Appliances / Freezers / Miele
Miele FMC3821L
14.2 cu ft · Upright Freezer freezer
Check the price at the store, then add $956 of electricity to get the true cost. We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.
- Price. Check what it costs at the store.
- Plus running cost. Add $956 of electricity over 12 years. That is the part the price tag hides.
- Compare. Pick your state below, then check the cheaper-to-run models of the same size.
About the Miele FMC3821L
The Miele FMC3821L is a 14.2 cu ft upright freezer freezer certified by ENERGY STAR. Its official test figure is 438 kWh of electricity a year, which at the U.S. average price of 18.19¢ per kWh comes to $80 a year, or $956 over a typical 12-year life.
That is 26% less energy than the federal maximum for this type of freezer (591 kWh a year), a saving of about $28 a year compared with a model that only just meets the standard.
Among 416 upright freezer models it ranks #201 for running cost. The cheapest model of this type would save $417 in electricity over 12 years, though it may differ in size and features.
If you want the same type and a similar size for less to run, the Beko BUFR2715MG uses 305 kWh a year and would save about $290 over 12 years.
Listed features: auto defrost.
Cost to run where you live
438 kWh a year (ENERGY STAR test figure) × 18.19¢ per kWh, the average residential price in the U.S. for Jan–Aug 2026 (EIA). Your bill depends on your utility and how you use it.
Cheaper to run, same type and size
Or see every medium (7 to 15 cu ft) model ranked.
| Beko BUFR2715MG | 14.3 cu ft | $55/yr | saves $290 |
| Blomberg BRUF2814WH | 14.3 cu ft | $55/yr | saves $290 |
| Frigidaire FFUE1326AV | 13 cu ft | $69/yr | saves $127 |
| Elisii DECVC138W | 13.6 cu ft | $71/yr | saves $103 |
Specs
| Brand | Miele |
| Model | FMC3821L |
| Type | Upright Freezer |
| Energy use | 438 kWh / year |
| Federal maximum for this type | 591 kWh / year |
| Size | 14.2 cu ft |
| Features | Auto defrost |
| Defrost | Automatic |
| Built-in | Yes |
Specs and energy use from the ENERGY STAR certified products list (U.S. EPA). An asterisk in a model number stands for colour or finish codes. HouseholdLeak is not affiliated with ENERGY STAR or the EPA.
Questions people ask
How much does the Miele FMC3821L cost to run?
About $80 a year at the U.S. average electricity price (18.19¢/kWh), based on its ENERGY STAR rating of 438 kWh a year. In a state with expensive power it can be much more; pick your state on this page to see your number.
How much will the Miele FMC3821L cost in electricity over its life?
About $956 over 12 years, a typical life for a freezer. Add that to the price you pay to get the true cost to own.
Is the Miele FMC3821L energy efficient?
Yes. It is ENERGY STAR certified and uses 26% less energy than the federal maximum for its type.
Is there a cheaper freezer to run of the same type and size?
Yes. The Beko BUFR2715MG uses 305 kWh a year, about $290 less in electricity over 12 years.
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