Appliances / Refrigerators / Thermador

Illustration. Product photo coming soon.
Bottom FreezerENERGY STAR certified

Thermador T42BT120NS

23.1 cu ft · Bottom Freezer refrigerator

Electricity, 12 years
$1,377
Per year
$115

Check the price at the store, then add $1,377 of electricity to get the true cost. We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.

  1. Price. Check what it costs at the store.
  2. Plus running cost. Add $1,377 of electricity over 12 years. That is the part the price tag hides.
  3. Compare. Pick your state below, then check the cheaper-to-run models of the same size.
Per year (U.S. avg)
$115
Over 12 years
$1,377
Saves vs the federal maximum
$11/yr
Rank for running cost
#1014 of 1,422

About the Thermador T42BT120NS

The Thermador T42BT120NS is a 23.1 cu ft bottom freezer refrigerator certified by ENERGY STAR. Its official test figure is 631 kWh of electricity a year, which at the U.S. average price of 18.19¢ per kWh comes to $115 a year, or $1,377 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 #1014 for running cost. The cheapest model of this type would save $941 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 Fisher & Paykel RF201A series uses 448 kWh a year and would save about $399 over 12 years.

Listed features: ice maker.

Cost to run where you live

Electricity per year
$115
Electricity over 12 years
$1,377
Add the price you pay
+ $1,377

631 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.

Fisher & Paykel RF201A series20.1 cu ft$81/yrsaves $399
Hamilton Beach HBF206720.3 cu ft$84/yrsaves $371
Hamilton Beach HBF2067/HZ760220.3 cu ft$84/yrsaves $371
Kenmore KKFDR36x20.3-SS20.3 cu ft$84/yrsaves $371

Specs

BrandThermador
ModelT42BT120NS
TypeBottom Freezer
Energy use631 kWh / year
Federal maximum for this type694 kWh / year
Size23.1 cu ft
Width42 in
FeaturesIce maker
Height84 in
DefrostAutomatic
Built-inYes
CompactNo

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 Thermador T42BT120NS cost to run?

About $115 a year at the U.S. average electricity price (18.19¢/kWh), based on its ENERGY STAR rating of 631 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 Thermador T42BT120NS cost in electricity over its life?

About $1,377 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 Thermador T42BT120NS 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 Fisher & Paykel RF201A series uses 448 kWh a year, about $399 less in electricity over 12 years.

Want the cheapest picks every week?

Join the free Leak Club. One short email with the lowest-cost picks we found.

Join the Leak Club