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How much electricity does a freezer cost? What is the difference in electricity costs between a large freezer versus a small one? We will discuss this and much more in this article.
A distinction is typically made between two types of freezers: Cabinet freezers and chest freezers. The table below shows an overview of the average electricity costs associated with these two types of freezers. Further down in the article, we will delve deeper into the electricity costs.
| Type | Monthly electricity costs | Annual electricity costs |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet freezer | £6 | £68 |
| Chest freezer | £7 | £82 |
The calculation of electricity costs is based on the average energy consumption across the freezers represented in our freezer comparison. An electricity price of £0.3 per kWh is used.
Cabinet freezers are generally less energy-efficient than chest freezers, as they are typically opened more often and retain the cold less effectively due to their design. On the other hand, cabinet freezers are more practical for daily use.
Cabinet freezers come in many sizes, which affects their energy consumption. The energy consumption across cabinet freezers varies from 137 – 294 kWh, depending on the model. The average energy consumption among cabinet freezers is 228 kWh.
Based on an energy consumption of 228 kWh and an electricity price of £0.3 per kWh, the cabinet freezer will use £68 of electricity annually.
In the following table, we have compared the electricity costs associated with the cabinet freezer and the highest energy consumption, the model with the lowest energy consumption, and the average across cabinet freezers:
| Cabinet freezer | Monthly electricity costs | Annual electricity costs |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet freezer with the lowest energy consumption (137 kWh) | £3 | £41 |
| Cabinet freezer with the highest energy consumption (294 kWh) | £7 | £88 |
| Average cabinet freezer (228 kWh) | £6 | £68 |
Be aware that the actual electricity costs associated with a cabinet freezer will depend on several factors, including how it is used (how large the food items being frozen are, temperature settings, how often it is opened, etc.) and your local electricity price.
Chest freezers are generally more energy-efficient than cabinet freezers, primarily due to their design. Like cabinet freezers, chest freezers are available in many different sizes, which greatly influences their energy consumption.
The annual energy consumption of chest freezers varies from 231 – 330 kWh. The average energy consumption is 272 kWh.
A chest freezer with an energy consumption of 272 kWh and an electricity price of £0.3 per kWh will use £82 of electricity annually.
In the following table, you can get an overview of the electricity costs for chest freezers with different energy consumption sizes:
| Chest freezer | Monthly electricity costs | Annual electricity costs |
|---|---|---|
| Chest freezer with the lowest energy consumption (231 kWh) | £6 | £69 |
| Chest freezer with the highest energy consumption (330 kWh) | £8 | £99 |
| Average chest freezer (272 kWh) | £7 | £82 |
All freezers have an energy label that shows their annual energy consumption. In the following graph, you can get an insight into how energy consumption is distributed between cabinet freezers and chest freezers:
As the graph shows, there is a significant difference in energy consumption across the freezers.
