Refrigerator Weight Explained
Jason Tucker
- March 18, 2025
- 5 Min Read

Knowing the refrigerator weight will become extremely important when the refrigerator in question ought to be moved, sold or disposed of.
The fact is refrigerators can weigh a lot and that means the transport of this appliance will be affected by the weight and the price of transportation, even the loading that an apartment floor must sustain.
You should therefore weigh that refrigerator so that you can make a sound judgment on how to obtain it through the moving process safely.
Types of Refrigerators
Mini Refrigerator
- Average weight 30 to 60 lb (14 to 27 kg)
- Usually found in dorms, offices or kitchens.
Top-Freezer Refrigerator
- Average weight-150 to 200 lb (68 to 91 kg)
- Freezer usually sits on top of the fridge.
Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator
- Average weight-200 to 250 lb (91 to 113 kg)
- Generally installed to allow easier access to fresh food storage.
Side by Sides
- Average weight-250-350 lb (113-159 kg)
- Vertical compartments are given for both sides.
French door refrigerators
- An average of 280 to 450 lb (127-204 kg)
- They have a double door on the top and a drawer below for the freezer.
Commercial Refrigerators
Weight averages from about 400 lb (181 kg) going all the way up to about 1200 lb (544 kg). Generally designed for use in restaurants and commercial settings where storage is a much higher priority.
Factors That Affect Refrigerator Weight
Size and capacity
Heavier refrigerator should have more weight for added materials and mechanisms being larger and holding much more storage.
Material composition
Despite the plastics or lighter metal, stainless-steel refrigerators tend to be heavier.
Additional features
A modern fridge is pretty much likely to have an internal ice maker, a water dispenser, or even smart technology which adds more weight than a less facilitated model.
Insulation and cooling systems
More weight goes away when it comes with the insulation heavy duty cooling appliances have made.
Refrigerator safely moving methods
Empty the fridge
Keep only external food, drink and loose appliance shelves to make the load as small as possible to prevent any internal injuries.
Defrost and clean
Prepare the interior and exterior for some house and fresh cleaning, with the cutting out of any odors. Remove all the elements and defrost the fridge for 24 hours before moving so that it will not leak.
Secure the doors
Strong tape or bungee cords are used to shut doors during moving.
Use a dolly or appliance cart
Move that refrigerator without it falling by using a heavy-duty appliance dolly and tight strapping on that cart.
Store Refrigerator
Such heavy objects as refrigerators need at least two or more people to assist in lifting or moving them.
Protect Floor and Wall from Damage
Floor damage and scuff marks on walls will be prevented by placing cardboard or moving blankets underneath the refrigerator.
Best Practices for Storing Refrigerators
You should consider a climate-controlled facility should you need to store your refrigerator, perhaps temporarily, due to house moving or remodeling. This sort of environment protects sensitive electronic parts from excessive moisture and prevents mold or destruction by maintaining a relatively constant temperature.
Weight Considerations for Disposal and Recycling
Its weight is relevant in disposing or recycling the refrigerator because it will determine some of the costs of removing and holding it in handling safety.
Many municipalities have such recycling centers that charge fees based on weight for bulky appliances that always check local disposal instructions and environmental compliance.
Hiring professional movers
For some movers, hefting really heavy metals is just not on their menu. Therefore moving companies exist that specialize in moving heavy appliances or equipment. Just make sure you inquire about their experience in doing moves with refrigerators and other heavy equipment.
Keep In Mind:
- Overall, most refrigerators could vary between a weight of 30 pounds compact mode models being to above 1200 pounds commercial large units.
- Because size and material of the refrigerator generally determine its weight, that weight will vary only according to the added features.
- In moving the refrigerator, it is necessary to secure muffles and doors, take a dolly, and enlist extra help.
- Rent a climate-controlled storage unit for storing the fridge for a long period.
Final Thoughts
In planning, refrigerator weight is an important thing to know. Be it moving, upgrading the appliance components, or just disposal of the old refrigerator, it is best and most practical to know the appliance weight.
This is so that you can conduct the following steps properly with regard to safe handling. Reliable and suggested tips and tricks for preparation will all assist you in managing the weight of your refrigerator efficiently and transfer or store it with ease.
Some may be slightly lighter depending on the brand and design but most full size French door units fall within this range. In addition to the size, the weight additionally accounts for further components like ice makers, water dispensers and dual cooling systems.
For plenty of reasons a refrigerator weighs quite a lot.
- Durable materials: They are made with thick metal frames and doors, which add to the weight.
- Insulation: High grade insulation is necessary to keep food cold and safe and thus contribute to the bulk.
- Internal components: Motors, compressors, coils and other metal parts are dense and heavy.
- Added features: An ice maker, a water dispenser and a few other very useful gadgets.