Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ side-by-side refrigerator review

There's some nice touches, but the Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ isn't our top choice

Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ Review
(Image: © Whirlpool)

Top Ten Reviews Verdict

Lacking some of the perks of other fridges which hit the same price point, the Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ isn't our top pick.

Pros

  • +

    Can caddy and deli drawer

  • +

    A mid-to-low price

Cons

  • -

    Limited space and non-adjustable shelving

  • -

    The worst warranty we've seen

  • -

    Not Energy Star certified

  • -

    Not counter-depth

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We've researched the latest Side-by-Side Refrigerators, asked the experts, and sifted through thousands of specs, features and user reviews to find the Best Side-by-Side Refrigerators around. Here's everything you need to know about the Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ side-by-side refrigerator. If you want an alternative, why not check out the best French door refrigerators.

Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ: Features  

  • A variety of fresh food compartments 
  • Up-front temperature controls 
  • Can caddy to store drinks 

The Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ Side-by-Side Refrigerator has a lot of the features we’ve come to expect in side-by-side fridges in recent years. For one, it has an exterior ice and water dispenser with a built-in water filter. The icemaker is factory-installed which means you won’t need to refill ice trays to have plenty of ice on-hand for entertaining or a hot day. 

The fresh food section of the Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ features a deli drawer for meat and cheese, adjustable gallon door bins for flexibility to accommodate all sorts of bottles and frameless glass shelves which offer maximal storage space. Humidity-controlled crispers keep fruit and veg fresh by creating their ideal environment. There’s also a nifty can caddy which holds your canned or bottled drinks in the door of the Whirlpool, freeing up space elsewhere for larger items and keeping your drinks easy-to-access.

(Image credit: Whirlpool)

There’s LED interior lighting which keeps energy costs low by reducing the heat created by more traditional methods, and the ice and water dispenser even features an LED night light to avoid any spillage and mishaps. There’s also fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior which wipes clean, perfect for households with kids.

The temperature of the Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ can be controlled electronically with up-front controls and and adaptive defrost settings monitor your freezer environment and runs automatically, giving you one less thing to worry about.

Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ: Size & Dimensions  

  • Standard depth
  • 21.4 cubic feet, a small capacity 
  • Not large enough to fit a gallon of milk

What are the dimensions of the Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ? This is not a counter-depth model, meaning its depth of 33.6-inches could stick out from your kitchen counter and miss out on that slick, custom feel. The width is 33-inches and the height is 65.6-inches, which is standard for side-by-side fridges. 

There’s an overall capacity of 21.4 cubic feet (cu. ft.) which is split across the 14.6cu. ft. refrigerator and the 6.8cu. ft. freezer capacity. This is an average fridge to freezer ratio for a side-by-side refrigerator, but might leave you a little shy on freezer space if you have a large family. One of the most frequent complaints we saw is that the shelving in the Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ is only just tall enough to fit a gallon of milk - something to keep in mind if this features in your weekly shop. The best side-by-side fridges tend to have a capacity of 20-29cu. ft., so this is a small refrigerator which is best suited to a family of four at most. If you’re after a larger capacity freezer, check out the Samsung RS25J500DSR/AA

Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ: Price 

  • $1,399 - a mid-price model
  • You can get bigger refrigerators for this size 

Ringing in at $1,399, this side-by-side refrigerator is a low-to-mid price model which was on sale for $1,199 when we reviewed it. One of the cheaper models we’ve seen, but lacking the fancy extras we’ve seen with higher-end models such as the LG Electronics LSXC22396D, which features door-in-door technology and an Instaview glass panel to reduce the need to open your fridge. 

That being said, this is a good price if you’re looking for a fridge of this size, and you get your money’s worth with thoughtful touches such as the LED dispenser night light and can caddy. 

Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ: Efficiency & Warranty 

  • Worst warranty we've seen
  • No Energy Star certification 

The Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ comes with the worst warranty we’ve seen, with only a year’s limited cover on parts and labor. Many other brands we’ve reviewed have extended warranties of up to ten years on certain parts, which offers greater peace-of-mind to buyers. 

Overall, buyers have loved their Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ side-by-side refrigerator for its value-for-money and smooth-running. Some have reported that this model is loud, which can be irritating from essential household appliances. What’s more, the Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ isn’t Energy Star qualified, meaning you could experience higher energy costs than with qualified alternatives.

Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ: Our Verdict

At $1,399, this is a mid-to-low price refrigerator. However, it's got a limited capacity given that it's not a counter-depth model, and people have complained that it doesn't fit their essentials comfortably. 

The can caddy and deli drawer are thoughtful touches, but they don't make up for the poor warranty on the Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ which is the worst we've seen. Overall, this isn't our top pick for side-by-side refrigerators.

Millie Fender
Head of Reviews

Millie Fender is Head of Reviews at Top Ten Reviews. She also works on our sister sites: Real Homes, Ideal Home, Homes & Gardens, and Livingetc. As Head of Reviews, Millie is on a mission to make sure that we are reviewing all of the latest and greatest products for you and your home, whether it's a vacuum cleaner or an inflatable hot tub.