Chest freezer vs. refrigerator: running cost
A chest freezer is cheaper to run: about $45 a year versus $90 for a refrigerator at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $45 difference.
| Chest freezer | Refrigerator | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 100 W | 150 W |
| Watt range | 60–200 W | 100–250 W |
| Typical use | 250 kWh a year | 500 kWh a year |
| Energy per year | 250 kWh | 500 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.5¢ | 1.0¢ |
| Cost per day | 12¢ | 25¢ |
| Cost per month | $3.75 | $7.50 |
| Cost per year | $45 | $90 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $109 | $218 |
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What drives the difference
- Chest freezer: A new manual-defrost 7 cu ft chest freezer uses about 200-250 kWh a year; 15-20 cu ft models use 300-400 kWh. Chest freezers lose less cold air when opened than uprights.
- Refrigerator: A modern 18-22 cu ft top- or bottom-freezer refrigerator uses about 400-550 kWh a year; larger 25+ cu ft and through-door ice models run 600-750 kWh. The compressor cycles on roughly a third of the time.
Ways to cut either cost
ENERGY STAR freezers are at least 10% more efficient than the federal standard.
See options on AmazonLets you run at exactly 0°F and alerts you if the lid is left ajar.
See options on AmazonTop-freezer models with no through-door ice dispenser use 10-25% less energy than side-by-side or French door units of the same size.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a chest freezer or a refrigerator?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a refrigerator costs about $90 a year versus $45 for a chest freezer. That's $45 more, or 2.0× as much.
How many watts do chest freezer and refrigerator use?
A chest freezer typically draws 100 W (range 60–200 W). A refrigerator draws 150 W (range 100–250 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.