Bar Fridge Running Costs Australia — What You'll Actually Pay
Most bar fridges cost $30-$80/year in electricity. A typical 100L glass door model uses about 1-1.5kWh per day, which works out to roughly $0.30-$0.50/day at average Australian electricity rates.
Everything you need to know about energy costs for bar fridges in Australia, answered with real data.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a bar fridge cost to run per year?
Most bar fridges cost $30-$80/year in electricity. A typical 100L glass door model uses about 1-1.5kWh per day, which works out to roughly $0.30-$0.50/day at average Australian electricity rates.
Are larger bar fridges more expensive to run?
Generally yes, but not proportionally. A 370L fridge might only cost 50% more to run than a 100L model because larger compressors are more efficient per litre of cooling.
Does opening the door a lot increase running costs?
Yes, but less than you'd think. Each door opening lets warm air in, which the compressor needs to cool. Glass door fridges help here — you can see what's inside without opening the door.
Are heated glass door fridges more expensive to run?
Slightly. The heating element that prevents condensation uses a small amount of extra power — typically adding $10-$20/year to running costs. Worth it to avoid a foggy door.
What energy star rating should I look for?
For bar fridges, anything with a visible energy star rating is good. Most speciality bar fridges don't carry star ratings as they're in a different product class, but the best ones publish their kWh/24h figures so you can calculate costs directly.