KEY POINTS
- A fridge has an average power rating or wattage between 300 and 800 watts (W).
- A fridge can consume between 300 kilowatt hours (kWh) and 500kWh per year, depending on its capacity, energy efficiency, type, temperature settings, location, and age.
- Running a fridge costs between $80 and $218 each year, with South Australians typically paying the most due to the state’s higher electricity rates.
On this page:
How much electricity does a fridge use each year?
On average, a home fridge has a wattage or power rating between 300 and 800 watts (W). Annually, they consume anywhere between 300 kilowatt hours (kWh) and 500kWh of electricity.
As a general guide, we have listed the average annual electricity usage of refrigerators in Australia based on the litre capacity below.
Average annual power consumption of refrigerators in Australia by capacity
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| Fridge Capacity | 300-400L | 400-500L | 500-600L | 600-700L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Usage | 321kWh | 367kWh | 438kWh | 494kWh |
Source: www.canstarblue.com.au – 7/08/2025. Average energy consumption figures based on refrigerators listed in the Commonwealth of Australia E3 Program’s Registration database. Electricity usage cost estimates based on average electricity usage rates: 36.1 c/kWh in Sydney, 26.6 c/kWh in Melbourne, 33.1 c/kWh in Brisbane, 43.9 c/kWh in Adelaide, 31.6 c/kWh in Perth, 27.9 c/kWh in Hobart, 29.2 c/kWh in Darwin, 30.1 c/kWh in Canberra. Average electricity usage rates are based on single-rate, non-solar only plans on Canstar’s database, available for an annual usage of 4,373 kWh.
However, the answer isn’t always that straightforward. The exact amount of power that your fridge consumes each year will vary depending on:
- Capacity: As illustrated in the table above, a larger capacity means that your fridge has to work extra hard to keep its sizeable interior cool, consuming more electricity in the process.
- Energy efficiency: Fridges aren’t all made equal. Fridges with a higher energy rating enjoy a lower average power consumption.
- Type of fridge: Your fridge’s design (e.g. top-mounted, bottom-mounted or French door) could influence how much electricity your fridge requires.
- Temperature settings: The lower you set your fridge’s internal temperature, the more energy it drains.
- Location: If your fridge is installed in a poorly-vented or confined area in your home, your fridge could be susceptible to overheating and increased power consumption as it struggles to maintain airflow.
- Age: When it comes to fridges, age isn’t just a number. Older fridges may not have the same energy-efficient features that their newer counterparts have. Moreover, older fridges are more prone to cool air loss from worn door seals, clogged defrost drains, refrigerant leakages and poor insulation. This can cause your fridge to consume more energy to compensate for the unstoppable loss of cool air.
Compare cheap energy plans
Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid energy network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
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22% Less than reference price |
$1,542 Price/year (estimated) |
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Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
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10% Less than VDO |
$1,392 Price/year (estimated) |
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How much does it cost to run a fridge in Australia?
Running a fridge in Australia can cost anywhere from $80 to $218 in energy fees each year.
Please note, these costs are based on the annual energy usage amounts calculated for each fridge size in the table above.
Annual estimated electricity costs for refrigerators per capital city
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| Capital City | 300-400L | 400-500L | 500-600L | 600-700L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canberra | $97 | $110 | $132 | $149 |
| Melbourne | $85 | $98 | $117 | $131 |
| Darwin | $94 | $107 | $128 | $144 |
| Hobart | $90 | $102 | $122 | $138 |
| Perth | $101 | $116 | $138 | $156 |
| Brisbane | $106 | $121 | $145 | $164 |
| Sydney | $116 | $132 | $158 | $178 |
| Adelaide | $141 | $161 | $192 | $218 |
Source: www.canstarblue.com.au – 7/08/2025. Average energy consumption figures based on refrigerators listed in the Commonwealth of Australia E3 Program’s Registration database. Electricity usage cost estimates based on average electricity usage rates: 36.1 c/kWh in Sydney, 26.6 c/kWh in Melbourne, 33.1 c/kWh in Brisbane, 43.9 c/kWh in Adelaide, 31.6 c/kWh in Perth, 27.9 c/kWh in Hobart, 29.2 c/kWh in Darwin, 30.1 c/kWh in Canberra. Average electricity usage rates are based on single-rate, non-solar only plans on Canstar’s database, available for an annual usage of 4,373 kWh.
South Australians typically pay the highest electricity rates, so running a fridge in Adelaide will likely be more expensive than in most other capital cities.
How much it actually costs to run your fridge is influenced not just by your fridge’s electricity consumption, but your energy plan. Cutting back on your electricity use isn’t going to do you any good if you’re still overpaying for usage and supply charges.
Compare cheap electricity deals now
If you’re on a dud energy plan, it is especially important to regularly compare the cheapest electricity deals in your neighbourhood. For a range of quotes specific to your area, it’s best to use our free comparison tool.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Will an energy-efficient fridge reduce my power consumption?
When it comes to energy-efficient appliances, many people recoil at the higher price tag, but it’s often the case that these types of appliances have some long-term benefits.
The following table shows the difference in annual fridge running costs between models with varying energy-efficiency ratings.
Annual estimated electricity costs for refrigerators per star rating
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| Energy Rating | 300-400L | 400-500L | 500-600L | 600-700L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 to 2.5 Stars | $139 | $160 | $181 | $198 |
| 3 to 3.5 Stars | $109 | $135 | $150 | $171 |
| 4 to 4.5 Stars | $97 | $111 | $126 | $142 |
| 5 to 5.5 Stars | $82 | $92 | $108 | $127 |
Source: www.canstarblue.com.au – 7/08/2025. Average energy consumption figures based on refrigerators listed in the Commonwealth of Australia E3 Program’s Registration database. Electricity usage cost estimates based on the average electricity usage rate of 33.1 c/kWh. Average electricity usage rates are based on single-rate, non-solar only plans on Canstar’s database, available for an annual usage of 4,373 kWh.
Even switching from a two-star to a three-star rated fridge could save you between $24 and $31 a year in energy running costs, depending on the size of the model. The larger the fridge size, the more there could be to save on power consumption costs too, with our calculations showing a 500-600L refrigerator costing $71 less a year to run with a five-star to 5.5 rating as opposed to one with just two to 2.5 stars. While it may not seem like a big individual saving over a year, these costs can quickly add up, especially if you’re running two or more fridges in your home.
How can I reduce the cost of running my fridge?
The first step to reducing your fridge’s running costs is to make sure your current fridge is the right fit for you:
- Replace your old fridge: If your aging fridge has more problems than you can count, then it’s time to consider shopping for a modern, energy-efficient fridge.
- Look out for energy-efficient fridges: Keep an eye out for higher energy star ratings, which translate to a lower average power consumption.
- Make sure your fridge is appropriately sized: Before purchasing a fridge, make sure to assess the appropriate volume for your household’s food storage needs. Buying an oversized fridge could leave you paying more than you should to keep it running.
- Choose the right type of fridge: Design preferences aside, top or bottom-mounted fridges generally consume less energy than a French door model. However, that isn’t always the case. It’s important to do your research before making a commitment.
If your existing fridge is still going strong, there are some minor changes you can make with your fridge habits to help reduce running costs.
- Ensure your fridge is well-ventilated: Ensure that the space your fridge is installed in has ample space to regulate its airflow, allowing your fridge to dissipate heat optimally.
- Keep an eye on temperature settings: You could be running at a temperature far colder than it needs to be. It pays to check on your thermostat every once and awhile. According to the CSIRO, the ideal temperature for a domestic fridge is three degrees Celsius. However, anything under five degrees is acceptable.
- Check sealing and conditions: If a fridge is poorly sealed, cold air can easily escape, meaning the fridge will have to work much harder to keep perishable items at an optimal temperature.
- Don’t stand with the fridge door open for too long: Similar to sealing, keeping the fridge door open for long periods will mean more energy will be needed to replace the cold air that has been lost.
- Consider consolidating fridges: Many Australians have a second fridge in their home. As a result, these households are paying nearly double in running costs. If both fridges aren’t stacked to the max, it may be worth consolidating to one fridge and switching the other off.
- Switching energy plans: If you haven’t switched energy plans for more than 12 months, your previous energy plan has likely expired, with your energy provider defaulting you to their standing offer. Standing offer plans don’t usually enjoy the most competitive electricity rates. It pays to proactively compare energy plans in your area to make sure you’re not overpaying for electricity.
What fridge should I choose?
Choosing the best fridge for your home will ultimately come down to several factors, from lifestyle to climate.
That being said, there are some things you should consider when purchasing a new fridge, such as the type of fridge you actually need, the energy-efficiency rating, pricing and any additional features you may desire – i.e., smart controls.
To help you find the right fridge for you and your home, check out some of Canstar Blue’s best-rated refrigerators.
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