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Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filters

Founded in 1911 by Louis and Emory Upton, Michigan-based Whirlpool is now one of the world's largest manufacturers of home appliances, according to www.whirlpool.com.

With multiple manufacturing sites across the United States, the company has diversified from the motor-driven wringer washers of 1911 to all sorts of major and minor appliances. Whirlpool now manufactures washing machines, refrigerators, microwaves and other various laundry, kitchen, and home appliances for home owners worldwide.

In addition, Whirlpool produces appliance accessories like refrigerator water filters. All products are OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) filters and will work with refrigerators by Whirlpool, Amana, KitchenAid, Maytag and other brands. Also, the units are able to replace fridge filter models that are no longer being produced by the company. The 4396841 was made specifically for refrigerators with "Fast-fill" or "PUR Measure" dispensers. Installation and filter replacement is straightforward and easy. After installation, you are ready to enjoy a drink of cold, crisp, clean water. Most refrigerator units even have indicators to alert you when it's time to change your filter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace my refrigerator water filter?

Generally, it is advisable to change the refrigerator water filter every 6 months. Manufacturers will often publish a statement like "change filter every 500 gallons or 6 months, whichever comes first". We find that changing the filter at 6 months ensures that the filter is still doing its job at the time of change-out.

Why does my Kenmore refrigerator use a Whirlpool refrigerator water filter?

Kenmore is a brand of household appliances sold by Sears. In reality - most Kenmore-branded refrigerators are made for Sears by other manufacturers like Whirlpool, LG, GE and others. Don't be alarmed if your Kenmore refrigerator uses a water filter with a different brand.

What does "certification" mean on a refrigerator water filter?

A filter certified to a particular quality standard will have undergone extensive testing to ensure the product’s safety and quality. Common certification standards for refrigerator water filters are NSF/ANSI 42, which relates to reduction claims for chlorine taste and odor (aesthetic effects) and NSF/ANSI 43, which relates to reduction claims for over 50 contaminants, including lead, cysts, VOC and many others (health effects).

How do I find the correct water filter for my refrigerator?

Use our filter finder utility to find your filter based on the brand and appearance of your fridge. To find your filter quickly - type model number of your refrigerator into the search box on our site. The model number is usually listed on the door or inside wall of the refrigerator. If you have the existing filter - simply type the part number into the search box on our site.

Will a refrigerator water filter disinfect the water?

No, a refrigerator water filter's main purpose is to improve the taste and smell of your water and ice, it will not disinfect the water or render clean water from water that is microbiologically unsafe. Manufacturers assume that the water entering the refrigerator is potable and safe to drink.

How do I know which water filter I need?

When you use our fridge filter finder, we help you figure out which water filter is right for your refrigerator. As long as you know your refrigerator brand, model, the location of the filter, and how it unlocks, we'll lead you to the correct refrigerator water filter.

What's the difference between OEM & aftermarket filters?

An OEM or original equipment manufacturer product is made and sold by the same manufacturer as the original equipment. An example would be Maytag's UKF8001 water filter that comes standard in Maytag refrigerators. Aftermarkets are made by many different manufacturers and are designed to replace the original product. Aftermarkets usually possess quality comparable to the OEM, at a lesser cost.

How do I install my fridge filter?

Installation steps depend on what type of refrigerator water filter you have. Most filters usually require unlocking the old filter by rotating it counterclockwise, pulling it out, and then turning the new filter in the opposite direction to lock it. But, we have specific installation instructions on each product page.

How do I reset the filter change light on my fridge?

Contrary to popular belief, filter change lights have nothing to do with a faulty water filter. These lights are actually set on a timer. The average fridge filter life is 6 months, so after resetting, the light is designed to turn red 6 months later. Resetting your filter reset light will vary on the refrigerator brand and model.

How often do I need to change my water filter?

The average life of a water filter is 6 months or 500 gallons of water, whichever comes first. Most likely, you aren't counting gallons so 6 months is what most people go by. Depending on how harsh your tap water is, you may need to replace your refrigerator water filter sooner. If you notice a change in the smell, taste, or look of your filtered water, the filter most likely needs to be replaced.

What does activated carbon mean?

Activated carbon is a specially processed form of carbon used for filtration purposes. This activated carbon comes from a few different natural materials such as coal, coconut shells, and wood. After being exposed to an oxidizing agent, the carbon becomes activated and attracts small particles. Its surface is made of many tiny pores, increasing its overall surface area significantly.

What kind of contaminants are in my drinking water?

Your tap water is susceptible to many different contaminants during its journey to your fridge. Water treatment facilities are designed to disinfect your water to remove waterborne pathogens. However, minute traces of chlorine can still be present in your drinking water, leaving a weird aftertaste. According to the EPA, herbicides, copper, asbestos, dirt, sediment are just to name a few of the contaminants that can be found in your drinking water.

How do I find alternative water filters?

To find alternative filters, type in the name of your current filter into our ‘Find a filter' search bar (located at the top right of the page). Your filter will appear on the screen below and you will need to scroll down to the ‘Cross Reference' section of the page. This section has all of the alternative filters that can work to replace your current filter.

Do water filters have an expiration date?

Most of our filters have an expiration date of six months to a year. The lifespan of a filter can fluctuate due to the amount of water that passes through. If filters are not replaced for a long period of time, it can stop working properly and allow for bacteria to build up inside the filter or other contaminant to get into your drinking water. Be sure to pay attention to when your filter needs to be replaced for optimal performance.

Can I get a disease from the drinking fountain?

Many people believe that drinking fountains contain thousands of germs and chemicals on the spigot and in the water. However this is not true. The most germs that humans encounter when drinking from a water fountain are those parts touched most by human hands (i.e. push button, sides of water fountain, etc.). Therefore you cannot get an actual disease by drinking from a drinking fountain.

What is an OEM refrigerator water filter versus an Aftermarket filter?

Many people may think OEM and Aftermarket products are the same, however, they are quite different. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. These are the products that the original company has made, for instance, an OEM Whirlpool filter is made by Whirlpool and is typically heavily tested to meet NSF/ANSI standards and certifications. Aftermarket water filters are produced by other companies than the original maker. One of the main differences between these two types of products is that Aftermarket products tend to be less expensive and has the same quality of OEM products.

How to a flush fridge water filter?

It is important to flush your fridge water filter before you put it to use. The reason for flushing the filter is to activate the carbon in the filter, which then traps harmful pollutants in the tap water from getting into your drinking water. Follow these easy steps to flush your filter: Find a large bucket or container (one that can fit the water dispenser or filter for the fridge). Place 1 gallon of water in the container. (If you are using cups: four cups equal one quart and four quarts equal one gallon). Run the water through the filter. Submerge the water filter in the water. Repeat steps 1-3 until you have flushed 3-5 gallons of water (you will need to run 3-5 gallons of water before using your filter) Once the water has gone through the filter, discard the water into the sink. **If your refrigerator doesn't have a water dispenser, discard by using two batches of ice. Find out more on how to flush your water filter, from this post.

Why do you need to change your water filter?

Water filters should be changed every 3-6 months. The reasoning for these fridge filters is for them to trap large contaminants and prevent them from getting into your drinking water. Over time, these impurities can start to build up and eventually cause several health issues. Water filters help reduce the amount of impurities found in drinking water to leave your family with safe, clean and great tasting water.

What is the NSF/ANSI certification?

Many products can have multiple certifications. We have a certification for water filters that is the NSF/ANSI. After the product has been tested and verified to operate at high standards; the NSF/ANSI certifications assure that your water filter is fit for use in the USA, Canada, and Many other countries. If a product holds this certification, rest assured that your water will be safe to drink.

How do I reset my refrigerator filter light?

To reset your refrigerator filter light, follow these easy steps: Locate your filter Amana – Press the "Auto" and "Dispenser Lock" buttons and hold until the water filter status indicator light flashes. Frigidaire – Press the "Reset" button and hold. This causes the indicator light to flash. GE (General Electric) – Press and hold for 10 seconds the "Reset" button. HotPoint – Press and hold for 10 seconds the "Reset" button. Jenn-Air – Press the "Light" and "Lock" buttons and hold. This lasts for about 5-10 seconds or until the filter light flashes. Kitchen Aid – Press and release the "Light" button 5 times quickly. Maytag – Press the "Light" and "Lock" buttons and hold. This can take up to 5-10 seconds or until the filter light flashes. Samsung – Press and hold the "Ice Type" and "Child Lock" buttons at the same time for 3-5 seconds. (Ice Type can be ‘Cubed' or ‘Crushed'). Whirlpool – Press and release the "Light" button 5-6 times quickly. This looks like a small plunger, and is located at the top or bottom of the door (i.e. where the door closes). Flush water through the filter. These will help activate the carbon in the filter to make sure it will trap harmful chemicals found in your drinking water. In general, the filter light allows you to know how the filter is working. If the light is green, the filter is working properly and does not need to be changed. If the light is yellow, the filter is in the middle of its life expectancy. Once the filter is red, it is time to change your filter soon.

Do refrigerator water filters work?

A common question is do refrigerator water filters really work? The answer, absolutely! Water filters work by removing a large portion of harmful contaminants that can exist in your tap water. Tap water can contain lead, rust, sediment and many more pollutants in it that can undetected by our sense. Refrigerator water filters use their highly advanced technology, activated carbon, to remove these impurities to leave your household with fresh, clean and healthy water. To ensure a filters optimal performance, replace the filter every 3-6 months.

What are the contaminants in my drinking water?

There are thousands of chemicals that can be found in your drinking water. Most people don't know where these chemicals come from or their potential health effects. To help, we created a water contaminants list provided by the EPA to show you the chemicals and how to keep your household save.

Discount Whirlpool Filters

Replacements for the Whirlpool water filter are high-quality, activated carbon filters that remove impurities from the water coming into your house. The filters work with a number of refrigerators from manufacturers such as Whirlpool, Kenmore, Amana, Kitchenaid, Jenn-Air, Maytag, Thermador, and others. These filters remove contaminants such as dirt, chlorine, lead, mercury, cysts, and other particulates that can affect the taste and smell of your filter. For optimal performance, these filters should be change at least every six months. 

Where can I find the Whirlpool filter?

Locate your water filter cover in the upper right-hand corner inside your refrigerator or in the base grille. Lift the filter door up. Pull the filter out and discard it.

Are all Whirlpool refrigerator filters the same?

Details On the Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter Not all filters are created equal, but this filter is an excellent choice for clean, great-tasting water. Each filter is coded with an easy-to-read color and number, so when it's time to find a replacement, you can easily choose the right one for your fridge.

Do I have to use a water filter in my Whirlpool refrigerator?

It is recommended that the Whirlpool water filter be replaced every 6 months, when the indicator light comes on, or as needed. A clogged or incorrectly installed water filter can reduce the water flow to the ice maker and dispenser and could cause one or more of the following: Ice cubes to be thin or hollow.

How do I find the right water filter for my refrigerator?

The filter required for your refrigerator will differ depending on the model you are using. You can find your model number in two places on your refrigerator. There is a sticker with the model and serial number of your device on the outside on the lower left side.