Whirlpool is paying owners of three of its fridge brands, which include KitchenAid and MayTag, up to $300, after it was found that they're at risk of developing frost that interferes with cooling: And today's the last day you can make your claim.
The Michigan-based manufacturer agreed to a settlement to resolve claims that units manufactured or sold between 2012 and 2019 are defective.
Here, we'll explain how to know whether you're eligible to claim on your best refrigerator, how much you could be owed in compensation, and how to put in a claim today, which is the deadline for claims.
How does this defect affect some Whirlpool fridges?
Dennis Godynik, lead appliance expert at Comfort Appliance Repair in Tennessee, explains, 'These models can develop excessive frost buildup on the evaporator coils, which blocks airflow, impairs cooling performance, and risks spoiled food.'
In turn, this may leave owners struggling to maintain how cold a refrigerator should be, and needing to buy a new refrigerator after spotting warning signs it's time to replace old appliances.
How to check your eligibility and make a claim
To check whether you may be eligible to claim, consumers have been told to search for the serial number of their model on the dedicated settlement website.
Elad Nevizada, proprietor of Global Solutions Appliance Repair, advises, 'Visit the brand's official site. Enter your model and serial number, upload any repair documentation, if available, and submit a short description of the defect.
'Claims are often accepted even without receipts, but documented repairs can increase reimbursement.'
The amount you may be able to claim back will also differ depending on the age of your refrigerator at the time of repairs.
The maximum amount available is $300 (or 75% of purchase price, whichever is less, says appliance expert Dennis) for past repairs or replacements, which applies if your model was one to three years old at the time of repair.
If your model was four to six years old, you can claim up to $225, or 45% of the purchase price, and if your model was seven to eight years old, you can claim a flat $150.
Most claimants can expect around $70 each.
The online claim form must be filled out with a valid claim before June 18, 2025, so hurry today before the window for claims closes.
Meet our experts
If you need to make a purchase, its helpful to know the best time to buy a refrigerator. According to industry experts, and because a refrigerator is one of the things you should never buy cheap, aim for September to December, when new models are released and old ones are typically discounted.
