Whirlpool TOP-FREEZER REFRIGERATOR

This document is a Use and Care Guide for a Whirlpool® 22' to 25' No-Frost Designerstyle™ Top Freezer Refrigerator with Thirstcrusher™ Dispensing System, dated 9/95. It provides comprehensive instructions for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting the appliance, aiming to ensure years of trouble-free operation.

Function Description:

The Whirlpool refrigerator is designed to store fresh and frozen foods, keeping them at optimal temperatures. It features a top freezer configuration, providing separate compartments for freezing and refrigerating. A key feature is the Thirstcrusher™ Dispensing System, which offers both cubed and crushed ice, as well as chilled water, directly from the freezer door. The refrigerator is equipped with an automatic ice maker that continuously produces ice, storing it in a dedicated bin within the freezer. The no-frost design eliminates the need for manual defrosting in both the refrigerator and freezer sections.

Usage Features:

The refrigerator offers several user-friendly features for flexible storage and convenience.

Controls: Refrigerator and freezer controls are located within the refrigerator compartment. The refrigerator control ranges from 1 (warmest) to 8 (coldest), with a recommended setting of 4. The freezer control ranges from A (coldest) to D (warmest), with a recommended setting of C. An Exterior Moisture Control allows users to turn electric heaters around the door openings ON or OFF to prevent moisture formation on the cabinet exterior, depending on humidity levels.
Adjustable Shelving: The refrigerator features cantilever glass shelves that can be adjusted to match various storage needs. These shelves are designed to hold heavy food items like bottles and milk. Some models include EZ-Track™ refrigerator shelves that slide side-to-side for more flexible storage arrangements.
Door Bins: Adjustable door bins with bin glides allow for customization of door storage. A tall-bottle retainer can be fitted onto any door bin to secure tall bottles when opening and closing the door.
Specialized Storage:
- Egg Bin: A three-piece egg bin (lid, egg carrier, and bin) can hold one, two, or three dozen eggs, offering flexibility for storage and transport to the cooking area.
- Meat Drawer: A dedicated meat drawer with an adjustable cover is provided for optimal meat storage.
- Crispers: Moisture-sealed crispers with humidity control allow users to adjust the amount of humidity inside. A LOW (open) setting is recommended for fruits and vegetables with skins, while a HIGH (closed) setting is best for fresh, leafy vegetables.
- Freezer Shelf: An adjustable half-width freezer shelf provides flexibility for organizing frozen items.
Thirstcrusher™ Dispensing System: This system provides cubed ice, crushed ice, and chilled water. Users can select between cubed and crushed ice using an Ice Selector Switch. A sturdy glass should be pressed against the dispenser bar to activate dispensing. The dispenser light can be turned on or off using a dedicated switch.
Ice Maker: The automatic ice maker has an ON/OFF lever (wire signal arm) to start or stop ice production. It's important to connect the ice maker to a cold water supply for proper operation.
Sounds: The guide explains various normal sounds the refrigerator may make, such as a slight hum from the fan motor, clicking or snapping from the thermostat and defrost timer, gurgling water sounds, and the thud or clatter of ice from the ice maker. It also notes that high-efficiency compressors may run longer than older designs.

Maintenance Features:

Regular maintenance is crucial for extending the life of the refrigerator.

Cleaning: The guide recommends cleaning the refrigerator and freezer sections about once a month to prevent odors. This involves unplugging the appliance, removing all removable parts, and cleaning various components with specific solutions:
- Removable Parts (shelves, crisper, etc.): Mild detergent and warm water.
- Outside: Mild detergent, warm water, and appliance wax (for painted metal surfaces). Plastic parts should not be waxed.
- Inside Walls: Mixture of warm water and mild detergent, or baking soda solution.
- Door Liners and Gaskets: Mild detergent and warm water. Avoid cleaning waxes, concentrated detergents, bleaches, or petroleum-containing cleaners on plastic parts.
- Plastic Parts (covers and panels): Mild detergent and warm water. Avoid paper towels, window sprays, scouring cleansers, or flammable fluids.
- Defrost Pan: Remove and clean with mild detergent and warm water.
- Condenser Coils: Vacuum with an extended narrow attachment. Cleaning is recommended every other month or as needed.
Ice Maker Maintenance: The ice maker storage bin should be removed, emptied, and cleaned if the dispenser hasn't been used for a week or more, if a power failure caused ice to melt and refreeze, or if it's not used regularly. Hot or warm water should be used to melt ice, and sharp objects should be avoided to prevent damage.
Troubleshooting: A dedicated troubleshooting section helps users diagnose and resolve common issues, such as the refrigerator not operating, lights not working, ice maker problems, water in the defrost pan, or the motor running too much.
Vacation and Moving Care: Instructions are provided for short and long vacations, including using up perishables, freezing items, turning off the ice maker and water supply, unplugging, cleaning, and propping doors open to prevent odors. For moving, it details steps like disconnecting water lines, removing food, packing frozen items, cleaning, securing parts, and taping doors.
Energy Saving Tips: The guide offers advice on saving electricity, such as checking door gaskets for a tight seal, cleaning condenser coils regularly, minimizing door openings, organizing food, and avoiding setting temperatures colder than necessary. It also advises against placing the refrigerator near heat sources or in direct sunlight.
Door Swing Reversal: The doors are reversible, and instructions for reversing the door swing are provided in a separate instruction sheet.