By / May 2, 2025

How Many Watts Does a Mini Fridge Use?

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Mini fridges are convenient appliances for small spaces, but understanding their energy usage is important for managing electricity costs and choosing the right power sources.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you calculate how many watts a mini fridge uses and how to power it efficiently.

How Many Watts Does a Mini Fridge Use?

Mini fridges use between 50 to 100 watts when running, with the most common rating being around 60 to 90 watts[1][3][4]. The exact wattage depends on the size and energy efficiency of the mini fridge. For example:

  • Small Mini Fridges (0.14 to 0.18 cu ft): About 48 watts.
  • Compact Mini Fridges (1 to 3.9 cu ft): Between 65 to 75 watts.
  • Larger Mini Fridges (4 to 6.9 cu ft): Around 80 to 90 watts.
  • Extra Large Mini Fridges (7 to 7.6 cu ft): Up to 100 watts[1][7].

How to Calculate the Wattage of Your Mini Fridge

  1. Check the Manual or Sticker: Look for the wattage on the manual or a sticker on the back of the mini fridge.
  2. Calculate from Volts and Amps: If only volts and amps are listed, multiply them to get the starting wattage. The running wattage is usually about one-third of this value[8][13].

How to Calculate Daily Energy Consumption

  1. Determine Running Hours: Mini fridges usually run for about 8 hours a day, as they cycle on and off[3][13].
  2. Calculate kWh: Multiply the running wattage by the number of hours it runs, then divide by 1,000 to get kWh[2][7].

Factors Affecting Energy Consumption

  • Size: Larger mini fridges use more energy.
  • Efficiency: Energy Star-rated models are more efficient.
  • Temperature Setting: Lower temperatures require more power.
  • Door Openings: Frequent door openings increase energy use[3][7].

How Much Electricity Does a Mini Fridge Use Per Day?

On average, a mini fridge uses about 0.5 to 1 kWh per day, depending on its size and efficiency[2][13]. Here are some examples:

  • Small Mini Fridge (50 watts): About 0.4 kWh per day.
  • Medium Mini Fridge (80 watts): Approximately 0.64 kWh per day.
  • Large Mini Fridge (100 watts): Around 0.8 kWh per day[2][7].

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Mini Fridge?

The cost depends on your local electricity rate. For example, if your rate is $0.12 per kWh, a mini fridge using 0.8 kWh per day would cost about $0.096 per day, or $2.88 per month[2].

Can a Portable Power Station Run a Mini Fridge?

Yes, a portable power station can run a mini fridge. You need a power station with an output that matches or exceeds the mini fridge’s running wattage. For example, a POWEREPUBLIC T1200 with a 1200W output can power a 100W mini fridge for about 9.5 hours[5].

What Size Portable Power Station Do I Need for a Mini Fridge?

Choose a power station with a capacity that can handle the mini fridge’s energy needs for the desired duration. For continuous operation, consider a power station with at least twice the wattage of the mini fridge[6].

10 Best Portable Power Stations for Mini Fridges

Here are ten portable power stations suitable for powering mini fridges, along with their features and why they’re recommended:

  1. POWEREPUBLIC T1200 Portable Power Station
  • Why It’s Good: Offers a 1200W output, suitable for small to medium mini fridges, with multiple outlets for charging other devices.
  • Features: 1110Wh capacity, 2400W surge power, compact design.
  1. Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station
  • Why It’s Good: Compact and portable, ideal for small mini fridges, with Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring.
  • Features: 1500W output, expandable capacity, fast charging.
  1. EcoFlow River Max Portable Power Station
  • Why It’s Good: Fast charging and affordable, suitable for small mini fridges.
  • Features: 576Wh capacity, compact design, multiple outlets.
  1. Anker Solix F1200 Portable Power Station
  • Why It’s Good: Offers high efficiency and a large capacity, suitable for larger mini fridges.
  • Features: 1229Wh capacity, UPS mode for seamless power transition.
  1. Dabbsson DBS2300 Portable Power Station
  • Why It’s Good: Modular design allows for capacity expansion, ideal for extended use.
  • Features: 2300Wh capacity, fast charging, expandable up to 8.33kWh.
  1. Geneverse HomePower One Portable Power Station
  • Why It’s Good: High usable capacity and compact design make it suitable for small to medium mini fridges.
  • Features: 1002Wh capacity, slow charging but reliable performance.
  1. BigBlue Cellpowa 500 Portable Power Station
  • Why It’s Good: Affordable and reliable for small mini fridges.
  • Features: 537.6Wh capacity, multiple outlets, good value for price.
  1. Fanttik Evo 300 Portable Power Station
  • Why It’s Good: Compact and easy to use, suitable for very small mini fridges.
  • Features: 299Wh capacity, clear display, lightweight.
  1. EcoFlow Delta 2 Portable Power Station
  • Why It’s Good: Fast charging and expandable capacity make it suitable for larger mini fridges.
  • Features: 1024Wh capacity, expandable to 2048Wh, fast charging.
  1. Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station
    • Why It’s Good: Lightweight and portable, ideal for small mini fridges and camping.
    • Features: 500Wh capacity, single 110-volt outlet, easy to carry.

Related Posts:

Citations:

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