How much will your appliance installation cost?

Columbus, OH 43215

Appliance Installation Specialists on Thumbtack cost$120 - $150

Average fixed price

  • Lowest price:$100
  • Most common low price:$120
  • Most common high price:$150
  • Highest price:$240

How much does a refrigerator cost?

By Kristy Snyder

Last updated Fri, Dec 13

On average, a refrigerator costs anywhere from $604-$4,487 in the U.S. Keep in mind that these costs don't include labor, which could add another $59-$200, on average.

New refrigerator cost.

QualityNational average price range
Basic$604-$2,403
Good$1,009-$3,098
Great$1,335-$4,487
Pricing in the table above does not include labor. Prices include top-freezer fridge units & side-by-side freezer fridge units.
Refrigerator prices vary greatly depending on the type of fridge you get. Mid-range refrigerators with simple features are less expensive than high-end refrigerators with all the bells and whistles. To know for sure what your exact costs might be, it's a good idea to contact a nearby fridge installation pro who can give you more accurate pricing.
We'll also go more into what factors can impact the cost of a refrigerator below.

Labor costs for fridge installation.

QualityNational average price range
Basic$59-$200
Good$75-$200
Great$112-$200
Pricing in the table above does not include labor minimums. Some pros may have labor minimums that are higher than the prices above and should be factored into your project. Prices above refer to top-freezer fridge units & side-by-side freezer fridge units.
Installing a fridge could be a DIY job for a handy homeowner. However, you may want to hire out this task to ensure your appliance is hooked up correctly. Besides, refrigerators are heavy and can come with many parts. Consider enlisting a pro's help for a quicker, more efficient installation.

Cost breakdown for installing or replacing a fridge.

Many factors can increase or decrease the cost of installing a fridge. Here's a look at what might cause your costs to vary.

Refrigerator features.

Not all refrigerators are made the same. Most fridges have basic features, like temperature control. However, some are far more advanced. For example, you can buy a smart fridge with Wi-Fi that allows you to scan the inside contents of the fridge, remotely check if the doors are closed, and even monitor for repairs.
Still, there are some features that aren't cutting-edge but can add to your total costs. For example, fridges with built-in ice and water dispensers are typically more expensive than base models without an ice dispenser.
Getting a refrigerator with an attached freezer can also be more expensive. Typically, a bottom freezer refrigerator is more expensive than most top freezer refrigerators. 
The style of the refrigerator door can also impact the price. For example, French door refrigerators with two doors that open outward and a bottom freezer are usually more expensive than your typical side-by-side refrigerator-freezer combos. And if you get a cutting-edge model with glass doors, that will likely be even more expensive. Finishes like fingerprint-resistant stainless steel can also increase the price.

Refrigerator size.

Obviously, bigger refrigerators tend to cost more. However, one size consideration you may not have considered is depth. Standard-depth fridges are usually about 30 inches deep, giving you plenty of room. However many people opt to install counter-depth refrigerators instead.
These are about 24 inches deep and are meant to line up with standard-sized kitchen cabinets and counters. Despite being smaller, these fridges do tend to cost more. However, for smaller kitchens that don't have room for a full-size fridge, they can be essential.

Brand name.

Brand names have a lot of weight behind them — which is why the biggest hitters in the field can usually charge more for their products.
In the refrigerator game, that means you might pay more for products from LG, GE, and Whirlpool, as these are some of the highest-rated brands. Smaller brands like Beko, Blomberg, and Insignia might allow you to score a similar fridge at a lower price.

Plumbing considerations.

If you choose a fridge that dispenses water and ice, it will need to be hooked up to a water line to work correctly.
Experienced DIYers may be able to handle this on their own, especially if all the piping is already in place from a previous fridge install. However, if you're installing a fridge water line for the first time, you may have to pay extra to have a plumber do it right.

Delivery and removal fees.

Fridges are notoriously heavy, and many people don't have the manpower (or the vehicle) to transport them. If you're in that boat, you'll likely need to pay someone to deliver your fridge — and haul away the old one.

Tips for saving money on your new fridge.

If you're looking to save as much as you can on your next fridge installation, we have some great tips you can try. For example:
  • Buy models from the previous year. Unless you need the latest and greatest features, chances are that last year's models will perform just fine.
  • Look for sales on these models during late spring, as that's when stores need to start making room for new inventory.
  • Buy an open box or dented fridge. When a customer buys a new fridge but then returns it, the store likely won't sell it for full price. Also, it's common for refrigerators to get dented and scratched while in a showroom. In both cases, stores will usually offer a deep discount on these products.
  • Consider using mini-fridges instead. This is a bit of a controversial idea, but do you really need a full-size fridge? For people who don't do a lot of grocery shopping, one or two mini-fridges might be all you need. 
  • Get an ENERGY STAR rebate. Did you know the government might give you extra cash for fridges? If you recycle your old, inefficient model and replace it with an ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerator, you might qualify for a rebate — though it depends on where you live. You'll also save energy over the years, lowering your utility bills.

Cost of DIY vs. hiring a pro to install your fridge.

DIY-ing a fridge installation is possible. But in the long run, it's better to use a professional.
With a DIY project, you won't need to pay for a plumber, delivery and removal crew, or contractor to build a custom space in your kitchen. This could save you hundreds of dollars.
However, you'll be on the hook for doing all of this yourself, which could take several days of hard work. You might also need to rent a truck to transport your new and old fridges, as well as employ some friends to help cart the appliances in and out of your home.
One last thing: If you install your fridge incorrectly, you may make a mistake that will require repairs down the line. In the end, you could end up spending the money you thought you were saving by going the DIY route.
At the end of the day, the hassle and added expenses might end up costing more than simply hiring someone else to do it for you.

Get free cost estimates from fridge installation professionals.

Installing a refrigerator on your own is possible, but why risk connecting something incorrectly and having water leak all over your floor? Get peace of mind when you hire a fridge installation professional to handle the job.
If you need help searching, Thumbtack is here. Download the app today, and start searching for nearby fridge installation professionals. Check out their profiles, and get free cost estimates with just a few clicks.
*All project cost estimates included in this article were provided by Xactware’s pricing data (unless otherwise noted). For more information, visit Xactware’s pricing methodology page.
How do we know these prices?

Millions of people ask Thumbtack for help with their projects every year. We track the estimates they get from local professionals, conduct our own research and then we share those prices with you. The prices reflected in the article above are for informational purposes only and are subject to change at any time. Contact a professional near you to receive a personalized cost estimate for your project.

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