How Much Electricity Does a Mini-Fridge Use? (Amps, Watts, and $Cost)
Mini-fridges are a great space-saving solution to cool and preserve your drinks and food when you have limited space, whether in the kitchenette, office, or dorm. But what is the electricity consumption of a mini-fridge? In this article, we’ll cover the ins and outs of mini-fridge electricity consumption and provide three helpful tips for reducing it.
A mini-fridge’s rating ranges between 1 and 1.5 amps at 110-115 volts. That equates to a daily average electricity consumption of 600-watt hours.
Keep reading below to understand the energy consumption of your fridges better and to get some tips to minimize this consumption as best as possible.
| Mini-Fridge Electricity Consumption | Average Values |
|---|---|
| Mini-fridge current rating | 1 – 1.5 amps at 110 – 115 V |
| Daily average electricity consumption | 600-watt hours |
| Power consumption (watts) | 110 – 120 watts (depending on model and settings) |
| Annual electricity consumption | 336 kWh (estimate) |
| Monthly electricity consumption | 30 kWh |
| Daily electricity consumption | 1 kWh |
| Estimated cost to run per year | $40 (estimate) |
| Recommended to plug into wall outlet | Yes |
| Recommended to use dedicated circuit | No (for mini-fridge), Yes (for full-sized refrigerator) |
| Voltage requirement | 110 – 115 V |
| Can run on inverter? | Yes, with a 500-watt pure sine wave inverter or higher |
| How to calculate power consumption | Multiply amps on nameplate by voltage, divide by 3 |
| Mini-fridge energy efficiency tips | Choose higher efficiency rating, avoid unnecessary opening/closing, avoid storing hot food |
| Common mini-fridge issues | Freezing everything, oil leaks, not turning on, loud buzzing |
How many amps a mini-fridge draws
The current rating of a mini fridge ranges between 1 – 1.5 amps at 110 -115 V.
Once its compressor has started, the current draw by the mini-fridge can drop to 0.7 amps or below, depending on its design, capacity, and the settings selected on the mini-fridge.
How much power (watts) does a mini-fridge use?
This really depends on the mini-fridge model, design, capacity, and energy efficiency rating.
That said, modern mini-fridges are likely to consume about 110 – 120 watts of power or lower, depending on the fridge setting.
The mini fridge’s power consumption reduces once the compressor has started.
You can consult the fridge’s Technical Specification Guide or use a plugin power meter to read its actual power consumption in watts.
What’s the electricity consumption of a mini-fridge?
In general, a mini-fridge consumes slightly less electricity (kWh) compared to larger standard refrigerators.
This is because a mini-fridge requires a smaller and lower power compressor to cool the small volume of fridge contents, unlike the larger and more powerful compressors used in standard fridges.
How much electricity does a mini-fridge use per year?
A mini fridge can consume about 336 kWh of electricity annually (estimate).
Its actual energy consumption depends on its size, design, and usage by the user, among other factors.
Always consult the fridge’s energy guide for estimated energy consumption.
How much electricity does a mini-fridge use per month?
The estimated monthly electricity consumption of a mini fridge is about 30 kWh.
You can work out the monthly electricity consumption using the formula:
annual energy consumption (kWh)/ 12 (months in a year).
Always consult the fridge’s energy guide for estimated energy consumption.
How much electricity does a mini-fridge use per day?
Typical fridge electricity consumption per day is minimal. A mini fridge can use about 1 kWh of electricity per day.
You can work out the daily electricity consumption using the formula:
monthly energy consumption (kWh)/ 30 (days in a month)
or use a plugin power meter to read its actual power consumption in watts.
How much does it cost to run a mini-fridge?
Based on the estimated electricity consumption (kWh) of a mini fridge and an estimated electricity tariff rate of 12 cents per kWh, indicative costs of running a mini fridge are shown below.
| No | Electricity consumption description mini fridge | Estimated kWh* | *Estimated Cost (USD) |
| 1 | Annual electricity consumption | 336 | $40 |
| 2 | Monthly electricity consumption | 30 | $3.6 |
| 3 | Daily electricity consumption | 1 | $0.12 |
* estimates only. Your mini fridge’s consumption might be different.
Always consult its technical specification or energy guide for more accurate running costs of your mini fridge.
Tips to reduce your mini-fridge’s electricity consumption
You may be able to reduce how much electricity your mini fridge uses by considering and taking action on the following tips if you are not already doing them. Read through following sections and watch your mini-fridge’s electricity consumption diminish.
Choose a mini fridge with a higher efficiency rating whenever possible.
There is only so much reduction you can achieve. Probably the most effective way to reduce your fridge’s energy consumption is by choosing a model or make with a high energy efficiency rating.
These can have more efficient compressors and better insulation.
Pay attention to user behavior that increases the fridge’s energy consumption
Make sure you cut down on usage behavior that decreases the fridge’s energy efficiency, such as unnecessary opening and closing of the fridge or storing hot food in the Fridge.
Instead, wait for it to cool before putting it inside. This can heat up the inside of the fridge and cause the cooling system to work harder to regulate temperature.
Leave your mini-fridge running or turn it off at night?
If you have food items in the fridge, definitely leave it running even during the night. Make sure to select the appropriate thermostat setting according to the fridge manual. There’s no need to turn your mini-fridge off each night. In fact, leaving your fridge running is more energy efficient that unplugging and plugging your fridge back on each night.
Unplugging your fridge, then plugging it back in will require the cooling system in your refrigerator to cool the contents of your fridge all over again. This will ultimately cost you more in the long run than simply leaving your fridge running.
Is it safe to plug a mini-fridge into an extension cord?
The general recommendation from several mini fridge manufacturers is always to plug it into a wall outlet and avoid using extension cords.
This is in spite of the mini fridge’s current draw of under 2 amps which can be handled by a good quality 13 amp extension.
Should you use a dedicated circuit for a mini-fridge?
It is recommended to connect your mini fridge to a 15 amp dedicated circuit, whereas it could possibly share an outlet given its low amp draw (<2 amps). You don’t really have to dedicate a specific circuit for a mini-fridge, but you will want to dedicate a circuit for a full-sized refrigerator.
Final word
The rated power consumption of a mini fridge usually ranges from 110 -120 watts. It typically draws between 1 – 1.5 amps at 110 -115 V
You can expect a mini fridge to cost you about USD 40 to run annually.
You may be able to reduce the power consumption of the fridge through a range of measures such as minimizing frequent opening and closing of the fridge and putting hot food into the fridge.
How many volts does a mini-fridge use?
Most mini-fridges in the US require a 110-115V supply to operate.
Can you run a mini-fridge on inverter?
Yes, you can run a mini fridge with a power consumption of 110-120 watts on a 500-watt inverter or higher. Make sure it is pure sine wave inverter, the compressor runs quieter and is less likely to heat up unnecessarily.
How to calculate fridge power consumption?
First, calculate the product of the amps indicated on the refrigerator’s nameplate and the voltage (which is typically around 120). Next, divide the resulting wattage by 3, considering that the compressor operates approximately 30% of the time.
How much electricity does a mini fridge use per year?
A mini fridge can consume about 336 kWh of electricity annually (estimate).
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