What is an old refrigerator worth?
Steven E / Friday March 21, 2025
So, you’ve got an old refrigerator sitting in your garage, basement, or maybe even still running in your kitchen. You’re wondering, is it worth anything? Can you sell it, should you recycle it, or is it just a giant, energy-guzzling paperweight?
Well, the answer depends on a few factors: age, condition, brand, energy efficiency, and demand. Let’s break it down so you can figure out what to do with your old fridge and whether it’s worth any money.
The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. For the most accurate guidance, it’s best to check your manufacturer’s documentation or reach out to us if you’ve got any questions.
1. Age of the refrigerator
First things first, how old is it? The average fridge lifespan is 10–20 years. If your fridge is:
- Under 10 years old – It still holds decent value, especially if it’s in good working condition.
- 10–15 years old – Might still be sellable but less valuable due to wear and tear.
- 15+ years old – Likely not worth much, except as scrap or a potential vintage collector’s item.
Pro Tip: Check the manufacturing date on the label inside the fridge (usually on the sidewall or back).
2. Working condition
Working fridges are always worth more than broken ones.
If it works well you can sell or donate it. Many people look for cheap second-hand fridges for garages, rental properties, or backup use.
If it’s broken it still might have some value for scrap metal or parts.
Pro Tip: If your fridge is almost working but has a small issue (like a broken ice maker or thermostat), fixing it might increase its resale value. AppliancePartsPros.com has replacement parts that can get your fridge back in working shape for less than the cost of a new one.
3. Brand and model
Certain brands hold value longer than others. For example:
- High-end brands like Sub-Zero, Viking, and Thermador can still fetch hundreds even if they’re old.
- Reliable brands like Whirlpool, GE, and Frigidaire tend to last long and still have decent resale value.
- Lower-end brands might not be worth much if they’re over 10 years old.
4. Style of refrigerator
Some fridge styles are more desirable than others:
- French-door or side-by-side – Higher resale value, especially if under 10 years old.
- Top-freezer or bottom-freezer – Budget-friendly models; worth something if in good shape.
- Mini-fridges – Can be resold easily if working, especially for dorm rooms or offices.
- Vintage/retro fridges – 1950s–1970s fridges (especially from brands like GE, Frigidaire, or Kelvinator) are popular for collectors and retro kitchens.
5. Recycling and scrapping your old fridge
If your fridge isn’t worth selling, you can still recycle it:
Utility rebate programs – Some electric companies pay you ($50–$100) to recycle an old fridge.
Scrap metal yards – Fridges contain steel, copper, and aluminum, which have scrap value.
Local appliance recycling centers – Many areas have drop-off locations for old appliances.
Retailer haul-away services – If buying a new fridge, some stores will take your old one for free.
Pro Tip: Before scrapping, check if some parts might be sellable to people who need a replacement for a discontinued part!
6. Should You repair instead of replace?
Before getting rid of your old fridge, consider fixing it. Many common fridge issues, like a broken thermostat, faulty door seal, or dead ice maker, are easy and cheap to fix with replacement parts.
When a repair is worth it:
- The fridge is under 10 years old.
- The issue is minor and cheap to fix (under $150).
- You need a second fridge for the garage or basement.
If your fridge just needs a simple part replacement, check AppliancePartsPros.com for OEM parts and repair guides, fixing it yourself could save you hundreds over buying a new one!
Final verdict: Is your old refrigerator worth anything?
If it’s under 10 years old & working: Sell it for $100–$500.
If it’s 10–15 years old but still runs: You might get $50–$200.
If it’s vintage (1950s–1970s): Could be worth $500+ to collectors.
If it’s broken: Scrap it or check if a utility program pays for recycling.
If it has minor issues: Consider repairing it before replacing it!
So, before you junk your old fridge, take a moment to check its value, condition, and resale potential, it might be worth more than you think!
Need parts to repair your fridge instead? Check out AppliancePartsPros.com for expert guides and fast shipping!
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Read more:
What Temperature Should A Refrigerator Be Set To?
With nearly a decade of experience in providing top-notch customer service regarding appliance parts and repair, Steven enjoys sharing practical advice, troubleshooting tips, and interesting information to help readers stay informed.