At retail, this refrigerator costs roughly $740, but we’ve seen sales that bring the price down to $699. This fridge functions surprisingly well, especially when you consider all the savings. It utilizes the limited space well, maintains steady temperatures, and uses little energy. Better still, Whirlpool updated every one of its top freezers for 2015, making them more space-efficient while maintaining a comparable amount of storage. For example, the WRT311FZDM, which is 33 inches wide, is only 65.5 inches tall (excluding the hinges).
You won’t go wrong with this fridge if you’re trying to keep prices down and don’t need an ice maker installed, even though the crispers aren’t the best and you should lower the temperature. This Whirlpool is an excellent deal, whether you need a stylish second fridge or a replacement kitchen appliance. (Or see our other selections of the best refrigerators under $1,000.)
Several significant and excellent Whirlpool WRT311FZDM characteristics
Whirlpool WRT311FZDM Usability & Design
We were quite taken aback by Whirlpool excellent appearance considering its cost. Typically, stainless steel is more expensive, and this instance is no exception: In addition, Whirlpool offers white, black, and biscuit (which is their term for “off-white” or “bisque”), all of which are roughly $100 less expensive. The interior of the lower piece has LED lighting, which is often only found in more costly models, much like stainless steel. Its placement here helps to make food stowed at the back simpler to find and provides the inside a crisp, clean appearance. Additionally, you have a ton of customizable storage available. There are several storage slots available in both the door bins and the main shelves of the Flex-slide Bin, which slides easily from left to right. There’s a tiny flap on the door adjacent to the dairy bin as well. You may pop it up to create space for tall objects like wine bottles, or you can flip it down to use as an extra shelf.
The freezer is more in line with the pricing range: it has no light and an adjustable wire shelf that is the only one in the space. Additionally, the WRT311 lacks an ice maker; nonetheless, it is equipped to accept Whirlpool’s EZ Connect ice maker equipment, which normally costs approximately $99.
Whirlpool WRT311FZDM: Features & Performance
Over time, the freezer and refrigerator maintained consistent temperatures, something that isn’t usually the case with less expensive top freezers. Our testing revealed that the thermostat’s “recommended” setting shouldn’t be there, though. Make sure to lower the temperature for optimal food preservation as both parts were very warm. Additionally, this model is highly energy-efficient, which is wonderful news for anyone who has high utility expenses. Never believe snowflakes… Make sure to adjust the Whirlpool WRT311FZDM to its suggested setting since it tends to run a little warm. Never believe snowflakes… Make sure to lower the refrigerator concerning the suggested setting because it tends to run a little warm.
Conversely, the crispers are among the lowest that we have ever tested. There’s a good probability that your produce may start to deteriorate earlier than anticipated because these drawers lose around three times as much moisture per hour as the typical fridge.
Guaranteed Whirlpool WRT311FZDM
There’s an industry-standard warranty on this entry-level top freezer. All repairs resulting from defective parts or workmanship are covered for a year by parts and labor warranty. Issues brought on by the customer are not protected.
A Bargain Beauty: The Whirlpool WRT311FZDM
The Whirlpool WRT311FZDM is a good option for 20 cubic feet of top freezers at an affordable price. If it’s under $800 on sale, you’re getting a wonderful deal, but even at a lower price, it’s still worth checking out. It’s also a fantastic product, with plenty of adjustable storage, a stylish interior, and exceptional energy efficiency. There’s not much reason to spend extra money on anything else if you can put up with a poor crisper.
The other finishes, which come in white, black, and biscuit, save an additional $100 or so. These added savings make this model even more enticing if it’s only a backup refrigerator for the basement or garage.
Refrigerator Whirlpool WRT311FZDM of The Hard Facts
The Whirlpool WRT311FZDM (MSRP $1,099) is an incredible price, despite its imperfections. According to our tests, this refrigerator is among the most effective on the market and does a great job of preserving food. This refrigerator will not let you down if you don’t mind having a crisper that belongs in the trash.
Performance of Temperature in Whirlpool WRT311FZDM
It is recommended that you turn down the fridge for best results, even when the thermostat indicates the recommended setting (three snowflakes). 38.79°F in the middle, 39.49°F by the crispers and 39.14°F at the top were the average temperatures for the main part. Although the temperature in the compartment remained steady over time (we monitored an average variation of about ±0.27°F), it should be one or two degrees colder.
Similar problems were found with the freezer: the top and bottom had average temperatures of 1.41°F and 2.91°F, respectively. Make sure to adjust that dial as well because you want the temperature to remain at or below 0°F to prevent freezer burn.
Energy Efficiency & Storage Space of Whirlpool WRT311FZDM
This Whirlpool utilizes its shelves and drawers to their full potential despite having a large amount of adjustable storage, which frequently consumes useful space. There are several possibilities to personalize the arrangement of the lower part, which we measured to have 12.01 cubic feet of usable room for groceries, thanks to features like the Flex-slide Bin and the flip-forward door shelf. For a top freezer this large, that is extremely outstanding.
Unsurprisingly for its basic design, which consists of a single wire rack dividing a massive ice box, the freezer was likewise spacious. You can store frozen goods in 4.9 cubic feet of useful area when you include door storage.