So, how much does a refrigerator weigh? With the advent of new technology, more advanced refrigerators are available on the market with multiple features.
Between food safety requirements, emerging cuisines, and the evolution of the food industry, our need for proper refrigeration (and kitchen appliances in general) has grown by leaps and bounds. One important part of purchasing a refrigerator is considering its weight, especially when it comes to logistics.
In this article, we’ll explore how much an average refrigerator weighs and what factors determine its weight.
What’s the Average Weight of a Refrigerator?
There are so many types of refrigerators available that the weight of one refrigerator may differ widely from that of another. Generally, the weight can vary between 100 to 400 pounds, with the average refrigerator weight being 250 pounds.
The weight of a refrigerator can also be determined in terms of its capacity. They weigh 12 pounds per cubic foot on average. Thus, a 20 cubic feet refrigerator would weigh somewhere around 240 pounds.
How Much Does a Refrigerator Weigh? Key Factors Impacting Weight
It is important to understand the major factors that influence the weight of a refrigerator before making a purchase. Here are a few things to consider:
Ice Maker
These days, a modern fridge rarely comes without a built-in ice maker. Some refrigerators are available with a huge ice-making capacity. However, this also adds to the weight of the refrigerator.
Fridges manufactured in the 1990s and earlier didn’t typically feature an ice dispenser. Thus, if they were manufactured with the same lightweight materials as used today, their weight would be much lighter (almost 20 pounds lighter).
Depth/Capacity
The capacities of refrigerators directly impact their weight. Naturally, a refrigerator with more capacity would weigh more.
It is important to note that the height of the fridge plays little or no role in determining its weight. However, an excess fridge volume of 4 cubic feet might increase the weight of your refrigerator by 60 pounds.
Age
If you own one of the fridges made before the 2000s, it would weigh more than some modern ones, despite having fewer features. This is due to the material used in their manufacturing.
Modern refrigerators are made of lightweight materials such as stainless steel and aluminum. This allows manufacturers to stack up more features without going overboard with the weight of refrigerators.
Types and Materials
Different types of refrigerators would weigh differently owing to varied features and manufacturing materials. Keep reading to learn about specific types of refrigerators:
Side-by-Side Refrigerators
This is the most popular type of refrigerator around. The doors open on each side, meeting at the center when closed.
With convenient features (like ice makers and water dispensers), these can weigh up to 285 pounds on average. A fridge with a lower capacity (21 cubic feet) would weigh 240 pounds, while the maximum weight in this category can be 320 pounds.
French Door Refrigerators
These massive refrigerators are becoming increasingly popular in modern homes. They resemble a side-by-side refrigerator with an added freezer drawer(s) at the bottom.
Weighing around 305 pounds on average, these French door fridges are some of the heaviest refrigerators available.
Bottom-Freezer Fridges
These are preferred by people looking for storage solutions. Both halves of the fridge have single doors. With huge storage space (storing up to 20 bags of groceries) and a freezer at the bottom, they weigh much less than the previous two refrigerators.
With an approximate weight of 210 pounds, they are relatively light for a full-sized refrigerator and easy to move.
The heaviest type of bottom fridge refrigerator matches the average weight of a side-by-side one (290 pounds). Though not as stylish as its earliest counterparts, it certainly outweighs them.
Top-Freezer Refrigerator
This can be described as the inverted form of its predecessor, with the freezer located at the top. These were more popular in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
This is one of the lightest full-sized refrigerators, with standard depth fridges weighing just 170 pounds on average and the heaviest ones barely touching the 200-pound mark. They are logistic-friendly and easy to relocate.
Mini-Fridges
You might have seen a mini-fridge in hotel rooms, college dorms, and resorts. These have limited domestic use and are smaller in terms of capacity.
Weighing just 60 pounds on average, moving these mini versions of the heaviest appliance can usually be a one-person job.
Features
The relationship between fridge weight and the number of features in it is directly proportional. A modern refrigerator is packed with features such as:
- Internal water dispensers
- Tilt and take drawers
- Wine storage shelves
- Ice beam doors
- Insulated capillary
- Customizable interiors (chillers and crispers)
Although these sorts of features enhance the refrigeration experience, it also adds to the weight of the appliance. When compared with early 21st century models, modern refrigerators turn out to be heavier due to these innovative features.
Will a Heavy Refrigerator Damage My Floor?
Now that you understand how much a refrigerator weighs and why, it’s important to acknowledge the floor damage a heavy kitchen appliance can cause. There are a couple of factors that determine the possible damage to your floor.
Type of Flooring
A more robust floor such as that made of durable hardwood or strong tiles could withstand heavy weights with ease. On the other hand, a linoleum or soft hardwood floor might show signs of damage, or even a dent, when the fridge is moved.
Thus, you must keep in mind the weight-bearing capacity of your flooring material before purchasing a refrigerator.
Casters
These are the small wheels below the fridge that make it easy to move. A fridge without casters is difficult to move and might cause floor damage, especially if it is not made of durable material.
In contrast, refrigerators with casters are convenient to relocate. Even a delicate floor can withstand heavy refrigerators with casters.
Final Thoughts
A refrigerator is one of the most important home appliances. Thus, you want to be intentional in selecting a refrigerator that will fulfill your needs.
As you prepare to purchase a fridge, consider how much a refrigerator weighs, as well as any logistical limitations in your home. That way you can make a well-informed decision.
For more kitchen appliance reviews and purchase tips, read more at All Great Appliances.
