How much does it cost to run a chest freezer?
A chest freezer costs about 12¢ a day, $3.75 a month and $45 a year at typical use (250 kWh a year) and the U.S. average rate of 17.99¢/kWh. 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.
Calculate your cost
Add as many devices as you like to compare them side by side. Search again to add another, or use Duplicate to compare two settings.
Cost by setting
| Setting | Watts | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (5 cu ft) | 80 | 10¢ | $3.05 | $37 |
| Medium (7-9 cu ft) | 100 | 13¢ | $3.81 | $46 |
| Large (15+ cu ft) | 140 | 18¢ | $5.34 | $64 |
At 250 kWh a year and 17.99¢/kWh.
Cost to run a chest freezer in every state
The same chest freezer costs $31 a year in North Dakota and $109 in Hawaii, at each state's average residential rate (12 months ending July 2026).
| State | Rate | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 12.32¢ | $2.57 | $31 |
| Idaho | 12.65¢ | $2.64 | $32 |
| Nebraska | 12.86¢ | $2.68 | $32 |
| Louisiana | 12.99¢ | $2.71 | $32 |
| Utah | 13.32¢ | $2.77 | $33 |
| Nevada | 13.36¢ | $2.78 | $33 |
| Arkansas | 13.43¢ | $2.80 | $34 |
| Tennessee | 13.56¢ | $2.82 | $34 |
| Oklahoma | 13.70¢ | $2.85 | $34 |
| Montana | 13.84¢ | $2.88 | $35 |
| Kentucky | 13.92¢ | $2.90 | $35 |
| Missouri | 13.95¢ | $2.91 | $35 |
| Wyoming | 14.01¢ | $2.92 | $35 |
| Washington | 14.12¢ | $2.94 | $35 |
| Iowa | 14.13¢ | $2.94 | $35 |
| South Dakota | 14.20¢ | $2.96 | $36 |
| Mississippi | 14.77¢ | $3.08 | $37 |
| North Carolina | 14.77¢ | $3.08 | $37 |
| Kansas | 15.09¢ | $3.14 | $38 |
| Georgia | 15.12¢ | $3.15 | $38 |
| New Mexico | 15.32¢ | $3.19 | $38 |
| Florida | 15.39¢ | $3.21 | $38 |
| Arizona | 15.40¢ | $3.21 | $39 |
| West Virginia | 15.48¢ | $3.22 | $39 |
| Oregon | 15.50¢ | $3.23 | $39 |
| South Carolina | 15.64¢ | $3.26 | $39 |
| Texas | 15.96¢ | $3.33 | $40 |
| Minnesota | 16.22¢ | $3.38 | $41 |
| Alabama | 16.44¢ | $3.43 | $41 |
| Virginia | 16.48¢ | $3.43 | $41 |
| Colorado | 16.58¢ | $3.45 | $41 |
| Indiana | 16.94¢ | $3.53 | $42 |
| Delaware | 17.79¢ | $3.71 | $44 |
| Ohio | 18.25¢ | $3.80 | $46 |
| Wisconsin | 18.74¢ | $3.90 | $47 |
| Illinois | 18.79¢ | $3.91 | $47 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.70¢ | $4.31 | $52 |
| Maryland | 21.03¢ | $4.38 | $53 |
| Michigan | 21.05¢ | $4.39 | $53 |
| New Jersey | 23.78¢ | $4.95 | $59 |
| Vermont | 23.80¢ | $4.96 | $60 |
| District of Columbia | 24.20¢ | $5.04 | $61 |
| New Hampshire | 26.67¢ | $5.56 | $67 |
| Alaska | 26.85¢ | $5.59 | $67 |
| Connecticut | 27.99¢ | $5.83 | $70 |
| New York | 28.39¢ | $5.91 | $71 |
| Rhode Island | 29.27¢ | $6.10 | $73 |
| Maine | 29.31¢ | $6.11 | $73 |
| Massachusetts | 30.43¢ | $6.34 | $76 |
| California | 32.99¢ | $6.87 | $82 |
| Hawaii | 43.51¢ | $9.06 | $109 |
Most efficient chest freezer models
The lowest-energy ENERGY STAR certified models in the most common size (11.7–15.9 cu ft), out of 611 certified models. In this class, the best model costs $50 a year to run. The least efficient costs $101. Same size, $52 a year apart.
| Brand | Model | Capacity | kWh/yr | Cost/yr | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE | FCM16DL**** | 15.7 | 277 | $50 | Amazon |
| Beko | BUFR2715MG +1 variant Most Efficient | 14.3 | 305 | $55 | Amazon |
| Blomberg | BRUF2814WH Most Efficient | 14.3 | 305 | $55 | Amazon |
| Frigidaire | FFUE1326AV +1 variant | 13 | 380 | $68 | Amazon |
| Elisii | DECVC138W | 13.6 | 391 | $70 | Amazon |
| Forno | FFFFD1722-28BLK-LS +5 variants | 13.6 | 391 | $70 | Amazon |
| Hisense | CFU14N6AWE +5 variants | 13.6 | 391 | $70 | Amazon |
| Insignia | NS-UZ14****** | 13.8 | 391 | $70 | Amazon |
| Mora | MFU140N6AWE | 13.6 | 391 | $70 | Amazon |
| FARBERWARE | FW-UFR391US-IN-I6A +2 variants | 14 | 392 | $71 | Amazon |
Yearly cost from the official annual energy use and 17.99¢/kWh. Look up any model in the calculator with “Look up my exact model”. Source: ENERGY STAR, updated 2026-10-21. Amazon links search for the exact model; as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
How to cut the cost
- Set it to 0°F; colder settings like -10°F add roughly 10-15% to energy use.
- Keep it at least three-quarters full; fill gaps with jugs of water.
- Defrost when ice reaches 1/4 inch; frost insulates the evaporator and raises use.
- Place it in a cool basement rather than a hot garage when possible.
- Keep an inventory list on the lid so you open it less.
Cheaper ways to get the job done
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 AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Compare with similar appliances
| Appliance | Watts | Typical use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest freezer | 100 | 250 kWh a year | $3.75 | $45 |
| Upright freezer | 150 | 450 kWh a year | $6.75 | $81 |
| Refrigerator | 150 | 500 kWh a year | $7.50 | $90 |
| Garage refrigerator | 200 | 800 kWh a year | $11.99 | $144 |
| Old refrigerator | 250 | 1,000 kWh a year | $14.99 | $180 |
| Beverage cooler | 100 | 350 kWh a year | $5.25 | $63 |
| Kegerator | 100 | 350 kWh a year | $5.25 | $63 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a chest freezer per hour?
A chest freezer is usually measured per year rather than per hour. It uses about 250 kWh a year, which works out to 12¢ a day.
How much does it cost to run a chest freezer per month?
At typical use (250 kWh a year), a chest freezer costs about $3.75 a month and $45 a year, at the U.S. average rate. Enter your ZIP in the calculator above for your utility's rate.
How many watts does a chest freezer use?
Most chest freezers use 60 to 200 watts, depending on the setting (small (5 cu ft) 80 W, medium (7-9 cu ft) 100 W, large (15+ cu ft) 140 W). Starting surge can reach 500 W. Check the label on the back or bottom for your model's exact rating.
How many kWh does a chest freezer use?
About 0.68 kWh a day and 250 kWh a year at typical use (250 kWh a year).
Does a chest freezer use a lot of electricity?
No. At about 250 kWh a year it's a small share (2.4%) of the average U.S. home's 10,492 kWh.
Is it cheaper to run a chest freezer or an upright freezer?
At typical use, a chest freezer costs about $45 a year versus $81 for an upright freezer. So the chest freezer is cheaper by about $36 a year. Use the comparison table above to compare them at your own settings.
How can I lower the cost of running a chest freezer?
- Set it to 0°F; colder settings like -10°F add roughly 10-15% to energy use.
- Keep it at least three-quarters full; fill gaps with jugs of water.
- Defrost when ice reaches 1/4 inch; frost insulates the evaporator and raises use.
Rates updated 2026-10-21: EIA data through July 2026. Typical wattage and usage reviewed against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer specs. Methodology.