How Much Electricity Does A Mini Fridge Use | Is It Rising Your Annual Energy Cost?

Mini fridges have become a household name in recent times. For their cute looks and multi-functional utilization, mini-fridges can be found almost everywhere nowadays. From ice-cold beer to keeping frozen meals fresh, the mini-fridges have amazing cooling capacity. 

Depending on your model, the mini-fridges have different cooling spaces. Kitchen fridges, mini drink fridges, portable mini-fridges, and camper mini-fridges all vary in size. They have diverse levels of electricity consumption, and some even have solar installed. 

Wondering how much electricity does a mini fridge use? Here we will find the answers. Although different models have their individual power consumption rates, we will try to dig into each of their electricity usages. 

How much electricity does a Mini Fridge use?

One thing is for sure, it takes a lot less energy consumption to run a mini fridge than a full-sized refrigerator. However, a mini fridge consumes electricity depending on its cubic feet, model, usage, age, insulation, and energy rating. 

The latest models of fridges run on lower energy in comparison to the older models. A compact refrigerator uses around 60 to 80 watts when in use. However, the figure can change depending on a few factors. 

You will find the exact amount of power consumption of your fridge in the user manual that comes with it or see it written in its body. If you are looking for an energy-efficient mini fridge, check thoroughly before purchasing. 

Note: You can purchase solar system mini fridges for traveling or camping. 

While working in a refrigerator showroom for almost a decade, I have seen that now the mini fridges’ electricity costs are lower than the energy usage found years ago. 

Here is a table demonstrating how much electricity different mini refrigerator uses:

Brands	Energy Star Ratings	Annual Electricity Consumption (kilowatt hours)
Frigidaire Refrigerators	No	100 kWh
Midea Compact Refrigerator	5 Star Rating	207 kWh
Cooluli Compact Refrigerators	4 Star Rating	60 Watt-hours
Frigidaire Refrigerators EFR494	No	20 kWh
RCA RMIS129	No	100 kWh
Koolatron	No	60 Watt hours
Xbox	No	55 Watt hours
EENOUR	4 Star Rating	280 kWh

Does a mini fridge use a lot of electricity?

If you are curious about the overall running cost, mini-fridges use less energy and watt hours than full-size refrigerators. So are the mini fridges worth buying?

Well, simply put, yes. When both these fridges were compared side-by-side, a  regular fridge uses more power per cubic foot than a mini fridge, but it also offers more space. 

Overall, a mini fridge uses more electricity per cubic foot than a regular refrigerator. 

So if one mini fridge is not enough for you and you are thinking of buying two mini fridges instead of buying a full-sized refrigerator, it isn’t a good idea. If you need about 0.2 to 7.5 cubic feet of space, mini-refrigerators can do justice as kitchen fridges or bedroom fridges. 

How Much Electricity Does a Mini Fridge Use Per Month?

Understanding refrigerator energy consumption is the first step toward knowing how much energy does your mini fridge use per month. However, the mini fridge’s electricity cost depends on its model and brand. 

A mini fridge’s wattage fluctuates with a number of factors, such as how your mini fridge runs, its surroundings, fridge use, cubic foot, energy efficiency, etc. 

There can be lower or higher energy consumption depending on your fridge’s energy efficiency and electricity usage.  In general, mini-fridges use about 150-kilowatt hours of electricity per day. 

Is that a lot of electricity?

No, a mini fridge uses less energy and does not increase your bill substantially. Generally, mini fridges are energy efficient, they have a low power consumption rate, and mini fridges use 3 to 4 times fewer electricity costs than full size refrigerators. 

If you are concerned about your electricity bill, a compact refrigerator’s energy consumption will add up to about $25 to $30 per year. 

Mini fridges can cut down your energy bill if your regular refrigerator is constantly in use or opened frequently.  A lot less cold air is released when you open the mini fridge because of its small size. 

The fridge has to produce less cool air, and it does not increase refrigerator energy excessively. 

What is Wattage? How does it work?

Those of us who have electronic appliances at home are familiar with terms like energy consumption, watts, kilowatts, wattage, energy star, and so on. 

Wattage is the unit in which electricity is measured. The mini fridge’s wattage shows precisely how much electricity it uses. Since a small fridge loses less cold air during usage, the energy cost is lower. 

Figure 5- Watt vs. Kilowatt

Watts and Kilowatts

Although your mini fridge’s electricity consumption is measured in watt hours, your bills will be charged by kilowatt hours. Most fridges nowadays list how much power it uses when running. 

Mini fridges can use about 100 watts during operation depending on their size and on and off cycle. So if your fridge is running for 8 hours, you will multiply 100 by 8 and get your total watt hours. 

For example, 

100 watts x 8 hours = 800 watts hours. 

As your electricity bill is charged by kilowatt hours (kWh), to get that, the decimal place of your watt hours has to be moved to three places. 

For example,

800 watt hours = .800 (kWh). 

Here is another article about How Many Watts Does A Mini Fridge Use?

Know Exactly How Much Power Your Mini Fridges Consume

The cubic feet of your fridge determine how much energy it needs to function. Larger cubic feet models can be energy efficient for you if it accommodates enough items and meets your requirements. 

However, if you want a fridge to keep your cold drinks, a smaller cubic feet model will be more appropriate. 

To know exactly how many watts a mini fridge use, you can use a power meter to generate information on actual energy consumption. 

Understanding Refrigerator Energy Consumption

Although we have our assumptions and calculations about a refrigerator’s energy consumption, the exact cost of running a refrigerator is unattainable.

Refrigerators do not work 24 hours in a constant manner and consume energy differently depending on their on and off schedule. The schedule depends on a few factors; hence the precise cost to run a fridge is impossible to understand. 

If you open your fridge door frequently, keep warmer items, or there is less space for insulation, your refrigerator will use more power. However, exactly how much more power is used is not consistent. 

Mini fridges save electricity

If you have a habit of grabbing a new can of cold drink too often, having a mini fridge will be more energy efficient.

As mini refrigerators are small in size, they keep the right amount of food for one to several people depending on the size, without wasting space. Cool air, and they help prevent escalating energy usage. 

Although a mini fridge uses more energy per cubic foot, it can lower your daily energy consumption if you know how to store a mini fridge perfectly. 

Mini Fridge vs. Full-Size Fridge: Energy Consumption

Is it really true that a mini fridge use more energy and can increase your daily energy consumption? The answer is no, and fridge power depends on its size.

A full-size fridge needs more energy to run. Your full-size refrigerator keeps a lot more things than a mini fridge, you can keep larger bottles of cold drinks, store frozen items and perishable foods in the freezer, and they have several compartments.  

A mini fridge holds fewer items, and there are dedicated fridges to keep drinks that keep your next cold drink ready in a hotel room, bar, or even in your bedroom. Hence, less power is needed to run a mini fridge. 

How much does it cost to run a mini fridge?

While working in a refrigerator showroom, I gathered some significant info about these cute refrigerators. However, even with this professionalism, it is not possible to state the exact cost to run a mini fridge. 

The working condition, environment, cold functions, and size all affects mini fridge power and cost. However, if you want to calculate how many watts your fridge is using, here is an example-

Quickly Calculate Your Electricity Cost

• Watts used (W) X hours per day (h) = watt hours
• Watt hours /1000 = kWh per day

Scrambling for space in Your Kitchen Refrigerator

Here is an article on what you can put in a mini fridge and how you can cleverly accommodate all your essentials.

What can I put in my Mini Fridge? 

Are mini fridges useful?

A mini fridge is a useful appliance if you are living in a college dorm, looking for some additional refrigeration space, or if you like traveling. These fridges are compact and lightweight, and some can even run in Solars 

Top Tips for Lowering Your Mini Fridge Power Bill

You have to keep some things in mind if you want to lower your mini fridge power bill. Here are some points-

• Keep your fridge door closed, and do not keep it open for longer.
• Do not put too much load on your fridge. If you want to decorate your mini fridge, do it with caution.
• If you have a freezer compartment, make sure to defrost it when needed. 
•  Maintain proper insulation. 
• Do not put warm foods or liquids in your fridge. 

Here is how you can keep your mini fridge locked to avoid intruders. How to add a Lock in a Mini Fridge

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a mini fridge add to the electric bill?

A mini fridge can be a useful and cute addition to your office or home and does not add too many extra dollars to your regular bill. 

How much does it cost to keep a mini fridge running?

Mini fridge costs about 25 to 30 dollars per year to keep a mini fridge running. 

How much electricity does an old mini fridge use?

 An old mini fridge uses more electricity when compared to the latest models. 

How to choose the best Mini Fridge for me?

There are several different models, types, and sizes of mini refrigerators available in the market. Choose the one that best suits your needs, and make sure to go for the latest versions, as these refrigerators have lower energy consumption rates. 

What are the things to consider when buying a mini fridge?

A quiet refrigerator with a good compressor, energy star, capacity, automatic or manual defrost versions (depending on your choice), mini fridge power, model, type, and size is what you should keep in mind before buying a mini fridge. 

What kind of Solar System is needed to run a Mini Fridge? 

At least one 100W Solar is needed to run a mini fridge. 

Final Word

It is essential to know how much electricity does a mini fridge use in order to keep your bills in check. However, maintaining your fridge properly is also crucial to maintain your fridge’s health and ensuring longevity.

Your mini fridge can run efficiently after years if it gets the proper care. Make sure to adequately stack your fridge and avoid putting excessive load on the smallest member in your home appliance family. 

You can choose from a variety of options for these compact fridges, and the sky is your limit!