The Ultimate Whirlpool WRT518SZFM 17.7-Cu. Ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator Review

The Whirlpool WRT518SZFM is a popular choice among people who need an affordable and practical top-freezer refrigerator. However, there’s a lot of competition in the mid-range fridge and freezer market. To see if this model is your best option, you need to learn a little more about it.

Our guide will tell you everything a prospective buyer needs to know about the Whirlpool WRT518SZFM. We’ll explain this model’s specifications and show you how it measures up to competitors. You can see what WRT518SZFM owners think and learn how the fridge really runs.

Want to skip the details? See a summary of the Whirlpool WRT518SZFM refrigerator here.

Whirlpool WRT518SZFM 17.7-Cu. Ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator Review

Google’s Rating: 4.3

Description and Specifications

This Whirlpool refrigerator is a mid-size model with a freezer on the top. The freezer contains one shelf and two door bins while the fridge has three shelves, two drawers, and four door bins. The bins are adjustable, so you can store tall or short items as needed. A humidity-controlled crisper drawer helps keep fruits and vegetables fresh. LED interior lighting in the refrigerator makes it easy to view your food.

All this storage is contained in a sleek exterior. The refrigerator has five different finish options and inset handles along the middle. The swing doors have hidden hinges for a more streamlined look. One of the nice things about this model is the reversible door. You can choose which side you want it to open to, so it can be placed in many spots.

Construction

The exterior of this refrigerator is a blend of metal and plastic. You can choose from black, white, and stainless steel doors with an optional fingerprint-resistant coating. The sides are a matching plastic. Inside, the same durable construction techniques are used. Most of the refrigerator is an easy-to-clean white plastic. However, the shelves are tempered glass and the bins are clear plastic.

Freezer and Refrigerator Capacity

The Whirlpool WRT518SZFM is a 17.7-cubic-foot model with most of the space in the refrigerator. Altogether, there are 4 cubic feet of storage in the freezer and 13.7 cubic feet of storage in the fridge. This is enough space for two to four people. On average, the WRT518SZFM holds 18 bags of groceries.

The refrigerator’s organizational dividers are mostly adjustable. You can lower them to make room for 2-liter bottles or raise them to store flat items like pizza. The door bins come in multiple widths. Narrow shelves provide space for condiments.

Dimensions and Weight

This Whirlpool model has a depth of 31″, a width of 28″, and a height of 67″. It’s a standard counter-depth fridge that fits neatly in between most cabinets. However, the fridge is fairly compact. It’s a bit slimmer than many other models, so this is a great option for apartments and small kitchens. Keep in mind that it needs a little clearance for optimal operation. The recommended clearances are 0.5″ on the sides, 3″ on the top, and 1″ on the back.

When the refrigerator is empty, it weighs 173 lbs. This is slightly on the heavy side compared to some other 17.7-cubic-foot refrigerators. It isn’t a problem for most people, but it’s something to be aware of if you want to move the fridge frequently.

Installation and Maintenance

Installing the WRT518SZFM is fairly simple. Since the design itself isn’t too complex, it doesn’t need a lot of special hookups or ventilation. Instead, the main focus is finding an appropriate location. You’ll need to measure your kitchen and make sure there’s enough room to hold the refrigerator with its required clearance. To run the refrigerator, all you need is a standard 115-volt, 60-Hz, AC-only outlet. A water connection is required only if you install an ice maker. You’ll be concerned with assembly only if you plan on reversing the doors.

Once the refrigerator is in place, care is very simple. You just need to clean the appliance regularly to avoid any strange odors. When cleaning, Whirlpool recommends a non-abrasive, gentle cleanser like dish soap. The LED bulb is long-lasting, but if it goes out, you can replace it by simply screwing in another bulb.

Annual Energy Consumption and Temperature Control

The Whirlpool WRT518SZFM is a fairly low-energy model. It isn’t efficient enough to be an Energy Star-certified model. However, since it’s not a huge refrigerator, it doesn’t drain a lot of power. Under normal operating conditions, the refrigerator uses 356 kWh of energy per year. This means it will cost roughly $48 per year to run the refrigerator. Keep in mind that energy usage is slightly higher if you install the ice maker.

This refrigerator model has an electronic temperature control panel inside. The smart temperature controls let you easily adjust your refrigerator’s temperatures. It has four settings that range from cold on the left to coldest on the right. You can press the “Setting” button to cycle through these levels to find your preferred temperature. Freezer temperature controls are similar. A knob lets you switch the temperature between three standard levels.

Ice maker and Defrost Type

An ice maker doesn’t automatically come with this refrigerator. However, unlike many models without this accessory, it’s easy to add one. The WRT518SZFM is EZ Connect ice maker compatible. You just buy the kit, mount it in place, and connect it to a water supply. Once you do so, you can enjoy fresh ice cubes whenever you like.

To make this refrigerator a little simpler, Whirlpool’s included automatic defrost. This feature cuts back on maintenance. Instead of removing ice manually, you can rely on the freezer to defrost itself. The WRT518SZFM will occasionally run a defrost cycle, which will not impact its ability to keep food cold. However, you may hear a sizzling, gurgling, or dripping noise during this cycle.

Certifications and Warranty

The WRT518SZFM is a UL-listed refrigerator. This means it upholds the rigorous standards set up by Underwriters Laboratories, a global safety certification company. When you get a UL-listed product, you can be confident that it’s safe and reliable. UL listing means the item was produced in a safe environment and is unlikely to expose you to any hazards.

If something does go wrong with your refrigerator and freezer, it might be under warranty. Whirlpool provides a one-year limited warranty for this model. The warranty will pay for parts and labor to correct any issues caused by defective materials and workmanship. It will not cover cosmetic damage, damage from misuse, damage due to natural disasters, or damage to commercial products.

Common Problems and Parts

Customers face a few common issues, but fortunately, most of them are easy to resolve. Some users report complaints that the refrigerator motor runs too often. However, this is actually fine because the low-efficient motor is designed to run frequently at lower speeds. Another common complaint is frost buildup inside the freezer. This tends to happen when the door was installed improperly. Adjusting it so that it closes tightly will typically fix the problem.

If a component breaks, you have many repair options. Whirlpool offers a broad range of appliance parts. These factory-approved parts are identical to the ones in your refrigerator, so you can replace them with ease.

Additional Features

For the most part, this Whirlpool refrigerator is a simple design. It doesn’t have many additional features like rapid cooldown modes or smart connectivity. However, it includes essentials like temperature control and LED interior lighting. Here are the other basics of this refrigerator’s specifications.

Price

This refrigerator has an MSRP of roughly $950. However, many retailers mark it down, so you can find it for less than $800 in some places. For the most part, this is good value. The Whirlpool WRT518SZFM usually retails for about $100 more than other similarly sized models. However, it offers some extra features like reversible doors, ice maker add-ons, glass shelves, and adjustable bins. Especially when you consider the brand’s reputation for durable, made-in-America products, it’s worth the cost.

What Are Consumers Saying About the Whirlpool WRT518SZFM?

Overall, reviews for the Whirlpool 17.7-cu. ft. top-freezer refrigerator are mostly positive. Users often mention that they bought this fridge for their condo, vacation home, cabin, apartment, or other smaller space. In addition to being a popular small-space fridge, people praise this model for being stylish and having a convenient layout. The main issue that comes up concerns the freezer door. If not carefully leveled, it may not seal properly. Here are the main pros and cons that frequently occur in user reports.

Is the Whirlpool WRT518SZFM for You?

The Whirlpool WRT518SZFM is a great choice for people who need something simple, compact, and reliable. It doesn’t have the fanciest, high-end features, but it has all the essentials. Just keep in mind that this refrigerator is mostly ideal for smaller spaces. If your family has more than six people or if you like buying in bulk, you might want a different model. Another thing to consider is that this refrigerator’s priced a little higher than cheap fridges. You do get what you pay for, so it is quite durable. Ultimately, it’s a nice option if you want a nice, basic fridge that will last for years.

Why Choose Whirlpool?

Whirlpool has been a classic home appliance manufacturer for decades. The company got its start selling washers in 1911, and over the years, they’ve developed all sorts of fantastic products. Whirlpool has been designing refrigerators and freezers since 1955, so they have plenty of experience.

Refrigerators and freezers from Whirlpool have a reputation for being affordable and reliable. The company doesn’t typically create flashy products with the latest innovations. Instead, they usually focus on simple, easy-to-use items. You can count on Whirlpool refrigerators and freezers to keep your items cool without a fuss.

Most homeowners who purchase a Whirlpool product don’t need high-end luxury but are willing to pay slightly more for durability. Whirlpool does not make the cheapest products on the market, but they are quite affordable. The average Whirlpool product is on the lower end of mid-priced models. Despite the low cost, all Whirlpool products are made in the USA.

FAQs

Still have questions about the Whirlpool 17.7-cu. ft. top-freezer refrigerator? Here are a few other details you should know about.