Is a mini fridge expensive to run?

An empty dorm fridge kept running all summer is pure waste — unplug it when it's not stocked. At typical use it adds about $8.42 to a monthly electric bill at the US-average rate, but that swings from $5.88 in the cheapest states to $21.90 in the most expensive.

How many watts does a mini fridge use?

Mini Fridge typically draws about 70 running watts. Because it has a motor or compressor, it briefly spikes to around 350 watts at startup, which matters for generator and breaker sizing but not for energy cost. Check the nameplate or label on your specific unit for its exact rating.

How much electricity (kWh) does a mini fridge use?

At typical use (70 W for 24 hours a day), a mini fridge uses about 1.7 kWh per day — roughly 51 kWh per month, or about 6% of what the average US home uses in a month (863 kWh). Energy used doesn't depend on your electricity rate — only the bill does.

How can I lower the cost of running a mini fridge?

An empty dorm fridge kept running all summer is pure waste — unplug it when it's not stocked. You can also cut the cost by lowering your electricity rate — many utilities offer cheaper off-peak hours — or simply by running it fewer hours. The calculator on this page shows how changing hours per day or your electricity rate moves the number.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Mini Fridge?

A mini fridge draws little while running, but running 24/7/365 still puts it ahead of most gadgets on annual cost. At the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh, running a mini fridge costs about $8.42/month ($101.06/year) at typical use. Adjust the watts, hours, and your rate below for your exact number.

Power (watts)

Hours per day: 24

Days per week: 7

Your state (sets the rate)

Electricity rate ($/kWh)

Cost to run a mini fridge

$101/yr

Per day: $0.28
Per month: $8.42
Energy per year: 613 kWh

Cost = power (kW) × hours × days × your rate. Defaults are typical values — enter your appliance's actual watts (often on a label) and your real rate for a precise figure.

How much electricity does a mini fridge use?

At 70 W for 24 hours a day, a mini fridge uses about 1.7 kWh per day — roughly 51 kWh per month and 613 kWh per year. That's about 6% of the 863 kWh the average US home uses in a month. Energy use is the same everywhere — only the price per kWh changes your bill.

Wondering about the circuit instead? See how many amps a mini fridge draws.

Cost to run a mini fridge by electricity rate

Same 70 W appliance, 24 h/day — the bill changes with where you live.

Scenario	Rate	Per month	Per year
Cheapest states (North Dakota)	11.5¢	$5.88	$70.58
US average	16.5¢	$8.42	$101.06
Most expensive (Hawaii)	42.9¢	$21.90	$262.82

Find your state's rate on the electricity rates by state page, or see the appliance wattage chart for more devices.

Frequently asked questions

At the US-average residential rate of 16.5¢/kWh, a mini fridge drawing 70 watts for about 24 hours a day costs roughly $0.28 per day, $8.42 per month, and $101.06 per year. Your actual cost depends on your electricity rate and how much you use it, and the calculator on this page adjusts for both.

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How Much Does It Cost to Run a Mini Fridge?

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Cost to run a mini fridge by electricity rate

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