---
title: "Freezer vs refrigerator — size, weight and speed compared"
description: "Refrigerator is 1.6× freezer on weight. Compared on 5 measured properties, with the full range and a source for each."
url: https://atoneplace.net/vs/freezer-vs-refrigerator/
site: "At One Place"
---

# Freezer vs Refrigerator

**Freezer vs refrigerator: Refrigerator is larger on weight**

Refrigerator is 1.6× freezer on weight.

A freezer and a refrigerator can be compared on 5 measures. The figures below are typical adult or full-size values, with the larger of the two in bold.

## Side by side

*Larger value in bold. Ranges reflect genuine variation, not uncertainty.*

|  | Freezer | Refrigerator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weight | 35–120 kg | 70–170 kg |
| Typical lifespan | 11–20 yr | 10–17 yr |
| Typical cost | 250–1,600 $ | 500–3,500 $ |
| Power draw | 25–70 W | 35–90 W |
| Volume | 140–600 L | 340–740 L |

## What the numbers say

- Refrigerator is 1.6× freezer on weight.
- Freezer is somewhat greater than refrigerator on typical lifespan — about 1.2×.
- Refrigerator is 1.7× freezer on typical cost.
- Refrigerator is somewhat greater than freezer on power draw — about 1.4×.
- Refrigerator is 1.8× freezer on volume.

*Weight compared.*

- Refrigerator: 70–170 kg
- Freezer: 35–120 kg

## Freezer

A stand-alone cabinet held below freezing for long-term food storage.

## Refrigerator

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

> This is a comparison of published measurements, nothing more. It describes how two things differ on measures that have been recorded; it does not predict how they would fare against each other in any situation.

## Common questions

### Which is bigger, freezer or refrigerator?

Refrigerator is 1.6× freezer on weight. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.

### How do freezers and refrigerators compare on typical lifespan?

Freezer: 11–20 yr. Refrigerator: 10–17 yr. Freezer is somewhat greater than refrigerator on typical lifespan — about 1.2×.

### How do freezers and refrigerators compare on typical cost?

Freezer: 250–1,600 $. Refrigerator: 500–3,500 $. Refrigerator is 1.7× freezer on typical cost.

## Related pages

- [Refrigerator vs washing machine](https://atoneplace.net/vs/refrigerator-vs-washing-machine/)
- [Oven vs refrigerator](https://atoneplace.net/vs/oven-vs-refrigerator/)
- [Freezer vs washing machine](https://atoneplace.net/vs/freezer-vs-washing-machine/)
- [Refrigerator vs water heater](https://atoneplace.net/vs/refrigerator-vs-water-heater/)
- [Freezer vs oven](https://atoneplace.net/vs/freezer-vs-oven/)
- [Clothes dryer vs refrigerator](https://atoneplace.net/vs/clothes-dryer-vs-refrigerator/)
- [Dishwasher vs refrigerator](https://atoneplace.net/vs/dishwasher-vs-refrigerator/)
- [Refrigerator vs treadmill](https://atoneplace.net/vs/refrigerator-vs-treadmill/)
- [Air conditioner vs refrigerator](https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-conditioner-vs-refrigerator/)
- [Gorilla vs refrigerator](https://atoneplace.net/vs/gorilla-vs-refrigerator/)
- [Gas grill vs refrigerator](https://atoneplace.net/vs/gas-grill-vs-refrigerator/)
- [Mattress vs refrigerator](https://atoneplace.net/vs/mattress-vs-refrigerator/)

## Sources

- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place (/about/)
- ENERGY STAR Product Specifications — US Environmental Protection Agency (https://www.energystar.gov/) [Public domain (US Government)]