Wine cooler vs. beverage cooler: running cost
A wine cooler is cheaper to run: about $54 a year versus $63 for a beverage cooler at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $9 difference.
| Wine cooler | Beverage cooler | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 85 W | 100 W |
| Watt range | 50–150 W | 60–180 W |
| Typical use | 300 kWh a year | 350 kWh a year |
| Energy per year | 300 kWh | 350 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.6¢ | 0.7¢ |
| Cost per day | 15¢ | 17¢ |
| Cost per month | $4.50 | $5.25 |
| Cost per year | $54 | $63 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $131 | $152 |
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What drives the difference
- Wine cooler: Compressor wine coolers typically use 200-400 kWh a year. Thermoelectric units draw less while running but run almost constantly in warm rooms, so they often use as much or more.
- 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
Compressor cooling is 2-3x more efficient than thermoelectric in rooms above 70°F.
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 wine cooler 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 $54 for a wine cooler. That's $9 more, or 1.2× as much.
How many watts do wine cooler and beverage cooler use?
A wine cooler typically draws 85 W (range 50–150 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.