As you know, a house is incomplete without a fridge. We store all kinds of food items in it, but some fridges can be pretty heavy, so does weight matter? Does a good fridge weigh less or more, and what factors does this depend on?
Their average weight is around 250 pounds, but according to my research, it can go up to 400 pounds. This article will discuss how much a fridge weighs, what factors we should consider, and the benefits of looking at the weight when choosing a refrigerator.
Contents
Which Factor Affects Refrigerator Weight
Refrigerator Size & Weight
Typically, a fridge weighs 10 pounds per cubic foot, especially for compact fridges. For example, a particular Black & Decker mini-fridge model, which should be 3.375 cubic feet, will weigh approximately 33-34 pounds.
In fact, this mini-fridge weighs 33.1 pounds, and this is perfectly suitable considering the estimate above.
In large refrigerators, the 10-pound rule is much less reliable, particularly when the fridge’s capacity exceeds 20 cubic feet.
But it just provides a reasonable estimate of weight at first instance. The average refrigerator is about 18 cubic feet, making it easy to determine its weight.
Refrigerator features and weight
When thinking about a refrigerator’s weight, consider these standard features that can add extra pounds:
- Ice dispenser
- Doors or additional freezer drawer
- Complex shelving designs
- Chilled & freezer compartments
- Recent “smart refrigerator” models are generally heavier than their predecessors as they have more working parts and accessories.
Other Factors that Influence the Weight of a Refrigerator
The age of the refrigerator is also related to its weight. Older models of fridges produced before 1995 are typically much denser than most new models and much heavier. Modern refrigerators are now made with lighter materials, making installation and relocation easier.
How Much Does a Refrigerator Weigh? Average Weight for Five Typical Types
Now let’s cover our main point, like which fridge would suit you better, and which fridge you should buy if you consider the weight.
1) Top Freezer Refrigerator
Weight: 180-280 Pound
Well, I have this design. It’s a common design and usually contains a small freezer in the fridge’s top area. I prefer it because it provides the facility of both a fridge and freezer.
2) Side By Side Refrigerator
Weight: 250-350 Pound
This fridge is an ideal choice if you have a large kitchen area. Its weight is a maximum of 350 pounds, but as you know it is made for only a large kitchen area, I would prefer it.
3) Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Weight: 180-280 Pound
This refrigerator is the same but opposite from the top freezer fridge. But its weight is almost the same as that of the top freezer refrigerator. I have never experienced this fridge, but its functions are the same as those I mentioned above.
4) Mini Fridge
Weight: 30-50 lbs
In my college days, I bought this fridge for my hostel. It’s a perfect fridge, especially when you live alone or have less food to store; I recommend this low-weight fridge.
What Makes Refrigerators So Heavy?
- Thick Insulation
Refrigerators are insulated with dense foam insulation inside wall thickness that ranges between 1 & 3 inches. It helps maintain temperature, and much additional weight is put here.
- Sturdy shelves
These are durable because they contain hard materials such as tempered glass and steel, which enable them to hold many items.
- Durable Exterior
The outer body cases are built from thick sheet metal to protect the refrigerator and prevent condensation from forming. When it concerns the model, it can be quickly observed that the stainless steel ones are bulkier.
- Door Hinges
The doors have adequate fixings with solid metal hinges. These are special hinges that are suitable for doors that are opened severally throughout the day.
- Hardware
Handles, caps, trims, and fittings are built from solid metal materials, increasing their toughness.
- Features and Electronics
Other options that make refrigerators, such as ice makers, water dispensers, and control boards, are also responsible for the added weight of the fridge.
How to Move Heavy Refrigerator: Simple Steps
Sometimes, we lift heavy things and end up getting injured. Every task has a proper process to follow. So, I will now explain how to properly relocate a fridge from one place to another or adjust a new fridge somewhere.
- Get Help
It is advisable to hire at least two helpers for typical fridges for the given batch of washing. Handle any units that weigh over 300 pounds carefully.
- Lift with Your Legs
Lifting something with your legs and not your back is strongly recommended. Do not bend your back. Bend your knees while lifting objects to prevent such injuries.
- Coordinate Lifts
Collaborate and decide on the course of action. It is best to simultaneously use counts like “one, two, and three, lift!”.
Wear Support Belts. Wear back support belts to enhance your back’s capacity to protect the spine when lifting.
- Tape Doors Shut
If they do not fit tightly, tape the fridge doors so they do not open while you are transporting them.
- Use a Dolly
To avoid strain, use two people, and with the refrigerator upside down on the hand truck or dolly, adjust the angle gradually.
- Clear the Path
Do not leave any obstacles in the path of the rolling equipment, and where there are steps, consider using a ramp.
- Set Down Gently
Do so carefully when placing it on the ground–do not just throw it down! Don’t roll the dolly over. Roll it and slide the object off.
I therefore advise everyone to use professional movers when moving refrigerators upstairs, across a large distance, or around a tight corner. While you are lying back, let the professionals work on it!
How to Check If the Floor Can Handle My New Fridge Weight?
On Capacity to Support Loads
The load-bearing capability of the floor may be defined as its ability to sustain live loads and have all the expected convergence values without getting deformed or developing cracks.
This ranges from 40 pounds per square foot (PSF) for residential floors. Understanding this assists in determining if the floor can support the refrigerator in case it falls.
Verify the construction of the floor
- Wood Floors: Their load capacity is a function of thickness and wood species used. Woods with lower capacity could be old or damaged woods.
- Concrete floors: Often have higher load ratings, though this is true if reinforced.
- Tile Floors: Their capacity depends on the tile type and installation.
Calculate Weight Distribution
Remember the weight put on the floor by the refrigerator when placing them on the store’s floor. For example, if your fridge is about 250 pounds, then you need to consider the flooring in the room used to locate the fridge and make sure that it can hold the weight of the fridge and not develop signs of bouncing or sinking.
If the fridge occupies 6 square feet of space, it would exert a pressure of about 41.67 psi, which is acceptable.
Inspect for Damage
I’d recommend visually checking for preliminary damage to your floor before setting a large appliance on it to avoid further flooding damage. If you find certain problem areas large enough, seek advice from a professional before you go on.
Consult a Professional
If you are in doubt as to whether your floor can handle the load or if it already has problems, it is better to call in a structural engineer. They can also calculate loads and give a genuine prediction of your floor’s capacity to hold the refrigerator’s weight.
Test with Heavy Items
Of course, if you want to check this on your own, you can try pushing heavy objects (like furniture) onto your floor and see how they respond. Split the weight evenly and check for any signs of the bulb deflecting or sustaining any harm.
Conclusion
Refrigerators weigh around 12 pounds for every cubic foot, which puts them in the range of 250 to 350 pounds for Door and Two-Door models & 150-200 pounds for freezer-on-top models.
Do not purchase a refrigerator that is larger than you actually need! You can keep its weight & your grocery costs down by going smaller.
Always get help in moving refrigerators, use appliance dollies, & measure doorways before getting your 300 pound object stuck in them.