Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ08 User Manual

The Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ08 is a 21.6 cubic foot side-by-side refrigerator with electronic temperature controls, adaptive defrost, humidity-controlled crispers, gallon door bins, spill-proof glass shelves, ice maker, water filtration system, and LED lighting. It features a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish and is ENERGY STAR® certified. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Using the Refrigerator 7. Using the Freezer 8. Water & Ice System 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Electronic controls, Adaptive Defrost System, Humidity-Controlled Crispers, Spill-Proof Glass Shelves, Ice Maker, Water Filtration System, LED Interior Lighting.

FeatureDescription
Electronic ControlsDigital display for temperature settings
Adaptive Defrost SystemReduces energy use by defrosting only when needed
Humidity-Controlled CrispersPreserves freshness of fruits and vegetables
Spill-Proof Glass ShelvesContain spills for easy cleanup
Ice MakerProduces ice automatically
Water Filtration SystemFilters water for ice and dispenser
LED Interior LightingEnergy-efficient, bright lighting
Gallon Door BinsStore large containers on door
Fingerprint-Resistant FinishStainless steel exterior resists smudges
ENERGY STAR® CertifiedMeets energy efficiency guidelines

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure location meets requirements.

  1. Remove packaging: Take off all tape, foam, and cardboard.
  2. Position refrigerator: Place on level floor with adequate clearance (top, back, sides).
  3. Connect water line: For ice maker/water dispenser, connect to cold water supply.
  4. Plug into dedicated 115V, 60Hz AC outlet.
  5. Allow to stand upright for 4 hours before powering on.

WARNING! Refrigerator is heavy; use two people to move. Ensure water line connections are tight to prevent leaks.

First-Time Setup

After installation, power on refrigerator and configure settings.

  1. Set temperatures: Use control panel to set refrigerator (recommended 37°F) and freezer (recommended 0°F).
  2. Allow cooling: Let refrigerator run for 24 hours to reach set temperatures.
  3. Activate ice maker: Lift signal arm to ON position.
  4. Flush water system: Dispense water for 3 minutes to clear air and impurities.
  5. Load food: Once temperatures are stable, add food items.

CAUTION! Do not overload shelves. Allow air circulation around items.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Control Panel located on refrigerator door exterior.

Buttons/Functions: TEMPERATURE (Fridge/Freezer), LOCK, FILTER RESET, ICE TYPE (Crushed/Cubed), WATER, LIGHT.

Temperature Settings: Adjust refrigerator (34°F to 46°F) and freezer (-5°F to 5°F). Lock Control: Press and hold LOCK for 3 seconds to disable control panel. Filter Reset: Press and hold FILTER RESET for 3 seconds after replacing filter. Ice Type: Select between crushed or cubed ice. Water Dispenser: Press paddle for water. Interior Light: Turns on when door opens.

Using the Refrigerator

Organize food for optimal cooling and freshness.

  1. Crispers: Use humidity controls for vegetables (high humidity) and fruits (low humidity).
  2. Shelves: Adjustable spill-proof glass shelves for flexible storage.
  3. Door Bins: Store condiments, beverages in gallon-sized bins.
  4. Meat Drawer: If equipped, use for storing meats at slightly lower temperature.

Tip: Cover foods to prevent odor transfer and drying out.

Using the Freezer

Store frozen foods properly for long-term preservation.

  1. Ice Maker: Produces ice automatically; bucket stores ice.
  2. Shelves/Baskets: Adjustable for storing frozen goods.
  3. Quick Freeze: Activate from control panel to rapidly freeze new items.
  4. Defrosting: Automatic defrost; no manual defrosting required.

WARNING! Do not store glass containers in freezer; they may break. Avoid overfilling to allow air circulation.

Water & Ice System

Ice maker and water dispenser require water line connection.

  1. Ice Production: Lift signal arm to start ice maker. First batch may take 24 hours.
  2. Select Ice Type: Choose cubed or crushed ice from control panel.
  3. Water Dispenser: Press paddle to dispense water. Allow 3-minute flush after filter change.
  4. Filter Replacement: Replace EveryDrop® Filter 4 every 6 months or as indicated.

CAUTION! Use only certified water filters. Turn off ice maker when not in use for extended periods.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning interior. Use mild detergent and warm water; avoid abrasives.

  1. Exterior: Clean stainless steel with damp cloth and mild cleaner; wipe with grain.
  2. Interior: Remove shelves and bins; wash with warm, soapy water.
  3. Condenser Coils: Vacuum coils every 6 months for efficiency.
  4. Door Seals: Wipe with clean cloth to ensure tight seal.

CAUTION! Do not use harsh chemicals, ammonia, or bleach. Never steam clean.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed; complies with NSF/ANSI standards for food storage. ENERGY STAR® partner. Copyright © Whirlpool Corporation. For support, visit www.whirlpool.com or contact 1-800-253-1301. Proper disposal: Refrigerator contains refrigerants and foaming agents; dispose of according to local regulations.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Refrigerator not coolingPower/controlsEnsure unit is plugged in; check circuit breaker; verify temperature settings.
Water not dispensingFilter/lineReplace water filter; ensure water line is connected and valve is open.
Ice maker not workingSignal arm/filterEnsure signal arm is in ON position; check water filter; allow 24 hours for first batch.
Excessive frost in freezerDoor seal/temperatureCheck door seal for gaps; ensure door closes fully; avoid frequent door openings.
Unusual noisesLeveling/itemsEnsure refrigerator is level; check for items touching back wall.

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes, then plug back in to reset control board.

Service: 1-800-253-1301; www.whirlpool.com

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