A small wine fridge uses less electricity than a normal kitchen fridge. A 12-bottle unit consumes around 80 - 100 Watts depending on cooling method. A thermoelelctric cooler needs less electricity to run. Power consumption also depends on where you place the appliance. Thermoelectric coolers are very susceptible to ambient temperature. If placed in a warm room or cold basement a thermoelectric wine fridge may not keep the set temperature or will run all the time. It pays to heed the placement recommendations provided by the manufacturers. Install a thermoelelctric wine fridge in a room where the temperature won't go above 77°F. Best if it's around 60 - 65 °F. Then you will save on operation time and electricity.