Understanding Refrigerator Wattage: Power Consumption and Efficiency

Discover how many watts your refrigerator uses, factors influencing power consumption, and tips for improving energy efficiency to save on electricity costs. Learn more here!
Explore Refrigerators Online
3 min
26-August-2025

Understanding the wattage of your refrigerator is essential for managing your household energy consumption. Refrigerators typically consume between 100 - 800 watts, depending on their size, model, and efficiency rating. Energy-efficient models, such as those with a 5 Star rating, use less power and can help reduce your electricity bills. For instance, opting for a 5 Star single door refrigerator can significantly reduce energy usage, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run. To explore energy-efficient options. These models not only provide excellent performance but also help in creating a more sustainable and economical household.

Explore the comprehensive range of refrigerators available on Bajaj Mall, or visit our partner stores to browse a wide selection of top brands. Find the perfect refrigerator to enhance your kitchen's functionality and aesthetics with innovative features and energy-efficient designs, ensuring optimal wattage and power consumption. Want to buy this or similar product? Explore on Bajaj Mall. Check out the features and compare models, then head to Bajaj Finserv's partner stores to finalise your purchase. You can get your desired product on Easy EMIs. Check your loan eligibility online in quick steps and make the smart move with Bajaj Finserv.

How many Watts does a refrigerator use?

Understanding how much power your refrigerator uses can help you make informed decisions about your energy consumption. This table provides an overview of the wattage used by various types of refrigerators, helping you choose the most efficient model for your needs.

Refrigerator type

Min wattage

Max wattage

Mini Fridge

100

200

Single Door Fridge

150

250

Double Door Fridge

200

350

Side-by-Side Fridge

350

600

French Door Fridge

400

800

Why spend more when you can save more?

Use the Maha Bachat savings calculator to combine dealer offers, brand offers, and Bajaj offers to bring down your purchase cost. Calculate your extra savings today!

For detailed pricing and models, check out the refrigerator price to compare different options.

Also read: Blue Star 500-Litre Freezer

Energy efficiency and your refrigerator: Calculating wattage and savings

Understanding the wattage of your fridgeis crucial for managing your household energy consumption and savings. The table below outlines typical wattage ranges for different types of refrigerators and their corresponding energy consumption:

Refrigerator type

Average wattage

Annual energy consumption (kWh)

Potential savings with energy-efficient models

Single door

100 - 250 Watts

365 - 913 kWh

Up to 30%

Double door

200 - 400 Watts

730 - 1460 kWh

Up to 25%

Bottom freezer

250 - 500 Watts

913 - 1825 kWh

Up to 20%

Side-by-side

300 - 600 Watts

1095 - 2190 kWh

Up to 20%

French door

350 - 800 Watts

1278 - 2920 kWh

Up to 15%

How many volts and amps does a refrigerator use

Refrigerators typically operate on a standard voltage of 120V in the U.S. or 220-240V in many other countries. The amp draw can vary based on the model, but most refrigerators consume between 3 to 6 amps. To convert this to watts, multiply volts by amps, resulting in refrigerator wattage ranging from 360 to 720 watts. Thus, understanding the refrigerator in watts helps in assessing energy consumption.

How much does it cost to power a refrigerator

The cost to power a refrigerator depends on its wattage and local electricity rates. For example, if a fridge uses 600 watts, running it for 24 hours would consume about 14.4 kWh per day. If electricity costs Rs. 8 per kWh, the monthly cost would be approximately Rs. 1,152. Thus, knowing refrigerator watts is essential for budgeting energy expenses.

Monthly and yearly costs to run a refrigerator

Here is a table with the estimated monthly and yearly costs to run a refrigerator in India:

City

Monthly Cost (Rs.)

Yearly Cost (Rs.)

Mumbai

Rs. 1,200

Rs. 14,400

Delhi

Rs. 1,000

Rs. 12,000

Bangalore

Rs. 900

Rs. 10,800

Kolkata

Rs. 800

Rs. 9,600

Chennai

Rs. 850

Rs. 10,200

These costs are based on an average electricity tariff and refrigerator power consumption of 200-300 watts. Actual costs may vary depending on your specific refrigerator model and usage patterns.

Choosing the right refrigerator: Wattage considerations for optimal performance

When selecting a refrigerator, understanding its wattage is key to ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency. The wattage of a refrigerator influences its energy consumption and can impact your electricity bills. Here are some important considerations and tips for choosing the right refrigerator based on wattage:

Assess your needs: Determine the size and type of refrigerator that suits your household needs. Larger families may require a double door or French door refrigerator, which typically have higher wattage but offer more storage space.

Check the energy rating: Look for refrigerators with high energy efficiency ratings (such as 4-star or 5-star ratings). These models consume less electricity while providing optimal cooling, resulting in lower energy bills.

Consider advanced features: Modern refrigerators come with features like inverter technology, which adjusts the compressor speed based on cooling demand, leading to reduced energy consumption. Other features like LED lighting and smart sensors also contribute to energy savings.

Calculate annual energy consumption: To estimate the energy consumption of a refrigerator, multiply its wattage by the number of hours it runs daily and then by 365 days. For example, a 300-watt refrigerator running 24 hours a day will consume approximately 2,628 kWh annually.

Opt for energy-efficient models: Investing in energy-efficient models can lead to significant long-term savings. While the initial cost may be higher, the reduction in electricity bills over time can offset the initial investment.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a refrigerator that not only meets your cooling needs but also helps you save on energy costs.

Also read: Fridge Repair

Updated price list of refrigerators in India

When considering the purchase of a refrigerator, it's essential to understand the wattage of different models, as this directly affects energy consumption and operational costs. The refrigerator in watts indicates its power usage, which can vary significantly among different brands and types. Knowing the fridge wattage can help you make an informed decision based on efficiency and performance. Below is an updated price list of refrigerators available in India:

Model

Price (Rs.)

LG 185 L 5 Star Inverter Direct-Cool Single Door Refrigerator (GL-D201ABEU, Blue Euphoria, Base stand with drawer)

Rs. 17,690

Samsung 215 L, 5 Star, Digital Inverter, Direct-Cool Single Door Refrigerator (RR23D2H359U/HL, Paradise Bloom Blue, Base Stand Drawer, 2024 Model)

Rs. 19,990

Panasonic 400L 2 Star Prime Convertible 6-Stage Smart Inverter Frost-Free Double Door Bottom Mount Refrigerator (NR- BK415BQKN, Diamond Black, Jumbo Fresh Vegetable Basket,Net Capacity 357L,2023 Model)

Rs.49,990

Disclaimer: Please note that specific features, models, and pricing may vary depending on the region and time of purchase. It is recommended to visit the official website or authorised retailers for the latest information.

Please note: Easy EMI facility is applicable on purchases above Rs. 5,000.

If you are looking for a selection of cost-effective options, explore refrigerators under Rs. 30,000 to find energy-efficient models that offer significant savings on your electricity bills.

Smart shopping starts here: Explore exclusive offers and pair them with affordable Easy EMIs for a rewarding shopping experience.

Get electronics and appliances on Easy EMIs with Bajaj Finserv

Upgrading your home with the latest electronics and appliances is now easier and more affordable with Bajaj Finserv’s flexible financing options. You can also maximise your savings by using the Maha Bachat Savings Calculator—a smart tool that combines brand offers, dealer offers, and EMI offers, all in one place, helping you lower the overall cost while still paying in small, bite-sized instalments. Follow these steps to get started:

Explore products on Bajaj Mall: Browse a wide range of electronics and appliances from trusted brands on Bajaj Mall. Compare features like energy ratings, storage capacity, performance settings, and design to choose the right product for your home.

Visit a partner store: Once you shortlist a model, step into any of Bajaj Finserv’s 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities in India. See the product in person, talk to experts, and make a confident decision.

Choose the Easy EMI Loan option: At checkout, select the Bajaj Finserv Easy EMI Loan. Avail financing of up to Rs. 5 lakh and split the cost into convenient monthly instalments. Some products also come with a zero down payment option.

Check your loan eligibility online: Plan better by checking your loan eligibility in minutes. Simply enter your mobile number and OTP to know your pre-approved limit.

Use the EMI Network Card for purchases up to Rs. 3 lakh: Already own the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Card? Use it for instant, paperless checkout and convert your purchases of up to Rs. 3 lakh into Easy EMIs.

Pro tip:

Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi the smarter way – bring home appliances and gadgets at up to 60% off

Bajaj Finserv app for all your financial needs and goals

Trusted by 50 million+ customers in India, Bajaj Finserv App is a one-stop solution for all your financial needs and goals.

You can use the Bajaj Finserv App to:

  • Apply for loans online, such as Instant Personal Loan, Home Loan, Business Loan, Gold Loan, and more.
  • Invest in fixed deposits and mutual funds on the app.
  • Choose from multiple insurance for your health, motor and even pocket insurance, from various insurance providers.
  • Pay and manage your bills and recharges using the BBPS platform. Use Bajaj Pay and Bajaj Wallet for quick and simple money transfers and transactions.
  • Apply for Insta EMI Card and get a pre-qualified limit on the app. Explore over 1 million products on the app that can be purchased from a partner store on Easy EMIs.
  • Shop from over 100+ brand partners that offer a diverse range of products and services.
  • Use specialised tools like EMI calculators, SIP Calculators
  • Check your credit score, download loan statements and even get quick customer support—all on the app.

Download the Bajaj Finserv App today and experience the convenience of managing your finances on one app.

Do more with the Bajaj Finserv App!

UPI, Wallet, Loans, Investments, Cards, Shopping and more

Disclaimer

1. Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) and Prepaid Payment Instrument Issuer offering financial services viz., loans, deposits, Bajaj Pay Wallet, Bajaj Pay UPI, bill payments and third-party wealth management products. The details mentioned in the respective product/ service document shall prevail in case of any inconsistency with respect to the information referring to BFL products and services on this page.

2. All other information, such as, the images, facts, statistics etc. (“information”) that are in addition to the details mentioned in the BFL’s product/ service document and which are being displayed on this page only depicts the summary of the information sourced from the public domain. The said information is neither owned by BFL nor it is to the exclusive knowledge of BFL. There may be inadvertent inaccuracies or typographical errors or delays in updating the said information. Hence, users are advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting experts, if any. Users shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy a refrigerator on Easy EMIs?

Yes, you can purchase a refrigerator with Bajaj Finserv’s Easy EMI options.

If you are an existing user of the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Card:

  • Explore a wide range of refrigerators on Bajaj Mall

  • Choose the preferred model and visit a Bajaj Finserv partner store to check it out in person.

  • Use your EMI Network Card and avail of Easy EMIs for affordable monthly payments

  • Enjoy your new refrigerator on Easy EMIs

If you do not have a Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, there is no need to worry. Check your Insta EMI Card eligibility and take the first step towards enjoying the affordability and convenience of Easy EMIs.

Please note: Easy EMI facility is applicable on purchases above Rs. 5,000.

How many watts does a refrigerator need to run?
The wattage required for a refrigerator to operate depends on its size, model, and efficiency. On average, a typical household refrigerator needs about 100 - 250 watts to run. Larger models, especially those with additional features like ice makers and water dispensers, may require more power.
How do you calculate the watt hours of a refrigerator?
To calculate the watt hours (Wh) of a refrigerator, you need to multiply the wattage of the refrigerator by the number of hours it runs per day. For example, if your refrigerator uses 200 watts and runs for 24 hours a day, it would consume 4,800 watt-hours per day. This figure helps estimate the daily energy consumption.
How many watts does an inverter refrigerator use?
Inverter refrigerators are known for their energy efficiency. The wattage used by an inverter refrigerator can vary significantly depending on the model and size, but generally, they use about 100 - 200 watts. Inverter technology allows these refrigerators to operate at varying speeds, which conserves energy by adjusting the compressor speed according to the cooling demand.
How many units are consumed by a fridge?
The number of units of electricity consumed by a fridge can be calculated by converting the watt hours to kilowatt hours (kWh), since one unit of electricity is equal to one kWh. Using the earlier example, a refrigerator using 4,800 watt-hours per day would consume about 4.8 kWh per day. This equates to approximately 144 kWh per month, which can be multiplied by your local electricity rate to estimate the cost.
How many watts does a mini fridge use?

A mini fridge generally uses between 50 to 100 watts, depending on its size, features, and energy efficiency. Some models may consume less, especially energy-efficient ones, making them ideal for small spaces like dorm rooms, offices, or as secondary cooling units.

What is the wattage of a frost-free refrigerator?

Frost-free refrigerators typically have a wattage range of 200 to 400 watts, depending on their capacity and features. This type of fridge uses a fan to circulate cold air, preventing frost buildup and maintaining consistent temperatures, which can slightly increase energy consumption compared to traditional models.

Does a higher wattage fridge consume more electricity?

Not necessarily. While higher wattage indicates more power consumption, energy efficiency ratings and usage patterns play crucial roles. A higher wattage fridge may use more electricity, but an energy-efficient model can operate effectively with lower overall consumption, leading to reduced electricity bills over time.

Can I use a low-wattage refrigerator with a generator?

Yes, you can use a low-wattage refrigerator with a generator, provided the generator's output meets the fridge's wattage requirements. Ensure that the generator can handle the starting wattage, as refrigerators may require more power when starting up, typically for a few seconds.

Show More Show Less