A refrigerator is one of the must-haves if you’re planning to build an outdoor kitchen. This is because its saves you the time and effort of going back and forth to your main indoor kitchen to get the meat, veggies, and all sorts of refrigerated foods you have to cook or grill. It’s an added efficiency for you because all ingredients for your day of backyard barbecue are within your reach.
A good outdoor refrigerator that can withstand being left to mingle with your other outdoor kitchen appliances is the: Bull Outdoor Products Stainless Steel Front Panel Refrigerator.
Bull Outdoor Products Stainless Steel Front Panel Refrigerator
Pros
It’s the perfect shape and size for your outdoor kitchen. You can easily slide it underneath one of the counters for a seamless addition. By having it installed underneath, it won’t bother you while you’re working around your kitchen while making it easier for you to take out the stuff you need.
The stainless steel is a good material because it can withstand all the elements the outdoor environment throws at it, but of course, it still needs proper care and maintenance for it to last years without problems.
Cons
Some customers complained about the durability of this product. While they have properly installed it outdoors, shielding it from heat, rain, and snow, it still got a bit of rusting parts and the motor didn’t cool as well as before.
It is recommended to tuck this refrigerator indoors where it can sit fully covered in a dry place, especially if it’s not going to be used for a few weeks or months. This is so the life of the refrigerator will be extended and maintenance will be lessened.
What are the important aspects of the Bull Outdoor Products 11001 Stainless Steel Front Panel Refrigerator?
Material
The body of the Bull Outdoor Product Refrigerator is made of stainless steel so it could endure the changing weathers outdoors. It was really designed for that purpose so it is made much thicker as the weathers could be harsh. Inside it has three removable wire-coated shelves with storable stacks.
Although it’s considered to be made of thick products, customers have complained about its cooling capacity especially during the warm months when the heat temperature spikes.
Apparently, the doors and the sides are not well insulated that the motor has a hard time cooling during these hot summer months. Check if you are living in a really hot place and if you are, think twice before purchasing this product. Or you can remedy this by putting something to cover the refrigerator to have it somewhat insulated. It may help contain the coldness.
Capacity
This refrigerator can fit most of the food and meat you plan to cook in a day or two, but it depends really on how many your guests are and how much you’re planning to cook.
It may not be big enough if you’re planning to invite the whole neighborhood in, therefore, won’t help save you trips to your indoor refrigerator. It has provisions for cooling beverages such as cans and bottles of soda or beer so all you need for your backyard barbecue party is all in one place.
Power
As previously mentioned, some customers have encountered difficulty in keeping their refrigerator cold during the very hot sweltering months of summer. Although this is not always the case as some customers are very happy with their product outlasting years of hot summer.
It probably depends on the product you get; maybe the negative reviewers received subpar cooling capacity, or they haven’t really checked on their maintenance such as Freon replacements and whatnot.
To help your fridge combat the heat of summer, you can put insulation all over it so the coldness inside doesn’t evaporate outside. Some people felt satisfactory with the thickness of the stainless steel material while some considered it too thin. Opinions vary and it’s really up to the owner how he sees his appliance.
To help you decide, you may want to check the refrigerator first to see it for yourself. That way, you won’t experience regrets or difficulties in returning it in case you’re not happy with it.
Outdoor Compatibility
Take note to place it closer to appliances and kitchen necessities similar to it. Have something such as “stations” where you separate the hot stations from the cold stations. It’s typical to have the refrigerator next to the sink, coolers, wine racks, etc. while the burner, stove, and grill are close to each other. This is to alleviate the heat off your refrigerator to help it produce sufficient amount of coolness.
Materials-wise, this refrigerator is built for outdoor use so it can pretty much withstand the changing weathers. Although you might want to store it indoors during the long winter months when you don’t plan to use your outdoor kitchen for weeks to come. This will help prolong the life of your fridge.
What other things should you know about the Bull Outdoor Products 11001 Stainless Steel Front Panel Refrigerator?
The Bull Outdoor Products 11001 Refrigerator is an effective fridge for your outdoor needs. It has enough capacity for a day’s worth of cooking and grilling. It weighs 58 pounds and measures 4.4 Cu. Ft. capacities with mechanical thermostat. To pick up your drinks in a jiffy, it comes with a convenient canister beverage dispensing system in door.
Customers like the stainless steel material, which does a good job at enduring the changing elements outdoors. It also gives out a sleek appearance with its smooth and glossy metal. It would definitely be a good addition to your outdoor kitchen.
The Verdict
For the price, the Bull Outdoor Products 11001 Refrigerator is a bit on the expensive side. This is because of the amount of high-quality stainless steel used for the body. Not to mention, the size and capacity is also quite hefty.
If you’re considering building an outdoor kitchen where you can stage backyard barbecue parties from time to time, this is a great addition to it as it makes cooking more efficient. It also looks pleasing to the eye and can easily match whatever your kitchen design is.
