Can you put a wine fridge in a garage?

Climate classes explained

Every fridge has a climate class on its rating plate and in the manual. It tells you the room temperature range in which it is designed to work properly.

What happens in a cold garage

When the room is colder than the fridge is designed for, the thermostat senses that the cabinet is already cool and the compressor runs very little. In ordinary fridges this can upset the balance between compartments. In a wine fridge, the inside can drift down towards room temperature, so wine might sit at 5 °C or lower on a cold night. In a very cold spell, bottles and cans could freeze, which can push corks or split cans.

Some appliances are sold as garage-ready or with an extended low limit. Few wine coolers are, so check the class carefully. Several listings in our guides state SN or SN to ST classes, such as the Liebherr models in the freestanding guide, which suits cooler rooms better than class N.

What happens in a hot garage

In summer, a garage with a metal door or flat roof can get much warmer than the house. When the room goes beyond the upper limit of the class, the fridge runs constantly and still may not hold its setting. Thermoelectric coolers are especially affected, as they can only cool a limited amount below room temperature. Compressor models with an ST or T class cope better.

Direct sun through a window or on the cabinet adds to the problem. Place the fridge out of the sun and away from cars that have just been driven in.

Setting up a fridge in a garage or outbuilding

• Check the climate class covers the lowest and highest temperatures you expect. A cheap min-max thermometer left in the garage for a few weeks gives a good idea.
• Use a properly installed socket. Garages and outbuildings may need RCD protection and a suitable supply; extension leads across floors are a trip and damage risk.
• Keep the fridge off a damp floor, level it and leave the ventilation gaps the manual asks for.
• Keep it away from fuel, chemicals and anything that could be knocked against the glass door.
• Check the contents more often in very hot or cold weather.

Note:Electrical work in garages and outbuildings, such as adding a socket or running a new supply, should be done by a qualified electrician. Do not use indoor extension leads in damp areas.

Better options for wine

For wine you plan to keep, a garage is rarely ideal even with the right climate class, because temperature swings in the room make the fridge work harder and the door is opened in cold air. A utility room, hallway or spare room is usually a better spot. For a drinks fridge with cans and lager that will be used soon, a garage is often fine if the class suits. Our drinks fridge guide compares glass-door models, and our beer fridge temperature guide covers settings.

Frequently asked questions

Is there such a thing as a garage-ready wine fridge? A few models state an extended low room temperature. Check the climate class and manual.

Will a wine fridge freeze in a garage? It can if the garage falls well below the class range. Bottles near the back are most at risk.

Can I put a beer fridge in a garage? Often, if its class suits your garage. Compressor models cope better than thermoelectric.

Does a garden room count as a garage? Similar rules apply. Insulated garden rooms are usually more stable, but check summer temperatures. See condensation on the glass door.