How much does it cost to run a kegerator?
A kegerator costs about 17¢ a day, $5.25 a month and $63 a year at typical use (350 kWh a year) and the U.S. average rate of 17.99¢/kWh. 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.
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Cost to run a kegerator in every state
The same kegerator costs $43 a year in North Dakota and $152 in Hawaii, at each state's average residential rate (12 months ending July 2026).
| State | Rate | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 12.32¢ | $3.59 | $43 |
| Idaho | 12.65¢ | $3.69 | $44 |
| Nebraska | 12.86¢ | $3.75 | $45 |
| Louisiana | 12.99¢ | $3.79 | $45 |
| Utah | 13.32¢ | $3.89 | $47 |
| Nevada | 13.36¢ | $3.90 | $47 |
| Arkansas | 13.43¢ | $3.92 | $47 |
| Tennessee | 13.56¢ | $3.95 | $47 |
| Oklahoma | 13.70¢ | $4.00 | $48 |
| Montana | 13.84¢ | $4.04 | $48 |
| Kentucky | 13.92¢ | $4.06 | $49 |
| Missouri | 13.95¢ | $4.07 | $49 |
| Wyoming | 14.01¢ | $4.09 | $49 |
| Washington | 14.12¢ | $4.12 | $49 |
| Iowa | 14.13¢ | $4.12 | $49 |
| South Dakota | 14.20¢ | $4.14 | $50 |
| Mississippi | 14.77¢ | $4.31 | $52 |
| North Carolina | 14.77¢ | $4.31 | $52 |
| Kansas | 15.09¢ | $4.40 | $53 |
| Georgia | 15.12¢ | $4.41 | $53 |
| New Mexico | 15.32¢ | $4.47 | $54 |
| Florida | 15.39¢ | $4.49 | $54 |
| Arizona | 15.40¢ | $4.49 | $54 |
| West Virginia | 15.48¢ | $4.51 | $54 |
| Oregon | 15.50¢ | $4.52 | $54 |
| South Carolina | 15.64¢ | $4.56 | $55 |
| Texas | 15.96¢ | $4.66 | $56 |
| Minnesota | 16.22¢ | $4.73 | $57 |
| Alabama | 16.44¢ | $4.79 | $58 |
| Virginia | 16.48¢ | $4.81 | $58 |
| Colorado | 16.58¢ | $4.84 | $58 |
| Indiana | 16.94¢ | $4.94 | $59 |
| Delaware | 17.79¢ | $5.19 | $62 |
| Ohio | 18.25¢ | $5.32 | $64 |
| Wisconsin | 18.74¢ | $5.47 | $66 |
| Illinois | 18.79¢ | $5.48 | $66 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.70¢ | $6.04 | $72 |
| Maryland | 21.03¢ | $6.13 | $74 |
| Michigan | 21.05¢ | $6.14 | $74 |
| New Jersey | 23.78¢ | $6.94 | $83 |
| Vermont | 23.80¢ | $6.94 | $83 |
| District of Columbia | 24.20¢ | $7.06 | $85 |
| New Hampshire | 26.67¢ | $7.78 | $93 |
| Alaska | 26.85¢ | $7.83 | $94 |
| Connecticut | 27.99¢ | $8.16 | $98 |
| New York | 28.39¢ | $8.28 | $99 |
| Rhode Island | 29.27¢ | $8.54 | $102 |
| Maine | 29.31¢ | $8.55 | $103 |
| Massachusetts | 30.43¢ | $8.88 | $107 |
| California | 32.99¢ | $9.62 | $115 |
| Hawaii | 43.51¢ | $12.69 | $152 |
How to cut the cost
- Hold the keg at 38°F rather than 34°F; it still pours well and cuts compressor run time.
- Insulate the draft tower or add a tower fan only if needed; constant tower fans add 2-5 W.
- Unplug it between kegs.
- Keep it out of hot garages in summer.
Cheaper ways to get the job done
Reduces heat gain through the draft tower so the compressor runs less.
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Compare with similar appliances
| Appliance | Watts | Typical use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kegerator | 100 | 350 kWh a year | $5.25 | $63 |
| Beverage cooler | 100 | 350 kWh a year | $5.25 | $63 |
| Mini fridge | 80 | 270 kWh a year | $4.05 | $49 |
| Wine cooler | 85 | 300 kWh a year | $4.50 | $54 |
| Chest freezer | 100 | 250 kWh a year | $3.75 | $45 |
| Water dispenser | 100 | 400 kWh a year | $6.00 | $72 |
| Countertop ice maker | 130 | 8 hours a day | $4.93 | $59 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a kegerator per hour?
A kegerator is usually measured per year rather than per hour. It uses about 350 kWh a year, which works out to 17¢ a day.
How much does it cost to run a kegerator per month?
At typical use (350 kWh a year), a kegerator costs about $5.25 a month and $63 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 kegerator use?
Most kegerators use 70 to 150 watts. Starting surge can reach 450 W. Check the label on the back or bottom for your model's exact rating.
How many kWh does a kegerator use?
About 0.96 kWh a day and 350 kWh a year at typical use (350 kWh a year).
Does a kegerator use a lot of electricity?
It's a moderate load: 350 kWh a year is about 3% of the average U.S. home's yearly use.
Is it cheaper to run a kegerator or a beverage cooler?
At typical use, a kegerator costs about $63 a year versus $63 for a beverage cooler. So the beverage cooler is cheaper by about $0 a year. Use the comparison table above to compare them at your own settings.
How can I lower the cost of running a kegerator?
- Hold the keg at 38°F rather than 34°F; it still pours well and cuts compressor run time.
- Insulate the draft tower or add a tower fan only if needed; constant tower fans add 2-5 W.
- Unplug it between kegs.
Rates updated 2026-10-21: EIA data through July 2026. Typical wattage and usage reviewed against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer specs. Methodology.