Sabbath mode is a feature in many modern home appliances, including refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers, which is intended to allow religious Jews to use their appliances without violating Sabbath laws. The main function of Sabbath mode is to disable features such as digital temperature readouts, ice makers, and interior lights that could be accidentally activated by the operator.

In a refrigerator with Sabbath mode, the interior lights, water filter status lights, and sounds are disabled, and the temperature cannot be adjusted. The refrigerator will continue to run on a timed defrost in order to keep food fresh, and the ice and water dispenser will be disabled. If the unit experiences a power outage while in Sabbath mode, the refrigerator will resume in Sabbath mode once power returns.

To activate Sabbath mode on a Whirlpool refrigerator, you need to hold the mode button for three seconds, and to exit Sabbath mode, you need to hold the mode button for three seconds again. Sabbath mode is particularly important for refrigerators, as they are at the heart of the kitchen and are used to keep food and ingredients cool while limiting interaction with the electrical system.