Whirlpool® ADA compliant appliances
Whirlpool® is committed accessibility for all by offering a line of ADA appliances, ensuring they are easy to use for every member of your family.
Inclusive appliances for your family
Whirlpool® offers a variety of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant appliances designed to help make your home more accessible for individuals with disabilities. These models are engineered to meet the specific accessibility physical guidelines established by the ADA.
Top-freezer refrigerators
At least 100% of the fresh food compartment in top-freezer refrigerators must be accessible below 54 inches from the floor. At least 50% of the freezer space must also be positioned below 54 inches.
Controls must:
- Be positioned no higher than 54 inches
- Be usable with one hand
- Not require tight grasping, pinching or wrist twisting
- Require no more than 5 lbs of force to operate
Side-by-side refrigerators
Controls must:
- Be reachable from the side using a parallel approach (e.g. in a wheelchair), with a maximum height of 54 inches
- Be usable with one hand and without tight grasping, pinching or wrist twisting
- Require less than 5 lbs of force for activation
Dishwashers
Dishwasher forward reach range for all controls must not exceed 48 inches in height and must not be lower than 15 inches. All dish racks must be accessible from the front of the appliance for loading and unloading.
Controls must:
- Be operable with one hand, without tight grasping, pinching or wrist twisting
- Require less than 5 lbs of force for activation
Ranges
If the range has an open space beneath (e.g., knee space), any exposed surfaces must be insulated or covered to prevent burns, cuts or electrical shock.
Controls must:
- Be located within a forward reach range of 15 to 48 inches
- Be operable with one hand and should not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist
- Be positioned in a way that does not require reaching over burners
- Require less than 5 lbs of force for activation
Cooktops
Forward reach controls for cooktops must not exceed a maximum of over 48 inches and be less than a minimum of 15 inches. If there is a knee space below the unit, surfaces must be insulated or otherwise protected.
Controls must:
- Be operable with one hand
- Not require tight grasping, pinching or wrist twisting
- Not be placed where reaching over hot surfaces is necessary
- Require less than 5 lbs of force for activation
Wall ovens
The reach range for wall ovens must fall between 15 and 48 inches in height.
Controls must:
- Be front-facing and may be on either side of the door
- Be operable with one hand and not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist
- Require less than 5 lbs of force for activation
Dryers
The reach range for dryers must fall between 15 and 48 inches in height.
Controls must:
- Be front-facing and may be on either side of the door
- Be operable with one hand and not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist
- Require less than 5 lbs of force for activation
Range hoods
Wall-mounted controls must:
- Be reachable between 15 and 48 inches in height
- Not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist and should be operable with one hand
- Should avoid requiring the user to reach across burners
- Require less than 5 lbs of force for activation
Wireless controls must:
- Meet the same operability criteria: one-handed use, no tight grasping or wrist twisting and force under 5 lbs
Microwaves
The forward reach for controls on microwaves should be between 15 and 48 inches.
Controls must:
- Be usable with one hand, without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting motions
- Require less than 5 lbs of force for activation
Washers
All washer units must be front-loading to allow access from a seated position.
Controls must:
- Be within 15 to 48 inches of forward reach