Kegerator vs. beverage cooler: running cost
A kegerator is cheaper to run: about $63 a year versus $63 for a beverage cooler at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $0 difference.
| Kegerator | Beverage cooler | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 100 W | 100 W |
| Watt range | 70–150 W | 60–180 W |
| Typical use | 350 kWh a year | 350 kWh a year |
| Energy per year | 350 kWh | 350 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.7¢ | 0.7¢ |
| Cost per day | 17¢ | 17¢ |
| Cost per month | $5.25 | $5.25 |
| Cost per year | $63 | $63 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $152 | $152 |
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What drives the difference
- Kegerator: A full-size kegerator holding a half-barrel keg at 36-38°F typically uses 300-450 kWh a year, similar to a large compact fridge.
- Beverage cooler: A residential 100-150 can glass-door beverage cooler typically uses 250-450 kWh a year; glass doors leak more heat than solid doors.
Ways to cut either cost
Reduces heat gain through the draft tower so the compressor runs less.
See options on AmazonA solid insulated door loses far less heat than a glass door, cutting use by roughly a quarter.
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 kegerator or a beverage cooler?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a beverage cooler costs about $63 a year versus $63 for a kegerator. That's $0 more.
How many watts do kegerator and beverage cooler use?
A kegerator typically draws 100 W (range 70–150 W). A beverage cooler draws 100 W (range 60–180 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.