When your leftovers don't stay cold and your freezer frosts up too often, it might be time for a new refrigerator. Knowing how much a fridge costs can help you plan for the large purchase.

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Price tags on refrigerators vary to fit all types of budgets and have a wide range of features to match. This overview breaks it down to help you know what to expect.

How Much Is a Fridge?

Basic refrigerators cost up to $600 (CAD 807), according to HomeGuide, while high-end, smart refrigerators can cost several thousand dollars. The capacity and features are two primary factors in the cost of a new refrigerator. You'll also find variations between brands. The following guide breaks down the differences between budget, mid-range and high-end refrigerators.

Budget Refrigerators

On the low end of the price range, you'll find refrigerators from about $200 to $600 (CAD 269 to CAD 807), according to HomeGuide. They work well if your budget is tight, you're outfitting a rental unit or you want an extra fridge for a basement or garage. These budget refrigerators are usually the traditional freezer-on-top models with basic climate control inside the refrigerator to adjust between low, medium and high settings. Don't expect any smart features or built-in ice makers at this price point. Shelving and drawers are usually simple without much adjustability.

Mid-Range Refrigerators

Bumping up your price range to the midrange level typically costs you $600 to $2,300 (CAD 807 to CAD 3,092). This option works well for most kitchens. You'll find the freezer-on-top models, often with more features and upgrades. You can also find some side-by-side refrigerators in this price range. They might have a basic water and ice dispenser. Shelving and temperature controls are usually pretty basic, with no smart refrigerator features included.

High-End Refrigerators

At the high end, you can spend $2,300 to $5,000 (CAD 3,092 to CAD 6,721) or more. High-end refrigerators include any type of configuration, including freezer-on-bottom, French door and side-by-side models. You can get a counter-depth refrigerator, so it's flush with the counters instead of sticking out beyond them like traditional models. These refrigerators also come in a wide range of finishes and accents, which gives them a high-end look.

Other features you might find on refrigerators in this price range include:

• Glass doors to see into the refrigerator without opening the door
• Small quick-access doors to grab frequently used items without opening the entire door
• Touchscreens to control a variety of features, including finding recipes, making grocery lists, looking at your calendar and seeing what's inside the fridge
• App access to smart refrigerators
• Connection to smart home systems and virtual home assistants for remote control
• Greater control over the internal temperature and humidity with advanced controls
• Advanced ice and water dispensers inside or outside the appliance
• Quiet operation
• Configurable shelving and storage areas
• Air filtration systems to reduce odors in the refrigerator
• Fingerprint-resistant finishes
• Higher cubic footage

How Much Does a Mini Fridge Cost?

HomeGuide says mini refrigerators cost an average of $100 to $400 (CAD 134 to CAD 538). They have a much smaller capacity, usually 8 cubic feet or less. They're often used for dorm rooms or as a way to keep drinks or cosmetics in a part of your home that’s not close to the kitchen, like a bedroom or home office.

How Much Does Installation Cost?

When you replace your old refrigerator with a new one, the installation cost is usually minimal. You'll often pay a delivery and setup fee, which includes moving the refrigerator into your home, plugging it in, leveling it and making sure it's working correctly. Delivery and installation typically cost between $75 and $200 (CAD 101 and CAD 269) if you're having it installed on the first floor. For a location on a higher floor without an elevator, expect to pay another $10 to $25 (CAD 13 to CAD 34) per flight of stairs.

Some situations require other contractors to make adjustments before you can have your new refrigerator installed. If you need a new water line installed for your ice maker or water dispenser, for example, you'll need to hire a plumber, which Forbes says typically runs between $45 and $200 (CAD 60 and CAD 269) per hour, with the total water line job costing between $500 and $1,000 (CAD 672 and CAD 1,344). You'll need an electrician if your refrigerator needs a new outlet. The cost is usually around $150 to $350 (CAD 202 to CAD 471) for each outlet, according to data from HomeGuide.

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How Long Does a Refrigerator Last?

Refrigerators generally last for 10 to 15 years, so says Bob Vila, with about 13 good years from most units. The appliance usually becomes less efficient after that point, and there's a greater risk of parts going bad. They can last 20 years or longer if you take good care of them. Cleaning the coils, replacing damaged gaskets and having repairs done as soon as you know something is wrong can help you get more years out of your fridge.

Tips for Choosing a New Refrigerator

When buying a new refrigerator, price is a big part of the decision. Go into the purchase with a general budget in mind. Then, consider which features are most important to balance the two. Keep these tips in mind when choosing a refrigerator:

Measure the Space

Fridges vary in size, including the width. Measuring the refrigerator that you're replacing and the available space helps you choose a replacement that fits perfectly.

Consider the Configuration

Check out different configurations — including French door, side-by-side, top-freezer and bottom-freezer options — to see which one you like best.

Look at the Features

Evaluate which extra features you want and which you can live without. If your budget is limited, you might need to sacrifice some of the higher-end features, such as smart refrigerator capability, to stay in your price range.

Don’t Forget Storage

You can find a range of storage features, such as various drawers, door bins for gallon-size jugs and various shelves. Consider the type of things you keep in the fridge and which type of storage options work best for you.

Assess the Climate Control

Higher-end refrigerators often have more options for humidity and temperature control. This can help you customize the settings for different zones of the fridge.

Compare the Adjustability

When you spend a little more on refrigerators, you often get more adjustability and accessibility options, such as shelves you can slide in and out to reach things better and hinged shelves you can flip out of the way.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.