---
title: "How long does a refrigerator last?"
description: "A refrigerator lasts 10–17 yr. How that compares to other things, and where the number comes from."
url: https://atoneplace.net/how-long/refrigerator/
site: "At One Place"
---

# How long does a refrigerator last?

**Typical lifespan: 10–17 yr**

An insulated cabinet that keeps food cold, normally with a separate freezer compartment.

> Typical replacement age for a full-size household unit.

## How that compares

*Refrigerator against things of a similar time.*

- Lion: 10–20 yr
- Refrigerator: 10–17 yr
- Clothes dryer: 10–16 yr
- Pit bull: 12–16 yr
- Peregrine falcon: 8–19 yr
- Siberian husky: 12–15 yr
- Red deer: 10–20 yr
- Great horned owl: 10–28 yr

## What that means over time

*Assuming the typical lifespan above and immediate replacement.*

| Period | How many you would buy |
| --- | --- |
| Per year | 0.0769 replacements |
| Over 10 years | 1 of them |
| Over a 30-year mortgage | 2.3 of them |

> Lifespans are medians under ordinary use, not guarantees. Maintenance, how hard it is used, and build quality move individual examples a long way in both directions — which is why the range above is as wide as it is.

## More about a refrigerator

- [How much does a refrigerator weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/refrigerator/) — 70–170 kg
- [How much does a refrigerator cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/refrigerator/) — 500–3,500 $
- [Refrigerator vs Washing machine](https://atoneplace.net/vs/refrigerator-vs-washing-machine/) — Side by side
- [Refrigerator vs Oven](https://atoneplace.net/vs/oven-vs-refrigerator/) — Side by side
- [Refrigerator vs Freezer](https://atoneplace.net/vs/freezer-vs-refrigerator/) — Side by side
- [Refrigerator vs Water heater](https://atoneplace.net/vs/refrigerator-vs-water-heater/) — Side by side
- [Refrigerator vs Clothes dryer](https://atoneplace.net/vs/clothes-dryer-vs-refrigerator/) — Side by side
- [Refrigerator vs Dishwasher](https://atoneplace.net/vs/dishwasher-vs-refrigerator/) — Side by side

## Common questions

### How long does a refrigerator last?

A refrigerator lasts 10–17 yr. Typical replacement age for a full-size household unit.

## Related pages

- [How much does a refrigerator weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/refrigerator/)
- [How much does a refrigerator cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/refrigerator/)
- [How long does a washing machine last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/washing-machine/)
- [How long does a microwave oven last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/microwave/)
- [How long does a air conditioner last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/air-conditioner/)
- [How long does a dishwasher last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/dishwasher/)
- [How long does a oven last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/oven/)
- [How long does a vacuum cleaner last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/vacuum-cleaner/)
- [How long does a clothes dryer last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/clothes-dryer/)
- [How long does a water heater last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/water-heater/)
- [How long does a freezer last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/freezer/)
- [How long does a coffee machine last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/coffee-machine/)
- [Refrigerator vs Washing machine](https://atoneplace.net/vs/refrigerator-vs-washing-machine/)
- [Refrigerator vs Oven](https://atoneplace.net/vs/oven-vs-refrigerator/)
- [Refrigerator vs Freezer](https://atoneplace.net/vs/freezer-vs-refrigerator/)
- [Refrigerator vs Water heater](https://atoneplace.net/vs/refrigerator-vs-water-heater/)
- [Refrigerator vs Clothes dryer](https://atoneplace.net/vs/clothes-dryer-vs-refrigerator/)
- [Refrigerator vs Dishwasher](https://atoneplace.net/vs/dishwasher-vs-refrigerator/)

## Sources

- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place (/about/)