Front Load Washer Recommendation- Whirlpool or LG

[michaelz08]

I have been asked by a friend for a stackable front-load washer/dryer recommendation. I’ve had good experiences using both brands (had my own LGs for ~5 years, we have a set of 17 year old Whirlpool Duets in my family that are great), but I wanted to get some input.

The primary concern is overall reliability, I know both will wash well. I am partial to the WP “What to Wash” and “How to Wash” cycle selector but that isn’t a reason to sacrifice reliability. However it is annoying that those models only have an easily accessible drain pump filter on the Load & Go models, increasing the price point I can recommend.

Does anyone have any knowledge on repair rates, etc? We are in an area (Chicago) where I would expect service to be adequate for either brands.

I have heard some people say LG customer support is quite bad, but then again you can find people saying that about every company, WP included.

 

[mark_wpduet]

I can't answer all of your questions myself... but are you aware Whirlpool has updated their FL washer models recently... which now has drain pump access? I honestly don't know if they still make the "what to wash/how to wash" models in addition to the newer models or those are just old stock being sold....

Honestly, I'm DYING for someone to buy one of the new Whirlpools so we can see how they work...

I don't know if they've changed the way they wash/rinse in these models or not...the new Whirlpools look more like LG/Samsung... but I think the inner door used to be glass and is still plastic... but that doesn't seem to be an issue...

Reliability? ZERO clue...Hopefully someone will know... but these are so new there probably hasn't been enough time for data...but I would assume they are at the very least in reliability as the what to wash/how to wash models.. which I have no clue about... I watched those wash and wasn't thrilled with the way they washed compared to the LG's...

as it stands now, if I had to by a FL washer at this very moment... It would be an LG with turbo wash...because I have next to no info on the new whirlpool models. I at least know how the LG's with turbo wash cycles work... tons of videos... but nothing on the whirlpool

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Whirlpool-Whirlpool-5-Cu-Ft-Front-Load-Washer/5015296161

 

[ryner1988]

It appears they've somewhat addressed the depth issue on these. When I bought my LG washer, I was pretty adamant that I would need to stick with LG or Samsung, because they offer closet depth full-size machines and I wasn't aware of other manufacturers that did so. But the depth on this isn't bad at nearly 32" it would probably fit in my 40" laundry closet, although it would be very tight. My LG at just over 30" fits relatively comfortably, still have room behind the machines for hoses and venting plus room to close the closet doors. This was important because my laundry is in a high-traffic area.

 

[michaelz08]

I’ve checked out the new machines in photos, the tubs and door assemblies look pretty similar to the last models. I think it may be a more cosmetic update (new controls, new door seals with that anntimicrobal coating/marketing, and making the filter more accessible) than a new generation.

That being said I’m hesitant to recommend them as any new product line is going to have teething problems and have lower reliability in the first year or two.

I’ve seen the comments about the plastic door assembly, and while that is annoying I guess it isn’t the end of the world. Aside from plastic being inferior to glass I haven’t seen anyone report actual issues from this change, and I suppose many people may appreciate the lighter door weight.

I’ve also learned that the dryer must be a heat pump model. Both WP and LG make one, and reliability is the biggest concern here as both are going to be pretty lousy in drying time. This may skew my recommendation towards LG as their heat pump model is hundreds less than the WP.

 

[combo52]

New front load washers and dryers

Unfortunately, if it needs to be a no vent machine that rules out the best one the Speed Queen's although the cost of the Speed Queen may also roll that out, but it's by far the most serviceable durable washer and dryer in a stack configuration you can buy.

If I had to get a new front load washer dryer stack I'll probably get the whirlpool full size machine based on their history of building good laundry appliances, whirlpool's have the heat pump dryer out since 2017. We have seen a few problems with it and it's vastly better built than the LG and Samsung units. Whirlpool has a much more robust refrigeration system in their heat pump dryer.

But you're definitely right heat pump dryers in general are going to have more service and have shorter lives that conventional electric dryers at this point in time there's just too many things to clog up in them and extra things to possibly fail.

The other important factor to consider when making a purchase like this is where it's made and where the money goes, I'd much rather buy from a union built company that employees Americans and gives equal protections for minority and gay people. You don't get that with LG and Samsung.

John

 

[appnut]

Well considering the household has a jack russel terrier and two cats (shorter hair and a fluffy white long-hair) and potential for additional animal(s), there's concern for best option for pet laundry. A heat pump dryer is out of consideration given all the maintenance with hair. Maytag has its series of Pet Pro products (washer, dryer, & dishwasher) as well as Speed Queen having model(s) with Pet laundry designated cycles. As far as I'm concerned, WP got it bass-ackwards offering a Pump access door on new WP models but not on new Maytag models. Only SQ and Maytag offer designs and specific cycles intended for pet laundry. And given we have a new less bulky comforter that will fit far easier in SQ laundry products.... than the old bedspread that barely makes it in the 5.0 cu. ft. LG and more of an effort getting it in the old 4.3 cu. ft. WP WFW97HEX Duet. And these days using Tide Professional powder that seems to be best designed for warm water wases, I'm finding no need for onboard heater in washer.

 

[mark_wpduet]

I randomly came across the video yesterday... A whirlpool factory in India... does anyone know if everything in this video would apply to the USA models? I know this factory would not supply USA models... I wonder if there is a difference in them?

I really HOPE my duet lasts me several more years. I love it so much. I would like to try Whirlpool again. I love their standard dryers...but I just don't know... so much has changed.

 

[combo52]

Pet hair and heat pump condenser dryers

I cannot imagine the pet hair would affect a heat pump condenser dryer in anyway hair is fairly large and really doesn't get past the multiple filters that heat pump dryers have.

The thing that clogges the condenser coils on heat pump dryers is very fine lint and minerals from hard water residue. I've yet to see any hair in a condenser of a heat pump dryer whatsoever.

John

 

[ryner1988]

Bob, are you saying your next washer might be an SQ front loader without a heater? I thought I'd never see the day. LOL

The reason the on-board heater mattered to me when selecting an FL washer was because of my stupid tankless water heater in the apartment taking soooo long to reach temperature when it's activated. So, with the shorter fills of the FL, and mine doesn't actually pulse very much but still the fill times are short, I was worried about the tankless being able to do its job properly even when just heating to warm, which I use most of the time.

 

[mark_wpduet]

I was reading some reviews on the actual whirlpool site.... things like "Don't do it... Just don't... and ppl showing pictures of the error codes on their washer only after 2 months...I saw several of those...Maybe it's a really good idea NOT to get a brand new model just after it comes out...LOL

anyway Bob... I forgot all about that... Why would Whirlpool not put something as standard as a drain access door on their Maytag front load washers...but they decided to do it on their Whirlpool models...I really need to understand what they're thinking

 

[appnut]

Ryne, I have no idea. When that time does come, I'll be assessing what the needs are going to be. I just hope taht isn't going to be for a very long time.

 

[me]

The latest Zanussi/ bottom of the range AEG (electrolux) machines sold here, have done away with the access flap on the front, although the reason for that is in the quest for cheapness, they have the pump directly attached to their sealed moulded tub. I gather the filter is, or is in the door seal.

My current (2009 zanussi) washing machine is actually the first we've had with a flap on the front to access the coin trap/filter. So far the only times I've needed to open it is when its got blocked up with lumps of limescale, because I'd neglected descaling the machine for too long. Previous models, I would have to lean sideways against a wall so I could remove a spring clip and pull out the trap from the bottom of the pipe. The pump impeller in them were stouter and a different design which would let smaller debris pass through. The only things I ever remember finding in one was a couple of coins and most of a large lever lock key with the toothed end missing, plus a small section of a keyring, part of a bunch of keys that had gone missing.

 

[henene4]

The filter clean out is one of those things you don't really need - until you REALLY NEED IT RIGHT NOW.

If you ever had washer either get a blocked drain or quit draining for some reason you know it's a PAIN to empty it - but at least you CAN.

The AEG my grandma bought had a PCB fault that kept it from unlocking.
It just wouldn't unlock, no matter how much you waited.
And it did not have a way to unlock it manually.
Laundry sat there for weeks (luckily dry as it didn't even start the cycle) with no way to get to it - until the service tech came around.

Again, a thing you just don't need until you immediately and absolutely do.

 

[mark_wpduet]

YES...that's a very good point. You don't often use it, but it's there if you need it. You never know even as careful as you are if something gets in... or the machine needs draining... I never even thought of that. If your machine breaks mid cycle... at least you can drain the water out

 

[littlegreeny]

New WP FLers

My local Costco had one of the new 4.5 cu. ft. Whirlpools on display. Build quality is flimsy to say the least. There was no tub light and it appears to no longer have a recirculation pump as the little spray thingy at the top center of the tub was gone. The window is still plastic and the detergent drawer feels even lighter than the previous generation. The access door for the pump cleanout was SUPER flimsy and thin! The filter was recessed a good five or six inches inside too. It also did not appear to have a balance ring in the tub.

I'm all for Whirlpool with their union workers and LGBT policies but they need to get their act together because when folks cross shop these with other brands, they are going to pick a competitor model just based on the look and feel alone.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

whirlpool

I am very disappointed in Whirlpool due to the fact that they eliminated water recirculation and tub light. They're no longer the world leaders in laundry as they once were.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

GE pet hair

What are the chances that GE will come out with their own washers and dryers that remove pet hair in their top load and front load models?