How Much Does a Refrigerator Weigh? Depends on the Type

How much does a refrigerator weigh? Whether you're moving or doing a home renovation, you'll want to know the exact weight of your fridge. Once you have the weight figured out, you can calculate how many people it will take to move it. There are several ways to figure out how heavy your fridge is, so let's break it down.

Types of Refrigerators

There are several kinds of refrigerators to consider before we talk about calculating the weight. Below is a list of refrigerator types to help you discover your specific kind:

Mini Fridges

Mini fridges are a very small variation of a refrigerator. You'll typically find this type of fridge in a dorm or hotel room. It can hold several drinks and often features freezer space for ice. It is easy to move, weighing in at 30-50 pounds. You'll even see mini fridges sitting right on carpet.

Top-Over-Bottom

A top-over-bottom fridge freezer combination is the next size up from a mini fridge. The freezer is mounted above the fridge section, each with separate doors. These are usually found in mid-size apartments offering enough space for a family of two or three for a week's worth of groceries. On average, this type of fridge is 160 pounds to 260 pounds on the heavy end.

Fridge-Over-Freezer

How heavy is a refrigerator? A fridge-over-freezer combination unit is similar in size to the top-over-bottom kind. However, because the freezer is much larger in this type of fridge, it weighs much more than its counterpart. Nowadays, manufacturers make this type interchangeable. You can keep the freezer above or move it to the bottom portion. This style can get as heavy as 250 pounds.

Side-By-Side

Side-by-side fridges are suitable for families. There is ample room for fresh and frozen items for a large family. The freezer is usually on the left and the fridge is on the right side. It is sleek-looking but heavy. This style weighs anywhere from 240 pounds to 350 pounds, depending on size.

French-Door

French-door fridges are the most modern style to hit the market. With all the space in the world, the French-door style is the heaviest. It features a drawer for the freezer section and countless compartments in the fridge section. Some models will have two other drawers for deli or crisper items.

They usually weigh quite a bit and are bulky, so make sure your kitchen can accommodate one before purchasing. This variety is for the large family that loves to entertain. It is the priciest but largest without being commercial. On the heavier end of the spectrum, french-door fridges weigh 360 pounds.

Other Things That Affect a Fridge's Weight

When asking yourself, “How much does a refrigerator weigh,” you can’t go off of the type of fridge alone. Several other factors contribute to the weight of a fridge besides its style. Here are a few of those factors that could add or take away a few pounds:

Accessories

Accessories play a significant role in the weight of a fridge. If the unit features an icemaker, it will weigh more. If there is a waterline and filtration system for a water dispenser, it'll be heavier. Extra drawers, such as on the french-door style, will make the unit heavier too.

Modernity

Another factor is the modernity of the fridge. The older the refrigerator, the heavier the parts inside. How heavy are refrigerators is dependent on their age. The newer the unit, the lighter the components. As you can see age plays a significant role in the weight of a refrigerator.

French Doors

French-door models typically weigh the most of all model refrigerators however, side-by-sides can be pretty hefty. The model is another factor in a refrigerator's weight. If we had to say an average weight of a refrigerator, it should fall somewhere between 250 to 275 pounds. That's just the weight of an average refrigerator, meaning many fall on either side of that measurement.

Why Does the Weight of a Refrigerator Matter?

The weight of a refrigerator is essential to know for several reasons. Houses have supports under the floors to help carry the weight of heavy items. Also, the weight of the fridge could damage certain kinds of flooring if not supported correctly. Let's see how the weight of your fridge can affect the floor in your home.

Dead weight is the first aspect to consider. This refers to anything that adds to the load on the actual floor supports. Carpet or linoleum are examples of dead weight. If your deadweight happens to be tilted, you might want to find a different place to put the refrigerator where the support beams aren't taxed.

Live load is the next thing to consider. This is about the flooring under its covering. Some houses are built with a crawl space, and some are built on a concrete slab. There are various types of house foundations to be aware of. The slab will have a very high live load; a wood frame will have a low live load. You will want to plan the placement of your fridge according to the live load floor plan.

The condition of the flooring is another factor to consider when getting the weight of your fridge. If you are moving into an old home, the floor joists and support beams may be rotted or weathered.

You will want to find out the condition of your flooring, add the dead and the live weight, and think of a supportive place to put the fridge to cause no damage. A lighter fridge might be a wise option if your floors are aged.

Overall Importance of Knowing How Much a Fridge Weighs

How much does a refrigerator weigh? Knowing how much a fridge weighs could mean the difference between a home renovation or getting a different fridge. In monetary terms, that is a big difference. If your floor isn't strong enough to support the refrigerator, then major damage will occur. This could be a danger to others if you live in a second or third-floor apartment.

Another important reason to know the weight of your refrigerator is for lifting purposes. Unless you're Superman, you cannot lift a full-size refrigerator on your own. If the fridge is over 250 pounds, you'll need help moving it (which is why we tip appliance delivery people).

The larger French-door style fridges might need three or four people to move them. This is important when getting it into place as well. You don't want to damage the flooring when moving it around, so you'll want enough people to lift it into place, not drag or push it into place.

How to Find the Weight of a Fridge

How much does a fridge weigh? One easy way to find the weight of a fridge is to look at the owner's manual. The weight should be in the manual however, remember this number reflects an empty fridge.

If the manual doesn't specify the weight of the fridge, look up the model number on the manufacturer's website. The information should be there for consumers' use.

One other thing to remember when calculating the weight of a fridge is the objects you put in it. So even though the fridge manual says 240 pounds, after you add food to the fridge and freezer, it could be 300 pounds.

Any accessories will add weight. Water dispensers, ice makers (some new models have two ice makers), and extra handles or drawers add up to a heavier fridge.

An older fridge will always be heavier than a newer fridge. The compressors in the old fridges are heavy and made from all steel. Their handles are large and bulky and their interiors contain more metal parts than modern-day plastic bins.

Purchasing a Lightweight Fridge

There are many ways to save money while keeping your fridge lightweight. Choose a simple fridge without all the accessories because they add weight. The side-by-side style gives plenty of space interiorly while still being lightweight and streamlined. If you don't need much space, opt for a top-over-bottom option. These styles are the lightest featuring both a fridge and freezer in one unit.

Try to keep it simple with no added bells and whistles and you'll be able to put your lightweight fridge anywhere in your home without concern.

So, How Much Does a Refrigerator Weigh? 

So, how much does a refrigerator weigh? It depends! Consider the type, model, age, and accessories of your refrigerator before you move it. If you’re stuck, contact the manufacturer for more information.

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