Beverage cooler (visicooler): power consumption, monthly cost in Chilean pesos and which to choose for a store

A single-door beverage cooler, known in Chile as a *visicooler*, uses between 0.8 and 3.4 kWh a day, according to the data sheets of the models sold by Ventus, one of the most common brands in Chilean corner stores and minimarkets. With electricity at CLP 255.27 per kWh, the BT1 rate of CGE for October 2026, that equals between CLP 6,126 and CLP 26,375 a month. A two-door cooler can exceed CLP 30,000.

The difference does not depend on size alone. Fan-cooled units (also called turbo cooling) use between 75% and 81% more than a static cooling model of similar capacity, and inverter models can save up to about CLP 20,000 a month compared with a conventional unit of the same size. This guide gathers the consumption and prices of 17 models, the monthly cost and which one suits each business.

Manufacturers report consumption in kWh per 24 hours, measured under laboratory conditions. To convert it to pesos, multiply by 30 days and by the price per kWh. The table sorts the Ventus models with published consumption by size, with prices from its online store as of 10 November 2026.

Source: data sheets and prices from Ventus, checked on 10 November 2026. Monthly cost calculated by Energía Futura with 30 days and the kWh at CLP 255.27. Capacity is the gross figure given in each model's name.

For a household reference: a home refrigerator uses between 25 and 60 kWh a month, or between 0.8 and 2 kWh a day, depending on size and efficiency. A single-door fan-cooled beverage cooler, at 3.4 kWh a day, uses more than the thirstiest home refrigerator, because glass insulates less than an opaque door, the LED lighting is always on and the unit works in warmer premises.

In a static cooling unit, cold air sinks by convection from the evaporator, without a fan. It uses less, but the temperature is less even and the glass may fog. In fan-cooled or turbo cooling units, a fan distributes the cold air: they cool faster and more evenly, with an anti-frost system, but consumption rises.

Energía Futura calculations with Ventus data sheets and the kWh at CLP 255.27. Over a year, the difference between the two 360-litre models reaches about CLP 141,900, more than the price gap between them (CLP 34,000).

The choice also depends on what is sold. For canned and bottled drinks restocked a few times a day, static cooling is enough. For dairy, fresh juices or products that need an even temperature on every shelf, fan cooling is safer, even if it uses more. In both cases the unit should work between 0 and 10 °C, the range given in the Ventus data sheets.

Inverter models use a variable-speed compressor that adjusts its power to demand, instead of switching on and off at full power. Ventus has inverter and conventional versions of the same size, which allows a comparison:

Energía Futura calculations with Ventus data sheets, the kWh at CLP 255.27 and the online store prices as of 10 November 2026 (the conventional models were out of stock, with their last published price).

In a business that operates year-round, the 800-litre inverter recovers the difference in about four months. Ventus inverters also use R290 (propane), a refrigerant with a low greenhouse effect. At home, the same principles apply to refrigerators: we explain them in our guide to how much a refrigerator uses.

A practical point for store owners: if the cooler is bought on credit or in installments, the inverter's monthly saving can cover part of the payment. With the 800-litre model, the difference of CLP 20,217 a month equals almost 2% of the unit's price every month.

• Small shop or counter: a 100-litre countertop unit, from CLP 184,990 and about CLP 6,100 a month in electricity.
• Minimarket selling cold drinks: a 260 to 360-litre unit. If the premises are not hot, static cooling uses up to 81% less; if the door is opened all day, a fan-cooled inverter is better.
• Liquor store or high-turnover business: two doors, 800 to 1,000 litres, ideally inverter: the saving versus a conventional unit can exceed CLP 240,000 a year.
• Check the power rating: a two-door cooler draws between 450 and 630 W; if the service connection is small, the breaker may trip together with other appliances.

If the store only opens during the day, it is not worth switching the cooler off at night: when it has to cool the whole load again, the compressor works harder and products lose quality.

• Place it away from sun and heat sources, with 10 to 15 cm free at the back so the condenser can breathe.
• Don't open the door more than needed and restock drinks in one go, not one by one.
• Clean the condenser every three to six months: dust makes it work harder.
• Check the door gasket: if it doesn't seal, the compressor never stops.
• Set the thermostat at 4 to 6 °C: each degree lower increases consumption.
• Switch off the illuminated header at night if the store closes.

On a store's power bill, the beverage cooler is usually the appliance that weighs most, because it runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A shop with two single-door fan-cooled units and one two-door unit can spend more than CLP 80,000 a month on refrigeration alone. So when replacing an old unit, compare the kWh in the data sheet, not just the price.

Real consumption may be higher than in the data sheet, which is measured in a lab: a hot store with the door opened many times a day makes the compressor work more. If you also have an ice cream freezer, see our guide to how much a chest or upright freezer uses; for the home, the smaller equivalent is the mini fridge.

How much does a beverage cooler use per day?

Between 0.8 kWh (100-litre countertop) and 3.4 kWh (360-litre single-door fan-cooled). Two-door units, between 3.7 and 6.6 kWh.

How much does a beverage cooler cost per month?

Between CLP 6,126 and CLP 26,375 for single-door units and between CLP 28,105 and CLP 50,697 for two-door units, with the kWh at CLP 255.27.

How many watts does a beverage cooler have?

Between about 87 W (100 litres) and 630 W (1,000 litres, inverter), according to Ventus data sheets.

Is an inverter beverage cooler worth it?

For large units, yes: the 800-litre inverter saves about CLP 20,000 a month versus the conventional model and recovers the price difference in about four months.

Which uses less, static or fan cooling?

Static: in Ventus' 290 and 360-litre models, fan cooling uses between 75% and 81% more.