Refrigerator vs. side-by-side refrigerator: running cost
A refrigerator is cheaper to run: about $90 a year versus $117 for a side-by-side refrigerator at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $27 difference.
| Refrigerator | Side-by-side refrigerator | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 150 W | 180 W |
| Watt range | 100–250 W | 130–280 W |
| Typical use | 500 kWh a year | 650 kWh a year |
| Energy per year | 500 kWh | 650 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 1.0¢ | 1.3¢ |
| Cost per day | 25¢ | 32¢ |
| Cost per month | $7.50 | $9.74 |
| Cost per year | $90 | $117 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $218 | $283 |
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What drives the difference
- 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.
- Side-by-side refrigerator: Side-by-side models of 22-28 cu ft with through-door ice and water typically use 600-750 kWh a year, about 15-25% more than a top-freezer of similar capacity.
Ways to cut either cost
Top-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 AmazonLets you set the fridge to exactly 37°F and freezer to 0°F instead of running colder than needed.
See options on AmazonBottom-freezer models without through-door ice typically use 100-200 kWh a year less than a side-by-side.
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 refrigerator or a side-by-side refrigerator?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a side-by-side refrigerator costs about $117 a year versus $90 for a refrigerator. That's $27 more, or 1.3× as much.
How many watts do refrigerator and side-by-side refrigerator use?
A refrigerator typically draws 150 W (range 100–250 W). A side-by-side refrigerator draws 180 W (range 130–280 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.