How much does a refrigerator cost?
How much does a refrigerator cost?
$600 – $2,300 average cost of a refrigerator (unit only)
$75 – $200 average refrigerator installation cost (labor only)
New fridge cost
A new refrigerator costs $675 to $2,500 installed on average. A new fridge costs $600 to $2,300 for the unit. Standard refrigerator installation labor costs $75 to $200. The labor cost to install a built-in refrigerator is $250 to $450. Refrigerator prices depend on the size, type, and brand.
| Type | Price range | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $200 – $600 |
|
| Good | $600 – $2,300 |
|
| Great | $2,300 – $5,000 |
|
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Refrigerator Installation cost
Refrigerator installation costs $75 to $200 on average, including delivery and hooking it up to existing connections. In comparison, general appliance installation costs $150 to $350 per appliance for labor only.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| New fridge | $600 – $2,300 |
| Delivery and installation | $75 – $200 |
| Total cost | $675 – $2,500 |
Installation cost factors include:
Type – Freestanding models are cheaper to install than built-in models.
Stairs – Companies charge $10 to $25 extra for each flight of stairs they climb.
New outlet – The cost to install an electrical outlet is $150 to $350.
New circuit – The cost to install a new electrical circuit is $250 to $900 for upgrading an old home for a new refrigerator.
Water line – A new water-line for an appliance costs $500 to $1,000.
Door removal – Narrow entryways may require installers to remove the fridge door to bring it inside the house, which raises labor costs.
Reversing hinges – For an extra fee, installers alter fridge doors to swing open on the other side for easier opening in small kitchens.
Removal & disposal – Removing the old fridge costs $50 to $150 on average, including disposal. Some companies offer free removals with a new fridge purchase.
Refrigerator water line installation cost
Refrigerator water line installation costs $500 to $1,000 depending on the materials used. The flexible water line tubing feeds the automatic ice maker and chilled-water dispenser. Most installers connect a water tube to kitchen-sink pipes.
Important: Fridges that aren’t near a sink need a plumber to add longer connections to the water supply.
Average cost of a refrigerator by type
Fridge prices depend on the size, type, and features.
A basic refrigerator costs $300 to $1,000 for a top-freezer model.
A mini fridge costs $100 to $400 for under-counter types.
A big fridge costs $1,200 to $3,000 for side-by-side and French door units.
| Fridge type | Price range |
|---|---|
| Top-freezer fridge | $300 – $1,000 |
| Bottom-freezer fridge | $700 – $2,000 |
| French door fridge | $1,300 – $3,000 |
| Side-by-side fridge | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Counter-depth fridge | $900 – $2,400 |
| Freezer-less fridge | $800 – $1,800 |
| Deep freezer prices | $350 – $1,100 |
| Smart fridge | $1,300 – $3,500 |
| Mini fridge | $100 – $400 |
| Beverage coolers | $250 – $1,300 |
| Wine coolers | $400 – $1,200 |
| Kegerators (refrigerators for kegs) | $400 – $1,400 |
*Unit prices only.
Cost factors of a new refrigerator are:
Brand – Expensive fridge brands cost more for designer finishes like stainless-steel coatings or wood paneling.
Size – Prices increase for larger fridges with more storage space inside.
Depth – Units that install flush with surrounding cabinets cost more than standard sizes that stick out more.
Smart fridge – The most expensive refrigerators have Wi-Fi connections for remote-access features and touchscreens.
ENERGY STAR – Units with higher energy efficiency cost more.
Extras – Fridges with a special icemaker or water-dispenser features have higher material and installation costs.
Warranties – Extended protection plans cost $100 to $300 extra for 2 to 5 years.
Refrigerator pricing by size
The following table shows refrigerator pricing by size:
| Interior capacity (cubic feet) | Average price range |
|---|---|
| Mini (2 – 9) | $100 – $400 |
| Small (10 – 15) | $400 – $1,200 |
| Medium (16 – 20) | $600 – $1,800 |
| Large (21 – 25) | $1,000 – $2,300 |
| Extra-large (26 – 32) | $1,300 – $3,000 |
*Unit prices only.
Built-in refrigerator installation cost
A built-in refrigerator costs $2,250 to $10,450 installed on average. A built-in fridge blends into surrounding counters or cabinets of the same depth with matching trim. Some models have front panels to match cabinet doors. This installation is more complex and expensive than freestanding fridges.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Built-in fridge unit | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| Installation labor | $250 – $450 |
| Total cost | $2,250 – $20,450 |
Additional costs may include:
Custom cabinets cost $500 to $1,200 per linear foot installed.
Optional pre-made refrigerator end panels cost $200 to $450 each installed.
Installing a new electrical outlet costs $150 to $350.
The cost to install a new electrical circuit is $250 to $900. Install new circuits to bring old wiring up to code or for upgrading to fridges that use more power.
Refrigerator installation FAQs
How long do refrigerators last?
Refrigerators last for 10 to 20 years on average with proper maintenance.
Make your refrigerator last longer by:
Vacuuming the condenser coils under the fridge every 6 months
Preventing overcrowding to keep air movement in the fridge
De-frosting freezers when frost builds up
Inspecting and cleaning door gaskets every 4 months
Changing water and air filters regularly
Watching the temperatures to make sure the fridge is working
When to replace a refrigerator
You should replace your refrigerator when it is more than 10 years old, has an expired warranty, and needs major repairs.
Signs that you should replace your refrigerator include:
Condensation leaves moisture or frost inside the unit.
The motor is running hot.
Buzzing sounds come from the refrigerator.
The refrigerator is silent, which indicates compressor failure.
Your electric bill has suddenly increased.
Food inside the fridge spoils quickly.
The doors don’t close fully.
You receive an expensive repair quote.
Repairs are becoming frequent.
Who installs refrigerators?
Technicians from Home Depot, Lowe’s, and local appliance stores will install refrigerators. A handyman, appliance repairman, or plumber can also do this task. Installing a fridge takes about 30 to 60 minutes for hookups to existing connections. Removing an old fridge as well takes twice as long.
How much does it cost to run a refrigerator?
The cost to run a refrigerator is $3 to $8 per month on average or up to $20 per month for models more than 10 years old. Total costs depend on local electricity rates. ENERGY STAR certified units and fridges with a top freezer are the most efficient models.
Do you tip refrigerator installers?
You can tip a refrigerator installer $10 to $20 per person. Refrigerator installers don’t expect tips. A cold drink or a snack is also welcome. Many people only tip if the installation is difficult.
Can you install a fridge yourself?
You can install a fridge yourself. However, most retailers offer free installation with a fridge purchase. If installing a fridge in a new place, hire a plumber first for water line installation for the built-in ice maker.
To install a refrigerator:
After hauling the unit inside, use a leveling tool to check that it stands properly. Adjust the feet with a wrench to level it if necessary.
Connect the water-supply line if you have a built-in ice maker. You may need to buy a new connection kit.
Let the fridge sit for 4 or more hours before plugging it in.
Plug in the electrical cord and slide the unit into place.
Adjust the temperature or finish the setup according to the owner’s manual.
A refrigerator should sit for 4 to 24 hours after moving to avoid damaging the appliance.
Getting estimates and hiring a refrigerator installer
Before hiring an appliance installer near you, be sure to:
Compare three detailed estimates.
Make sure to hire licensed, bonded, and insured companies.
Look for appliance technicians with ASF or NASTeC certification.
Ask for references and read their Google and HomeGuide reviews.
Choose companies with 5 or more years of experience.
Get a signed contract and warranty before installation begins.
Avoid low estimates that can signal low-quality work.
Pay only when the job is complete.
Questions to ask
How long have you been installing refrigerators?
Does this price include delivery and installation?
How long does it take to install this model?
Will more than one technician drop off and install the fridge?
What happens if you damage my flooring?
How long after installation should I wait before using the new fridge?
Will you level the fridge and set the temperature?
Do you set up the Wi-Fi connection and smart settings?
Will you install water lines for my ice maker and water dispenser?
If I upgrade to a bigger fridge, do you know someone who alters cabinets?
Where do I get replacement water filters?
Can you install a new outlet for my refrigerator?
Will you haul away my old refrigerator, and does that cost extra?
What happens if you find out the fridge is defective during installation?
How long does this fridge warranty last?
Do you offer monthly financing plans?