<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23.(A)
<SEQUENCE>4
<FILENAME>dex23a.txt
<DESCRIPTION>CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
<TEXT>
<PAGE>

                                                                   Exhibit 23(a)

                                                 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on
Form S-8 pertaining to the Whirlpool Corporation 2002 Omnibus Stock and
Incentive Plan of our report dated February 4, 2002, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of Whirlpool Corporation included
in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2001, filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                             /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Chicago, Illinois
June 13, 2002

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
