Confused about those stars on a fridge? I was too.
When I started looking for a refrigerator, I kept seeing labels like 3-star, 5-star, and BEE certification—but I had no clue what they really meant.
Was it just branding? Or did it actually affect my electricity bill?
Turns out, those stars really matter.
So if you’re buying a new fridge or simply wondering whether your current one is energy efficient, this guide will help you understand what star rating means in refrigerators.
How it affects your electricity bill, and whether it’s worth paying extra for a 5-star model.
What is Star Rating in a Refrigerator?
A star rating tells you how energy efficient your fridge is. The more stars, the less electricity it uses—and the more money you save on your electricity bill.
In India, these ratings are given by BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency), a government body.
Here’s the simple logic:
- 1-star fridge = high electricity usage
- 5-star fridge = very low electricity usage
More stars = less power = more savings.
How Does It Work?
BEE tests every refrigerator and gives it a rating based on how much electricity it uses in a year. This is shown on a yellow energy label stuck on the fridge.
That label includes:
- Star rating (1 to 5)
- Power consumption (in kWh/year)
- BEE license number
- Year of manufacturing (important!)
And yes, ratings get updated every few years, so a 5-star fridge from 2021 may now be just a 3-star model under newer rules.
Star Rating vs Power Consumption (Real Savings Table)
Here’s a simple breakdown of how much energy each rating level consumes:
| Parameter | ⭐ 1-Star | ⭐⭐⭐ 3-Star | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly Power Use | 400 units | 250–300 units | 150–180 units |
| Monthly Electricity Cost | ₹2600+ | ₹1650–₹2000 | ₹1000–₹1200 |
| 10-Year Electricity Cost | ₹26,000+ | ₹16,000–₹20,000 | ₹10,000–₹12,000 |
| Best For | Not recommended | Bachelors, Couples | Families, Long-term use |
| Budget Impact | Cheap now, costly later | Balanced upfront & monthly | Costlier now, saves more later |
| Eco-Friendliness | ❌ High power usage | ✅ Moderate | ✅✅ Very Efficient |
| Worth Buying in 2025? | ❌ No | ✅ Okay choice | ✅✅ Best Value |
So yes, a 5-star fridge may cost more initially—but it can save you ₹1,500–₹2,000 every year. Over 10 years, that’s ₹15,000+ in savings!
3 Star vs 5 Star Refrigerator: Which One Should You Pick?
When I started shopping for a refrigerator, I kept getting stuck between 3-star and 5-star models.
One was cheaper upfront, and the other promised savings on electricity—but which one was actually better for me?
Here’s what I discovered after hours of research, talking to users, and doing the math.
Upfront Cost vs Long-Term Savings
| Parameters | 3 Star Fridge | 5 Star Fridge |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range (Approx.) | ₹13,000 – ₹30,000 | ₹16,000 – ₹35,000 |
| Energy Use (Yearly) | 250–300 kWh/year | 150–180 kWh/year |
| Electricity Cost (₹8/unit) | ₹2,000–2,400/year | ₹1,200–1,500/year |
| 5-Year Electricity Cost | ₹10,000–12,000 | ₹6,000–7,500 |
Yes, 5-star models cost more at first, but if you’re going to use your fridge daily for the next 7–10 years (which most people do), that initial ₹3,000–₹5,000 extra easily pays off in energy savings.
Think About Your Usage Style
For Families or Heavy Users:
- Your fridge runs 24/7, stores cooked food, vegetables, drinks, milk, and more.
- The freezer stays full and often runs at low temperatures.
In this case, a 5-star fridge makes total sense. It handles the workload without guzzling electricity.
For Singles, Couples, or Occasional Users:
- You might only use half the fridge space.
- Your fridge may be turned off when traveling.
In this case, a 3-star model could be enough. You’ll save money upfront, and your usage won’t drive up your bill too much.
Frequency of Use Matters
Ask yourself:
- Is my fridge always packed?
- Do I live in a hot region (where fridges run harder)?
- Will I use this fridge for 5+ years?
If the answer is yes to most of these, you’ll benefit more from a 5-star model.
But if you’re:
- Living in a rental or planning to move soon
- Using it lightly
- Buying a second fridge for drinks or storage
Then 3-star is a practical and affordable choice.
What Most People Miss
The savings from a 5-star fridge aren’t just about money. You’re also reducing your carbon footprint and supporting energy-efficient appliances in India.
Also, many buyers forget that:
- Fridges get less efficient over time
- A more efficient (5-star) fridge has longer life span
- Electricity prices tend to rise every year
So your 5-star fridge becomes more valuable each year you own it.
My Honest Recommendation:
If your fridge is going to be a central appliance in your home—and it usually is—go for a 5-star model if your budget allows. It’s quieter, more efficient, and pays off within 2–3 years.
But if you’re just starting out, or using it lightly, a 3-star can do the job just fine—just watch your electricity bill.
What Really Affects Fridge Power Consumption (Beyond Star Rating)
You already know more stars = more efficiency. But that’s not the whole story. Here are the hidden factors that affect your fridge’s actual electricity usage:
1. Age of the Fridge
Even a 5-star fridge loses efficiency as it ages. Compressors weaken, insulation wears out, and your fridge starts working harder.
A fridge that used to consume 150 kWh/year may rise to 200+ kWh after 7–10 years.
If your fridge is older than 7 years, it might be time to check its electricity use—or consider upgrading.
2. Inverter Compressor vs Non-Inverter
Inverter compressors adjust speed based on cooling needs. They save energy by avoiding the stop-start cycle of traditional compressors.
As per Let’s Save Electricity, inverter fridges save up to 30% more power than non-inverter ones.
A 5-star inverter fridge is more efficient than even a normal 5-star fridge.
3. Year of Manufacture
Star ratings change every few years. A 5-star fridge from 2013 is nowhere near as efficient as one from 2025.
Always check the label year printed on the BEE sticker.
For best efficiency, buy the latest model (2024 or 2025).
Bonus: How to Read the Energy Label (Don’t Skip This!)
Take a quick look at the yellow sticker. You’ll find:
- Star rating (obviously)
- Energy use in kWh/year
- Appliance type (frost-free or direct cool)
- License number (proof of BEE testing)
Tip: Always check the year printed on the label. Older fridges may have outdated ratings.
Top Picks: Best 3-Star Refrigerator
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
| Godrej 183 L 3 Star Farm Fresh Crisper Technology With Jumbo Vegetable Tray Direct Cool Single Door… |
₹ 21,590
₹ 14,090 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
| Whirlpool 192 L 3 Star Vitamagic PRO Frost Free Direct-Cool Single Door Refrigerator (215 VMPRO PRM… |
₹ 20,950
₹ 16,740 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 3 |
| Whirlpool 184 L 3 Star Direct-Cool Single Door Refrigerator (205 WDE CLS 3S SAPPHIRE BLUE-Z, Blue,… |
₹ 16,700
₹ 12,990 | Buy on Amazon |
FAQs on Star Rating in Fridge
Why are 5-star fridges more expensive?
Because they use better compressors and insulation. You pay more upfront, but save more over time.
Do star ratings change every year?
Yes! BEE revises their benchmarks every 2–3 years. A 5-star in 2022 may be a 3-star in 2025.
Is it worth paying extra for 5-star?
If you use your fridge heavily or plan to keep it long-term—yes, 100% worth it.
Is BEE rating the same for all brands?
Yes. BEE ratings are standardized. Whether it’s Samsung, LG, or Whirlpool, a 5-star is 5-star across brands (if it is the same size and type).
Final Words on: What is Star Rating in Refrigerator
At last I would say always choose a five-star refrigerator if your budget allows. It will save you more in the long run (Especially if you heavily use your fridge).
However, if your budget doesn’t allow, then go for a 3-star fridge—but make sure it’s from the latest 2025 rating year
One-star Fridges are not recommended.
I hope you have liked our blog post on: Star rating in Fridge. Still have doubts or want help in choosing the right refrigerator? know us in the comments.
Also read about,
- Best Double Door Refrigerator in India.
- Top dishwasher in India.
- Best Top Load Washing Machine in India.
Author
Last update on 2025-05-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
