Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter Replacement Guide

If you’ve ever stared at a handful of cryptic filter cartridges and wondered which one actually fits your fridge, you already know the problem. Whirlpool sells dozens of refrigerator models, and each one has a specific water filter—get the wrong part number and it simply won’t seat. The good news is that once you know where to look, matching the correct filter takes about five minutes.

Recommended replacement interval: every 6 months · Contaminants reduced: up to 73 · Common filter types: Filter 1, 2, 3, 4 · Flush water after change: varies by model · Official source: Whirlpool.com

How do I know which water filter to buy for my Whirlpool refrigerator?

The fastest path to the correct filter is finding your refrigerator’s model number first. Whirlpool lists possible locations on their official filter page: the ceiling of the interior, the side walls (sometimes behind drawers), the frame behind the open door, the kickplate, and the back of the unit. Once you have that alphanumeric code, you can cross-reference it with the filter part number.

Check your model number

Your refrigerator model number is printed on a sticker or metal plate and typically starts with letters like WRF, MFT, or KB. The Whirlpool Product Help center notes that filter part numbers also appear in the Owner’s Manual under the Accessories section, and once you remove a filter, you can read the number printed directly on its side.

Identify filter part numbers like Filter 1, 2, 3, 4

EveryDrop currently produces filters numbered 1 through 8, each with its own OEM part number and predecessor codes. Filter 1 uses EDR1RXD1 and replaces the older W10295370. Filter 3 uses EDR3RXD1 and corresponds to models 4396710 and 4396841. Filter 4 uses EDR4RXD1, which is equivalent to the Maytag UKF8001.

Not all models share the same filter. According to EveryDrop’s filter finder, compatible models span across Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, and Amana refrigerators. Kenmore models also use compatible filters, typically numbered 9081 through 9085 for the corresponding Filter 1 through Filter 5 equivalents.

How do you replace a Whirlpool refrigerator water filter?

Replacing the filter involves locating it first, then removing the old cartridge and seating the new one. The exact mechanism depends on your filter type.

Locate the filter

Most Whirlpool refrigerators place the water filter either in the upper right interior compartment or behind the base grille. Side-by-side models typically use the upper interior location, while French door models often mount the filter in the grille at the bottom front of the appliance.

Remove old filter

For push-button filter housings, press the release button and pull the old cartridge straight out. For quarter-turn models, rotate the filter counterclockwise a quarter turn until the alignment arrows align, then pull it free. Avoid twisting the cartridge excessively, as this can damage the seating O-ring.

Install new filter

Unwrap the new filter and remove the protective cap from the O-ring seals. Insert the cartridge with the label facing outward and push until it clicks into place or rotate it clockwise to lock, depending on your housing type. After installation, run 2–5 gallons of water through the dispenser to clear any carbon fines and reset the indicator light.

Can I use my Whirlpool fridge water dispenser without a filter?

Technically, yes—the water dispenser will still deliver water without a filter installed. However, this means you’re bypassing the filtration system entirely, and the dispensed water will contain the chlorine, sediment, and trace contaminants that the filter is designed to remove.

Risks of no filter

Running the dispenser without a filter means your drinking water contains whatever is in your local supply—including lead, industrial runoff, or disinfection byproducts that have been linked to health concerns in multiple municipalities. The HDX FMM-2 Premium Refrigerator Water Filter, certified against NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 372, and 401 standards, demonstrates the level of contaminant reduction you’re foregoing.

Temporary use options

If you’re between filters and need water urgently, the dispenser will function, but you should flush at least a gallon through before drinking and limit this workaround to hours, not weeks. Most Whirlpool models will blink the filter indicator light when no cartridge is detected.

How much water to run after changing the fridge filter on a Whirlpool?

Flushing after a filter change removes loose carbon particles and air pockets that can make the first pours look cloudy or taste metallic. The exact volume depends on your model, but the range falls between 2 and 5 gallons.

Flush amount by model

Whirlpool’s official guidance varies by refrigerator series. French door models with EveryDrop Filter 2 typically require 3 gallons, while older side-by-side models with Filter 3 in the grille position may need up to 5 gallons. Consult your Owner’s Manual for the specific flush volume for your model, as the difference comes down to how much residual carbon the housing retains.

Clear air and debris

Run the water dispenser continuously until the flow steadies and clears. If you hear gurgling or see spurting, that is air in the line—continue running until the stream flows evenly. The ice maker will also need to cycle through 2–3 batches before producing clear cubes, so discard the first few servings of ice as well.

Do all Whirlpool fridges have the same filters?

No. Whirlpool manufactures multiple filter form factors, and choosing the wrong type—even if the part number looks plausible—will result in a cartridge that won’t lock into the housing. The difference comes down to whether your refrigerator uses a push-in design, a quarter-turn mount, or a grille-mounted canister.

Filter variations by model

Filter 1 (EDR1RXD1) uses a push-button release and fits newer side-by-side and French door models. Filter 2 (EDR2RXD1) also uses a push-in mechanism but is narrower and designed for specific French door configurations. Filter 3 (EDR3RXD1) is a grille-mounted canister requiring a quarter-turn installation in the base compartment. Filter 4 (EDR4RXD1) is the larger canister style also used as the Maytag UKF8001 equivalent.

Common types overview

EveryDrop produces Filters 1 through 8, each corresponding to a distinct physical format and compatible refrigerator series. Third-party manufacturers like Glacier Fresh offer replacements labeled as GF370 for Filter 1 compatibility, GF004 for Filter 3 compatibility, and GF-8001 for Filter 4 compatibility, though these carry tier-3 confidence ratings compared to OEM specifications.

The implication: cross-reference the filter number printed on your current cartridge, not just the refrigerator model, because two different filter types can be used in the same refrigerator family depending on the manufacturing year.

How to replace your Whirlpool refrigerator water filter

Follow these steps in sequence to ensure a clean swap and proper flush:

1. Identify your filter type. Open the refrigerator and locate the filter housing—upper right interior or base grille. Write down the part number printed on the cartridge side.
2. Purchase the correct replacement. Match the part number to either an EveryDrop OEM filter or a third-party equivalent certified to NSF/ANSI standards. Avoid unbranded filters without certification.
3. Prepare the new filter. Remove it from packaging and take off any protective caps covering the O-ring seals. Do not rinse the filter media.
4. Remove the old filter. Push the release button or rotate counterclockwise as applicable, then pull the cartridge straight out.
5. Insert the new cartridge. Align the alignment arrows and push in until you hear a click, or rotate clockwise a quarter turn depending on your housing style.
6. Reset the indicator light. Press and hold the “Filter” button for 3 seconds on most Whirlpool models until the light turns off.
7. Flush the system. Run 2–5 gallons through the water dispenser and discard the first 2–3 batches of ice.

Whirlpool recommends replacing water filters every six months for the cleanest water and best system performance — Whirlpool Official (Appliance manufacturer guidance)

Related reading: Canyon Lake Water Level

While this covers Whirlpool models specifically, the process for Samsung fridge filter replacement follows nearly identical steps including reset and flush.

Frequently asked questions