Used fridges typically sell for anywhere between $100 and $500, depending on age, condition, and style. Basic top-freezer models range from $150 to $350, while premium styles (like French door or stainless steel) can fetch $400 to $800+ depending on the brand.
To price a used refrigerator quickly and fairly, use the 20% to 50% rule: aim for 20%−33% of its original retail price for standard units, and up to 50% for premium or nearly new models. The exact value depends on a few specific criteria:
Depreciation per year: $750 / 15 years (expected lifespan) = $50 Life left: 15 - 5 = 10 years Value: 10 years x $50 = $500 If the refrigerator is in excellent condition and there's high demand in your area, you might price it around $500.
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.
A refrigerator's data plate, which includes the model and serial number, is the key to determining its age. As a general rule, a unit under 5 years old is in its prime for resale. Units between 5-10 years old can still hold significant value if well-maintained.
Check with Your State Energy Office or Local Electric Utility. Local utilities and energy-efficiency organizations support a growing number of refrigerator and freezer recycling programs. Some programs offer cash to recycle your old fridge; others offer utility bill credits. Ask about Municipal Pick-Up of Appliances.
How much is a refrigerator worth in scrap? A typical refrigerator weighs 150-250 lbs and contains mostly steel. At current scrap prices, expect $8-20 for the steel alone. However, the compressor contains copper worth $3-8 extra, and if you separate the copper tubing, you can add another $2-5.
You can make money on an old fridge by selling it secondhand or for parts to a scrapyard. If your refrigerator still works, you can sell it online; if it doesn't work, you can sell the scraps.
Buying a used fridge is a great way to save money, provided it is under 7 to 10 years old, works efficiently, and comes from a reliable brand. However, you risk inheriting costly repairs, higher energy bills, or a dead compressor.
Sometimes, pawn shops will even buy appliances. If you have a refrigerator, microwave, air conditioner, or stove, you might make some good money if it is in decent condition. Fine jewelry is another popular item at pawn shops.
Contact your council, or charities or social enterprises in the area to see if they provide a collection service. If you're buying a fridge or freezer, the retailer should take your old one away. Find your nearest drop-off or collection point for electricals by entering your postcode in our recycling locator.
Scrap aluminum typically ranges from $0.45 to over $1.00 per pound. If you're a buyer, seller, or recycler, understanding aluminum pricing will help you make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
If it's 5 years or younger, list it for around 750, it will sell for 600 on the low side up to 750 on the high side. If it is older than 5 years, then those figures will come down to $400-$600. The reason being is because the life expectancy on a modern fridge is 7 years.
How to Calculate Resale Value
Common Problems with Used Appliances
Used Refrigerators: Older fridges often struggle with temperature control, which can lead to spoiled food. Worn-out compressors and leaky seals are also common—and expensive—to fix.
To price a used refrigerator quickly and fairly, use the 20% to 50% rule: aim for 20%−33% of its original retail price for standard units, and up to 50% for premium or nearly new models. The exact value depends on a few specific criteria:
Many folks go by the 50-50 rule. If the appliance has reached 50 percent of its expected life and it costs more than 50 percent of the cost of new, buy a new one. Oven failures can start with underperformance. For example, a family favorite just doesn't come out like it used to.
Sell to Scrap Buyers
A scrap dealer, processor or recycler like Cohen can buy your old appliances at a scrap recycling center near you. Pricing changes at least monthly, based on the market values of metals, so call ahead and ask what they are paying for mixed iron if you'd like an estimate.
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You should consider replacing your refrigerator every 12 to 17 years, depending on: Usage volume (e.g., large households or commercial use may shorten lifespan) Maintenance history.
Electric heating systems and tumble dryers tend to be the most expensive electrical items to run because they use large amounts of power over extended periods. Other high-cost appliances include electric ovens and immersion heaters.
To make $100 from scrap aluminum, you need anywhere from 55 to 200 pounds, depending on your local scrap yard’s payout rate.
Copper is the leading choice in scrap metal values today. In early 2026, current prices for premium grades have surged well past $4 per pound, making it highly lucrative for waste management operations.
Top Electronics with the Most Gold Content
Desktop and Laptop Computers: Motherboards, CPUs, and RAM modules in older computers (especially pre-2000s) contain significant amounts of gold. A typical desktop computer can have up to 0.2 grams of gold, primarily in connectors and circuit boards.