Lockable Bar Fridge: Mini Fridges With a Lock Explained
A lockable bar fridge keeps drinks and other contents secure in places where several people have access. Offices, shared houses, holiday rentals, workshops and small venues are common examples. Here is what to look for.
Where a lock helps
- Shared homes and units, where everyone has their own supplies.
- Offices, workshops and staff rooms.
- Holiday rentals and accommodation, to keep stock for guests separate.
- Small venues and bars, to protect stock out of hours.
Lockable models in our range
The models with a listed lockable door are:
- Schmick HUS-SC50AB: 50 litres, glass door, about 38 cans, indoor or alfresco.
- Schmick HUS-SC88-SS and Schmick HUS-SC88L-SS: 98 litres, glass door, about 115 cans, indoor or alfresco.
- Schmick SS-P160FA: a 160 litre skinny upright holding about 144 cans.
All four are tropical rated for Australian climates.
Size and ratings at a glance
From the product specifications:
- HUS-SC50AB: 435 mm wide, 500 mm deep, 510 mm high; 41 dB; 9 star energy rating.
- HUS-SC88-SS and HUS-SC88L-SS: 470 mm wide, 500 mm deep, 850 mm high; 38 to 40 dB; 10 star energy rating.
- SS-P160FA: 390 mm wide, 475 mm deep, 1,880 mm high; 41 dB; 9 star energy rating.
The SC88 models stand about 850 mm high, so they can sit on the floor as a compact upright. The SC50AB is small enough for a bench.
What a lock does and does not do
A fridge lock deters casual access and is a good fit for the situations above. It is not a security device against someone determined to get in, so do not rely on it for valuables. Keep the key somewhere safe and keep a spare.
Choosing a size
- 50 litres: a small office or bedroom.
- 98 litres: a shared kitchen or small bar.
- 160 litres: more storage in a narrow footprint for a staff room or workshop.
Placement
Leave the ventilation clearance the manufacturer lists and keep the fridge out of direct sun. For glass door models, see our glass door fridge guide.
Lockable bar fridge FAQs
Does the lock stop the fridge cooling?
No. The lock secures the door only.
Can I add a lock to any fridge?
Not reliably. Choose a model with a lockable door built in.
Are lockable fridges suitable for outdoors?
Only if the listing says it is suitable. All of these are listed for indoor or alfresco use, which means a covered area. Compare more options in our single door bar fridges.