A full-size refrigerator weighs about 130 to 400 pounds (60–180 kg), and the average is around 250 pounds. Top-freezer models are the lightest, at roughly 130 to 220 pounds. French-door and side-by-side models usually weigh 250 to 400 pounds, and mini fridges 40 to 80 pounds. A refrigerator crated on a pallet for shipping weighs about 50 to 100 pounds more.
Style, capacity in cubic feet and features such as ice makers decide most of the difference. This guide gives typical weights by type and size, explains the packed shipping weight, and shows why a full-size refrigerator ships as freight rather than as a parcel.
How much does a refrigerator weigh by type?
These are typical empty weights, without food or packaging. Exact figures vary by brand and model.
| Refrigerator type | Typical capacity | Typical weight |
|---|---|---|
| Mini or compact fridge | 1.7–4.5 cu ft | 40–80 lb (18–36 kg) |
| Apartment or narrow top-freezer | 10–14 cu ft | 110–160 lb (50–73 kg) |
| Top-freezer | 14–21 cu ft | 130–220 lb (59–100 kg) |
| Bottom-freezer | 19–25 cu ft | 180–280 lb (82–127 kg) |
| Side-by-side | 21–28 cu ft | 250–350 lb (113–159 kg) |
| French-door | 20–30 cu ft | 250–400 lb (113–181 kg) |
| Counter-depth (French-door or side-by-side) | 18–24 cu ft | 220–330 lb (100–150 kg) |
| Built-in or column | 18–30 cu ft | 350–700 lb (159–318 kg) |
How much does a refrigerator weigh by capacity?
Capacity is a good shortcut when you know the cubic feet but not the model. As a rule of thumb, freestanding refrigerators weigh about 10 to 13 pounds per cubic foot of capacity.
| Capacity | Typical weight range |
|---|---|
| Under 5 cu ft | 40–80 lb |
| 14–18 cu ft | 130–200 lb |
| 19–22 cu ft | 180–270 lb |
| 23–26 cu ft | 240–330 lb |
| 27 cu ft and up | 300–400 lb |
What makes one refrigerator heavier than another?
- Door style. French-door and side-by-side units have more doors, hinges and gaskets than a single-door top-freezer.
- Features. Through-the-door ice and water dispensers, ice makers, extra drawers and glass shelves each add weight.
- Construction. Built-in models use heavier frames and insulation. Stainless steel doors weigh more than painted steel.
- Contents. A stocked refrigerator can carry 50 pounds or more of food and drinks, so always empty it before you move or weigh it.
How do you find your refrigerator’s exact weight?
Look up the model number, which is on a label inside the fresh-food compartment, usually on a side wall or near the top. The manufacturer’s spec sheet or installation guide lists the product weight, and often a separate shipping weight that includes the factory carton. Measure the height, width and depth too. Our guide on how to read dimensions explains the order carriers use, and the girth calculator gives the length-plus-girth total.
How much does a refrigerator weigh packed for shipping?
Carriers charge on the gross weight, which includes the packaging and pallet. Our guide to gross weight vs net weight explains the difference.
| Packaging | Typical added weight |
|---|---|
| Moving blankets, corner guards and stretch wrap | 10–20 lb |
| Factory carton or new corrugated carton | 15–30 lb |
| Standard wood pallet | 30–50 lb |
| Wood crate (instead of a carton) | 50–100 lb or more |
A 250-pound French-door refrigerator, wrapped and strapped to a pallet, usually ships at about 300 to 340 pounds. Ship it upright, and let it stand upright for the time the manufacturer’s manual recommends before you plug it in.
Can you ship a refrigerator with UPS or USPS?
Only a mini fridge. A full-size refrigerator is over every parcel limit, so it moves as LTL freight.
| Limit | USPS | UPS |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum weight | 70 lb | 150 lb |
| Maximum size | 108 in length plus girth (130 in for Ground Advantage) | 108 in long, 165 in length plus girth |
| Extra handling | Oversized pricing over 108 in length plus girth | Additional Handling over 50 lb, or a side over 48 in. Large Package over 130 in length plus girth. |
A 45-pound compact fridge in its carton can go by UPS Ground or, if it’s under 70 pounds and 130 inches, by USPS Ground Advantage. Expect UPS Additional Handling once it passes 50 pounds. You can compare UPS and USPS for a mini fridge in the ParcelPath rate calculator. For lighter household items, such as a mug weighing 250 to 685 grams, ordinary parcel rules apply.
For a full-size unit, book LTL freight on a pallet. Freight carriers price on weight, freight class, dimensions and distance, so an accurate pallet weight helps you avoid reweigh corrections. ParcelPath’s PalletPath service handles LTL freight, and you can get a pallet quote in the PalletPath freight quote tool. Our guide on how to ship a refrigerator covers prep and packing, and the essential shipping terms glossary explains freight words like accessorial, liftgate and bill of lading. Confirm the delivery address carefully with our steps on how to verify an address, since a failed freight delivery is costly to rebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a refrigerator weigh on average?
The average full-size refrigerator weighs about 250 pounds (113 kg) empty. Top-freezer models are lighter, often 130 to 220 pounds, while French-door and side-by-side models usually weigh 250 to 400 pounds. Built-in units can reach 700 pounds. Check the model number’s spec sheet for the exact figure.
How much does a mini fridge weigh?
Most mini fridges weigh about 40 to 80 pounds (18–36 kg). A 1.7 cubic foot cube model is near the bottom of that range, and a 4.5 cubic foot compact with a freezer compartment near the top. Mini fridges under 70 pounds and within size limits can ship by USPS or UPS, unlike full-size models.
How much does a French door refrigerator weigh?
French-door refrigerators typically weigh 250 to 400 pounds (113–181 kg). Models around 20 to 22 cubic feet sit near the low end, while 28 to 30 cubic foot models with dispensers and extra drawers weigh the most. Add about 50 to 100 pounds for a pallet and packing when you ship one as freight.
How much does a refrigerator weigh for shipping?
A full-size refrigerator usually ships at about 180 to 500 pounds once it’s wrapped, cartoned and strapped to a pallet. That’s above the UPS 150-pound and USPS 70-pound parcel limits, so it travels as LTL freight. Freight carriers bill the palletized weight, so weigh or calculate the full pallet before booking.
Sources
- USPS DMM 101: Physical standards (maximum weight and size)
- USPS DMM 283: USPS Ground Advantage (oversized and dimensional weight rules)
- UPS: Package dimensions, size limits and weight guide
- Refrigerator weights are typical ranges for empty, freestanding residential models and are not carrier data. Check the manufacturer’s spec sheet for your model.
Part of our How to Weigh Packages at Home guide. Related: Weighing Packages for Shipping, Gross Weight vs Net Weight, How Much Does a Tire Weigh.
