You can’t go wrong with Whirlpool if you’re looking for a convertible freezer refrigerator. This brand has a long history of making high-quality, long-lasting products designed to fit into your life and make it easier to get things done. The Whirlpool Gladiator Freezerator is no exception.
The Whirlpool Freezerator is a convertible refrigerator/freezer from Gladiator GarageWorks. It’s a free-standing refrigerator and freezer combo that’s great for garages, workshops, utility rooms, and other areas where you need storage but have limited space.
Specs
- 32.5″ W x 73.125″ H x 31.5″ D
- 15 cu. ft. freezer compartment on the bottom
- 6 cu. ft. convertible refrigerator/freezer compartment on top
- Model no. GAFZ21XXRK
Features
- Secondary freezer and fridge perfect for the garage
- It comes with a built-in heater
- Convertible unit with plenty of storage space
- Convenient storage options
- Attractive and user-friendly design
- 1-year warranty for most parts
- 5-year warranty for the sealed system
Read on to know more about the Whirlpool Freezerator, its specs, alternatives, and how it can be an asset to your home and other spaces.
About the Whirlpool Freezerator
Made by Gladiator
This convertible freezer/refrigerator is made by Gladiator, a line of storage and organization products developed by Whirlpool Corporation. It’s part of Whirlpool’s portfolio of brands, which includes the Whirlpool brand, Maytag, and KitchenAid.
Space-saving
The Gladiator GarageWorks Freezerator convertible refrigerator/freezer is the epitome of cutting-edge innovation, with a design that maximizes the efficiency of its use of space and its aesthetic appeal.
This space-saving appliance was created as an additional freezer or refrigerator to keep bulk items, excess beverages, and other items. This makes it easier to keep both your home and garage in order.
Gladiator GarageWorks Is a Combination of Whirlpool and Gladiator’s Expertise
Gladiator GarageWorks by Whirlpool Corporation is a line of garage equipment that combines Whirlpool’s expertise in electronics and home appliances and the Gladiator brand’s history of producing premium commercial garage equipment.
The result is a line of products that combine the best of both worlds: a premium set of home appliances and electronics built to last, with a long track record of durability and reliability.
Developed in 2003
Gladiator GarageWorks was born in response to customers’ demand for a better way to manage garage clutter. With this customer insight and recognizing the garage as an untapped space within the home, Whirlpool Corporation developed the Gladiator GarageWorks brand in 2003.
Brief History of Whirlpool
Whirlpool Corporation is a leading appliance manufacturer that produces a wide range of home appliances, including refrigerators and freezers. The company was founded in 1911 by Lou and Emory Upton through the Upton Machine Company, headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Upton acquired a patent for a manual clothes washer, and with the help of his Uncle Emory, they developed an electric motor-driven wringer washer. Lou’s brother, Fred, joined the company soon after its founding.
Its first customers were Commonwealth Edison and Sears. Because the washers had different brand names, Upton decided to market his brand name and merged with the Nineteen Hundred Washer Company.
This company became the Nineteen Hundred Corporation and, in 1948, sold washers under the Whirlpool brand name.
The Nineteen Hundred Corporation became known as the Whirlpool Corporation in 1949.
Whirlpool Freezerator Specs and Features
The Whirlpool Freezerator convertible refrigerator and freezer offer the highest level of innovation with a space-saving design and an attractive appearance. It can serve as an extra freezer or refrigerator to make it easier for you to maintain order in your home, garage, and other spaces.
Specifications
- 32.5″ W x 73.125″ H x 31.5″ D
- 15 cu. ft. freezer compartment on the bottom
- 6 cu. ft. convertible refrigerator/freezer compartment on top
- Model no. GAFZ21XXRK
Features
1. Great for Families Who Buy Groceries in Bulk
The Whirlpool Freezerator is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a second freezer or refrigerator. It is great for busy families who buy their groceries in bulk from warehouse clubs.
Also, it benefits people who enjoy having access to ice-cold beverages when working in the garage or shop.
2. Comes with a Built-in Heater
Even in icy environments like unheated garages, the Whirlpool Freezerator’s built-in heater ranges from 0 to 110°F. This keeps chilled food items but not frozen.
3. Convertible Unit with Plenty of Storage Space
It has a 15-cubic-foot lower freezer section ideal for storing large frozen goods, making this refrigerator suitable for large families.
This convenient appliance also has a unique upper compartment with a capacity of six cubic feet. By turning a dial, it can quickly transform into either a refrigerator or a freezer.
4. Has a Door-mounted Beverage Rack
The Whirlpool Freezerator provides various convenient storage choices, such as a beverage rack mounted on the door and storage baskets.
It has a door-mounted beverage rack that can handle 24 12-oz. cans or 24 20-oz. bottles for extra convenience. Additionally, the refrigerator has three-door bins. These bins are perfect for storing items such as ice packs and bags of frozen vegetables.
Its pull-out baskets allow you to store various items neatly and access them easily. Also, the heavy-duty shelves can be adjusted to hold different-sized items.
5. User-Friendly Design
The Gladiator Freezerator is not only aesthetically pleasing but also offers excellent convenience thanks to its thoughtfully designed features:
- The door swing can be adjusted to fit your preferences;
- It comes with rounded tread plate doors; and
- A large and sleek recessed door handle.
Refrigerator casters allow for easy movement and portability. And its interior lights make every item visible and quick to identify. A double-pass heat loop helps prevent the Freezerator’s outside surface from sweating, even in high-humidity settings.
6. 1-year Warranty for Most Parts
Gladiator GarageWorks will pay for the repair, replacement parts, and labor costs to correct workmanship or material defects for one year beginning on the date of purchase.
This warranty is applicable provided the Freezerator is operated and maintained by following the instructions attached to or furnished with the unit. Whirlpool’s authorized service providers must also service the unit.
7. 5-year Warranty for the Sealed System
This warranty covers the following parts:
- Compressor
- Evaporator
- Condenser
- Dryer
- Connecting tubing
Why Is My Refrigerator Running But Not Cooling?
What Is a Convertible Refrigerator?
Can Work as a Refrigerator or Freezer
A convertible refrigerator/freezer is a type of refrigerator that can be used as a refrigerator or freezer. While some refrigerators and freezers are designed to operate in one mode only — either refrigerating or freezing — others are designed to work in both ways simultaneously.
Requires More Energy-efficient Components
Convertible refrigerators are more expensive than regular standalone refrigerators and freezers because they require more energy-efficient components. These components allow them to switch between modes without losing their cooling capacity.
More Expensive Than Standard Refrigerators and Freezers
In addition, convertible models tend to cost more than traditional models due to increased efficiencies made possible by the dual functionality of such appliances.
Again, who makes Whirlpool Freezerator? The Whirlpool Freezerator is part of the Gladiator GarageWorks by Whirlpool Corporation, a line of garage equipment due to Whirlpool and Gladiator’s expertise. This freezerator is a refrigerator and freezer in one that’s great for areas with limited space, like a garage.
How Do Convertible Refrigerators Work?
Convertible refrigerators like the Whirlpool Freezerator are single appliances with two flexible functionalities: a fridge or freezer. A standard refrigerator has only one compartment for refrigerated storage, while a freezer is designed only for frozen food.
However, convertible models have two separate compartments that can be used independently or as one large fridge/freezer unit. This allows you to store chilled and frozen foods in the same space without breaking the refrigerator into separate units.
Convertible refrigerator-freezers offer more flexibility because they allow you to use them as a traditional freezer or refrigerator, depending on your needs at any given time.
You can use the freezer compartment for meat and vegetable storage, then convert it back into a regular fridge when you don’t need to preserve food for long periods.
Whirlpool Gladiator Freezerator Alternatives
Because of the pandemic in 2020, some consumers prefer to stock up on grocery items regularly.
Storing extra food items can be a great way to have peace of mind during a food shortage or event that disrupts your regular grocery store routine. This is where a convertible refrigerator can come in handy.
Aside from the Whirlpool Freezerator, other alternatives include new models from Whirlpool:
- WZC5216L 16 Cu. Ft. Convertible Chest Freezer with 3 Storage Levels/Shelves
- WZC5116L 16 Cu. Ft. Convertible Freezer to Refrigerator with Baskets
Their features include:
- Convertible freezer to fridge
- Raised divider and shelf
- Counterbalanced lid
- LED lighting
- Convenient bottom rollers
- Built-in drain
How Do I Get My Whirlpool to Make Ice?
What Do Consumers Say About the Whirlpool Freezerator?
So what do actual consumers think about this appliance? Let’s look at some of their reviews, so you can have a better idea of what to expect from this unit:
Positive Reviews
Still Going Strong Even After 17 Years
I’ve been exceptionally pleased with my Gladiator Freezerator and have had no complaints. I bought it around 2005, and it has gone through some sweltering summers and frigid winters. Now I want one for my kitchen. I highly recommend this to anyone.
Excellent Workhorse for the Family
The unit looks fantastic in the garage and has been a workhorse for the family. In the last two decades, we’ve moved five times. And this refrigerator has survived them all! It sat in storage for two months during each move but turned back on as soon as we plugged it in at the new house.
It’s always been in the garage, and in Texas, that’s about a constant 110° during the summer! However, it started to have some issues after 20 years, but I’d say I got my money’s worth out of this fridge.
Great Freezer-Fridge for the Garage
I bought the Gladiator Freezerator 7 years ago and loved it! No problems whatsoever. I live in Vegas, which is very hot, and the unit is in my garage.
I’m about to purchase a second unit for my cabin in Vermont. I usually don’t review items, but this seems to have gotten a bad rap, so I wanted to let people know that it’s a great product and goes perfectly in a garage.
Negative Reviews
Requires Lots of Repairs
We bought the Gladiator Freezerator about four years ago. It quits freezing, so we’ve had to have it repaired SEVERAL times.
The top portion, which is supposed to be a refrigerator, often gets too cold and freezes or explodes milk. Also, the bottom part constantly opens on its own. As a result, we’ve lost tons of food! Do not buy this!
Can’t Survive Hot and Humid Areas
I’ve had two of these Gladiators and have had problems with both units. Sears finally gave up and replaced the first. The main problem is I live in South Texas, and it’s pretty hot, and the humidity is very high.
Doesn’t Seal Properly
The top refrigerator/freezer has always had ice around the door because it doesn’t seal properly. I never had any problems with the bottom freezer except when I had to replace the gasket. I have had the top gasket replaced several times, and it just gets worse every time!
Frequently Asked Questions – Whirlpool Freezerator Specs and Review
Does Whirlpool Own Gladiator?
The Whirlpool Corporation, which has been in business for over a century, has its global headquarters in Benton, Michigan.
It is the parent company of the Gladiator brand. Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Jenn-Air, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, and Consul are some of the global brands that the company owns.
Are Gladiator Products Made in the USA?
Products from Gladiator GarageWorks are made in the USA. This gives Gladiator products the edge. It proves that their products undergo rigorous testing, ensuring exceptional performance in any setting.
Does a Chinese Company own Whirlpool?
Whirlpool Corporation is an American multinational corporation that manufactures and sells household appliances. Its headquarters are located in Benton Charter Township, Michigan, USA.
How Long Do Whirlpool Refrigerators Last?
A well-maintained refrigerator has a lifespan of anywhere from 14 to 17 years, and this span varies depending on its model and size. A standard refrigerator has an average lifespan of 17 years, while a compact refrigerator has an expected lifespan of 14 years.
Is Whirlpool Still a Good Brand?
In the United States, Whirlpool is regarded as the most dependable brand of home appliances. The company’s products are loved for their performance and user-friendliness. The brand has an excellent reputation as a finisher in the kitchen and laundry industries.
Is Whirlpool Better Than Samsung?
When compared to Samsung, the energy efficiency of Whirlpool refrigerators is higher. The majority of Whirlpool’s home appliances have received 4-star ratings.
Conclusion – Whirlpool Freezerator Review
With so many options, deciding which refrigerator best suits your needs can be challenging. However, if you’re looking for a fridge that will provide plenty of space and versatility, then the Whirlpool Freezerator can be a great option.
To recap, here’s a summary of the specs and features of the Whirlpool Gladiator Freezerator:
Specs
- 32.5″ W x 73.125″ H x 31.5″ D
- 15 cu. ft. freezer compartment on the bottom
- 6 cu. ft. convertible refrigerator/freezer compartment on top
- Model no. GAFZ21XXRK
Features
- Secondary freezer and fridge perfect for the garage
- It comes with a built-in heater
- Convertible unit with plenty of storage space
- Convenient storage options
- Attractive and user-friendly design
- 1-year warranty for most parts
- 5-year warranty for the sealed system
