How big is the Whirlpool model ED5FTGXKQ01?
The Whirlpool ED5FTGXKQ01 is a full-size side-by-side refrigerator; most units in this class are about 25 cubic feet of total capacity. For the exact capacity and the cabinet cutout clearances for your specific model, use the ED5FTGXKQ01 installation guide.
Typical size you can expect
Most Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerators around this capacity fall into these common ranges:
- Capacity: ~24 to 26 cu. ft.
- Width: ~33 inches
- Height: ~65 to 70 inches
- Depth: ~32 to 35 inches (often deeper with handles)
- Door swing clearance: varies by hinge and handle style
Quick reference: “capacity” vs “dimensions”
| What you mean by “big” | What it tells you | Where to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Total capacity (cu. ft.) | How much food it holds | Model specs in the ED5FTGXKQ01 installation guide |
| Width/height/depth | Whether it fits your space | Measurement diagrams in the ED5FTGXKQ01 installation guide |
| Door swing clearance | Whether doors open fully without hitting walls | Clearance notes in the ED5FTGXKQ01 installation guide |
How we recommend measuring your space
To avoid fit issues, we recommend measuring before ordering parts or moving the refrigerator:
- Measure the opening width at the front and back
- Measure height to the lowest cabinet or trim point
- Measure depth from the wall to the front edge of counters
- Allow space for airflow behind and above the cabinet
- Confirm door swing and handle clearance near walls or islands
Why it matters
Correct size information helps prevent installation problems (tight clearances, doors that will not open fully, poor airflow) and makes it easier to choose compatible items like an ice bin, water line routing, or a replacement ice maker.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the disadvantage of a side-by-side fridge?
A common disadvantage of a side-by-side refrigerator like the Whirlpool ED5FTGXKQ01 is reduced usable width in each compartment, which makes it harder to store wide items (pizza boxes, party platters, large deli trays) and can make fresh-food organization feel more cramped.
Common drawbacks (and what you can do)
- Narrow shelves and bins: Large, flat items often will not fit without rearranging.
- More bending for fresh foods: Many frequently used refrigerator items end up at mid-to-lower shelf levels.
- Freezer organization can be tricky: Tall, narrow freezer space can hide items behind other items.
- Door storage tradeoff: You gain door bins, but lose some interior shelf flexibility.
- Ice and water features add complexity: Dispensers and ice makers can introduce more parts that may need maintenance.
Quick comparison: side-by-side vs French door
| Feature | Side-by-side | French door |
|---|---|---|
| Fits wide items | Fair | Better |
| Freezer access | Easy (eye-level shelves) | Often drawer-style |
| Fresh-food visibility | Fair | Better |
| Footprint with doors open | Moderate | Often larger |
Why it matters
If you regularly store wide leftovers, sheet pans, or large produce trays, the side-by-side layout can create daily frustration even when the total cubic feet is similar. If you rely on ice and water, keeping the system clean and the filter current helps prevent low flow and ice maker issues.
Helpful resources for Whirlpool owners
- Use the ED5FTGXKQ01 installation guide to confirm clearance needs and door swing space before moving or re-leveling the refrigerator.
- For dispenser and ice reliability tips, follow how to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems.
Last updated: January 2026
Why is everydrop filter so expensive?
Everydrop filters often cost more because they are typically certified to reduce a broader list of contaminants and are built to meet tighter performance and safety standards over the filter’s rated life. For a Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator like model ED5FTGXKQ01, the right filter choice also helps protect water taste, flow, and dispenser performance.
What you are paying for
Higher-priced refrigerator water filters are usually priced around three things: certification, materials, and consistency.
- More contaminant reduction claims: Filters that reduce more substances generally require more advanced media (often higher-grade carbon and additional stages).
- Third-party testing and certification: Meeting NSF/ANSI standards and maintaining compliance adds cost.
- Tighter manufacturing tolerances: Better seals and consistent flow help prevent bypass and leaks.
- Brand and distribution: OEM-branded filters often include higher overhead and anti-counterfeit packaging.
- Performance over time: Better filters tend to hold flow rate and taste longer before clogging.
How to decide if the higher cost is worth it
Use this quick comparison to match the filter to your priorities.
| Priority | A higher-end certified filter is best when | A lower-cost filter may be OK when |
|---|---|---|
| Contaminant reduction | You want the broadest reduction list | You mainly want basic taste/odor improvement |
| Water quality | You have chlorine taste, sediment, or older plumbing | Your water is already well-filtered upstream |
| Dispenser/ice performance | You want stable flow and fewer clogs | You can tolerate slower flow as the filter loads |
Why it matters for ED5FTGXKQ01
A side-by-side refrigerator’s dispenser and ice maker depend on steady water flow. A filter that clogs quickly or fits loosely can cause slow dispensing, hollow ice, or intermittent ice production. If you are also troubleshooting water delivery, the inlet valve can be part of the same system (see refrigerator inlet valve W10408179).
Practical tips to control cost without sacrificing performance
- Replace the filter on schedule based on your usage and water quality.
- If flow slows early, check for sediment in the supply line and consider an inline pre-filter.
- Flush several gallons after installing a new filter to clear carbon fines.
- If you notice leaks at the filter head, inspect the housing and seals (see refrigerator water filter housing WP2186443).
- Follow the installation and flushing steps in the ED5FTGXKQ01 installation guide.
Helpful DIY reading
Last updated: January 2026
What is the most common problem with whirlpool refrigerators?
The most common Whirlpool refrigerator issue is poor cooling caused by restricted airflow or a failed fan, often tied to dirty condenser coils or a bad condenser fan motor. On Whirlpool model ED5FTGXKQ01, start with basic airflow checks before replacing parts; see the ED5FTGXKQ01 installation guide.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Unplug the refrigerator before inspecting fans or wiring.
- Clean condenser coils (dust and pet hair reduce cooling efficiency).
- Confirm the condenser fan runs when the compressor is running.
- Listen for the evaporator fan in the freezer; no airflow usually means a fan or ice blockage.
- Check door closing and gasket sealing; warm air leaks create frost and weak cooling.
- Verify temperature settings: 0°F freezer and 37°F fresh food are typical targets.
Common symptoms and the most likely causes
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator warm, freezer also warm | Dirty coils or condenser fan not running | Clean coils; inspect/replace condenser fan motor if needed |
| Freezer cold, refrigerator warm | Evaporator airflow problem | Check for frost buildup; verify evaporator fan operation |
| Frost/ice buildup on freezer back wall | Defrost system problem | Inspect defrost heater and defrost bi-metal |
| Water dispenser/ice maker weak or not working | Water supply or inlet valve issue | Check house water pressure; test inlet valve |
Parts that commonly fix these problems on ED5FTGXKQ01
If troubleshooting points to a failed component, these model-matched parts are common solutions:
- Condenser motor W10822259 if the condenser fan is not running or is noisy
- Refrigerator thermostat WP2198202 if temperatures swing or cooling does not respond to settings
- Refrigerator defrost bi-metal WPW10225581 if frost buildup is heavy and recurring
- Refrigerator heater WP2323198 if the unit will not defrost and airflow is blocked by ice
- Refrigerator inlet valve W10408179 if water flow to the dispenser or ice maker is weak
Why it matters
A side-by-side refrigerator depends on steady airflow across the condenser and evaporator. When coils are clogged or a fan fails, temperatures rise, food spoils faster, and the compressor can run longer than normal.
Helpful DIY guidance
- Use our how to fix your evaporator cooling fan steps if the freezer fan is not moving air.
- Use our how to diagnose a faulty refrigerator water inlet valve steps if water or ice production is inconsistent.
Last updated: January 2026





