WattCost

Data through June 2026

Running cost · Refrigerators · ENERGY STAR certified

GE GBE21DGK

Running around the clock, the GE GBE21DGK uses a certified 488 kWh per year — about $89 at the U.S. average rate, or $7.46 a month, the equivalent of a steady 56-watt draw. Compared with the median certified bottom-freezer refrigerator, it uses 13% less electricity — rank 408 out of 1478. Where you live moves the bill from $64 a year in Nevada to $257 in Hawaii.

Uses 10% less energy than the U.S. federal minimum

Dimensions 69.6" H × 29.8" W

Estimated annual running cost · U.S. average rate 18.3¢/kWh

$89/yr

$7.70 · cheapest certified refrigerators$148 · priciest
Per month
$7.46
Per day
25¢
Certified use
488 kWh/yr
Configuration
Bottom Freezer
Total capacity
20.9 cu ft
Defrost
Automatic
Ice maker
No
Through-door dispenser
No
42 kWh805 kWh
Where the GE GBE21DGK (▮) sits among all 4,371 certified refrigerators, by annual kWh

What it costs in every state

GE GBE21DGK: 488 kWh/yr × each state's average residential rate (EIA)
StateRate ¢/kWhThis model $/yrRelative cost
Alabama16.4¢$80
Alaska28.2¢$138
Arizona15.2¢$74
Arkansas14.1¢$69
California34.7¢$170
Colorado17.1¢$84
Connecticut24.3¢$119
Delaware19.3¢$94
District of Columbia24.4¢$119
Florida15.1¢$74
Georgia16.4¢$80
Hawaiipriciest52.7¢$257
Idaho14.4¢$70
Illinois19.9¢$97
Indiana17.5¢$85
Iowa15.9¢$78
Kansas15.7¢$77
Kentucky14.3¢$70
Louisiana13.5¢$66
Maine29.6¢$144
Maryland21.8¢$107
Massachusetts29.6¢$144
Michigan23.0¢$112
Minnesota17.5¢$85
Mississippi14.9¢$73
Missouri16.2¢$79
Montana15.1¢$74
Nebraska13.3¢$65
Nevadacheapest13.1¢$64
New Hampshire27.0¢$132
New Jersey24.9¢$122
New Mexico15.1¢$73
New York29.5¢$144
North Carolina14.7¢$72
North Dakota14.1¢$69
Ohio19.2¢$94
Oklahoma14.3¢$70
Oregon16.3¢$80
Pennsylvania21.7¢$106
Rhode Island29.2¢$143
South Carolina15.6¢$76
South Dakota15.4¢$75
Tennessee14.1¢$69
Texas15.9¢$78
Utah13.4¢$65
Vermont24.4¢$119
Virginia17.2¢$84
Washington14.9¢$73
West Virginia15.4¢$75
Wisconsin19.6¢$95
Wyoming15.2¢$74

Certified models closest in efficiency

bottom-freezer refrigerators within reach of 488 kWh/yr
ModelkWh/yr$/yr (US avg)
GE GBE21DYK488$89
Liebherr FDBHI36Smost efficient488$89
Liebherr FDBI36Smost efficient488$89
Liebherr FDE36Smost efficient488$89
Miele KFFD 6867 obsw/mattmost efficient488$89
GE GLE12HSP489$90

Run your own numbers

Your rate, your numbers

Per day
25¢
Per month
$7.46
Per year
$89

488 kWh/yr × 18.3¢/kWh = $89/yr

Prefilled with this model's certified 488 kWh/yr — adjust if your usage differs from the DOE test basis. The certified annual kWh comes from the DOE test procedure, which measures continuous 24/7 operation at standardized temperatures — refrigerators never get a day off.

Questions, answered with the data

How much electricity does the GE GBE21DGK use?
ENERGY STAR certifies the GE GBE21DGK at 488 kWh per year. The certified annual kWh comes from the DOE test procedure, which measures continuous 24/7 operation at standardized temperatures — refrigerators never get a day off.
How much does the GE GBE21DGK cost to run per month?
About $7.46 a month at the U.S. average residential rate (18.3¢/kWh) — 25¢ a day, or $89 a year. Your state's rate moves this up or down; see the table above.
Is the GE GBE21DGK energy efficient?
It uses 13% less electricity than the median certified bottom-freezer refrigerator, placing it in the efficient third of certified models.
What does the GE GBE21DGK cost to run in the cheapest vs. priciest state?
At current residential rates it costs about $64 a year in Nevada (13.1¢/kWh) and $257 in Hawaii (52.7¢/kWh).
How many watts does the GE GBE21DGK draw on average?
Spread over a year of continuous operation, 488 kWh works out to an average draw of about 56 watts — like leaving a 56-watt bulb on 24/7.

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