How Much Does a Refrigerator Cost to Install?
A refrigerator costs anywhere from $500 to $12,000 or more, but most homeowners can budget around $1,500 for the average cost of a new refrigerator.
When calculating your new appliance cost, you’ll need to budget for more than just the refrigerator price. Delivery and installation can add to the overall price, and you may even need to hire a plumber to install a waterline. Our refrigerator cost guide breaks down these and other factors important for calculating the final price.
Average Cost to Install a Refrigerator
| Average Cost | High Cost | Low Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500 | $12,000+ | $500 |
Refrigerator Costs by Type
Refrigerators typically cost between $1,000 and $2,000, but prices vary based on the type of fridge you get. For example:
A brushed steel Energy Star-certified fridge with a top freezer is around $500.
A stainless steel Whirlpool model with French doors is about$1,900.
Mini fridges start as low as $100.
A premium smart fridge can cost nearly $12,000.
The table below breaks down the average refrigerator price range by type. Keep in mind that appliance installation costs are around $100 to $280.
| Type of Fridge | Average Unit Price Range |
|---|---|
| Mini fridge | $100 – $450 |
| Freezer on top | $400 – $3,000 |
| No freezer | $580 – $3,000 |
| Freezer on bottom | $750 – $4,000 |
| Side by side | $1,000 – $10,000 |
| French doors | $1,200 – $11,000 |
| Smart | $2,000 – $12,000 |
Additional Refrigerator Cost Factors
High-end fridges may come with ice makers and water purification systems, which can add to the cost. Additionally, if you’re looking for a refrigerator that sits flush with your countertops rather than jut out, expect to pay a premium. Another refrigerator price factor to consider is the finish type, with stainless steel usually being more expensive.
Smart fridges and other smart kitchen appliances have grown in popularity in the past few years. They’re the priciest models but come equipped with Wi-Fi, touchscreens, internal cameras, and other features. You can sync up smartphones or tablets to program, monitor, and control these smart appliances as well.
Refrigerator Features by Budget Range
How much is a refrigerator? The average fridge costs around $1,000 to $2,000, but you can find refrigerators for as little as $500 or as much as $12,000.
Refrigerators: $500–$1,000
Finding a refrigerator on a tight budget is possible. You can find basic fridges for as little as $500. In the $500 to $1,000 refrigerator price range, you might find fridges with a freezer on top or bottom (or no freezer at all). Budget-friendly refrigerators don’t usually come with all the bells and whistles, like ice dispensers, auditory alarms when the door is left open, or stainless steel finishes.
If you get closer to the higher end of this range, you might be able to find an Energy Star-certified refrigerator, indicating the U.S. Department of Energy’s seal of approval for energy efficiency.
Additionally, mini fridges (also called undercounter refrigerators) start as low as $100—even less if you find a good sale price.
Refrigerators: $1,000–$2,000
The average refrigerator costs between $1,000 and $2,000. At this price range, you can afford a side-by-side refrigerator combo, French doors (with the freezer on the bottom), and fridges with freezers on top or bottom with higher-quality finishes.
At this level, expect more shelving customization, access to more temperature controls, and often filtered water and ice-making capabilities. Keep in mind this could mean more upkeep down the road. For example, ice maker repair costs around $300 to $430.
Also, finding an Energy Star-certified appliance in this budget range won’t be challenging.
Refrigerators: $2,000–$12,000
With $2,000 or more in your refrigerator budget, your options are much wider. Expect premium finishes, energy-efficient technology, and even counter-depth options, meaning the fridge won’t jut out past your countertops.
These high-end refrigerators are generally easier to customize with multiple shelving layouts and temperature settings. They’re also larger by volume so you can store more food in them.
Depending on the unit you purchase, you might also be able to find luxury features like:
Smart technology to sync with a phone or tablet
Quick-access doors
Glass see-through doors
Touchscreens
Air filtration systems to fight food odor
Built-In Refrigerator Installation Cost
When you buy a standard fridge from a big-box retailer, it may include delivery and installation in the price or available for a small fee (about $100 to $200, or a little more for a kitchen not on the first floor). But if you have a refrigerator built into your kitchen so it’s placed seamlessly into the cabinetry and countertops, expect a higher installation cost.
Installing a built-in fridge costs between $2,900 and $6,130, including both labor and the appliance itself. High-end models can take the price to $12,000 or more. Often, built-in refrigerators are one small part of larger kitchen remodel costs, which average nearly $26,000.
Here are some additional costs you might need to consider when getting a built-in fridge:
Custom cabinets cost: $2,430–$9,600
Junk removal cost: $130–$350
Adding a refrigeration cooling system cost: $480
Refrigerator Waterline Installation Cost
The price to install a waterline ranges from $75 to $130. However, if your new fridge doesn’t have an ice maker or water dispenser, you can skip this step. You also won’t need a waterline if the model you’re replacing already has an ice and water dispenser.
Having ice and water readily available is a huge convenience that could be worth the extra cost. If you decide to go this route, you’ll need to hire a plumber for waterline installation.
DIY Fridge Installation vs. Hiring a Professional
When you buy a new refrigerator from a store, you may be able to arrange for delivery and installation. But if the store charges extra and you have a way of transporting and safely installing the fridge yourself, it’s a fairly easy DIY task.
If the new fridge contains an ice maker and water dispenser and your previous fridge did not, you’ll need the help of a plumber to install a waterline. And if the fridge is part of a larger kitchen renovation, it likely makes more sense to find a general contractor near you to coordinate all the necessary pros like electricians and cabinet installers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow these general steps to install a refrigerator safely and properly:
Inspect the area where you want the fridge to go and ensure you get one that fits.
Measure the air gap as specified by the manufacturer before bringing it in.
Unload the fridge and use moving equipment to get it inside.
Connect to the power and waterline.
Maneuver the fridge into the right spot, leaving at least 2 inches of space from the back wall.
No, a refrigerator only needs a waterline if it needs to dispense water or ice. Older and budget-friendly fridges don’t usually have these capabilities and thus don’t need a waterline. If you’re replacing an older fridge with a new one that requires a waterline, you’ll need to find a local plumber to assist with waterline installation.
A built-in fridge fits in line with your kitchen cabinets. Instead of sticking out like most fridges, it’s built into the cabinetry. The result is a sleeker look and a more spacious kitchen. Full-size built-in fridges have become more common, but you can also find smaller ones that fit beneath an island or countertop. However, because built-in fridges may require custom cabinetry, installation can be more expensive.
You should replace a refrigerator if it’s old and needs repair. While some repairs might buy you more time, you’re probably better off buying a new fridge if it’s at least 10 years old and no longer working.
For reference, refrigerator repair costs around $200 to $330—not likely worth it if the model is nearing the end of its life.
The average refrigerator costs around $65 a year to run. Larger fridges with side-by-side doors can cost more than $100 a year to run.
To keep running costs down, buy an energy-efficient model with the Energy Star logo, which may only cost around $25 to $50 a year to run, depending on the size. The Department of Energy has a helpful resource to determine how much money you’ll save each year by purchasing an energy-efficient refrigerator.
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