Countertop ice maker vs. chest freezer: running cost
A chest freezer is cheaper to run: about $45 a year versus $59 for a countertop ice maker at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $14 difference.
| Countertop ice maker | Chest freezer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 130 W | 100 W |
| Watt range | 90–220 W | 60–200 W |
| Typical use | 8 hours a day | 250 kWh a year |
| Energy per year | 329 kWh | 250 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 2.0¢ | 0.5¢ |
| Cost per day | 16¢ | 12¢ |
| Cost per month | $4.93 | $3.75 |
| Cost per year | $59 | $45 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $143 | $109 |
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What drives the difference
- Countertop ice maker: Portable ice makers draw 100-150 W (nugget models like the Opal up to about 200 W) and run nearly continuously while making ice. They don't freeze-hold, so ice melts and gets remade.
- 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.
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 AmazonFreezing ice in your existing freezer adds very little energy compared with running a separate machine.
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 countertop ice maker or a chest freezer?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a countertop ice maker costs about $59 a year versus $45 for a chest freezer. That's $14 more, or 1.3× as much.
How many watts do countertop ice maker and chest freezer use?
A countertop ice maker typically draws 130 W (range 90–220 W). A chest freezer draws 100 W (range 60–200 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.