco kitchen. Designing an exterior space with hard-working appliances — like an outdoor dishwasher or built-in barbecue — makes moving dinner outdoors easier than a relaxed game of bocce.

Feeling inspired to elevate your alfresco cooking game? Here are the must-have appliances to liven up your outdoor kitchen.

The ultimate outdoor cooler

An outdoor kitchen allows you to expand your living space and make the most of your backyard. Start with a practical and valuable addition, like a refrigerator. Sub-Zero refrigerators are designed to last for decades and feature standard-setting designs, making them a great appliance to take your outdoor areas up a notch.

Engineered specifically for outdoor use, the Built-in Fridge Drawers are clad in heavy-gauge stainless steel that withstands UV rays, salt, and moisture. They’re also sealed to lock in moisture and ensure maximum freshness, so you can keep drinks cool and preserve ingredients (like fruit and cold seafood) at the optimum temperature.

They’re attractive too. Paired with sleek outdoor panels, the undercounter refrigerator drawers can add sophistication to any outdoor kitchen.

The powerful barbecue

A barbecue is a non-negotiable appliance for anyone who enjoys outdoor cooking and entertaining. For the best grilling experience, turn to Wolf barbecues.

Like its indoor counterparts, a Wolf outdoor grill is all about the temperature control. The Wolf Built-in Outdoor Natural Gas Grill allows you to masterfully —and predictably — cook anything from tender steak to fresh prawns, using precise high to low heat control.

Each model combines heat from ceramic briquettes with power from the independent grill burners (up to 142 MJ/h for the 137cm model), helping you serve a delicious feast on every occasion.

Not all alfresco kitchens are built the same. So, Wolf outdoor gas grills come in a range of sizes to suit any space and style. But no matter the size, whether it’s the 107cm model or the 137cm model, each barbecue comes with an abundance of sizzling features.

There’s a rotisserie for even cooking, a sear station for delicious flavour, and a grill plate accessory to create a smooth cooking surface for frying eggs, toasting bread, or sautéing vegetables.

From refreshing afternoon drinks with friends to a family barbecue on the balcony, get ready to take on summer entertaining with these must-have appliances.

Brought to you by Winning Appliances. Sub Zero and Wolf products are available at Winnings Appliances.

The post The ultimate kitchen appliances for outdoor cooking enthusiasts appeared first on Homes To Love.

If you find your outdoor space lacking in its current state, take a style cue from interior stylist Steve Cordony.

1. Consider scale, season and space

According to Cordony, the ultimate patio is based on three key ‘S’ words: scale, season and space. “Make sure the scale is correct so the setting isn’t so big or small that it looks out of proportion,” he says.

Keep environmental and seasonal factors top of mind too. “If the space is or isn’t under cover, it could potentially affect the materials you choose.” If you want year-round upholstery, look for a fabric that’s UV and fade-resistant, easy to clean and designed to resist mould. Try Broadcloth by Sunbrella at Eco Outdoor. The lightweight fabric is ideal for outdoor cushions.

“Also map out how you want the space to function.” Weigh up its primary function and factor in other practical elements such as whether outdoor storage and lighting are necessary. How you intend to use the space, and how frequently, will ultimately steer the design direction.

2. Accessories improve any aesthetic

“The biggest mistake I see with outdoor patios is not accessorising and creating a finished space,” says Cordony. He recommends taking a similar approach to interior styling.

“Outdoor rugs, greenery and planters, lighting, scatter cushions and table accessories are elements we use with our interiors, but sometimes fail to utilise in outdoor spaces,” he says.

If in doubt, opt for a monochrome colour palette and all-weather materials such as rattan and bamboo — which have the added bonus of being cost-effective. Cordony also lists hurricane lanterns, towels and stylish storage solutions for cushions and tableware as his outdoor styling essentials.

3. Extend the indoors outside

Your outdoor space — be it a garden, patio or balcony area — is an extension of your property’s interior, not a separate entity, so treat it as a continuation when choosing furniture and accessories.

“The outdoor space should definitely work with the interior setting in terms of colour palette, materials and style,” says Cordony. “If your interior space is contemporary with clean lines, then your outdoor setting should reflect this style.”

4. Durability and design are not mutually exclusive

Outdoor seating may be used less than interior sofas and armchairs, but the fabric has to work twice as hard to battle the elements, while still ticking style and comfort boxes. “Durability, price and design aesthetic are some factors to consider when choosing outdoor fabrics,” says Cordony. “There are different fabric groups and weights ranging from light residential use to heavy commercial grade, plus a range of UV levels and stain resistance.”

He also recommends looking for fabric that has proven experience in dealing with moisture and mildew levels, as well as sun exposure. The new range of Sunbrella fabrics for Eco Outdoor boast all three and balance durability and design. They have a chic colour palette across a range of fabrics that can be used for curtains, outdoor cushion covers, furniture upholstery and, as the name suggests, umbrellas. All of the fabrics can also be cleaned with bleach while retaining their original colour ensuring they last summer after summer.

5. Try emerging trends

Whether you pride yourself on having the most up-to-date homewares or can’t quite decide if a new trend is for you or not, your backyard is a prime space to road-test new trends. “Texture is a huge trend as we head into summer,” says Cordony. “Look for fabrics including bouclé, linen, velvet and terrycloth paired back with raw timber, natural timber and ceramics.”

European motifs and graphics are also an emerging trend to try this summer. Find them on cushions, tableware and accessories.

Brought to you by Sunbrella. Experience Sunbrella’s leading outdoor upholstery in Eco Outdoor’s new fabric story.

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