Appliances / Refrigerators / Whirlpool
Whirlpool WRF535SMH series
25.2 cu ft · Bottom Freezer refrigerator
Check the price at the store, then add $1,342 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 $1,342 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 Whirlpool WRF535SMH series
The Whirlpool WRF535SMH series is a 25.2 cu ft bottom freezer refrigerator certified by ENERGY STAR. Its official test figure is 615 kWh of electricity a year, which at the U.S. average price of 18.19¢ per kWh comes to $112 a year, or $1,342 over a typical 12-year life.
That is 9% less energy than the federal maximum for this type of fridge (674 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 #964 for running cost. The cheapest model of this type would save $906 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 Hisense RF22A3FSE uses 489 kWh a year and would save about $275 over 12 years.
Listed features: ice maker.
Cost to run where you live
615 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.
| Hisense RF22A3FSE | 22.1 cu ft | $89/yr | saves $275 |
| Westbend WB2210FDBMRSS | 22.5 cu ft | $91/yr | saves $253 |
| Kenmore 6938 series (no ice maker) | 22.1 cu ft | $91/yr | saves $251 |
| KitchenAid KB*S22KC* family (no ice maker) | 22.1 cu ft | $91/yr | saves $251 |
Specs
| Brand | Whirlpool |
| Model | WRF535SMH* |
| Type | Bottom Freezer |
| Energy use | 615 kWh / year |
| Federal maximum for this type | 674 kWh / year |
| Size | 25.2 cu ft |
| Width | 35.6 in |
| Features | Ice maker |
| Height | 68.9 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 Whirlpool WRF535SMH series cost to run?
About $112 a year at the U.S. average electricity price (18.19¢/kWh), based on its ENERGY STAR rating of 615 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 Whirlpool WRF535SMH series cost in electricity over its life?
About $1,342 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 Whirlpool WRF535SMH 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 Hisense RF22A3FSE uses 489 kWh a year, about $275 less in electricity over 12 years.
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