GE CWE23SSHSS Refrigerator User Manual

The GE CWE23SSHSS is a 23 cubic foot side-by-side refrigerator featuring a stainless steel exterior, through-the-door ice and water dispenser, adjustable spill-proof glass shelves, humidity-controlled crispers, gallon door storage, LED lighting, and a factory-installed water filter. It includes temperature controls for both fresh food and freezer compartments, a Sabbath mode, and energy-saving features. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Using the Dispenser 7. Storage Features 8. Care & Cleaning 9. Water Filter Replacement 10. Energy Saving Tips 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Side-by-side doors, Ice and Water Dispenser, Adjustable Shelves, Humidity-Controlled Crispers, Gallon Door Bins, LED Interior Lighting, Temperature Controls.

Feature	Description
Ice & Water Dispenser	Through-the-door access to cubed ice and chilled water
Adjustable Glass Shelves	Spill-proof, slide-out shelves for flexible storage
Humidity-Controlled Crispers	Preserve freshness of fruits and vegetables
Gallon Door Bins	Store large containers like milk jugs
LED Interior Lighting	Bright, energy-efficient lighting
Factory-Installed Water Filter	Reduces impurities in water and ice
Temperature Controls	Separate controls for Fresh Food and Freezer compartments
Sabbath Mode	Disables certain functions for religious observance
Door Alarm	Audible alert if door is left open
Energy Saver Switch	Controls heater to prevent condensation

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure proper location and clearances.

Remove all packaging materials and tape.
Position refrigerator on a level floor, allowing space for door swing and ventilation (minimum 1" sides, 2" top, 2" back).
Connect to water supply: Attach water line to shut-off valve and refrigerator inlet.
Plug into a dedicated 115V, 60Hz, 15-amp AC outlet.
Allow 24 hours for ice maker to produce first batch of ice.

WARNING! Do not install near a heat source. Ensure water line connections are tight to prevent leaks. Use two people when moving the refrigerator.

First-Time Setup

After installation, perform initial setup for optimal performance.

Set temperatures: Recommended settings are 37°F for Fresh Food and 0°F for Freezer.
Flush the water system: Dispense and discard the first 1-2 gallons of water.
Reset the filter indicator: Press and hold the FILTER RESET button for 3 seconds after installing a new filter.
Load food items, ensuring proper air circulation by not overpacking shelves.

CAUTION! Do not load large quantities of unfrozen food into the freezer at once. Allow the refrigerator to cool for 24 hours before filling completely.

Specifications

Model: CWE23SSHSS
Type: Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Total Capacity: 23 Cubic Feet
Exterior Finish: Stainless Steel
Dispenser: Ice and Water through the door
Shelving: Adjustable, Spill-Proof Glass
Controls: Electronic Touch Controls
Filter: RPWFE or RPWF (Factory Installed)
Power Requirements: 115V, 60Hz, 15A
Annual Energy Use: [Refer to Energy Guide Label]

Controls and Settings

Control panel located on the dispenser face or inside the fresh food compartment.

Primary Controls: Temperature (Fresh Food/Freezer), Ice Type (Cubed/Crushed), Dispenser Lock, Filter Reset, Sabbath Mode, Energy Saver.

Temperature Settings: Use UP/DOWN arrows to set Fresh Food (34°F - 46°F) and Freezer (-5°F to 5°F). Dispenser Lock: Press and hold LOCK for 3 seconds to disable dispenser pads. Sabbath Mode: Press and hold SABBATH button for 3 seconds to disable interior lights, display, and alarms. Energy Saver: Switch to ON in humid environments to reduce condensation; OFF in normal conditions for better energy efficiency.

Using the Dispenser

For ice and chilled water.

Press a sturdy glass against the water pad or ice paddle.
For water: Hold glass against pad until desired amount is dispensed.
For ice: Select Cubed or Crushed mode, then press glass against ice paddle.
Release pressure to stop dispensing.

Tip: The first ice batch may be discolored or have odd shape; discard it. If dispenser is slow, check for a clogged filter or low water pressure.

Storage Features

Optimize organization for food preservation.

Adjustable Shelves: Lift front edge to unlock and slide out. Rearrange to accommodate tall items.
Crispers: Use Humidity Control slider: HIGH for vegetables, LOW for fruits.
Door Bins: Adjustable and removable for cleaning. Use for condiments, beverages.
Freezer Baskets: Slide-out baskets for organized frozen food storage.
Meat Drawer (if equipped): Maintains a colder temperature for meat storage.

WARNING! Do not place hot food directly into the refrigerator. Allow it to cool first to prevent temperature rise and condensation.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug refrigerator before cleaning interior components (except for quick wipes).

Exterior: Wipe stainless steel with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Wipe with grain. For fingerprints, use a stainless steel cleaner.
Interior: Wash shelves, bins, and crispers with warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry.
Dispenser Area: Wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
Condenser Coils: Vacuum coils (located at bottom rear or behind kickplate) every 6-12 months for efficiency.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive pads, steel wool, or harsh chemicals. Never pour water inside the unit. Do not clean glass shelves with hot water when cold.

Water Filter Replacement

Replace filter every 6 months or when indicator light comes on.

Locate filter in the grille at the bottom or inside the fresh food compartment.
Turn filter counterclockwise to unlock and pull straight out.
Insert new filter (RPWFE or RPWF), aligning arrows, and turn clockwise until it clicks.
Flush system by dispensing 1-2 gallons of water (discard).
Press and hold FILTER RESET button for 3 seconds to reset the indicator.

WARNING! Do not use the dispenser without a filter installed. Use only genuine GE filters.

Energy Saving Tips

Set recommended temperatures (37°F Fresh Food, 0°F Freezer).
Ensure door seals are clean and tight.
Keep condenser coils clean.
Allow hot food to cool before storing.
Minimize door openings and duration.
Use the Energy Saver switch appropriately (OFF in normal conditions).
Ensure proper ventilation clearances around the unit.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Refrigerator is warm	Power/controls/blocked vents	Check if unit is plugged in; ensure temperature is set correctly; check for blocked air vents inside.
Dispenser not working	Lock mode/filter/water supply	Check if dispenser lock is on; replace water filter; ensure water supply valve is open.
Ice maker not making ice	Water supply/temperature/arm position	Ensure water line is connected; freezer must be at 0°F; ensure ice maker arm is in the down (ON) position.
Water leaking on floor	Clogged defrost drain/loose connection	Check for clogged drain tube in fresh food compartment; inspect water line connections.
Noisy operation	Leveling/items touching walls/fan	Ensure refrigerator is level; ensure items are not touching interior walls; check for fan obstruction.

Reset: Unplug refrigerator for 5 minutes, then plug back in to reset electronic controls.

Service: 1-800-GE-CARES (1-800-432-2737); www.geappliances.com