Best Bar Fridge Brands Australia — Schmick vs Rhino & More (2026)

KingCave
2026-04-16T17:20:41+10:00

Australia's Top Bar Fridge Brands in 2026

If you are shopping for a bar fridge in Australia, three brands dominate the market: Schmick, Rhino, and Dellware. Each targets a different buyer and excels in different areas — from budget-friendly all-rounders to premium commercial units and whisper-quiet hospitality models.

This guide compares all three head-to-head so you can pick the right brand for your needs without wading through hundreds of product pages.

Brand Comparison at a Glance

Brand | Models | Price Range | Specialty | Outdoor Rating | Noise Range | Warranty
Schmick | 180+ | $358-$2,800 | Range and value | Select models (T-class) | 32-42dB | 2 years
Rhino | 30+ | $1,200-$4,500 | Outdoor and commercial | All models (316 SS) | 36-45dB | 3 years
Dellware | 15+ | $320-$900 | Silent hospitality | No | 0-26dB | 2 years

Schmick: Australia's Largest Bar Fridge Range

Schmick SC70 — 70L Tropical Glass Door Bar Fridge

Schmick is the dominant bar fridge brand in Australia by sheer range. With over 180 models spanning every size from 26L countertop units to 700L+ commercial cabinets, Schmick covers more ground than any other brand in the market.

What Schmick does well:

Range — No other brand comes close to the breadth. Whatever size, door type, or feature combination you need, Schmick almost certainly makes it.

Value — Price-to-feature ratio is strong. You get lockable doors, adjustable shelving, reversible hinges, and digital temperature control at price points that undercut most competitors.

Tropical ratings — Many Schmick models carry a T-class climate rating, meaning they are tested to operate in ambient temperatures up to 43 degrees C. Essential for garages and alfresco areas in Australian summers.

Dual zone options — Models like the JC165 offer independent beer and wine zones in a single unit.

Where Schmick falls short:

Build quality varies — With such a large range, quality is not uniform. Their entry-level models are perfectly functional but use lighter-gauge steel and simpler components than premium brands.

Not truly outdoor-rated — While many models handle heat well, they do not use marine-grade stainless steel. For permanent outdoor installation in coastal areas, Rhino is the safer choice.

Best for: Most buyers. If you want the widest choice and best value, start with Schmick.

Rhino: Premium Commercial and Outdoor

Rhino SG2 — 208L Commercial 2 Door Bar Fridge

Rhino is the premium end of the Australian bar fridge market. Where Schmick wins on range and price, Rhino wins on build quality, durability, and outdoor performance.

What Rhino does well:

316 marine-grade stainless steel — Every Rhino model uses 316-grade stainless, the same alloy used in marine hardware and surgical instruments. It resists salt air corrosion, making Rhino the only brand truly suitable for beachfront installations.

Commercial-grade construction — Heavier gauge steel, commercial-spec compressors, and reinforced shelving. These fridges are built for high-traffic venues, not just home bars.

Self-closing doors — A small detail that matters in busy bars. Rhino's doors close themselves, reducing energy waste when bar staff are flat out.

Energy efficiency — Despite the commercial build, Rhino's heated glass technology and efficient compressors keep running costs competitive.

Where Rhino falls short:

Price — Rhino fridges cost 50-100% more than comparable Schmick models. You are paying for the build quality and materials, but it is a significant step up in price.

Limited range — Around 30 models compared to Schmick's 180+. If you need a very specific size or configuration, your options are narrower.

Noise — Commercial-grade compressors are powerful but not the quietest. Not ideal for bedrooms or quiet offices.

Best for: Pubs, clubs, restaurants, outdoor alfresco areas, and anyone who wants the best build quality regardless of price.

Dellware: The Silent Specialist

Dellware DW60E — 60L Silent Motel Mini Bar Fridge

Dellware occupies a niche that neither Schmick nor Rhino competes in: silent operation. Using thermoelectric and absorption cooling technologies instead of traditional compressors, Dellware fridges operate at noise levels as low as 0dB (truly silent) to 26dB (barely audible).

What Dellware does well:

Silence — The DW60E runs at just 12dB. For comparison, a quiet library is around 30dB. You genuinely cannot hear this fridge running from across a room.

Hospitality focus — Designed specifically for motels, hotels, and accommodation where guest comfort is paramount. No vibrations, no cycling compressor noise at 3am.

Compact and lightweight — Without a compressor, these units are lighter and smaller than equivalent compressor models, making them easy to install in tight spaces.

Low energy consumption — Absorption and thermoelectric cooling draws minimal power, keeping running costs down.

Where Dellware falls short:

Cooling power — Thermoelectric and absorption systems cannot cool as aggressively as compressors. In hot environments (above 30 degrees C ambient), performance drops noticeably.

Not outdoor-suitable — These fridges are designed for controlled indoor environments only.

Smaller range — Around 15 models, all in the mini/small category (25-80L). No large or commercial options.

Temperature range — Cannot achieve the same low temperatures as compressor models. Fine for drinks, but not suitable if you need near-freezing temps.

Best for: Hotels, motels, Airbnbs, bedrooms, and any space where silence matters more than raw cooling power.

Which Brand for Which Use Case?

Use Case | Best Brand | Why
Home bar (indoor) | Schmick | Best range and value. Glass door models look great.
Outdoor alfresco | Rhino | 316 SS resists corrosion. Built for weather.
Pub/club/restaurant | Rhino | Commercial-grade build. Handles heavy use.
Hotel/motel room | Dellware | Silent operation. Guests will not hear it.
Office | Schmick | Affordable, lockable, quiet enough for daytime use.
Garage/shed | Schmick | Tropical-rated models handle the heat. Good value.
Coastal/beachside | Rhino | Only brand with true marine-grade corrosion resistance.
Bedroom/study | Dellware | Zero audible noise. Will not disturb sleep or focus.

Can You Mix and Match?

Absolutely. Many of our customers run different brands for different purposes — a Rhino behind the outdoor bar, a Schmick in the games room, and a Dellware in the guest bedroom. There is no reason to stick with one brand if your needs vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Schmick bar fridges Australian?

Schmick is an Australian bar fridge brand. The fridges are manufactured overseas to Schmick's specifications but designed for Australian conditions, with tropical ratings and Australian power compliance.

Is Rhino worth the extra money?

If you are installing outdoors, in a commercial venue, or in a coastal environment — yes, without question. The 316 marine-grade stainless steel alone justifies the premium. For a standard indoor home bar, Schmick offers comparable cooling performance at a lower price.

How quiet is a Dellware fridge really?

The quietest Dellware models (absorption cooling) are genuinely inaudible from more than a metre away. Even the thermoelectric models produce less noise than a laptop fan. If noise sensitivity is your primary concern, Dellware is in a class of its own.

Which brand has the best warranty?

Rhino offers a 3-year warranty on most models, compared to 2 years for Schmick and Dellware. All three brands provide Australian warranty support with local service networks.

Do all three brands offer lockable models?

Schmick and Dellware include key locks on most models as standard. Rhino includes locks on all commercial models. If a lock is essential, check the product specifications for your chosen model.

Browse by Brand

Schmick Bar Fridges — 180+ models from $358

Rhino Bar Fridges — premium outdoor and commercial

Outdoor Bar Fridges — all outdoor-rated models

Commercial Fridges — heavy-duty for venues

Quiet Bar Fridges — silent models for bedrooms and hotels

Keep Reading

Best Bar Fridges Under $500 Australia 2026 (Real Picks, Not Junk)

How to Choose a Commercial Bar Fridge for Your Pub or Club

Bar Fridge Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right One

← Browse all bar fridge guides

Shop Schmick bar fridges →

Shop Rhino bar fridges →