Appliances / Refrigerators / GE
GE GIE21GSH series
21.1 cu ft · Top Freezer refrigerator
Check the price at the store, then add $1,048 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 $1,048 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 GE GIE21GSH series
The GE GIE21GSH series is a 21.1 cu ft top freezer refrigerator certified by ENERGY STAR. Its official test figure is 480 kWh of electricity a year, which at the U.S. average price of 18.19¢ per kWh comes to $87 a year, or $1,048 over a typical 12-year life.
That is 9% less energy than the federal maximum for this type of fridge (525 kWh a year), a saving of about $8 a year compared with a model that only just meets the standard.
Among 604 top freezer models it ranks #591 for running cost. The cheapest model of this type would save $736 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 Avanti FF18H0W uses 358 kWh a year and would save about $266 over 12 years.
Listed features: ice maker.
Cost to run where you live
480 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 (18 to 23 cu ft) model ranked.
| Avanti FF18H0W | 18.3 cu ft | $65/yr | saves $266 |
| Avanti FF18H series | 18.3 cu ft | $65/yr | saves $266 |
| Bevoi BVIREF18W (no ice maker) | 18 cu ft | $66/yr | saves $258 |
| Bevoi BVIREF18 series | 18 cu ft | $66/yr | saves $258 |
Specs
| Brand | GE |
| Model | GIE21GSH**** |
| Type | Top Freezer |
| Energy use | 480 kWh / year |
| Federal maximum for this type | 525 kWh / year |
| Size | 21.1 cu ft |
| Width | 32.7 in |
| Features | Ice maker |
| Height | 66.8 in |
| Defrost | Automatic |
| Built-in | No |
| Compact | No |
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 GE GIE21GSH series cost to run?
About $87 a year at the U.S. average electricity price (18.19¢/kWh), based on its ENERGY STAR rating of 480 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 GE GIE21GSH series cost in electricity over its life?
About $1,048 over 12 years, a typical life for a refrigerator. Add that to the price you pay to get the true cost to own.
Is the GE GIE21GSH series energy efficient?
Yes. It is ENERGY STAR certified and uses 9% less energy than the federal maximum for its type.
Is there a cheaper fridge to run of the same type and size?
Yes. The Avanti FF18H0W uses 358 kWh a year, about $266 less in electricity over 12 years.
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