How much does it cost to run a mini fridge?
A mini fridge costs about 13¢ a day, $4.05 a month and $49 a year at typical use (270 kWh a year) and the U.S. average rate of 17.99¢/kWh. Compact refrigerators of 1.7-4.5 cu ft use roughly 200-350 kWh a year; ENERGY STAR models sit near the low end. Small skincare/thermoelectric 4-6 liter coolers are separate and draw about 40-60 W constantly.
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Cost to run a mini fridge in every state
The same mini fridge costs $33 a year in North Dakota and $117 in Hawaii, at each state's average residential rate (12 months ending July 2026).
| State | Rate | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 12.32¢ | $2.77 | $33 |
| Idaho | 12.65¢ | $2.85 | $34 |
| Nebraska | 12.86¢ | $2.89 | $35 |
| Louisiana | 12.99¢ | $2.92 | $35 |
| Utah | 13.32¢ | $3.00 | $36 |
| Nevada | 13.36¢ | $3.01 | $36 |
| Arkansas | 13.43¢ | $3.02 | $36 |
| Tennessee | 13.56¢ | $3.05 | $37 |
| Oklahoma | 13.70¢ | $3.08 | $37 |
| Montana | 13.84¢ | $3.11 | $37 |
| Kentucky | 13.92¢ | $3.13 | $38 |
| Missouri | 13.95¢ | $3.14 | $38 |
| Wyoming | 14.01¢ | $3.15 | $38 |
| Washington | 14.12¢ | $3.18 | $38 |
| Iowa | 14.13¢ | $3.18 | $38 |
| South Dakota | 14.20¢ | $3.19 | $38 |
| Mississippi | 14.77¢ | $3.32 | $40 |
| North Carolina | 14.77¢ | $3.32 | $40 |
| Kansas | 15.09¢ | $3.40 | $41 |
| Georgia | 15.12¢ | $3.40 | $41 |
| New Mexico | 15.32¢ | $3.45 | $41 |
| Florida | 15.39¢ | $3.46 | $42 |
| Arizona | 15.40¢ | $3.46 | $42 |
| West Virginia | 15.48¢ | $3.48 | $42 |
| Oregon | 15.50¢ | $3.49 | $42 |
| South Carolina | 15.64¢ | $3.52 | $42 |
| Texas | 15.96¢ | $3.59 | $43 |
| Minnesota | 16.22¢ | $3.65 | $44 |
| Alabama | 16.44¢ | $3.70 | $44 |
| Virginia | 16.48¢ | $3.71 | $44 |
| Colorado | 16.58¢ | $3.73 | $45 |
| Indiana | 16.94¢ | $3.81 | $46 |
| Delaware | 17.79¢ | $4.00 | $48 |
| Ohio | 18.25¢ | $4.11 | $49 |
| Wisconsin | 18.74¢ | $4.22 | $51 |
| Illinois | 18.79¢ | $4.23 | $51 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.70¢ | $4.66 | $56 |
| Maryland | 21.03¢ | $4.73 | $57 |
| Michigan | 21.05¢ | $4.74 | $57 |
| New Jersey | 23.78¢ | $5.35 | $64 |
| Vermont | 23.80¢ | $5.36 | $64 |
| District of Columbia | 24.20¢ | $5.45 | $65 |
| New Hampshire | 26.67¢ | $6.00 | $72 |
| Alaska | 26.85¢ | $6.04 | $72 |
| Connecticut | 27.99¢ | $6.30 | $76 |
| New York | 28.39¢ | $6.39 | $77 |
| Rhode Island | 29.27¢ | $6.59 | $79 |
| Maine | 29.31¢ | $6.59 | $79 |
| Massachusetts | 30.43¢ | $6.85 | $82 |
| California | 32.99¢ | $7.42 | $89 |
| Hawaii | 43.51¢ | $9.79 | $117 |
Most efficient mini fridge models
The lowest-energy ENERGY STAR certified models in the most common size (10.7–14.5 cu ft), out of 4,334 certified models. In this class, the best model costs $21 a year to run. The least efficient costs $95. Same size, $75 a year apart.
| Brand | Model | Capacity | kWh/yr | Cost/yr | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liebherr | W5250 +1 variant | 13.1 | 114 | $21 | Amazon |
| Fisher & Paykel | RS2484V*2K1 | 13.3 | 118 | $21 | Amazon |
| Monogram | ZIW241NBW**** | 13.4 | 118 | $21 | Amazon |
| Fisher & Paykel | RS24SH*E* | 12.6 | 124 | $22 | Amazon |
| Fisher & Paykel | RS2474S3**# | 10.8 | 152 | $27 | Amazon |
| Liebherr | MW 2400 +2 variants | 11.3 | 170 | $31 | Amazon |
| Signature Kitchen Suite | SKSCW241** | 13.6 | 175 | $31 | Amazon |
| SKS | SKSCW241** | 13.6 | 175 | $31 | Amazon |
| Fhiaba | S240FW3U +1 variant | 12.3 | 177 | $32 | Amazon |
| JennAir | JBWFNL24RX +1 variant | 12.3 | 177 | $32 | 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
- Keep 2-3 inches of clearance at the back and sides; mini fridges often get boxed in under desks and run longer.
- Set the dial to the middle setting (about 38-40°F) rather than max cold.
- Defrost manual-defrost models when ice is more than 1/4 inch thick.
- Unplug it over long breaks like summer vacation for dorms.
- Avoid placing it next to radiators, sunny windows or a game console's exhaust.
Cheaper ways to get the job done
ENERGY STAR compact models use at least 10% less than the federal minimum and many are under 250 kWh a year.
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Compare with similar appliances
| Appliance | Watts | Typical use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini fridge | 80 | 270 kWh a year | $4.05 | $49 |
| Refrigerator | 150 | 500 kWh a year | $7.50 | $90 |
| Beverage cooler | 100 | 350 kWh a year | $5.25 | $63 |
| Wine cooler | 85 | 300 kWh a year | $4.50 | $54 |
| Kegerator | 100 | 350 kWh a year | $5.25 | $63 |
| Chest freezer | 100 | 250 kWh a year | $3.75 | $45 |
| Water dispenser | 100 | 400 kWh a year | $6.00 | $72 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a mini fridge per hour?
A mini fridge is usually measured per year rather than per hour. It uses about 270 kWh a year, which works out to 13¢ a day.
How much does it cost to run a mini fridge per month?
At typical use (270 kWh a year), a mini fridge costs about $4.05 a month and $49 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 mini fridge use?
Most mini fridges use 50 to 120 watts. Starting surge can reach 400 W. Check the label on the back or bottom for your model's exact rating.
How many kWh does a mini fridge use?
About 0.74 kWh a day and 270 kWh a year at typical use (270 kWh a year).
Does a mini fridge use a lot of electricity?
No. At about 270 kWh a year it's a small share (2.6%) of the average U.S. home's 10,492 kWh.
Is it cheaper to run a mini fridge or a refrigerator?
At typical use, a mini fridge costs about $49 a year versus $90 for a refrigerator. So the mini fridge is cheaper by about $41 a year. Use the comparison table above to compare them at your own settings.
How can I lower the cost of running a mini fridge?
- Keep 2-3 inches of clearance at the back and sides; mini fridges often get boxed in under desks and run longer.
- Set the dial to the middle setting (about 38-40°F) rather than max cold.
- Defrost manual-defrost models when ice is more than 1/4 inch thick.
Rates updated 2026-10-21: EIA data through July 2026. Typical wattage and usage reviewed against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer specs. Methodology.