How much does a Refrigerator weigh? Weight of 5 Popular Types

Refrigerators are a necessity in every home. They are a necessity for storing food and keeping it cold. But do you know how much does a Refrigerator weigh?

It won’t be wrong to say a refrigerator is one of the key appliances in our humble abode. No wonder the design of our kitchen revolves around this appliance! But before you go about buying a new one, you must know the average weight of a refrigerator since these appliances are pretty bulky. Knowing how much does a refrigerator weigh will help you plan better when moving out or renovating your place.

The weight of a refrigerator can vary greatly depending on its size, type, and features. On average, a standard-sized refrigerator with a top freezer weighs around 250 pounds.

How much does a Refrigerator weigh? Average weight of 5 common types you should know

How much does a Refrigerator weigh? 5 Common types

As discussed earlier, the size and style of the fridge is the most significant factor in determining your new fridge weight. So, to help you choose the kind of style to go for, here are the different types of fridges you’ll come across and how much they generally weigh.

5 common types of refrigerators

Top Freezer Refrigerator

This one is the standard and most common form of refrigerator style. It has been the oldest design and is one of the lightest full-size fridge options. These fridges have a freezer in the top section while refrigeration is beneath. You can expect a top freezer to weigh somewhere around 180 and 280 pounds as far as weights go. The exact mass will depend on the model and manufacturer.

Side-by-side Refrigerator

Side by Side, or double door, refrigerators are spacious fridges that offer a large amount of storage. They are not only luxurious looking but are packed with the highest freezer space, which places them at a higher price segment. But if you have the space and budget, these fridges are the ones you should go for.

So, how much does a side-by-side refrigerator weigh? The average weight of a double-door fridge is 250 to 350 lbs. This again is subject to the number of features and the model you end up choosing.

Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

This one is the exact opposite of the top freezer. The freezer is at the bottom, and a compartment for refrigerated goods is at the top. Bottom freezer refrigerator weighs almost the same as a top freezer fridge (180-280 pounds), but the appliance tends to be heavier since the freezer is at the bottom.

French Door Refrigerator

These fridges give a royal look to your kitchen. They fall in the same category as the double-door fridge but have freezer drawers beneath the doors. Since these fridges have freezer drawers and double-door refrigeration compartments, their storage space is unbeatable. This, however, comes with an additional cost and weight.

So, how much does a French door fridge weigh? With an average weight of 250 to 350 lbs, the French door fridge weighs almost the same as a double door fridge.

Mini Fridge (Compact Refrigerator)

As the name suggests, these are compact-sized fridges perfect for giving you additional storage options for small spaces like a personal room or in a college dorm. So how much does a mini fridge weigh? Well, on average, a mini-fridge weighs between 30 to 50 lbs.

Why are Refrigerators so heavy? Refrigerators weight distribution

A refrigerator comprises various elements that make it a heavy appliance. Let’s break these components down to get a clearer picture:

Refrigerator Size 

The bigger your fridge’s size, the heavier it will be. In addition to the size, the model of this appliance will also affect its weight. For example, a French Door Fridge will be bulkier than a contemporary one with a bottom freezer. This is because the extra compartments ultimately add to the fridge weight.

Refrigerator Material 

The common materials used to make a fridge include Metal, Ceramic, and Plastic. A common form of plastic used in a fridge’s composition is polyurethane. Since this material has a low density, it helps cut down the overall weight of the fridge. Metal and ceramic, on the other hand, tend to be heavier. So, fridges made from these materials will weigh a lot more.

Refrigerator Add-ons and Shelves

Another feature that can affect a refrigerator’s weight is the number of add-ons it boasts. This includes shelving and racks. If a fridge has glass racks, it would be heavier than one with shelves made from plastic. 

Refrigerator Manufacturing Year

This one is simple to understand. Old fridges were made using heavy materials because the technology back then was not as sophisticated as it is now. In fact, the average weight of a fridge that was manufactured 10-20 years ago will be almost 250 pounds more than the weight of modern fridges.

Final Thoughts

The refrigerator market is full of variety and options. But before buying a new fridge for your home, make sure you know its weight, as this will directly impact refrigerator’s portability and cost. So, whether you’re in the market for a new refrigerator or just curious about the weight of your current one, I hope this article has provided you with valuable information to make informed decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fridges heavy?
The short answer is yes, fridges can be heavy, but the weight can vary depending on the type and size of the fridge. Larger fridges typically weigh more than smaller fridges due to the additional insulation, components, and materials required to keep them cool.

The materials used to manufacture a fridge can also affect its weight. For example, a refrigerator made with stainless steel will typically weigh more than one made with plastic or other lightweight materials.
How heavy is an empty fridge?
An empty fridge can weigh between 30 lbs to 350 lbs depending on the refrigerator’s type, size, build materials, and manufacturing year.
Is it OK to transport a refrigerator laying down?
People often wonder if it is safe to transport a refrigerator lying down. In general, the answer is yes. However, a few exceptions should be noted: If the fridge is too heavy or too large to be moved with ease, then it is not safe to transport it lying down.
Why do you have to wait 24 hours to plug in a fridge?
Many people are under the belief that they have to wait 24 hours before plugging in their refrigerator. This is not actually true. In fact, you can plug in your refrigerator right away if it has a grounded outlet.