How many watts are required to power a refrigerator?

According to the website Consumerreports.org, the average refrigerator requires approximately 725 watts to function properly, depending upon size, year, make and model. Refrigerator size is the key variable that determines how many watts are required.

Top-freezer models are more energy efficient than other models. For better energy efficiency the recommended temperature for a refrigerator is between 35 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit for fresh food storage, and 0 degrees for frozen foods. Additional tips to ensure a refrigerator functions properly, and uses less energy, include checking the door seals regularly to verify that they are airtight, and defrosting the freezer as needed.