Lowest Operating Cost: Refrigerators

Ranked by estimate. Operating cost is an estimate, computed from each model's measured annual energy use at the EIA U.S. national-average residential electricity rate (18.56 ¢/kWh, March 2026). Your actual cost depends on your local utility rate and how you use the appliance.

The Fisher & Paykel RS2435V2 holds the lowest estimated operating cost in the dataset at $7.80 per year, based on measured energy consumption of 42 kWh annually and calculated at the national-average electricity rate. The ranking itself is neutral and energy-focused: certified refrigerator models are sorted exclusively by the operating cost derived from their measured energy use, with no compensation or consideration affecting model placement.

Operating cost represents one dimension of refrigerator selection. Capacity, available features, reliability history, and purchase price are material factors in the buying decision but fall outside the scope of this energy-efficiency analysis. The ranking functions as a comparative tool for evaluating efficiency performance across models, not as comprehensive buying guidance. Prospective purchasers should weigh the energy-cost data against the full range of specifications and costs relevant to their needs.

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