Australia's Bar Fridge Brands — The Honest Comparison
Australia's bar fridge market is dominated by two brands: Schmick and Rhino. There are others — IC Cold, Dellware, and various generic imports — but if you want quality, the conversation starts and ends with these two.
Schmick — The Range King
Schmick offers the widest range of any bar fridge brand in Australia. From compact 70L units to 370L commercial-grade fridges, they cover every size, style, and use case.
What Schmick Does Best
- Range depth: 200+ models spanning every category — under bench, upright, outdoor, dual zone, branded
- Price accessibility: Entry-level options from ~$450, premium models to $2,000+
- Innovation: First to market with features like heated glass, ultra-quiet compressors, and slim-depth designs
- Customisation: "Brand My Fridge" program lets businesses add custom logos and wraps
Schmick Standout Models
- SK228D-HD: The best-selling dual zone under-bench beer & wine fridge
- SC372B: 370L upright — massive capacity for serious entertainers
- SK156: Under-bench workhorse — heated glass, front-venting, quiet
Rhino — The Outdoor Specialist
Rhino focuses on fewer models but builds them to a higher spec, particularly for outdoor and commercial use. If your fridge is going outside, Rhino is the benchmark.
What Rhino Does Best
- Outdoor engineering: Purpose-built for Australian conditions — 316 marine-grade stainless steel on premium models
- Commercial durability: Used by bars, restaurants, and hospitality venues Australia-wide
- Warranty backing: Longer warranty periods reflecting their build confidence
- Energy efficiency: Consistently lower power consumption than competitors at the same capacity
Rhino Standout Models
- ENV3H-SS: 3-door outdoor beast in 316 marine-grade stainless — the flagship
- SG1R-SS: Single-door outdoor — the go-to alfresco fridge
- Envy Combo: Dual zone outdoor with independent temperature control
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Schmick | Rhino |
|---|---|---|
| Range Size | 200+ models | ~50 models |
| Price Range | $450–$2,000+ | $800–$3,000+ |
| Best For | Indoor, under-bench, bedroom, office | Outdoor, alfresco, commercial |
| Outdoor Rating | Select models | Core strength — most models outdoor-rated |
| Build Quality | Good to excellent | Excellent to premium |
| Customisation | Brand My Fridge program | Limited |
| Noise Levels | 35–42dB (class-leading quiet options) | 38–45dB |
Other Brands Worth Knowing
IC Cold
Budget-friendly alternative with a small range. Decent for basic indoor use but doesn't match Schmick or Rhino on features, noise, or longevity.
Dellware
Niche player focused on medical and wine storage. Limited bar fridge range but solid quality in their specialty.
Generic Imports
You'll find unbranded or white-label bar fridges on Amazon and eBay for $200–$400. They work — for a while. Expect louder operation, shorter lifespan, no warranty support, and no spare parts when something fails.
The Bottom Line
- Going outdoors? Rhino. No question.
- Indoor and want the best value? Schmick. The range is unmatched.
- Budget under $500? Schmick entry-level models offer the best specs at this price.
- Commercial venue? Either brand — Rhino for outdoor, Schmick for indoor.
