Compact refrigerators are cheap to operate, and not surprisingly, they use less electricity that their full-size counterparts. Many are Energy Star rated due to their small size, which makes them cost-efficient to run. So, how much electricity does a mini fridge use?
However, they are actually less efficient per cubic foot. For example, a standard size unit may cost twice as much to run as a small fridge one-quarter its size. Interesting, right?
Many people either want to know, “How much does it cost to run a mini fridge?” or “How much electricity does a mini fridge use?”
I’ve listed some average costs below for several refrigerator models. These are just some examples or popular brands and styles. Naturally, there more products to choose from. However, this will give you a general idea of what to expect when it comes to operating cost and energy usage.
Mini Refrigerators: 1.7 Cubic Feet
1.7 cubic foot fridge (Galanz)
Estimated yearly electricity use: 230 kWh
Estimated yearly energy cost: $28 per year
1.7 cubic foot fridge (Igloo)
Estimated yearly electricity use: 318 kWh
Estimated yearly energy cost: $34 per year
1.7 cubic foot fridge (Haier)
Estimated yearly electricity use: 200 kWh
Estimated yearly energy cost: $24 per year
Compact Refrigerators: 3.2/3.3 Cubic Feet
3.2 cubic foot fridge (Igloo)
Estimated yearly electricity use: 332 kWh
Estimated yearly energy cost: $35 per year
3.2 cubic foot fridge (Haier)
Estimated yearly electricity use: 272 kWh
Estimated yearly energy cos:t $31 per year
3.3 cubic foot fridge (Frigidaire)
Estimated yearly electricity use: 220 kWh
Estimated yearly energy cost: $26 per year
3.2 cubic foot fridge (Danby)
Estimated yearly electricity use: 266 kWh
Estimated yearly energy cost: $28 per year
Small Refrigerators: 4.5 Cubic Feet
4.5 cubic foot fridge (GE)
Estimated yearly electricity use: 332 kWh
Estimated yearly energy cost: $35 per year
4.5 cubic foot fridge (MicroChill 2-Door)
Estimated yearly electricity use: 259 kWh
Estimated yearly energy cost: $28 per year
| 1.7 cubic feet | 230 kWh | $28/Year | |
| 1.7 cubic feet | 318 kWh | $34/year | |
| 1.7 cubic feet | 200 kWh | $24/year | |
| 3.2 cubic feet | 332 kWh | $35/year | |
| 3.3 cubic feet | 220 kWh | $26/year | |
| 3.2 cubic feet | 266 kWh | $28/year | |
| 4.5 cubic feet | 332 kWh | $35/year | |
| 4.5 cubic feet | 259 kWh | $28/year |
Unless noted, all models have a single door with a small built-in freezer compartment. Plus, the freezer doesn’t fit much more than a bunch of miniature ice cubes.
Keep in mind that the cost will depend on your area’s utility rates and your individual usage. As you’ll also notice, operating costs also vary by manufacturer. Interesting.
