Mini fridges are a great way to get quick access to your favourite food and drinks, whether it be in your bedroom, office or small kitchen. But how much power do mini fridges actually use?
If you’re wondering whether mini fridges use a lot of electricity, the short answer is: no, mini fridges don’t use a lot of electricity compared to standard-sized models.
Most consume between 50–150 kWh per year, depending on factors such as their size, efficiency rating, and how much you use it.
Let’s explore this further. Read on for everything you need to know about mini fridge electricity usage, from how much they use compared to other appliances to how to reduce power consumption.
Key Takeaways
- Most mini fridges use between 50–150 kWh per year (much less than a full-sized fridge!)
- Running costs are typically between £15–£30 per year, depending on electricity rates and model efficiency
- Choosing an energy-efficient mini fridge and maintaining it properly can significantly lower power consumption
What Is a Mini Fridge?
A mini fridge is just like a regular fridge, but as the name suggests, it’s smaller in size. It’s a compact refrigerator designed for small spaces or secondary use. Their capacities usually have capacities of anything between 30 litres and 100 litres. This is the equivalent of around 40 x 330ml cans to 200+ x 330ml cans.
Mini fridges are commonly used in:
- Bedrooms and dorm rooms
- Office spaces
- Hotel rooms
- Home bars or wine storage areas
Their compact size makes them perfect for chilling drinks, snacks, or cosmetics without taking up much space or energy.
Types of Cooling Technology:
Mini fridges typically use one of three different cooling systems:
- Compressor-based fridges are generally more energy-efficient and maintain consistent temperatures.
- Thermoelectric fridges are quieter but may consume more power in warmer conditions. (find out whether they're worth it here!)
- Absorption fridges (less common) are more energy-intensive and often used in mobile homes or off-grid settings.
Features:
- Compact design – Fits easily in tight spaces
- Low power draw – Consumes less energy than standard fridges
- Adjustable thermostat – Lets you control cooling levels
- Variety of types – Thermoelectric, compressor, or absorption
- Quiet operation – Many are designed for low noise levels
Pros & Cons:
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Low energy consumption |
Limited storage capacity |
|
Affordable to run |
Temperature fluctuations in cheaper models |
|
Portable and convenient |
May not be suitable for perishable food |
|
Ideal for offices or bedrooms |
Some models can be noisy |
How to Calculate Mini Fridge Power Consumption
To estimate how much electricity your mini fridge uses, follow this formula:
➤ Power (Watts) ÷ 1000 × Hours Used per Day × 365 = kWh per Year
For example, a 70-watt mini fridge running 8 hours per day uses:
70÷1000=0.07 kW0.07×8×365 = 204.4 kWh/year
At an electricity rate of £0.26 per kWh (as per the Ofgem energy price cap to Dec 2025), that’s around £53 per year. Many efficient models use far less power — around 100 kWh/year, which would cost around £26 per year.
Do Mini Fridges Use a Lot of Electricity?
No, not when compared to standard-sized refrigerators. Mini fridges are very energy efficient compared to full-sized fridges:
- Large fridges typically use around 300–800 kWh/year
- Mini fridges usually use less than 150 kWh/year
That being said, energy consumption can vary depending on several factors:
- Compressor type (Compressor fridges are usually more energy efficient than thermoelectric)
- Size and temperature settings (Bigger fridges or colder settings = more power consumption)
- Usage habits (Opening the door frequently or overloading the fridge makes it work harder)
What Affects Mini Fridge Power Consumption?
Mini fridges are generally considered energy-efficient, but there are some factors that can determine how much electricity they use.
Size and Capacity
The size of the unit matters – larger mini fridges (or fridges with built-in freezer compartments) will use more power as there is more space to cool. A compact 30-litre fridge will use far less energy than a 100-litre model running at the same temperature.
Energy Efficiency Rating
Most appliances, including mini fridges, come with energy labels (A+++ to G). If you choose a higher-rated model, it will use much less electricity as it’s designed to maintain cooler temperatures with minimal power.
Most new models are in the E category, but you might find older models that are F-rated or G-rated. You can find mini fridges with an energy efficiency score of A+, but these won’t usually reach lower temperatures.
Ambient Room Temperature
Did you know the temperature of the room your mini fridge is in can also affect power consumption? If your fridge is in a hot room, near a radiator or in direct sunlight, the compressor has to work harder to maintain the cool temperature, which increases energy consumption.
Door Seals and Insulation
If the doors are damaged, cold air escapes, which means the fridge has to work harder to cool (and use more power!). Likewise, if your fridge has poor insulation, it will need to use more energy to maintain a stable temperature. Make sure you regularly check and clean the door seals to keep your mini fridge working efficiently.
Fridge Contents
Overloading your fridge can reduce its efficiency – but so can leaving your fridge too empty. A partly stocked fridge has fewer items to absorb and retain cold air, while an overfilled fridge blocks airflow. Both can make it harder to maintain temperature. We recommend that you keep your mini fridge moderately stocked for best efficiency.
Mini Fridge Energy Use vs Other Appliances
|
Appliance |
Average Annual Energy Use (kWh) |
Estimated Cost (per year) |
|
Mini fridge |
50 - 150 |
£15 - £45 |
|
Standard fridge-freezer |
300 - 800 |
£90 - £240 |
|
Microwave oven |
120 |
£36 |
|
Television (LED) |
60 - 100 |
£18 - £30 |
|
Laptop |
50 |
£15 |
Note – Estimated costs are based on an electricity rate of £0.30 per kWh – this can vary depending on your electricity provider.
How Can I Reduce Mini Fridge Power Consumption?
Here are the top 5 quick and easy ways you can save energy costs on your mini fridge:
- Keep it full but not overloaded – A well-stocked fridge maintains temperature more efficiently
- Avoid placing it near heat sources – Such as radiators or ovens
- Clean the coils regularly – To improve airflow and performance
- Set the right temperature – Around 3–5°C is perfect for most mini fridges
- Choose an energy-efficient model – With a high energy rating and eco features
Mini Wine Fridges at Elite Wine
If you’re looking for a small, energy-efficient fridge to chill your drinks, look no further than Elite Wine Refrigeration. We have a range of top-quality mini wine coolers available to buy from leading brands such as Dunavox and Vestfrost.
Our compact models are perfect for bedrooms, kitchens, or offices – so check out our mini wine fridges for sale today.