The Cost of a Refrigerator
Last Updated on September 23, 2021 | Written by CPA Alec Pow
First Published on September 22, 2021 | Content Reviewed by 
CFA Alexander Popivker
Few people know that the first refrigerator was made in the 18th century. Specifically, this invention is due to a professor of English origin, William Cullen, who made in 1755 a prototype of the modern refrigerator, at that time being a refrigeration machine that managed to produce ice. This model was the start of technological progress in terms of refrigerators, being a real landmark among home appliances.
In 1922, the first domestic refrigerator appeared, but few people could afford such a luxury. How much was a refrigerator at that time? Compared to the price of a Ford car that reached $450, a refrigerator exceeded $700, so the decision to buy it was a very difficult one.
How much does a refrigerator cost?
Some people might think that a fridge is just another appliance, but it really does have an impact on your life. You need to find out what size and type of refrigerator you’re looking for price-wise reasons because there are a lot of different kinds with very different prices. On average, though, they can range anywhere from $320 to $3,300.
There is a wide range of prices for different models, with the most expensive costing around $1,900. For that price, you get a brand-new French door model refrigerator. In contrast, there are cheaper models as well, with prices starting from $350 to $1,200.
The bottom freezer model is generally more expensive than the top ones. The price can vary depending on how big it is, but a common type of refrigerator like this would cost anywhere between $950 and $2,100, while the top freezer model is between $450 and $950.
For a mini-refrigerator, expect to pay between $65 and $350.
The price of a high-end refrigerator, like a stainless type, can be somewhere between $650 and $1,400.
The cost of a wine refrigerator can vary greatly depending on how many bottles the unit is able to hold. Common capacities include 12, 18, and 24, which means it will range anywhere from $160 to $650 for each model respectively.
Refrigerator details
A refrigerator is the perfect place to store food as it keeps it fresh and safe. Some models come with a freezer, but there are also those that have an ice maker or water dispenser, depending on what you’re looking for.
You might also like our articles about the cost of a double oven, dishwasher installation, or the price of a wood stove.
Usually, the main types of refrigerators are side-by-side, French door, top freezer, and bottom freezer.
Also, refrigerators are divided into No Frost and static and classified into different categories, depending on how the food is cooled: static, ventilated-static, No Frost, and Frost Free (or partial No Frost).
The newest models are energy-star qualified to help ease the effect on your monthly utility bill.
What are the extra costs?
Newer models of refrigerators will have a light that can show when the water filter is going bad. A red LED indicator lights up to let you know it’s time for a replacement. The price of a new water filter starts at $28, depending on what brand you buy.
Locks are the answer for those who want to keep children out of the refrigerator. At prices between $5 to $35, there are tons of options available with a wide range in features and durability, which means you can find something perfect depending on how much money you are willing to spend.
If you buy a refrigerator with a built-in water dispenser, then it’s important that the line for hooking up your faucet can be connected. If this isn’t possible in your home or installation requires professional help and equipment, expect an average price range between $130 and $320 to install new plumbing fixtures.
Be ready for any repairs you may need in the future because those will also come with an expense.
Good to know
An old refrigerator consumes 25% more than a new one. If you’ve been thinking of making your grandmother a present and giving her your old fridge, think again. Studies show that a new generation refrigerator consumes half the amount of energy needed by a refrigerator produced 15-20 years ago.
The refrigerator consumes 12% of the total energy of the house. So, if you are preparing to buy a refrigerator in terms of electricity consumption, when you choose it, look at what energy class it belongs to; it would be best to get an A ++ or above.
The refrigerator can consume twice as much as its label states. Consumption declared by the manufacturer is relative to an average reference consumption. This calculation will include aspects such as the temperature in the room where the refrigerator is placed, the volume of food inside, how often it is loaded with new products and how many times a day the refrigerator door opens, etc.
A very full refrigerator will consume more. A refrigerator loaded at full capacity will not be able to function properly and will have a higher energy consumption. The reason is that the refrigeration unit will use more electricity to refrigerate the food compared to the one used to keep the indoor air cool at the set temperature. It is recommended to leave a free space of about 20% of the refrigerator’s capacity for good air circulation.
Thawed food in the refrigerator helps reduce energy consumption. If you need to defrost food, it is best to put it in the fridge beforehand. In this way, the food is thawed, but at the same time, the refrigerator uses the temperature of the frozen food for cooling without consuming extra electricity.
Did you know that there is a day to clean the fridge? It is celebrated every year in America on November 14, when the owners are advised to clean these appliances.
How to choose the right refrigerator depending on volume
As a general rule:
- For a single person, a refrigerator of up to 250 liters is recommended
- For a family of 2-3 people, a refrigerator of 250 to 330 liters is recommended
- For a family of 4 people and over, a refrigerator of over 330 liters is recommended
Brands to take into consideration:
- Beko
- Whirpool
- Bosch
- GE
- Samsung
- Maytag
How can I save money?
You can save money on your electricity bill with a high-energy rated refrigerator.
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I was thinking of buying a refrigerator for my home. But I did not have any experience with the price. That’s why I was searching for some suggestions about that. In your article, you shared some relevant information about pricing that will be beneficial for me. Thanks for sharing this article!