Where to Rent a Refrigerator for a Week or Longer
Short-term refrigerator rental is available through appliance rental companies, moving companies, and some furniture rental chains
When you need a refrigerator for a week or two, you have three main routes: national appliance rental chains, local moving and storage companies, and furniture rental services that also stock kitchen appliances. The cost, delivery speed, and what's included in the rental (ice maker, water dispenser, size options) vary significantly between them. Most require a credit card to hold the reservation and will deliver within 24 to 48 hours in urban areas, though rural delivery may take longer.
The refrigerator arrives already plugged in and ready to use—you don't assemble it. When the rental period ends, the company picks it up. You pay a daily or weekly rate, plus a delivery fee that typically ranges from $50 to $150 depending on distance and your location. Some companies waive delivery fees for rentals longer than two weeks.
Key Takeaways
- National appliance rental companies like Aaron's and Rent-A-Center have locations in most cities and can deliver within one to two business days.
- Local moving companies often rent refrigerators as a side service and may offer better rates than national chains for week-long rentals.
- Furniture rental chains such as Rent the Runway's parent company and similar services stock refrigerators but typically require longer minimum rental periods.
- Delivery and pickup are included in most rental agreements, but you should confirm whether the company will remove the old unit if you're replacing a broken fridge temporarily.
- Weekly rates are usually cheaper per day than daily rates, so asking about weekly pricing even for a five-day need often saves money.
National appliance rental chains and what they offer
Aaron's and Rent-A-Center are the two largest appliance rental companies in the United States. Both operate hundreds of locations and maintain fleets of refrigerators in various sizes—standard top-freezer models, French-door units, and compact fridges. You can visit a store in person, call, or rent online through their websites. Both companies require a credit card and a valid ID, and both perform a soft credit check (which does not affect your credit score the way a hard inquiry does).
Aaron's typically charges between $25 and $50 per week for a standard refrigerator, depending on the model and your location. Rent-A-Center's pricing is similar. Delivery is usually included, but you'll pay extra if you need same-day service or if your address is outside their standard delivery zone. Both companies allow you to cancel the rental at any time without penalty, though you remain responsible for the rental charges through your cancellation date.
A key difference: Aaron's offers a "rent-to-own" option where a portion of your rental payments build toward purchase, but for a one-week rental you would simply return the unit. Rent-A-Center does not have this feature for short-term rentals. Both companies will pick up the refrigerator at no extra charge when your rental ends, as long as you schedule the pickup in advance.
Local moving and storage companies as an alternative
Independent moving companies and storage facilities in your area often rent refrigerators, freezers, and other appliances by the week or month. These businesses typically have lower overhead than national chains and may offer better rates for short-term rentals. To find them, search "appliance rental near me" or call local moving companies and ask whether they rent refrigerators.
The advantage of working with a local company is flexibility—they may negotiate on price, offer same-day delivery in some cases, and have a smaller fleet that includes older or specialty models (like vintage-style fridges or extra-large units). The disadvantage is that they may have fewer size options and less predictable availability. Some local companies require a cash deposit in addition to the rental fee, while national chains typically hold only a credit card authorization.
Ask any local company whether they handle delivery and pickup themselves or contract it out. If they contract it, delivery may take longer and cost more. Also confirm whether the rental price includes a service call if the refrigerator malfunctions during your rental period—national chains typically cover this, but local companies vary.
Furniture rental chains and their refrigerator options
Companies like Rent the Runway (which expanded into furniture and appliances), Rent-A-Center's parent company Rent-Way, and regional furniture rental chains such as Aaron's Furniture often stock refrigerators alongside dining sets and living room pieces. These companies cater to people furnishing temporary housing—corporate relocations, short-term leases, and staged homes for sale.
Furniture rental chains typically have higher weekly rates than appliance-only companies because they bundle delivery, setup, and maintenance into a premium service. You might pay $60 to $100 per week for a refrigerator through a furniture rental company, compared to $25 to $50 through Aaron's or Rent-A-Center. However, if you're renting multiple appliances or pieces of furniture at once, bundling through one company can simplify logistics and sometimes reduce the total cost.
These companies usually require a longer minimum rental period—often 30 days—so they may not be the best choice for a one-week need unless you're also renting other items. Call ahead to confirm the minimum rental period and whether they'll make an exception for a short-term appliance-only rental.
What to check before you book a refrigerator rental
Before you confirm a rental, verify the refrigerator's size and features. A standard top-freezer refrigerator is about 28 inches wide and 65 inches tall; a French-door model is wider and may not fit in a narrow kitchen. Ask the rental company for the exact dimensions and whether the unit will fit through your doorways and into your kitchen space. If you're unsure, measure your kitchen opening and the path from your front door to the kitchen.
Confirm what's included in the rental price: Does it cover delivery and pickup? Is there a delivery fee? Are ice maker and water dispenser features included, or do they cost extra? What happens if the refrigerator breaks during your rental—does the company replace it at no charge, or do you pay a service fee? Some companies include a one-time replacement; others charge a service call fee of $50 to $100.
Ask about the cancellation policy. Most national chains allow you to cancel anytime without penalty, but you pay through your cancellation date. Some local companies may charge an early termination fee. Also ask whether the company will remove your old refrigerator if you're replacing a broken unit—some do this as a courtesy, others charge a removal fee.
Comparing cost and convenience across rental options
| Rental Source | Typical Weekly Rate | Delivery Included | Minimum Rental Period | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron's or Rent-A-Center | $25–$50 | Usually yes | 1 week | Short-term needs, urban areas |
| Local moving/storage company | $20–$45 | Varies | 1 week | Negotiable rates, specialty models |
| Furniture rental chain | $60–$100 | Usually yes | 30 days (often) | Multiple appliances or furniture |
For a one-week rental in a city or suburb, Aaron's or Rent-A-Center will usually be your fastest and cheapest option. Both have online booking, predictable pricing, and may provide delivery within 48 hours. If you're in a rural area or need a specialty model, a local moving company may be worth calling—you might save $10 to $20 per week and get more flexibility on pickup timing.
If you're renting for longer than two weeks, ask Aaron's or Rent-A-Center about their monthly rate—it's often significantly cheaper per day than the weekly rate. For example, a $40 weekly rate might drop to $120 per month (about $27 per week), so a three-week rental could cost less than three weeks at the weekly rate.
How to place a rental order and what to expect on delivery day
To rent through Aaron's or Rent-A-Center, visit a store, call their customer service line, or go to their website. You'll need a valid ID, a credit card, and your delivery address. The company will ask for a phone number and email to confirm your rental. You'll receive a confirmation with your rental start date, the model of refrigerator, the weekly or daily rate, and the delivery window (usually a four-hour window on a specific day).
On delivery day, the delivery team will bring the refrigerator into your kitchen, plug it in, and test it to make sure it runs. They'll show you how to adjust the temperature and explain any features. The refrigerator may need 4 to 6 hours to cool down to the proper temperature before you load it with food. Keep the doors closed during this time.
When your rental period ends, call the company to schedule a pickup. They'll send a team to collect the refrigerator at no extra charge (as long as you schedule in advance). Make sure the fridge is empty and defrosted before pickup day. If you cancel early, you'll be charged through your cancellation date, but you won't owe anything beyond that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a refrigerator for just three or four days?
Yes, but you'll usually pay the full weekly rate even for a shorter rental. Most companies charge by the week as their minimum billing unit. If you need it for only a few days, ask whether they offer a daily rate—it's often higher per day than the weekly rate, so weekly is usually cheaper even if you return it early.
What if the rental refrigerator breaks during my week?
Call the rental company immediately. Most will send a replacement refrigerator within 24 hours at no charge. You won't be charged extra for the service call or the replacement unit. If the company cannot deliver a replacement quickly, ask whether they'll credit your account for the days you were without a working refrigerator.
Do I need to defrost the refrigerator before pickup?
Yes. Most rental companies require you to empty and defrost the unit before they pick it up. If there's ice buildup in the freezer, turn off the fridge the night before pickup and let it thaw. Wipe out any water with a towel. If you don't defrost it, the company may charge a cleaning or restocking fee.
Can I rent a refrigerator if I don't have a credit card?
Most national rental companies require a credit card to hold the reservation and authorize the rental charges. Some local moving companies may accept a cash deposit instead. Call ahead to ask about payment options if you don't have a credit card.
Is renting cheaper than buying a used refrigerator for a week?
For a one-week need, renting is almost always cheaper. A used refrigerator costs $200 to $500, and you'd have to resell it afterward (which takes time and effort). A week's rental costs $25 to $50. Renting only makes sense financially if you need the refrigerator for several months or longer.