Extra Storage for Holiday: NEW Garage Ready Fridges

November 20, 2024 by Kenmore

garage ready fridges
© Vera / Adobe Stock, generated by AI

Thanksgiving and the holidays are always the perfect time for sharing good times with family, friends and neighbors. Gatherings and get-togethers are as much a part of the seasonal tradition as roasted turkey, tinsel and Mariah Carey!

But it’s inevitable… stocking up on party-size quantities of your favorite foods and festive beverages is going to put a strain on your cold-storage capabilities. And while upgrading to a higher-capacity refrigerator in your kitchen is always an option, simply getting a second fridge might make more sense for you.

The Case for Adding a Second Fridge

garage ready fridges

If there is nothing actually wrong with your current refrigerator, replacing it with a new one just for its larger capacity may be an unnecessary splurge. And even if you get one of the largest standard-size refrigerators (36” width or less), there’s no way you’re going to be adding more storage space than by adding an 18 or 20 cu. ft. second unit to your existing setup.

Owning a second refrigerator is lot more common than you might suspect. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, about 35 million American households have more than one fridge. So you would be in good company!

For most families, adding an extra refrigerator provides ample space for food items, especially bulky ones like whole turkeys, plus plenty of room for cold drinks, extra produce, leftovers and frozen favorites all year long. And that’s especially true now, with the holiday season approaching.

The main drawback of adding a second fridge for most households is: where the heck do you put it? And the answer to that question often lies in the areas of the home where extra space is readily available. And often times, that means the garage or other unfinished or unheated space. But hang on, it’s not always that simple. Keep reading…

Why “Garage Ready” Is Key!

If you live in an area where the temperature stays super-consistent and pleasant all year long (hello San Diego!), then congratulations. That sounds really nice. And you don’t need to read this section!

But if you live in an area that gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter like the rest of us… you’ll want to pay attention to this part. Because it’s just a bad idea to put a regular refrigerator in a garage or any other space without climate control.

The reasons are a little technical and boring. When the ambient air temperature outside the fridge drops below a certain point, the thermostat is fooled into thinking the temperature inside is just fine… and it doesn’t turn on the compressor like it should. And you could end up with a whole bunch of spoiled food as a result.

Similarly, if the outside air is extra-warm, the compressor and fan will struggle to run constantly to keep up. That eventually leads to worn-out components and excess condensation… and expensive repair bills. And, oh yeah, it probably voids your warranty, too.

While “garage ready” adapters do exist for use with standard refrigerators, it’s recommended that you use a model that’s designed to work from day one in a wide range of outside temperatures.

Our NEW Garage Ready (and Kitchen-Ready) Refrigerators

Our newest top-freezer refrigerators, available in your choice of 18.1 cu. ft. and 20.2 cu. ft. capacity, offer an impressive assortment of premium features. Both feature innovative inverter compressor technology for next-generation efficiency, humidity-controlled crisper bins, and spill-proof glass shelves, and both are available in easy-cleaning fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish. And both are ENERGY STAR® certified, designed to use less energy and save you money

But the real standout feature they share: they’re both fully garage-ready, suitable for ambient temperatures of 45°F to 110°F. That makes them the perfect choice as a second fridge for garages and other areas without heat or air conditioning like unfinished basements and enclosed porches.

And make no mistake… these new models are designed to look sleek and stylish as your primary kitchen refrigerator, too!

Other Notable Features

In addition to the features listed above, our new models punch above their weight with an impressive load of the most desirable features…

  • Space-saving 30-inch wide design fits easily in most kitchens or garages, even those with limited space.
  • Inverter Compressor intelligently maintains a consistent temperature to keep food fresh. It’s also quieter, more energy efficient and operates with less wear and tear than conventional compressors.
  • Multiple clear door bins keep your favorites organized and within reach.
  • Energy-efficient, long-lasting LED Lighting casts a warm, natural light on the refrigerator’s interior.
  • Adjustable shelving helps keep you organized and lets you make room for taller items.
  • Reversible doors ensure convenient access in any layout.

Shop the Model That’s Right for You

Kenmore’s new garage-ready 20.2 cu. ft. capacity top-freezer refrigerator is available at Amazon and Wayfair.

Our new garage-ready 18.1 cu. ft. capacity top-freezer refrigerator is also available at Amazon and Wayfair.

FAQs

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about garage-ready refrigerators.

Why is it important for a refrigerator to be garage-ready?

Refrigerators that are not designed to work in areas without climate control will struggle to maintain a consistent interior temperature during cold weather (below 45°F), and will have to work too hard to overcome hot ambient temperatures, thus wearing out their critical cooling components. A garage-ready model works well in such spaces.

Why would I want a second refrigerator in my garage or basement in the first place?

A second refrigerator provides today’s families with a generous amount of extra storage capacity for bulk foods, frozen goods, beverages, and leftovers. Even if that added capacity isn’t needed throughout the year, it becomes very convenient when planning and stocking up for parties, family gatherings, holiday get-togethers and other occasions.

Kenmore

The Kenmore brand represents 100 years of trusted performance, backed by exclusive features and innovations that no other brand can bring to the table. We’re always evolving to ensure day-to-day tasks are taken care of with faster cooking, better cleaning and more living throughout the home.