How Much Does a Bar Fridge Cost to Run? (Real Data From 183 Models)

KingCave
2026-04-16T16:25:26+10:00

The short answer: Most popular bar fridges in Australia (118-165L) cost about $80–$150 per year to run—that’s roughly $1.50–$2.80 a week, depending on the model and your local power rates. Tiny 46L mini fridges can be as cheap as $20/year, while a big 370L glass door bar fridge might set you back $150–$250/year. Some commercial giants can chew through up to $1,331/year. So, for most homes and entertaining areas, expect under $3/week for a decent-sized bar fridge.

Running a commercial venue? See: Commercial Bar Fridge Running Costs.

To put it in perspective, running a typical bar fridge costs less than a single takeaway coffee per week. Even a larger 370L upright glass door bar fridge, at around $2.88/week, is still cheaper than a pint at most pubs. For smaller models, you’re looking at just 38 cents a week—less than a packet of gum. Compared to other household appliances, bar fridges are surprisingly affordable to operate: a clothes dryer or dishwasher can easily use more power in one or two loads than a mini fridge does in a whole week.

Quick Reference: Bar Fridge Running Cost Table

Capacity (L) | Annual Cost | Weekly Cost | Typical kWh/24h
46L | $20 | $0.38 | 0.21
68L | $21–$40 | $0.40–$0.77 | 0.22
98L | $50–$70 | $0.96–$1.34 | 0.7
118–165L (most popular) | $80–$150 | $1.54–$2.88 | 0.8–1.5
198–305L | $150–$250 | $2.88–$4.80 | 1.6–2.8
370L | $150–$250 | $2.88–$4.80 | 1.6
490L (2-door) | $300–$420 | $5.77–$8.07 | 3.5–5.0
737L (3-door) | $400–$600 | $7.69–$11.53 | 5.5–8.0
Full range | $20–$1,331 | $0.38–$25.60 | 0.21–14.22

How We Calculated These Numbers

Every fridge sold in Australia comes with an energy rating label showing its estimated annual energy use in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The calculation is simple: kWh per 24 hours × 365 × your electricity rate = annual running cost. For these numbers, we’ve used the Australian state averages—from 26c/kWh in Victoria up to 44c/kWh in South Australia, with 31c/kWh as a typical ballpark.

As an example, a 200L, 3.5-star bar fridge using 0.59 kWh per day at a 31.9c/kWh rate costs $69 per year (Sustainability Vic). This real-world figure is based on independent testing and reflects the efficiency of modern, mid-sized bar fridges available in Australia. If your fridge is older, less efficient, or runs in a hot environment, your costs could be higher.

We analysed real data from 183 bar fridge models—including compact bar fridges, glass door fridges, and classic under-bench units. The energy use figures come from manufacturer specs and independent testing.

Bar Fridge Running Cost by Size (With Real Examples)

Here’s what you’ll pay to run some of the most popular bar fridges in Australia:

46L Mini Bar Fridge View Product →

– $358:
0.21 kWh/24h, $20/year ($0.38/week)
Ideal for a couple of six-packs or hotel rooms. Whisper-quiet and cheap as chips to run.

68L Compact Bar Fridge View Product →

– $425:
0.22 kWh/24h, $21/year ($0.40/week)
Big enough for a footy night, still sips power.

95L Glass Door Wine Fridge View Product →

– $879:
0.7 kWh/24h, $66/year ($1.27/week)
Fancy glass, more space, a bit more juice.

370L Upright Glass Door Bar Fridge – $1,185:
1.6 kWh/24h, $150/year ($2.88/week)
Holds a party’s worth of drinks, but costs about as much to run as a decent lunch out.

For full specs and more options, see our Bar Fridges Australia range, or browse all mini bar fridges and quiet bar fridges.

What Affects Bar Fridge Running Cost?

A bar fridge’s running cost isn’t just about size. Here’s what makes the difference:

Fridge size/capacity: More litres = higher cost, but not always linearly. While doubling the size of your fridge will increase energy use, larger fridges tend to be more efficient per litre due to better insulation and more advanced compressors. However, if you buy a fridge that’s much bigger than you need, you’ll pay for unused capacity.

Door type: Glass doors use about 10–15% more power than solid doors because glass is a poorer insulator. If the glass is heated to prevent condensation, energy use can increase by another 10–20%. This can add up to $20–$40 more per year for a typical 370L upright fridge.

Heated glass: Some glass door fridges have built-in heaters to keep the glass clear in humid environments. While this prevents fogging, it also increases running costs—especially in areas with high humidity.

Ambient temperature: The temperature around your fridge has a huge impact on its running cost. A fridge kept indoors at a stable 20–25°C will use much less power than one in a hot garage or alfresco area. Australian garages can reach 37–40°C in summer according to user reports on the Whirlpool forums. For every degree above the recommended 3°C internal temperature, the compressor has to work harder, increasing energy use by roughly 4% per degree. In a hot garage, your running costs can easily double compared to an air-conditioned space. If your bar fridge is exposed to direct sun or high outdoor temps, insulation and ventilation become even more critical.

Compressor type: Inverter compressors are a game-changer for efficiency. Unlike standard compressors that switch on and off at full power, inverter compressors can run at variable speeds—using only as much energy as needed to maintain the set temperature. This means less wear and tear, quieter operation, and up to 30% lower running costs over time. If you’re buying a new bar fridge, look for inverter compressor models for the best long-term savings and reliability.

Usage habits: Frequent opening, overfilling, or poor ventilation behind the fridge all bump up energy use. Every time you open the door, cold air escapes and the compressor has to work harder to bring the temperature back down. Overfilling your fridge can block air circulation, while placing it flush against a wall or in a tight cabinet restricts ventilation—both of which make the fridge less efficient.

Want a custom setup for your alfresco or business? Check out our custom bar fridge options.

Glass Door vs Solid Door: Energy Difference

Glass door bar fridges are iconic for showing off your drinks, but they’re less efficient than solid door models. On average, a glass door bar fridge uses 10–15% more electricity than a comparable solid door unit. This is due to poorer insulation—and if the glass is heated (to prevent fogging), add another 10–20% on top.

For example, compare a 95L glass door model at 0.7 kWh/24h ($66/year) to a similar solid door at under 0.6 kWh/24h ($57/year). For a 370L upright, the difference can be $20–$40/year.

Want to compare side-by-side? Browse our full range of glass door bar fridges and solid door mini bar fridges.

How to Reduce Your Bar Fridge Running Costs

Set the right temp: 3°C is perfect for drinks. Every degree colder adds ~4% to your bill.

Good airflow: Leave space behind and above the fridge—don’t stuff it into a tight cupboard.

Keep the door shut: Less open time = less cold air lost.

Stock it right: Keep it reasonably full; cold drinks help keep the temp stable.

Check seals: Replace cracked or loose gaskets—leaky doors waste power.

Clean the coils: Dusty condenser coils make the fridge work harder. Quick vacuum every few months.

Choose efficient models: More stars = less power compared to similar fridges (read more).

Consider location: Keep your bar fridge out of direct sun and away from ovens or BBQs.

For energy-efficient picks, check out our mini bar fridges and quiet bar fridges for indoors, or our outdoor bar fridges for alfresco setups.

Bar Fridge Running Cost: FAQ

How much does a 46L mini bar fridge cost to run?

A typical 46L mini bar fridge uses just 0.21 kWh per day, costing around $20 per year or 38 cents a week to run (at 31c/kWh). See details here. The upfront price for this model is $358.

What’s the average running cost for a 120–160L bar fridge?

Most 120–160L bar fridges cost $80–$150 per year to run, depending on door type, energy rating, and your local power rate.

Do glass door bar fridges use more power?

Yes—glass door models use about 10–15% more power than solid door fridges of similar size. Heated glass can increase running costs further.

How much does a large (370L) upright bar fridge cost to run?

A 370L upright glass door bar fridge typically uses 1.6 kWh/day, costing about $150/year to run. Two-door and three-door models can be much higher, up to $600/year. The upfront price for a 370L upright glass door model is $1,185.

How much of my household power bill is from fridges?

Fridges and freezers account for around 13% of the average Australian household electricity bill (Momentum Energy). That means your bar fridge is a small but significant part of your overall energy use—worth keeping efficient!

Still have questions or need help picking the right model? Explore our Bar Fridges Australia collection or ask about a custom solution.

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