Using a Garage Fridge in Winter? Experts Reveal the Risks You Might Want to Consider

The garage provides ample space for additional food and drink storage, so many people put a fridge in the garage to take advantage of it. However, depending on your garage and the type of fridge you use, both the food and the fridge could be at risk during freezing winter temperatures. 

If you choose to put a fridge in the garage, you should always monitor it closely throughout the winter months, especially if your garage is uninsulated. Read on to learn what experts have to say about using a refrigerator in the garage during cold temps, as well as how to prevent spoiled food and a broken appliance.

Should You Use a Garage Fridge During Winter?

Whether you can use a fridge in the garage during winter depends on your garage and the type of refrigerator. If your garage is completely uninsulated, then there is a much greater chance that the refrigerator will malfunction in the freezing temperatures of winter. Similarly, if the garage is unheated, even with insulation, the space will gradually grow cold over the winter months.

Additionally, if you try to set up a standard refrigerator in your garage, there is a significant risk that it will not work properly in freezing conditions. However, a garage-ready fridge might operate effectively, provided the temperature does not fall below the minimum operating range.

"Standard refrigerators are designed for indoor use. Temperatures in the garage can drop quite low, causing the refrigerator to not cycle properly and leading to poor cooling or spoiled food. Garage-ready refrigerators or outdoor refrigerators are specifically engineered to function across a wider range of temperatures and conditions," explains Glenn Lewis, president of Mr. Appliance.

Why Do Standard Fridges Malfunction in Cold Weather?

Pests can be a significant issue for standard garage fridges, but even if there is no risk of pests, all refrigerators are designed to work within a specific temperature range. This range tends to be narrower for standard indoor fridges than for those intended for use in an uninsulated, unheated garage during the winter.

"When they are exposed to extreme temperatures from uninsulated garages, they lose the ability to properly cool the unit and are subject to frosting. The freezer compartment becomes too cool, which directly impacts the fridge/fresh food compartment and causes the food to freeze," says Lewis. The fridge and food might thaw during the warmer parts of the day, then freeze again at night, but this freeze-thaw cycle can ruin both the food and the fridge.

What to Know About Garage-Ready Fridges

Refrigerators designed for use in garages are generally equipped with additional sealing to prevent pests from nesting inside and a wider operating temperature range, allowing them to function normally at both lower and higher temperatures. This is typically made possible by the fridge having a heating coil for the compressor.

Sean Murphy, owner of Duncan Home Services, says, "Garage-ready fridges are made for garage storage and have extra insulation in the wall cavities. They typically have a label that specifically identifies it for this purpose." If you like the idea of storing extra food and drinks in the garage, specifically purchase a garage-ready fridge to keep them from going to waste this winter.

Tips for Safely Operating a Garage Fridge in Winter

Even with a garage-ready fridge, it's still important to do everything possible to ensure the appliance operates safely throughout the winter months. Murphy and Lewis provided the following tips to keep your garage-ready fridge functioning properly this winter.

• Insulate your garage. Your fridge works best if the garage stays above freezing.
• Avoid overfilling the fridge and freezer. This allows the air to circulate properly and keep food at proper temperatures.
• Clean often. Wipe up any spills and remove dirt and dust around the refrigerator to prevent clogging of the drain line.
• Look for frost. Keep an eye out for frost buildup, which can indicate issues with the refrigerant system.
• Keep an eye on your garage's temperature. If your garage temperatures fall below the manufacturer’s minimum operating range for extended periods, it’s best to unplug, empty, and clean the fridge to prevent damage and food waste.

Food Safety and Preventing Waste

When you store food in your garage fridge, it's highly recommended to monitor it regularly to ensure the contents don't spoil. When you grab something from the fridge, check for foods that are not properly frozen, pooling water at the bottom or in front, and any other unusual signs that could indicate a problem with the fridge.

Lewis shares a few quick, easy suggestions to help you monitor your food. "[Use] a refrigerator thermometer sitting on a shelf inside the fridge, so you can see it each time you open the refrigerator. There are also aftermarket alarms that can be installed inside a refrigerator to alert you if it reaches a certain temperature," he says. "Additionally, you can use a simple trick, such as freezing a cup of water. Once solid, place a coin on top of the ice. Each time you go into the freezer, check the cup. If the coin is still on top of the ice, all has been working fine. If the coin is in the ice, then the freezer has gotten too warm, even if frozen now, and you need to check the food and the refrigerator."