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When it comes time to buy a new refrigerator, go with a top-rated brand to ensure you’re getting a high-quality appliance. Whirlpool is one of the most trusted brands for refrigerators, and they sell a variety of makes and models, ranging from French door to side-by-side to top-freezer. Depending on the model, you can expect Whirlpool refrigerators to be in line with other top competitor’s prices, with smaller models costing $500–$1,000, and larger-capacity models costing around $1,000–$2,500.
To help you find the right refrigerator for your home, the This Old House Reviews team created this guide to the best Whirlpool fridges available. Our top picks are the Whirlpool 19.4 Cu. Ft. 4-Door French Door Refrigerator, Whirlpool 21.4 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator, and Whirlpool – 28.4 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator.
Top 5 Whirlpool Refrigerators
- Best Four-Door: Whirlpool 19.4 Cu. Ft. 4-Door French Door Refrigerator
- Best Side-by-Side: Whirlpool 21.4 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator
- Best Large Capacity: Whirlpool 28.4 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator
- Best Small Capacity: Whirlpool 11.6 Cu. Ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator
- Best Three-Door: Whirlpool 19.7 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator
Compare Top Whirlpool Refrigerators
| Product | Dimensions | Built-In Ice Maker | Finish | App Compatible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whirlpool 19.4 Cu. Ft. 4-Door French Door Refrigerator | 28.4 x 69.5 x 35.8 inches | Yes | Stainless steel | Yes |
| Whirlpool 21.4 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator | 33.6 x 66.3 x 32.8 inches | Yes | Stainless steel, black stainless steel, black, white | No |
| Whirlpool 28.4 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator | 34.9 x 69 x 36 inches | Yes | Stainless steel, black stainless steel, black, white | No |
| Whirlpool 11.6 Cu. Ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator | 28.4 x 60.6 x 24 inches | Optional | Stainless steel, black, white | No |
| Whirlpool 19.7 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator | 34.9 x 68.4 x 30 inches | Yes | Stainless steel | No |
| Product | Dimensions | Built-In Ice Maker | Finish | App Compatible |
Best Four-Door
Whirlpool 19.4 Cu. Ft. 4-Door French Door Refrigerator
- $2,340
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Those looking for a stylish French Door model that offers flexible organization options and a sleek appearance.
What Customers Are Saying
Our research showed that customers who liked this product said that it ran quietly and had a stylish design. Others were impressed by the organizational options offered with this refrigerator. However, some customers did say that this model lacked the ability to fit large items such as a bottle of wine. Others had issues with the temperature settings, with some claiming that it was difficult to get the temperature below the factory setting.
Best Side-by-Side
Whirlpool 21.4 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator
- $1,530
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Families looking for a high-quality side-by-side refrigerator with a medium-size capacity.
What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers who gave this product a positive review were impressed by its easy-to-use water dispenser and its bright LED lighting. Others commented on how easily it fits into tight spaces. However, some reviewers said this model was overly loud, and others found that the shelves were not as adjustable as they had expected.
Best Large Capacity
Whirlpool 28.4 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator
- $1,890
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: People with large families who want a side-by-side model with maximum capacity.
What Customers Are Saying
Our team noted that customers who left positive reviews for this refrigerator liked that it was well-built and featured spacious doors and a roomy interior. Others commented on the fridge’s easy-to-use ice maker and water dispenser. However, there were some reviews who felt the temperature level was inconsistent and sometimes froze foods. Some also said the compressor was too loud.
One of the members of our Reviews Team has owned this fridge for over four years. Here’s what they had to say: “I cook a lot of large meals, so I always have leftovers. The fridge and freezer are both so spacious and bright; I love how easy it is to store and keep track of everything. This is hands-down my favorite appliance in my kitchen!”
Best Small Capacity
Whirlpool 11.6 Cu. Ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator
- $630
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: People looking for a compact, narrow refrigerator with a top freezer.
What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers who liked this refrigerator were pleased with its sleek design, and several commented that it worked great as a secondary refrigerator for a garage or bedroom. Other reviewers were impressed with this fridge’s excellent temperature control. On the other hand, some reviews found this product to be difficult to install, and some had issues with it leaking easily.
Best Three-Door
Whirlpool 19.7 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator
- $2,070
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Families looking for a top-quality French Door model with ample storage and a built-in water dispenser.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who were pleased with this refrigerator liked that it had a stylish look, was highly adjustable, and had an excellent ice maker. On the other hand, other customers who left more negative reviews felt this model was lacking in space for larger items, while several others had problems with the door not fully closing.
Buying Guide for Whirlpool Refrigerators
Before choosing a Whirlpool refrigerator, there are a few important factors you should keep at the top of your mind. To ensure you’re finding the best fit for your home, you should consider how large of a fridge you need for your household and what style you prefer. Additionally, think about what extra features mean the most to you, such as a built-in ice maker, smart features, or different finish options. Read our guide below for more information on choosing the best Whirlpool refrigerator.
Capacity
Whirlpool refrigerators come in a variety of capacities, with larger models exceeding 25 cubic feet of space and smaller models having less than 12. To determine how much capacity you need, think about how many members of your household there are. Generally, you’ll want to make sure you’re leaving at least 4–6 cubic feet of space per person living in the home. However, that number can vary depending on what type of food you keep in the fridge. For example, if you keep a lot of large beverages, you may want a higher-capacity refrigerator that has enough space to hold multiple six-packs of beer or two-liter bottles of soda. If you live alone or don’t typically fill up your fridge, finding a smaller model will help you save space and money.
Type
French Door
French Door refrigerators are growing in popularity, as they present a sleek, modern look in any kitchen. Whirlpool French door models can come in multiple variations, with some featuring two pull-out doors and a bottom freezer and others having four total doors that open up to smaller compartments.
Top-Freezer
Top-freezer models are the most common type of fridge, and they feature a freezer unit on top of a fridge. These models typically have a lower price point and provide lots of fridge space. However, they don’t offer your refrigerated foods at eye level.
Bottom-Freezer
Bottom-freezer refrigerators are a good choice for those who need extra freezer space. Bottom-freezer models typically offer more freezer organization options while also keeping your refrigerated foods at eye level.
Side-by-Side
Side-by-side refrigerators open on both ends, with the freezer on the left side and refrigerator on the right side. These units are typically larger than other models and provide easy access to both cold and frozen foods.
Energy Efficiency
Whirlpool refrigerators are certified by ENERGY STAR, meaning they use significantly less energy than the federal minimum. The refrigerators in this review come with energy-efficient features such as a Vacation Mode that activates warmer temperatures when you are away from home, customizable temperature control, and a Total Cooling system to maintain consistent ventilation.
Extra Features
Some Whirlpool refrigerators come with additional features that help them stand out from other models, such as.
- Ice Maker: Most Whirlpool fridges come with an ice maker that automatically makes fresh ice for you in your freezer.
- Water Dispenser: In addition to an ice maker, some fridges come with a water dispenser built-in to the front panel that provides fresh, cold water on command.
- Flexible Shelves: Fridges with flexible shelving allows you to remove or move shelves around to maximize your refrigerator space.
- Counter-Depth Design: Several Whirlpool fridges are counter-depth, meaning they fit in seamlessly with your cabinetry and won’t stick out in your kitchen.
- Fingerprint Resistance: Whirlpool refrigerators with a fingerprint-resistant design will help eliminate smudges on your fridge’s exterior and ensure it maintains its sleek finish for years to come.
How To Install a Refrigerator
While you can always pay a professional to install your new Whirlpool refrigerator, those with moderate DIY experience may also be able to do it themselves. Here are some important steps to take when installing a new refrigerator in your kitchen, according to Whirlpool.
- Acquire the right supplies: To start, you’ll need to make sure you’re equipped with a water supply installation kit, flat cardboard, a hand cart or dolly for moving the fridge, packing tape, a level, an adjustable wrench, and measuring tape.
- Empty and disconnect your fridge: Before installing a new fridge, you first need to empty and disconnect your old one. As a tip, put cardboard down on the floor to avoid scratches when disconnecting your fridge.
- Measure the space: Before setting up a new fridge, measure the area of installation to make sure your new fridge will fit. Be sure to allow for a ½ inch of space on each side and in the back.
- Prepare the new fridge: Before moving the new refrigerator, remove all shelves and drawers and make sure the doors are securely shut. Load the fridge onto a dolly and get it ready to move into position.
- Position your new refrigerator: Next, position your new refrigerator into the cutout and stand it upright.
- Locate the water line tubing and connect to the water supply valve: Your new appliance can be connected to the existing water valve if you’re replacing an old fridge, but you must first locate the water line tubing. To do so, turn off the main water supply and locate the ¼-inch copper or PEX water line tubing in the back of the refrigerator. Check the specific installation guide to your model to check the water pressure requirements needed. Once you’ve located the PEX water line tubing, connect it to the water supply valve with the compression fittings from your installation kit and fit the compression sleeve and nut onto the tubing. Finally, secure the tubing with an adjustable wrench.
- Clear out and connect the water line tubing: Next, you can connect the other end of the tubing to the water supply line, but you should first make sure it’s fully drained by placing a bucket in front of it and turning on the main water supply. After draining, connect the water line tubing by fitting the compression sleeve and nut onto the tubing and securing it using your wrench. Complete this step by turning on the main water supply.
- Level and plug in your fridge: After the water line is connected, let it sit for 12 to 24 hours before plugging it into the outlet. You should also make sure your fridge is fully level so that it functions properly. If it is not completely level, adjust the height of the leveling legs at the bottom of the unit.
- Level the doors: The final step Whirlpool recommends is making sure your fridge doors are fully level, especially with French Door and side-by-side models. Adjusting the fridge’s door hinges will help ensure they are fully level.
- Put the shelves and drawers back in: Finally, once your refrigerator is connected, plugged in, and level, you can reinstall the shelving units and drawers. Also, be sure to check the unit’s temperature settings and keep it at or near 37 degrees Fahrenheit and 0 degrees Fahrenheit in the freezer.
FAQ About Whirlpool Refrigerators
Is Whirlpool a good brand for refrigerators?
Whirlpool is one of the top refrigerator brands on the market. They feature a variety of models and are known for their functional design and ease of maintenance. In addition to being recognized for several of their other home appliances, including cooktops, ranges, wall ovens, over-the-range microwaves, and washers and dryers, Whirlpool was named one of the top brands for top-freezer refrigerators according to the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Appliance Safety Satisfaction Survey.
How long do Whirlpool refrigerators last?
With proper maintenance, Whirlpool refrigerators can last well over a decade, with the average lifespan of the appliance being 13 years. To help your refrigerator last as long as possible, clean it regularly, periodically clean the condenser coils, make sure the fridge stays balanced, and fix any issues that arise as soon as possible.
What should I do if my refrigerator is not cooling properly?
According to Whirlpool’s troubleshooting page, a refrigerator that’s not reaching its desired temperature could be caused by the power recently going out or a large amount of food being recently added. Other causes could be that the temperature settings were accidentally adjusted, the air vents were blocked, or the condenser coils needed to be cleaned.
How We Selected the Best Whirlpool Refrigerators
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of Whirlpool refrigerators with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
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