How many watts does a mini fridge use?

Most mini fridges use 50–100 watts while running (typically about 80 W) and 400–600 W for a few seconds when the motor or compressor starts. Because it cycles on and off, its real energy use is lower than the running watts suggest. At the U.S. average rate of 18.16¢/kWh, a typical one costs about $3.72 a month ($44.67 a year).

Compact fridges cycle like full-size ones, so the average draw is far below the running watts.

Running-watt figures cross-checked across 2 published sources and 1,772 ENERGY STAR models · rates: EIA, August 2026 · reviewed 2026-11-04

Cost to run a mini fridge: calculator

Pre-filled with typical figures (the compressor runs about 33% of the time). Use the wattage on your appliance's label for a closer estimate. The median ENERGY STAR model is rated at 246 kWh/yr ($3.72/month at the U.S. average); look up your exact model below.

Real data from 1,772 ENERGY STAR models

Median rated annual energy use under the DOE test procedure: 246 kWh/yr (most models 206–332 kWh/yr). Older or non-certified models usually use more.

MedianTypical rangeCost at 18.16¢
under 2 cu ft208 kWh/yr200–246$37.77/yr
2–3.5 cu ft220 kWh/yr207–320$39.95/yr
3.5–5 cu ft268 kWh/yr226–330$48.67/yr
5+ cu ft276 kWh/yr220–347$50.12/yr

Source: ENERGY STAR certified products data, U.S. EPA. ENERGY STAR is a registered mark of the U.S. EPA; this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the EPA.

1,772 certified models. Search by brand or model number (from the label inside the door or on the back).

Running vs starting watts

Running watts are what it draws while operating; they drive your electricity bill. Starting watts are a short surge when a motor or compressor kicks on; they matter for sizing a generator or power station.

SourceRunningStarting
Champion Power Equipment generator wattage chart50–100 W400–600 W
EcoFlow appliance wattage chart30–100 W—

Review note: Only Champion publishes a starting-watt figure for compact fridges (400–600 W); EcoFlow gives running watts only (30–100 W). Shown as an approximate range.

Will a power station run it?

A 1,000 Wh power station would run a typical mini fridge for about 31.9 hours (assuming 85% conversion efficiency). Look for at least 100 W continuous output and 700 W surge (peak). Check your power station or generator →

Cost by state

Based on the median ENERGY STAR model (246 kWh/yr rated).

Cost to run a mini fridge in every state
StateRatePer monthPer year
Alabama16.33¢$3.35$40.17
Alaska29.41¢$6.03$72.35
Arizona15.05¢$3.09$37.02
Arkansas14.37¢$2.95$35.35
California29.75¢$6.10$73.19
Colorado17.17¢$3.52$42.24
Connecticut24.51¢$5.02$60.29
Delaware18.70¢$3.83$46.00
District of Columbia25.98¢$5.33$63.91
Florida14.99¢$3.07$36.88
Georgia15.90¢$3.26$39.11
Hawaii47.18¢$9.67$116
Idaho13.37¢$2.74$32.89
Illinois19.32¢$3.96$47.53
Indiana17.02¢$3.49$41.87
Iowa17.06¢$3.50$41.97
Kansas15.47¢$3.17$38.06
Kentucky13.80¢$2.83$33.95
Louisiana12.87¢$2.64$31.66
Maine32.11¢$6.58$78.99
Maryland21.40¢$4.39$52.64
Massachusetts30.48¢$6.25$74.98
Michigan22.99¢$4.71$56.56
Minnesota17.20¢$3.53$42.31
Mississippi14.43¢$2.96$35.50
Missouri16.02¢$3.28$39.41
Montana15.57¢$3.19$38.30
Nebraska13.54¢$2.78$33.31
Nevada12.72¢$2.61$31.29
New Hampshire27.64¢$5.67$67.99
New Jersey24.61¢$5.05$60.54
New Mexico16.51¢$3.38$40.61
New York28.65¢$5.87$70.48
North Carolina14.95¢$3.06$36.78
North Dakota13.31¢$2.73$32.74
Ohio19.38¢$3.97$47.67
Oklahoma14.82¢$3.04$36.46
Oregon15.92¢$3.26$39.16
Pennsylvania21.77¢$4.46$53.55
Rhode Island28.18¢$5.78$69.32
South Carolina15.76¢$3.23$38.77
South Dakota15.15¢$3.11$37.27
Tennessee13.42¢$2.75$33.01
Texas15.91¢$3.26$39.14
Utah13.31¢$2.73$32.74
Vermont23.84¢$4.89$58.65
Virginia17.64¢$3.62$43.39
Washington14.63¢$3.00$35.99
West Virginia16.31¢$3.34$40.12
Wisconsin19.41¢$3.98$47.75
Wyoming14.43¢$2.96$35.50

FAQ

How many watts does a mini fridge use?

Most mini fridges use 50–100 watts while running (typically about 80 W) and 400–600 W for a few seconds when the motor or compressor starts. Because it cycles on and off, its real energy use is lower than the running watts suggest. At the U.S. average rate of 18.16¢/kWh, a typical one costs about $3.72 a month ($44.67 a year).

What are the starting watts of a mini fridge?

About 400–600 W for a second or two at start-up. This matters when sizing a generator or power station, not for your electricity bill.

How much does it cost to run a mini fridge?

About $3.72 a month at the U.S. average rate (18.16¢/kWh, August 2026), based on the median ENERGY STAR model (246 kWh/yr rated). In the cheapest state it's about $2.61 a month; in the most expensive, $9.67.

How many kWh does a mini fridge use?

About 246 kWh a year (20 kWh a month), based on the median ENERGY STAR model (246 kWh/yr rated).

Can a power station or generator run a mini fridge?

A 1,000 Wh power station would run a typical mini fridge for about 31.9 hours. Look for at least 100 W continuous output and 700 W surge (peak).

Related

Refrigerator~150 WFreezer~150 WMicrowave~1,000 WDishwasher~1,500 WElectric stove burner~1,500 WInduction cooktop (single)~1,500 WAll appliancesWattage chart
Note: These are estimates. Real consumption depends on the exact model, its age, settings, room temperature and how you use it. For your exact number, check the appliance's label or measure it with a plug-in energy meter. Rates are August 2026 state averages from the EIA; check your bill for your actual rate. When powering appliances from a generator or power station, never exceed its rated output and follow the manufacturer's safety instructions.