Guide
How much electricity does a drinks fridge use?
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In short
A drinks fridge's energy use is shown on its UK energy label as kWh per year, which is the figure to compare. Small table-top fridges usually use less in total than larger under-counter or tall models, while glass doors, warm rooms, frequent opening and low settings increase use. To estimate your cost, multiply the kWh per year by your tariff's unit rate.
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Drinks fridges run all day, every day, so it is fair to ask what they add to the electricity bill. Listings quote watts, energy classes and kWh, which can be confusing. This explainer shows how to read the label, why watts alone mislead, what makes a drinks fridge use more or less, and how to work out your own running cost from your tariff. We give energy in kWh, not money, because unit rates vary by supplier and change over time.
Read the energy label
The UK energy label for refrigerators shows an energy class letter, the energy use in kWh per year (often written kWh/annum), the storage volume in litres and the noise level in dB with its class. The kWh per year figure comes from a standard test and is the fairest way to compare two fridges.
Real use can be higher or lower than the label depending on the room and how you use the fridge, but the ranking between models usually holds. Our energy labels explained article covers the label in detail.
Watts are not the whole story
Listings often quote power in watts, for example the compressor's rating. That shows how much power it draws while running, not how much energy it uses over a day, because a compressor cycles on and off. A fridge rated at a modest wattage might run for only part of each hour.
Energy is power multiplied by time. One kWh is 1,000 watts for one hour. The kWh per year figure already accounts for how often the fridge runs in standard conditions, which is why it is the better number to use. Beer fridge wattage alone cannot tell you the running cost.
Work out your own cost
Use the kWh per year from the label and the unit rate on your electricity bill, which is given in pence per kWh.
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Larger capacity | More energy in total |
| Glass door | More than a solid door |
| Warm room or sun | More running time |
| Low temperature setting | More running time |
| Frequent door opening | More running time |
| Dusty condenser or blocked vents | Less efficient |
| Thick ice on the cold plate | Less efficient |
- 1
Find the kWh per year on the energy label or product fiche.
- 2
Find your unit rate in pence per kWh on your bill or supplier account.
- 3
Multiply kWh per year by the unit rate to get the yearly cost in pence.
- 4
Divide by 12 for a rough monthly figure.
- 5
Add a margin if the fridge is in a warm room or opened often.
Glass doors and display lighting
Glass-door drinks fridges lose more heat through the door than solid-door fridges, so they tend to use more energy for the same size. Multiple glazing helps. LED interior lighting uses little power, but switching it off when not needed saves a bit and keeps light off the drinks.
Compare glass-door models with each other using the kWh per year figure, rather than against solid-door kitchen fridges.
Ways to cut energy use
A few habits make a real difference over a year, and none of them cost anything or affect how cold your drinks get.
- Set the temperature no colder than you need
- Keep the fridge out of sun and away from ovens and radiators
- Leave the ventilation gaps the maker asks for
- Vacuum dust from vents and the condenser a couple of times a year
- Keep the door seal clean and gripping
- Defrost if ice builds up
- Keep it reasonably full and open the door briefly
Choosing an efficient drinks fridge
Pick the smallest fridge that fits your needs, as an under-used large fridge wastes energy. Compare the kWh per year on labels, and check the climate class matches the room, as a fridge struggling in a hot garden room uses much more than its label suggests. See can you put a drinks fridge outside.
Our beer and drinks fridge guide lists energy figures where makers publish them, and wine fridge running cost covers wine coolers.
Mini fridges, bar fridges and under-counter fridges
People often ask whether mini fridges are expensive to run. In total kWh, a small fridge usually uses less than a large one, but per litre of space it can be less efficient, and thermoelectric models in particular often use more energy for their size than compressor models. Check the label.
Under-counter fridges sit in between. A bar fridge running in a cool room, kept full and opened sensibly, is usually one of the smaller users among household appliances, but it does run continuously, so efficiency still adds up over the years.
Frequently asked questions
How many kWh does a drinks fridge use per year? It varies by size and model. Check the kWh per year on its energy label.
Are mini fridges expensive to run? Usually cheaper in total than large fridges, but thermoelectric models can be inefficient for their size.
Does a beer fridge use more electricity than a wine fridge? Often, because it runs colder. Compare labels for the two models you are considering.
How do I find my electricity unit rate? It is on your bill or supplier account, in pence per kWh.
What you need
- Check price on AmazonAffiliate link
Swan SR12030BN 80 L under-counter, 3 to 10 °C
- Check price on AmazonAffiliate link
Severin KS 9894: 39 dB, 33 bottles