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Most full-size household refrigerators weigh approximately 150–400 pounds. The actual weight depends on the refrigerator’s size, door configuration, construction, ice maker, water dispenser, and other features.
Top-freezer refrigerators commonly weigh 150–225 pounds, while French door refrigerators often weigh 250–400 pounds. Mini refrigerators may weigh only 40–80 pounds, and larger built-in or commercial models can exceed 500 pounds.
Compare common refrigerator styles by approximate empty weight in pounds and kilograms, along with moving considerations for each appliance.
| Refrigerator Type | Typical Weight | Approximate Kilograms | Moving Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini refrigerator | 40–80 lbs. | 18–36 kg | Smaller and easier to handle, but still requires secure transportation. |
| Compact or apartment refrigerator | 80–180 lbs. | 36–82 kg | A dolly may be needed for apartment hallways, elevators, or stairs. |
| Top-freezer refrigerator | 150–225 lbs. | 68–102 kg | Common household appliance typically requiring two movers and an appliance dolly. |
| Bottom-freezer refrigerator | 175–300 lbs. | 79–136 kg | Lower freezer drawers and heavier components can affect balance during transport. |
| Side-by-side refrigerator | 225–350 lbs. | 102–159 kg | Wider dimensions, water lines, and ice makers can complicate removal. |
| French door refrigerator | 250–400 lbs. | 113–181 kg | Large doors, freezer drawers, and narrow doorways may require additional preparation. |
| Built-in or premium refrigerator | 350–600+ lbs. | 159–272+ kg | Heavy construction can require specialized equipment, additional movers, and manufacturer-specific handling. |
| Commercial refrigerator | 400–800+ lbs. | 181–363+ kg | Commercial units may need a customized crew, heavy-duty equipment, and a carefully planned loading route. |
Planning estimates only. Refrigerator weights vary by manufacturer, model, capacity, materials, and installed features. Check the manufacturer’s specifications before planning a move.
Larger refrigerators generally weigh more, but two models with similar cubic-foot capacities can differ significantly depending on construction and configuration.
French door, side-by-side, built-in, and premium refrigerators often contain more structural components than smaller top-freezer models.
Ice makers, water dispensers, additional drawers, heavy shelving, and larger compressors can increase appliance weight and moving complexity.
Manufacturer specifications provide a more reliable moving estimate than refrigerator capacity alone. Compare actual appliance weights before choosing a crew, dolly, or transportation plan.
These examples use published manufacturer specifications. Listed weights refer to the refrigerator itself rather than packaged shipping weight unless otherwise noted.
| Manufacturer and Model | Capacity | Refrigerator Style | Appliance Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG LRONC0605V | 6 cu. ft. | Compact refrigerator | 68.3 lbs. |
| Whirlpool WRT313CZLZ | 12.9 cu. ft. | Small top-freezer refrigerator | 138.9 lbs. |
| Whirlpool WRT518SZFM | 18 cu. ft. | Top-freezer refrigerator | 173 lbs. |
| LG LTCS20020S | 20 cu. ft. | Top-freezer refrigerator | 173 lbs. |
| LG LF29H8330S | 29 cu. ft. | Four-door French door refrigerator | 320 lbs. |
| GE GFE28GELDS | 27.7 cu. ft. | French door refrigerator | 370 lbs. |
Net weight is the weight of the refrigerator without its shipping carton or packaging. This is usually the most relevant number when moving an appliance already installed in a home.
Example: GE French door refrigerator — 370 lbs. netShipping weight includes the appliance plus its carton, protective packaging, and other shipping materials. This number can be higher than the refrigerator’s actual moving weight.
Example: Same GE refrigerator — 390 lbs. shipping weightThe model number and manufacturer specifications provide the most reliable information for moving preparation.
Refrigerator weight is only part of the moving plan. Safe transportation also depends on doorways, stairs, appliance connections, floor protection, equipment, and manufacturer instructions.
Measure the appliance’s height, width, depth, handles, and doors. Compare those measurements with hallways, entryways, elevators, stairwells, and the destination.
Remove food, detachable shelves, drawers, and loose accessories. Follow the manufacturer’s defrost instructions and allow enough time to prevent leaks during transport.
Safely disconnect power and applicable water connections according to the owner’s manual. Secure cords, doors, shelves, and other components before moving.
Use floor runners, protective materials, and moving blankets to reduce the risk of damage to flooring, walls, appliance finishes, and nearby cabinets.
Use an appropriately rated appliance dolly and moving straps. Refrigerator weight, balance, stairs, and property access determine the crew and equipment required.
Keep the refrigerator upright whenever possible, secure it inside the moving truck, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before reconnecting power.
Refrigerators should generally be transported upright whenever possible. Some models can be placed on their side only under limited circumstances, while certain built-in refrigerators must remain upright throughout transportation.
If a refrigerator has been transported on its side, the waiting period before reconnecting power depends on the manufacturer and specific appliance. There is no universal restart time that applies to every refrigerator.
Manufacturer guidance differs when a refrigerator has been transported on its side. Always check the owner’s manual for your exact model.
| Manufacturer | Published Guidance | Manufacturer Source |
|---|---|---|
| Whirlpool | After an extended period on its side, Whirlpool advises waiting at least eight hours before restarting the refrigerator. | Whirlpool refrigerator moving instructions |
| GE Appliances | GE advises allowing the refrigerator to stand upright for approximately as long as it was on its side, up to 24 hours. | GE refrigerator moving instructions |
| LG | LG advises leaving a refrigerator upright for 24 hours before reconnecting power if it could not be transported upright. | LG refrigerator transportation instructions |
Follow your owner’s manual. Transportation and restart instructions can differ by refrigerator model, compressor design, and the amount of time the appliance remained on its side.
Most full-size refrigerators should be moved by at least two people using an appliance dolly. Larger French door models, staircases, narrow hallways, and built-in appliances may require additional movers or specialized equipment.
Explore Residential Moving Services →Refrigerator weight can affect crew size, equipment, preparation, and loading time. Stairs, limited truck access, water connections, storage stops, and narrow doorways may also influence the moving estimate.
Request a Moving Estimate →A refrigerator can generally be moved into storage when it is fully emptied, cleaned, defrosted, and dried. Confirm storage facility requirements and manufacturer guidance before scheduling delivery.
Learn About Storage Moving →Most full-size household refrigerators weigh approximately 150–400 pounds. Top-freezer models are often lighter, while French door, side-by-side, and premium refrigerators can weigh considerably more.
French door refrigerators commonly weigh approximately 250–400 pounds, depending on capacity, construction, ice makers, water dispensers, and other features.
A 20-cubic-foot refrigerator can weigh approximately 170–300 pounds or more, depending on its configuration. For example, one LG 20-cubic-foot top-freezer refrigerator has a listed appliance weight of 173 pounds.
A typical full-size refrigerator weighing 150–400 pounds weighs approximately 68–181 kilograms. Mini refrigerators weighing 40–80 pounds weigh approximately 18–36 kilograms.
Two people can handle many standard refrigerators when using a properly rated appliance dolly and moving straps. Heavier appliances, stairs, tight turns, and built-in models may require additional movers or specialized equipment.
Door removal depends on the refrigerator’s dimensions and available clearance. If an appliance will not fit through a doorway or hallway, consult the manufacturer’s instructions before removing doors, handles, or connected components.
Refrigerators can be moved upstairs with the appropriate crew, an appliance dolly, protective straps, and sufficient stairway clearance. The appliance’s weight, stairwell turns, and available space determine the safest approach.
The appropriate waiting period depends on the appliance and whether it was transported upright. Manufacturer guidance can range from several hours to 24 hours after side transportation, so follow the instructions for your specific refrigerator.
Professional moving companies may move refrigerators as part of a residential relocation when the appliance is prepared properly and the moving crew has appropriate access, equipment, and transportation.
Michael Monahan develops moving resources for FairPrice Movers covering household relocation, packing, heavy furniture, appliance handling, storage, and long-distance moving.
This guide combines published refrigerator specifications with practical planning considerations for appliance weight, moving equipment, stairs, property protection, and manufacturer transportation instructions.
View Michael Monahan’s Author ProfileFairPrice Movers helps coordinate refrigerator moving, furniture protection, household packing, storage, and local or long-distance relocations.