The Forgotten Beer Fridge: Is It Worth the Chill?

For lots of Aussie homes, the second fridge in the garage is a badge of honour—a cold beer always within arm’s reach! But is it worth the hidden hit to your power bill?

The Real Cost:

• Old “beer fridge” (15+ years):
  Uses up to 350–450 kWh/year—that’s $120–$150 a year, just for cold drinks.
• Modern small bar fridge (4-star):
  Uses about 120–160 kWh/year—costs $40–$55 a year.

That’s up to $100 saved every single year, just by upgrading—or unplugging when you’re not using it!

Quick Wins:

• Only plug in your beer fridge for parties or the footy finals.
• Consider an upgrade if your fridge is older than your favourite team’s last premiership.
• Keep it full: Fridges run more efficiently when well-stocked.

Spot the drainer:

• Is the outside of the fridge always warm?
• Door seals cracked or loose?
• Can’t remember when you last defrosted it?

If yes, your beer fridge is drinking more power than you are beer.

COMING SOON

Curious about your cold one’s true cost?
Snap a photo of your beer fridge for Sam’s Appliance Audit in the VoltaRocks app.
We’ll tell you exactly how much it’s costing (and how much you could save with a swap or unplug).

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