Specifications
Whirlpool USA
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Free, confirm-first email when the price drops on Whirlpool 36 In. Wide Side-By-Side Counter Depth Refrigerator In Black 23 Cu. Ft. (best partner price today: $2,699).
TotalCoverage cooling helps eliminate warm spots in this side-by-side counter depth refrigerator. Multi-flow vents direct fresh, chilled air to each shelf and corner for efficient refrigerator cooling. The space-saving counter depth design of this fingerprint resistant refrigerator helps you keep everything in sight and in its place, so your food stands out in a fridge that doesn't stick out. Whirlpool® 36 in. Wide Side-by-Side Counter Depth Refrigerator in Black 23 cu. ft - Available at Fridge.com.
The Internet’s Verdict
72%positive
3.9★ weighted·across 25 ratingsHow We Score It
Gathering the reviews
We continuously collect owner reviews and public discussions from major retailers and community forums, de-duplicate them, and set aside anything we can’t tie to a verified purchase.
Calculating the average
Averaged across every source we found (Amazon, AJ Madison, and other retailers). Each source counts in proportion to how many ratings it has, so a store with thousands of reviews moves the number more than one with only a handful.
✓ Updated regularly · No manufacturer input
What owners talk about most
“I bought my refrigerator a couple of months ago. I like how the freezer compartments are organized. I wish the refrigerator side had a little more space. The freezer door and the refrigerator door does not match up. The refrigerator door is little higher than the freezer door.”
Owners Answer
The questions shoppers ask, answered from real owner reviews and discussions across the web — not the manufacturer spec sheet.
This side-by-side model offers 23 cubic feet of total capacity. Reviewers consistently praise the spacious layout, with ample room on both the refrigerator and freezer sides. The design accommodates large containers like milk jugs, 2-liter bottles, and Costco-sized items, though some note the freezer compartments are narrower than the fridge side.
Most reviewers report the unit operates quietly, with one owner specifically noting quietness was a priority and they are very satisfied. However, one reviewer mentioned the ice maker motor is noticeably noisy, so while the refrigerator itself is quiet, the ice-making feature may produce some sound.
Reviewers report excellent temperature control and food preservation. Multiple owners note that lettuce stays fresh in the crisper and the unit keeps food properly cooled. However, a few owners experienced freezing problems where food froze unexpectedly even after repairs, suggesting occasional defects in some units.
Owners appreciate the side-by-side layout for its excellent organization and convenience. The design eliminates the need to bend down to access a bottom freezer drawer, and the ice maker positioned in the freezer door frees up additional freezer storage space. The wide shelves and door compartments easily fit large bottles and containers.
While many owners report satisfaction, several reviewers experienced significant issues within the first year, including compressor failure, ice maker malfunction requiring replacement, and cooling problems. Some owners had to replace multiple parts within 6 months. A few units also arrived with missing shelves or installation issues. These problems suggest quality control inconsistencies, though many other owners report trouble-free operation.
Delivery and installation quality varies. Some owners report smooth experiences, while others encountered issues such as uneven leveling, missing shelves, wrong color delivered, and inattentive installation crews. It is advisable to inspect the unit immediately upon delivery and verify all components are included before the installer leaves.
One reviewer reported significant difficulty reaching Whirlpool customer service, noting that chat support had hour-plus wait times and phone lines went to indefinite hold. This suggests customer support responsiveness may be a challenge if you need assistance.
The ice maker and water dispenser are popular features that most owners find convenient and functional. However, one reviewer cautioned that ice makers are generally the most repair-prone feature in refrigerators. One owner experienced ice maker failure requiring replacement after just 4 months, so while many report good performance, this component carries some risk.
Fit & facts
Research done. Whirlpool USA has the best price today — $2,699
View DealSpecifications
Side-by-Side
How this side by side stacks up against close alternatives on Fridge.com.
| Spec | Whirlpool 36 in. Wide Side-by-Side Counter Depth Refrigerator in Black 23 cu. ft. Whirlpool · WRS973CIHV | ![]() GE · GSE23GGPBB | ![]() Samsung · RS23CB7600QLAA | ![]() Samsung · RS22T5201SR/AA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,699 | $2,709.48 | $2,399 | $1,777 |
| Capacity (cu ft) | 23 | 23 | 22.6 | 22 |
| Width | — | 32.75 | 35.87 | 35.87 |
| Height | — | 69.62 | 70.62 | 70.06 |
| Depth | — | 34.75 | 28.87 | 28.62 |
| Annual Energy Use (kWh) | — | — | 600 | 640 |
| Top features | — | — |
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| Where to buy | View Deal | View Deal | View Deal | View Deal |
What Owners Say
23 ratings
A side by side provides great organization. Fantastic
Love the contemporary clean lines. It’s very spacious with 3 drawers and 3 shelf’s that can be relocated in 4 positions. I like ice bin on the door which gives more usable storage space. Don’t like the noisy ice motor!
We love our Whirlpool refrigerator. This is a unit you won't regret. Quietness was a must for us. We are very happy with it. Thank You Whirlpool!
Everything about this refrigerator works well. Temperature control is excellent. Lettuce stays fresh in the crisper. The door shelves are big enough to accommodate 2 liter bottles and don’t interfere with the door closing. The ice maker and water in the door work well - although…
This model is counter depth but has so much storage.I’m very happy with this model.
Convinced? Whirlpool USA has it for $2,699
View DealWatch First
Sourced and aggregated by Fridge.com.
Complete the Setup
Owners of this side by side usually buy these with it.
Water Filter
Certified Alternatives
More from Whirlpool
Other models in the same family — useful for comparing capacity, finish, and feature mix.
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Whirlpool 33 in. Wide Side-by-Side Refrigerator 22 cu. ft.
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Whirlpool 36 in. Wide Counter Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator in Stainless Steel 21 cu. ft.
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Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ-SS 21.4 CuFt Side-By-Side Refrigerator
$1,149.30
Whirlpool, Full-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator, Exterior Ice and Water Dispenser 28.7 cu ft WRSF6536RZ
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Brand Background
Whirlpool stands as one of America's most established appliance manufacturers, with roots stretching back to 1911 when the company was founded in Benton Harbor, Michigan, where its headquarters remain today. Operating under the Whirlpool Corporation umbrella, the brand has built its reputation on delivering dependable refrigeration at accessible price points, positioning itself firmly in the mainstream market tier. The Fridge.com catalog currently tracks 221 active Whirlpool refrigerator and freezer products, reflecting the brand's comprehensive approach to the category. Top-freezer models represent the largest segment with 61 units, followed closely by french-door configurations at 53 and side-by-side designs at 52, demonstrating Whirlpool's commitment to offering options across traditional and contemporary layouts. The lineup extends beyond standard refrigerators to include standalone freezers in both upright and chest configurations, beverage coolers, and dedicated ice makers. Popular models like the WRFC2036RW french-door and the WRTX7419SB top-freezer see consistent tracking activity on Fridge.com. With an average rating of 3.9 out of 5, Whirlpool maintains solid consumer satisfaction while continuing to serve budget-conscious households seeking reliable everyday performance without premium pricing.