What is Star Rating in Refrigerator? Know Everything!

March 25, 2025

What is Star Rating in Refrigerator? The Beginner’s Guide

Synopsis

The star rating in a refrigerator indicates its energy efficiency, with a higher rating (more stars) meaning lower electricity consumption.

It is certified by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in India to help consumers save on power bills and reduce their environmental impact.

💡 Important: In India, only single-door refrigerators currently have 4-star or 5-star ratings. For double-door, side-by-side, and multi-door models, typically the highest available rating is 3 stars, with few exceptions. I could find a side-by-side model with a 5-star rating.

Introduction

When buying a refrigerator, you often see a BEE star rating label—but what does it mean?

Is a 5-star refrigerator always the best choice?

Surprisingly, not all types of refrigerators in India have a 5-star rating.

Larger refrigerators (double-door, side-by-side, multi-door) are generally available with a maximum rating of 3 stars due to higher energy consumption.

Only single-door refrigerators come with 4-star or 5-star ratings.

PRO TIP: If you’re buying a double-door, side-by-side, or multi-door refrigerator, the highest energy efficiency available is 3 stars—so don’t waste time looking for a 4-star or 5-star model.

Exception: The 5-Star Side-by-Side Refrigerator

As mentioned earlier, I found one exception to this rule—Samsung’s 653L Side-by-Side Refrigerator (Model RS76CG8115B1HL), which holds a 5-star rating under the latest BEE standards, making it a rare energy-efficient choice in this category.

If you’re looking for an energy-efficient side-by-side refrigerator, this model is worth considering.

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Samsung 653 L, 5 Star, Frost Free, Double Door, Convertible 5-in-1 Digital Inverter, Side By Side AI Enabled Smart Refrigerator with WiFi (RS76CG8115B1HL, Black Doi, Black Matte)

₹1,50,000.00

View on Amazon

However, I could not find any double-door or multi-door refrigerator models with a 5-star rating.

🔹 Key Takeaway: If you’re buying a double-door, side-by-side, or multi-door refrigerator, the highest energy efficiency available is 3 stars—except for the one rare side-by-side model with 5 stars.

In this guide, we’ll explain how refrigerator star ratings work, their impact on energy savings, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Table Of Contents

Synopsis
Introduction
What is Star Rating in Refrigerators?
How Does the Star Rating System Work?
Difference Between 2-Star, 3-Star, 4-Star, and 5-Star Refrigerators
Do Star Ratings in Refrigerators Really Matter?
How to Choose the Right Star-Rated Refrigerator for Your Needs
Common Myths About Star Ratings in Refrigerators
2 Star vs 3 Star Refrigerator: Key Differences
4 Star vs 5 Star Refrigerators: Key Differences
The Difference Between 2 Star and 5 Star Refrigerators
Refrigerator 3 Star vs 5 Star – Difference Between Them
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Star Rating in Refrigerators?

The star rating of a refrigerator represents its energy efficiency, assigned by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in India.

A higher star rating (e.g., 5-star) means the refrigerator consumes less electricity, making it more energy-efficient.
A lower star rating (e.g., 2-star) means higher power consumption, leading to higher electricity bills.
However, not all types of refrigerators receive a 5-star rating. In India, only single-door models have 4-star and 5-star ratings, while double-door, side-by-side, and multi-door models typically have a rating of 3 stars or lower due to their higher power consumption.

💡 Pro Tip: Always check the BEE label’s manufacturing year—BEE updates its criteria periodically, so a 5-star fridge from five years ago may now be rated 3-star under new efficiency standards.

How Does the Star Rating System Work?

The BEE star rating is based on power consumption over a year.

BEE tests the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of each refrigerator model.
The EER is calculated based on how much electricity (in kWh) the refrigerator consumes annually.
More stars = Lower power consumption = More savings.

💡 Pro Tip: A higher star rating saves more energy, but that doesn’t always mean a lower-star-rated fridge is a bad choice. Your electricity usage habits and initial budget play a deciding role in choosing the right model.

Difference Between 2-Star, 3-Star, 4-Star, and 5-Star Refrigerators

The number of stars directly affects your electricity bill.

Here’s a simple comparison:

Star Rating	Annual Energy Consumption (Approx.)	Estimated Annual Electricity Cost*
2-Star	286-300 kWh	₹2,000 – ₹2,100
3-Star	225-250 kWh	₹1,600 – ₹1,750
4-Star	160-200 kWh	₹1,150 – ₹1,400
5-Star	110-150 kWh	₹800 – ₹1,050

(*Cost estimates are based on ₹7 per unit of electricity; actual costs vary by location and usage.)

💡 Key Takeaways:
✅ A 5-star refrigerator can save up to 50% more energy than a 2-star model.
✅ However, only single-door refrigerators have a higher rating of 4-star or 5-star.
✅If you need a double-door, side-by-side, or multi-door fridge, the highest rating currently available for these models is 3 stars.

Do Star Ratings in Refrigerators Really Matter?

Yes! But here’s what you need to know:

✔️ A 5-star rated single-door refrigerator saves electricity but has a higher upfront cost. If you plan to use it for less than 5 years, a 3-star fridge may be a better investment.

✔️ If you need a double-door, side-by-side, or multi-door model, your best option is a 3-star refrigerator since higher ratings aren’t available for larger fridges.

✔️ A 2-star refrigerator might be sufficient for small households with minimal use.

✔️ Usage habits matter—even a 5-star rated single-door fridge will consume more power if you open it frequently or store hot food inside.

💡 Final Tip: Consider your budget, fridge size, and electricity costs before deciding.

How to Choose the Right Star-Rated Refrigerator for Your Needs

To choose the best refrigerator, consider these factors:

🔹 Refrigerator Type & Star Rating

Single-door refrigerators: Available with 4-star and 5-star ratings.
Double-door, side-by-side, and multi-door refrigerators: Typically the highest rating is 3 stars.
Exception: One side-by-side refrigerator has a 5-star rating, but this is extremely rare.

🔹 Family Size

Larger families need bigger refrigerators, which naturally consume more power.
Since 4-star and 5-star options aren’t available in larger models, your best energy-efficient option is a 3-star refrigerator.

🔹 Usage Habits

If you frequently open the fridge or store hot food inside, energy efficiency matters more.

🔹 Electricity Costs in Your Area

If power rates are high, investing in the most energy-efficient option available (5-star for single-door, 3-star for larger models) can help in the long run.

🔹 Budget Considerations

A 3-star refrigerator (for all types) balances cost and efficiency well.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can maximize savings while getting a refrigerator that meets your needs.

Common Myths About Star Ratings in Refrigerators

❌ 1. You Can Get a 5-Star or a 4-Star Double-Door Refrigerator

✔️ Incorrect! In India, only single-door refrigerators usually come with 4-star or 5-star ratings. The highest rating in larger refrigerators (double-door, side-by-side, multi-door) is typically 3 stars.

❌ 2. A Higher Star Rating is Always the Best Choice

✔️ Not necessarily! If your electricity usage is low, a 3-star refrigerator may be more cost-effective.

❌ 3. Star Ratings Never Change

✔️ Wrong! BEE updates its rating criteria every few years. A 5-star fridge from 5 years ago may only qualify as a 3-star today.

❌ 4. All 5-Star Refrigerators Are the Same

✔️ No! Different brands and models have different efficiency levels even within the same rating.

2 Star vs 3 Star Refrigerator: Key Differences

When comparing 2-star and 3-star refrigerators, the main difference lies in their energy efficiency and power consumption.

A 3-star refrigerator is more efficient than a 2-star model, meaning it consumes less electricity and saves more on your electricity bill over time.

💡 Important Note:
🔹 Only single-door refrigerators are currently available with a 4-star or 5-star rating.
🔹 Double-door, side-by-side (with few exceptions), and multi-door models currently have a maximum rating of 3 stars due to higher energy consumption and BEE standards.

Comparison Table: 2 Star vs 3 Star Refrigerator

Feature	2-Star Refrigerator	3-Star Refrigerator
Energy Efficiency	Less efficient	More efficient
Power Consumption	Higher	Lower
Annual Savings	Lower	Higher

Power Consumption Difference: 2-Star vs 3-Star Refrigerator

One of the biggest concerns when choosing between a 2-star and a 3-star refrigerator is power consumption.

A 2-star refrigerator consumes more electricity compared to a 3-star refrigerator, which translates to higher electricity bills over time.

On average, a 2-star refrigerator’s power consumption can be 20-30% higher than a 3-star model.

For example:

A 3-star refrigerator consumes around 250-280 kWh per year.
A 2-star refrigerator may consume 300-350 kWh per year.

Since larger refrigerators like double-door, side-by-side, and multi-door models only have up to 3-star ratings, it’s important to choose the most energy-efficient option available in that category.

2 Star vs 3 Star Refrigerator – Which One Should You Buy?

Your decision depends on your budget and energy-saving goals.

Choose a 2-Star Refrigerator If:

✅ You have a limited budget and need a more affordable option.
✅ You don’t use the refrigerator extensively (small household, minimal usage).
✅ You don’t mind slightly higher electricity bills.

Choose a 3-Star Refrigerator If:

✅ You want long-term savings on electricity bills.
✅ You prefer a more energy-efficient and eco-friendly appliance.
✅ You use your refrigerator frequently and need better cooling performance.
✅ You’re buying a double-door, side-by-side, or multi-door refrigerator—since 3-star is the highest rating available currently for these models in India.

4 Star vs 5 Star Refrigerators: Key Differences

If you’re considering even higher energy efficiency, you may look for 4-star or 5-star refrigerators—but it’s available only in single-door models.

A 4-star refrigerator is more efficient than a 3-star but less than a 5-star.
A 5-star refrigerator has the lowest power consumption, providing maximum long-term savings on electricity bills.
However, 5-star refrigerators are more expensive upfront.

Important Note:

Currently, double-door, side-by-side, and multi-door refrigerators in India do not have 4-star or 5-star ratings. If you’re buying one of these, your best choice for energy efficiency is a 3-star model.

The Difference Between 2 Star and 5 Star Refrigerators

A 2-star refrigerator is much less energy efficient compared to a 5-star refrigerator, which consumes significantly less electricity and provides long-term savings.

However, in India, only single-door refrigerators come with a 5-star rating, while double-door, side-by-side, and multi-door models are available with the highest rating of 3 stars.

💡 Key Takeaway:
If you are looking for a single-door refrigerator, you can consider a 5-star model. For double-door, side-by-side, and multi-door models, your best option starts at a 3-star rating.

Refrigerator 3 Star vs 5 Star – Difference Between Them

A 3-star refrigerator is energy-efficient, but a 5-star refrigerator is even better, consuming less electricity and saving more money in the long run.

However, in India, the highest rating for double-door, side-by-side, and multi-door refrigerators is typically 3 stars. Only single-door refrigerators have 5-star rated models.

Conclusion

A higher star rating generally means better energy efficiency, but the best choice depends on the type of refrigerator, your budget, family size, and electricity usage.

If you’re looking for a single-door refrigerator, a 5-star model offers the highest energy savings.

However, for double-door, multi-door, and most side-by-side refrigerators, the highest energy efficiency available is typically 3 stars, with a few rare exceptions.

Understanding BEE star ratings helps you make an informed decision—saving on electricity bills while also making an eco-friendly choice.

Choose wisely and enjoy energy-efficient cooling!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does the star rating in a refrigerator mean?

The star rating in a refrigerator represents its energy efficiency. The higher the stars, the less power it consumes, leading to lower electricity bills.

Which star rating is best for home use?

If buying a single-door refrigerator, a 5-star model is ideal. For larger refrigerators, a 3-star model is the best available option.

How much electricity does a 3-star refrigerator use?

A 3-star refrigerator’s power consumption depends on its capacity, but it generally consumes 250-280 kWh per year.

How much electricity does a 3-star vs. 5-star fridge consume?

A 3-star refrigerator consumes about 225-250 kWh per year, while a 5-star model consumes 110-150 kWh per year, saving nearly 40-50% in energy costs.

What is the difference between 2-star and 3-star refrigerators?

A 3-star refrigerator consumes less electricity than a 2-star refrigerator, making it more energy-efficient and cost-effective in the long run.

Is a 2-star refrigerator good?

It is affordable but less energy-efficient than a 3-star or 5-star refrigerator. Suitable for low-usage households.

Does a 5-star fridge always save money?

Yes, but only in the long run. If you plan to replace your single-door fridge within a few years, a 3-star model may be a more cost-effective choice. Remember, 5-star ratings are available only for single-door models, while the highest rating for double-door, side-by-side, and multi-door refrigerators is typically 3 stars.

Are older 5-star refrigerators as efficient as new ones?

No, because BEE updates its energy efficiency standards. A 5-star refrigerator from 2018 may now be rated 3-star or 4-star under new standards.

About Author

Your Expert in Home Upgrades

Manpreet Singh

Hello! I’m Manpreet, and I’m on a mission to make your home and kitchen experiences smarter and more enjoyable. With years of experience in the home improvement, lifestyle, and appliance industry, I’ve honed my skills in evaluating and understanding a wide range of products, from kitchen essentials to home electronics and appliances. I believe in the power of expertise and thorough research. Each article you find here is a product of hands-on experience and a commitment to delivering information that goes beyond the surface. My goal is to help you navigate the vast landscape of home appliances, empowering you to make decisions that enhance your lifestyle.

You can ‘meet your author’ on the About Author page here.

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