When most Indians think of refrigerators, Whirlpool is often the first brand that comes to mind. We recently stumbled upon their 184 L direct-cool single-door model, which comes with features like Honey Comb Lock In Technology and a Quick Chill Zone. The company also claims it provides 9 hours of cooling retention. In this review, we’ll see if it’s worth the asking price of Rs 12,740.
Whirlpool 184 L Direct-Cool Single Door Refrigerator
Rs 12,740
What Is Good?
- Budget-friendly, offering good value for small households
- Retains cooling for up to 9 hours during power cuts
- Seamlessly switches to home inverter during outages
- Toughened glass shelves are spill-proof and sturdy
What Is Bad?
- Requires manual effort to defrost the freezer
- Consumes more electricity compared to higher-rated models
- Might feel small for larger families
Build Quality and Design
Whirlpool has designed this refrigerator to be both practical and visually appealing. The Single Door design with a striking sapphire blue colour gives it a modern and sleek appearance. The Intellisense Inverter Technology ensures smooth operation while optimising energy use.
With a total capacity of 184 litres, this refrigerator offers enough space for small families or individuals. It includes a 169.2-litre fresh food compartment and a 14.3-litre freezer, ensuring ample room for your everyday essentials. The toughened glass shelves provide durability and support for heavy containers, while their spill-proof feature is great for avoiding mess. This model also boasts an anti-bacterial gasket, helping keep food fresh for longer.
Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions
The refrigerator measures 60.5 x 53.5 x 118.8 cm, compact enough to fit in kitchens with limited space, yet spacious enough to meet daily needs.
Weight
It weighs around 35 Kg, making it relatively easy to move if required, though professional assistance is recommended for installation.
Installation and Getting Started
Whirlpool offers a convenient installation service. Many customers appreciate the clear instructions provided by technicians, making it straightforward to set up and use the refrigerator, even for first-time buyers. While it is simple to get started with this refrigerator, professional assistance is recommended for installation.
Note: Installation experiences can vary widely from person to person and location to location. Positive or negative reviews from others may not be indicative of your own experience.
Cooling Performance
The cooling performance of the Whirlpool 184 L 2 Star Direct-Cool Refrigerator is one of its most notable features, especially for its price range. Thanks to Insulated Capillary Technology, this refrigerator offers consistent and quick cooling. The capillary tube carrying refrigerant is surrounded by cold gas, which enhances cooling efficiency and ensures faster freezing. This design helps maintain optimal temperatures even during fluctuating power conditions. The refrigerator can retain cooling for up to 9 hours during power cuts, which is highly beneficial in areas with frequent outages, preventing food spoilage.
The Quick Chill Zone is another highlight in terms of cooling performance. This compartment is ideal for rapidly cooling beverages or perishables, making it perfect when you need quick refreshments. Additionally, the Honey Comb Lock-in Technology in the vegetable crisper ensures that moisture is locked in, preserving the freshness of fruits and vegetables for longer periods. While it is a direct-cool refrigerator, which means manual defrosting is needed, the cooling efficiency and retention make it a reliable option for daily use.
Features
This refrigerator packs a number of useful features that make daily usage more convenient:
Up to 9 Hours of Cooling Retention During Power Cuts
One of the standout features is its ability to retain cooling for up to 9 hours during power outages, thanks to Whirlpool’s Insulated Capillary Technology. This is particularly useful in regions where power cuts are frequent, ensuring your food remains fresh without requiring a backup generator or immediate power restoration. This extended cooling period is achieved by surrounding the refrigerant in cold gas, which enhances the efficiency of the cooling process.
Easy Manual Defrosting
While many modern refrigerators come with automatic defrosting systems, this Whirlpool model opts for easy manual defrosting. Though it requires some manual effort, the process is user-friendly and prevents ice buildup in the freezer, keeping the fridge running optimally. Manual defrost also helps in reducing energy consumption, as the cooling system isn’t constantly working to melt the ice automatically.
Jumbo Storage Up to three 2-litre bottlrd
With a spacious design, the refrigerator includes a large central shelf that can accommodate up to three 2-litre bottles. This is perfect for families or individuals who frequently need easy access to beverages, eliminating the need to rearrange food items for extra storage space. Also, this is in addition to the main shelf. So, this frees up space inside the fridge and allows for better organisation of drinks, making it easy to grab a bottle without having to shuffle other items around.
Insulated Capillary Technology
The Insulated Capillary Technology is a crucial component of this refrigerator’s cooling system. By surrounding the refrigerant-carrying capillary with cold gas, it ensures better cooling retention and faster ice-making. This technology is a hallmark of Whirlpool’s direct-cool models, contributing to its ability to retain cooling even in challenging conditions.
Auto Connect to Home Inverter
In households with frequent power outages, the refrigerator’s Auto Connect to Home Inverter feature is a game-changer. This automatic function ensures the refrigerator continues running seamlessly when connected to an inverter without needing manual intervention. It helps prevent spoilage during power cuts, adding peace of mind to users, especially in areas prone to frequent electricity disruptions.
Large Vegetable Crisper
The large vegetable crisper is another impressive feature that stands out for its size and function. This compartment is designed to keep vegetables fresher for longer by controlling humidity levels through Honey Comb Lock-in Technology. The honeycomb-shaped lid in the crisper compartment helps retain the moisture content of vegetables, preventing them from drying out too quickly.
Honey Comb Lock-in Technology & Quick Chill Zone
The Honey Comb Lock-in Technology not only extends the freshness of your produce but also enhances cooling efficiency by ensuring uniform cooling throughout the crisper. Moreover, the Quick Chill Zone is ideal for rapidly cooling beverages or snacks. If you’re hosting guests or just need a quick refreshment, this zone helps chill items in a fraction of the usual time, making it a highly convenient feature.
Energy Efficiency
Rated as a 2-star refrigerator, this model consumes about 190 units per year. While it’s not the most energy-efficient appliance, its consumption is reasonable for the price point. However, those looking for more energy savings may want to consider a higher-rated model.
Warranty
Whirlpool provides a 1-year warranty on the refrigerator and a 10-year warranty on the compressor, giving you peace of mind in terms of long-term reliability. However, users should be aware that manual defrosting and occasional maintenance are necessary.
Value for Money
Priced affordably at Rs 12,740, this refrigerator offers impressive value for its features. While it lacks some conveniences like auto-defrost and a higher energy rating, it compensates with reliable cooling and a durable build. The Intellisense Inverter Technology, along with features like Auto Connect to Home Inverter and Jumbo Storage, make it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Final Verdict
The Whirlpool 184 L 2 Star Direct-Cool Refrigerator is a well-constructed and functional appliance designed for small households. Its modern features, such as Insulated Capillary Technology and Honey Comb Lock-in Technology, ensure that your food stays fresh and flavorful, even during unexpected power cuts. While its 2-star energy rating means slightly higher energy consumption compared to some other models, its affordable price and versatile storage options make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a reliable and budget-friendly refrigerator.
The Insulated Capillary Technology helps maintain optimal temperature levels throughout the refrigerator, preventing fluctuations that can lead to food spoilage. The Honey Comb Lock-in Technology further enhances freshness by preventing dry air from reaching your food, ensuring it remains moist and juicy. These features, combined with the refrigerator’s sturdy construction and reliable cooling performance, make it a practical choice for everyday use.
Disclaimer: The reviews are curated based on secondary sources and hands-on experience with demo units at brand outlets. Each model has been meticulously researched for cooling efficiency, energy savings, noise levels, and advanced features.
