Have you ever wished you had more fridge space and less freezer space in your kitchen? Maybe you don’t need to store a lot of frozen food, or maybe you want to keep more fresh produce and beverages chilled. Whatever the reason, you may be wondering if you can convert your Whirlpool freezer to a fridge and how to do it.
The good news is that it is possible to convert a Whirlpool freezer to a fridge with some simple steps and a new thermostat. The bad news is that it may not work for all models and it may affect the performance and warranty of your appliance. In this post, we will show you how to convert a Whirlpool freezer to a fridge and what to consider before doing it.
To convert a Whirlpool freezer to a fridge, you need to turn off and unplug your freezer, remove the existing thermostat, connect a new fridge thermostat, and turn on your fridge. You also need to consider the energy efficiency, defrost function, temperature control, and warranty of your appliance.
Converting a Whirlpool freezer to a fridge is not a very complicated process, but it does require some basic tools and skills. You also need to buy a new refrigerator thermostat that is compatible with your freezer model. You can find them online or at appliance stores for around $30 or less. Here are the steps to follow:
Before you start working on your freezer, you need to make sure there is no power going into it. You will be dealing with some electrical wires and you don’t want to risk getting shocked or causing a short circuit. Turn off your freezer and unplug it from the wall outlet. You should also empty your freezer of any food items and store them in another place.
The thermostat is the device that regulates the temperature inside your freezer. It tells the compressor when to turn on and off to maintain the desired level of coldness. To convert your freezer to a fridge, you need to replace the freezer thermostat with a fridge thermostat that has a higher temperature range.
The thermostat is usually located at the back of the freezer, behind a panel or cover. You may need to unscrew or unclip the panel or cover to access it. Once you find it, take a picture of it with your phone or camera. You want to remember how the wires are connected so you can replicate it with the new thermostat.
Carefully disconnect the wires from the old thermostat and remove it from its mounting bracket or clips. You can keep the old thermostat in case you want to revert back to a freezer later or sell it online or to an appliance store.
Using the picture you took as a reference, connect the wires from the new fridge thermostat to the same terminals as the old one. Make sure they are secure and not touching each other or any metal parts. You may need to use wire nuts or electrical tape to insulate them.
Mount the new thermostat in the same place as the old one using the same bracket or clips. Make sure it is not loose or dangling inside the freezer. You may need to drill some holes or use some adhesive tape to secure it.
Plug in your freezer and turn it on. Set the new thermostat to the desired temperature for your fridge. It may take some time for the temperature inside the freezer to adjust to the new setting. You can use a thermometer to check if it is within the normal range for a fridge (between 35°F and 40°F).
You can now load your food items into your new fridge and enjoy more space for your fresh produce and beverages.
While converting a Whirlpool freezer to a fridge may seem like an easy and convenient solution for your kitchen needs, there are some drawbacks and risks involved that you should be aware of before doing it. Here are some things to consider:
Q: Can I convert any Whirlpool freezer to a fridge?
A: Not necessarily. Some Whirlpool freezers may not be compatible with a fridge thermostat or may have other features that prevent them from being converted to a fridge. For example, some models have digital controls or sensors that may not work with a manual thermostat. You should check your freezer model and specifications before attempting to convert it.
Q: Can I convert a Whirlpool fridge/freezer combo to a fridge only?
A: No. A Whirlpool fridge/freezer combo is a single appliance that has two separate compartments for cooling and freezing. You cannot convert one compartment to another without affecting the whole appliance. If you want more fridge space and less freezer space, you should buy a separate freezer and use it as a fridge.
Q: How much does it cost to convert a Whirlpool freezer to a fridge?
A: The main cost of converting a Whirlpool freezer to a fridge is buying a new refrigerator thermostat, which can range from $10 to $50 depending on the brand and model. You may also need some basic tools and materials, such as a screwdriver, wire nuts, electrical tape, etc. The total cost should not exceed $100.
Converting a Whirlpool freezer to a fridge is a possible DIY project that can give you more fridge space and less freezer space in your kitchen. However, it is not without its drawbacks and risks, such as reduced energy efficiency, defrost function, temperature control, and warranty. You should weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding to do it.
We hope this post has helped you understand how to convert a Whirlpool freezer to a fridge and what to consider before doing it. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And don’t forget to check out our other posts on kitchen appliances and food safety at PressToCook.com!