No More Countertop Ice Makers: Whirlpool Brand Launches Industry First Refrigerator with Integrated Nugget Ice Maker

Rhea-AI Summary

Whirlpool (NYSE:WHR) unveiled multiple industry-first appliances at KBIS 2026 on Feb. 9, 2026, led by a 36" true counter-depth refrigerator with an integrated nugget ice maker and dual ice options.

Other launches include a front-load laundry tower with UV Clean bacteria-reduction technology and a 24" dishwasher with a 360° spinning lower rack and AI Intelligent Wash.

Key Figures

Booth number: W701 Refrigerator width: 36-inch Dishwasher size: 24" +1 more

4 metrics

Booth number W701 Whirlpool Corporation booth location at KBIS 2026

Refrigerator width 36-inch Width of True Counter Depth French Door refrigerator

Dishwasher size 24" Width of stainless steel dishwasher highlighted at KBIS 2026

Rack rotation 360° Spinning lower rack design in the dishwasher

Market Reality Check

Price: $87.86 Vol: Volume 1,119,828 is below...

low vol

$87.86 Last Close

Volume Volume 1,119,828 is below the 20-day average of 1,829,660, suggesting muted trading interest pre-announcement. low

Technical Trading above the 200-day MA at 83.01, indicating a constructive longer-term trend into this product news.

Peers on Argus

WHR was up 1.68% with key peers like HNI (+1.96%), SGI (+0.86%), SCS (+0.62%), P...

WHR was up 1.68% with key peers like HNI (+1.96%), SGI (+0.86%), SCS (+0.62%), PATK (+0.21%) and MHK (+0.02%) also positive, pointing to a supportive sector backdrop rather than an isolated move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 04 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Feb 04	Brand recognition	Positive	+2.6%	Named to TIME's list of America’s Most Iconic Companies.
Feb 02	Product showcase	Positive	-0.1%	Maytag KBIS 2026 exhibit of laundry and refrigeration appliances.
Jan 28	Earnings & guidance	Neutral	-3.1%	Reported 2025 results and issued 2026 sales, EPS and cash flow guidance.
Jan 26	Innovation preview	Positive	-1.5%	Previewed portfolio-wide, industry-first innovations for KBIS 2026.
Jan 21	Earnings date set	Neutral	+2.1%	Announced timing of Q4 and full-year 2025 earnings release and call.

Pattern Detected

Recent product and branding announcements have sometimes seen muted or negative next-day moves, while recognition and scheduling news skew more positive.

Recent Company History

Over the past few weeks, Whirlpool has combined financial updates with brand and innovation messaging. Earnings on Jan 28 detailed 2025 results and 2026 guidance, followed by KBIS-focused innovation news on Jan 26 and a Maytag KBIS showcase on Feb 2. Recognition by TIME as one of America's Most Iconic Companies on Feb 4 coincided with a positive price reaction. Today’s KBIS-focused Whirlpool-branded product launch fits this pattern of emphasizing innovation and brand strength alongside prior financial disclosures.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights Whirlpool’s focus on differentiated, industry-first appliances, such as...

Analysis

This announcement highlights Whirlpool’s focus on differentiated, industry-first appliances, such as a refrigerator with integrated nugget ice and laundry products featuring UV Clean technology. It follows recent earnings guidance and earlier KBIS previews, reinforcing an innovation-led narrative. Investors may track how these launches support the company’s broader strategy, including cost actions and brand positioning, and watch future updates on adoption, pricing, and contribution to overall results.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

From a built-in nugget ice maker to forward-thinking laundry technology, Whirlpool is setting a new market standard with its latest appliance lineup.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Feb. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This February at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), Whirlpool brand is proving that high-tech doesn't have to mean high-complexity. At the Whirlpool Corporation Booth (#W701), the brand will debut tech-first products designed to be as practical and intuitive as they are innovative.

Industry-Firsts That Redefine the Routine: The Whirlpool space will showcase groundbreaking technologies designed to help solve family challenges. The champion of Whirlpool products this year is the industry-first refrigerator, featuring a built-in Nugget Ice Maker, providing soft, chewable ice integrated into your refrigerator at home.

In the laundry room, Whirlpool introduces the industry-first UV Clean technology, designed to be tough on bacteria in the wash while remaining gentle on fabrics. This innovative system uses ultraviolet light that shines into the water, working to reduce bacteria during the wash cycle. UV Clean can be added to a regular wash, even in cool water temperatures. This allows you to reduce bacteria without needing high temperatures, harsh chemicals, or risking fabric fading.

"The innovations we're unveiling at KBIS demonstrate how Whirlpool is advancing the industry," said Mike Gross, Senior Vice President Product Marketing & Merchandising at Whirlpool Corporation. "We are proud to introduce several industry-first products that continue our momentum from 2025, showing how technology can truly and meaningfully improve life at home."

Whirlpool® Innovation Highlights at KBIS 2026:

• Whirlpool® 36-inch Wide True Counter Depth 3-Door and 4-Door French Door Refrigerator with Industry-First Nugget Ice: As the industry's first refrigerator to feature an integrated in- door nugget ice maker,* this 36-inch wide unit offers dual ice makers, providing easy access to both soft, chewable nugget ice and traditional cubed ice.
• Whirlpool® Front Load Laundry Tower with UV Clean: This space-saving tower introduces industry-first UV Clean technology, reducing odor-causing bacteria without the high temperatures that fade favorite fabrics. Combined with the FreshFlow™ Vent System, it's a total reimagining of laundry freshness and fabric care.
• Whirlpool® 24" Stainless Steel Dishwasher with the Easiest Rack to Load and Unload: The dishwasher features the first and only 360° spinning lower rack design that lets users spin to bring dishes within reach. The dishwasher also features a sensor cycle with AI Intelligent Wash that uses sensors to track water temperature, soil level and load size to adjust the cycle's wash in order to give the best clean.

For additional details about Whirlpool Corporation, its portfolio of brands and other offerings for building industry professionals, visit WhirlpoolPro.com.

*Industry First claims are subject to change pending launch finalization. Visual Representation. Actual products may vary.

About Whirlpool Brand
For more than one hundred years, Whirlpool brand has been inspired by how people care for their families. Whirlpool brand is designing home appliances that are focused on improving how families give and get the care they need with the latest technologies and innovations – whether that means flexible refrigerator storage for all types of family needs, induction technology for efficient cooking and easier cleaning, or laundry pairs that sense and adapt to clothes with the latest in connected technologies. Whirlpool brand is part of Whirlpool Corporation, a leading appliance manufacturer committed to being the best global kitchen and laundry company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home.

About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2025, the company reported approximately $16 billion in annual net sales - close to 90% of which were in the Americas - 41,000 employees, and 35 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com. 

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SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation

FAQ

What is new about Whirlpool's 36-inch refrigerator announced Feb. 9, 2026 (WHR)?

It is the industry's first built-in refrigerator with an integrated nugget ice maker and dual-ice capability. According to Whirlpool, the 36" true counter-depth model offers both soft nugget ice and traditional cubed ice for in-door access.

How does Whirlpool's UV Clean laundry technology for WHR machines work and benefit fabrics?

UV Clean uses ultraviolet light in the wash to reduce bacteria without high temperatures. According to Whirlpool, UV Clean works in cool water cycles to reduce bacteria while avoiding fabric fading and harsh chemicals.

What features does the new Whirlpool 24" dishwasher announced Feb. 9, 2026 (WHR) include?

The dishwasher features a 360° spinning lower rack and AI Intelligent Wash sensor cycle. According to Whirlpool, sensors monitor water temperature, soil level and load size to adjust wash performance for better cleaning.

When and where did Whirlpool debut these industry-first appliances (WHR)?

Whirlpool debuted the new lineup at KBIS 2026, with the announcement dated Feb. 9, 2026. According to Whirlpool, the showcase took place at their KBIS booth and highlights multiple tech-first product launches.

Will Whirlpool's integrated nugget ice refrigerator (WHR) replace countertop ice makers for homeowners?

The integrated nugget ice feature offers an in-fridge alternative to countertop machines for convenience and space saving. According to Whirlpool, the built-in dual-ice design aims to eliminate the need for separate countertop nugget ice makers.