Appliances / Refrigerators / KitchenAid
KitchenAid KBFN542S series
24.1 cu ft · Bottom Freezer refrigerator
Check the price at the store, then add $1,382 of electricity to get the true cost. We may earn a commission if you buy through these links; as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Price. Check what it costs at the store.
- Plus running cost. Add $1,382 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 KitchenAid KBFN542S series
The KitchenAid KBFN542S series is a 24.1 cu ft bottom freezer refrigerator certified by ENERGY STAR. Its official test figure is 633 kWh of electricity a year, which at the U.S. average price of 18.19¢ per kWh comes to $115 a year, or $1,382 over a typical 12-year life.
That is 9% less energy than the federal maximum for this type of fridge (694 kWh a year), a saving of about $11 a year compared with a model that only just meets the standard.
Among 1,422 bottom freezer models it ranks #1039 for running cost. The cheapest model of this type would save $945 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 GE GBE21DGK series (no ice maker) uses 488 kWh a year and would save about $317 over 12 years.
Listed features: ice maker, counter depth.
Cost to run where you live
633 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 large (23 to 27 cu ft) model ranked.
| GE GBE21DGK series (no ice maker) | 20.9 cu ft | $89/yr | saves $317 |
| GE GBE21DYK series (no ice maker) | 20.9 cu ft | $89/yr | saves $317 |
| Liebherr FDBHI36S | 20.7 cu ft | $89/yr | saves $317 |
| Liebherr FDBI36S | 20.6 cu ft | $89/yr | saves $317 |
Specs
| Brand | KitchenAid |
| Model | KBFN542S**** |
| Type | Bottom Freezer |
| Energy use | 633 kWh / year |
| Federal maximum for this type | 694 kWh / year |
| Size | 24.1 cu ft |
| Width | 41.5 in |
| Features | Ice maker, Counter depth |
| Height | 83.5 in |
| Defrost | Automatic |
| Built-in | Yes |
| 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 KitchenAid KBFN542S series cost to run?
About $115 a year at the U.S. average electricity price (18.19¢/kWh), based on its ENERGY STAR rating of 633 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 KitchenAid KBFN542S series cost in electricity over its life?
About $1,382 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 KitchenAid KBFN542S 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 GE GBE21DGK series (no ice maker) uses 488 kWh a year, about $317 less in electricity over 12 years.
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