Side-by-side refrigerator vs. french door refrigerator: running cost
A french door refrigerator is cheaper to run: about $113 a year versus $117 for a side-by-side refrigerator at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $4 difference.
| Side-by-side refrigerator | French door refrigerator | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 180 W | 170 W |
| Watt range | 130–280 W | 120–280 W |
| Typical use | 650 kWh a year | 630 kWh a year |
| Energy per year | 650 kWh | 630 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 1.3¢ | 1.3¢ |
| Cost per day | 32¢ | 31¢ |
| Cost per month | $9.74 | $9.44 |
| Cost per year | $117 | $113 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $283 | $274 |
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What drives the difference
- 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.
- French door refrigerator: Most 25-28 cu ft French door refrigerators are rated 550-750 kWh a year on the yellow EnergyGuide label; through-door ice adds to the high end.
Ways to cut either cost
A two-door bottom-freezer of the same size without through-door ice usually uses 15-25% less energy.
See options on AmazonHelps you keep the fridge at 37°F instead of the colder factory settings some models ship with.
See options on AmazonBottom-freezer models without through-door ice typically use 100-200 kWh a year less than a side-by-side.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a side-by-side refrigerator or a french door refrigerator?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a side-by-side refrigerator costs about $117 a year versus $113 for a french door refrigerator. That's $4 more.
How many watts do side-by-side refrigerator and french door refrigerator use?
A side-by-side refrigerator typically draws 180 W (range 130–280 W). A french door refrigerator draws 170 W (range 120–280 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.