Miscellaneous Refrigeration Products

THE PRODUCT:

Miscellaneous refrigeration products include beverage coolers, such as wine chillers, as well a smaller category of products referred to as “combination cooler refrigeration products,” which combine a refrigerator and/or freezer compartment with a wine storage compartment. Beverage coolers are designed to maintain a higher compartment temperature than conventional refrigerators.

THE STANDARD:

The current standards for miscellaneous refrigeration products took effect in 2019. The standards, which were negotiated by manufacturers and efficiency advocates, specify a maximum annual energy consumption that varies based on the product’s refrigerated volume. Compared to the least efficient products on the market at the time the standards were established, models just meeting the current standards use about 75% less energy. 

In 2024, DOE finalized amended standards for miscellaneous refrigeration products based on a joint recommendation from manufacturers and efficiency advocates that will reduce energy consumption by between 10% and 30% depending on the product category. Compliance with the updated standards is required starting January 31, 2029.

*The maximum energy use is expressed as the energy consumption (kWh) per year.

KEY FACTS:

As of 2022, about 1.6 million beverage coolers were sold each year. Freestanding compact coolers make up about two thirds of the market.