GE “Fresh Vent” Front Loaders

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Apparently the motor noise is normal for this GE design.  Here's an appliance dealer's recent (empty) test run of a different model from that line.

Skip to 45 mins for the final spin.

 
I'm planning to call for service. I'm not happy that a $1000 washer in 2020 sounds like this. Of course, I do have a concern they'll tell me it's normal -- in which case, I may be testing their customer service commitment, because I would've gone for the Electrolux, which also has reversible doors. I do love the dispenser and everything else about the unit.

Interestingly, I am finding the noise is evident when you simply spin the drum by hand. You can hear the groaning pretty clearly.

The UltraFresh Vent cycle, the washer's marquee feature, spins the drum off and on at a moderate clip for a few hours -- and then this groaning noise is louder due to the increased speed and gets really annoying.

Agree on the Maytag Neptune comparison -- we had an MAH7500 that came with the original motor/control board (I swapped it later with warranty parts) and it sounded very similar during start-stop, but I don't recall it getting so bad during spin. However, that was a long time ago!
 
Electrolux washers are just as loud, if not louder than your GE because they are also belt-driven and have loud pump motors. If you want a true quiet washer, get a direct drive washer like a LG. LG has very quiet pumps too since they are DC vs. AC in the GE and Electrolux.
 
I appreciate the feedback. We'll see what the tech says and try to keep an open mind. Everything else about the machine is spot on.

I have to say, if the sound truly is normal -- I'm finding less and less credibility to CR's ratings -- which rates LG, Electrolux, Whirlpool, and these GEs all "Noise: 4 out of 5, Very Good" I guess it's all relative!
 
that microban for the rubber seal and the detergent tray is fantastic! I can't believe the other manufacturers haven't done that. I LOVE the way the drum looks on this......I hate that it doesn't have recirculation though. I still say that either LG or Elux will be my next FL washer unless WP comes out with something new B4 it's time for me to buy a new one.
 
How long will that microban last though ? Mark if I may. There is nothing wrong with the current Whirlpool front load washers unless there is some recall but I know that would have been posted here.

Some people get lemons and that happens in all makes. Just how life is. My first front loader was the WFW6620 and I tell you if I would have known a few months ago what I know now I would have taken it with me.

It washed and rinsed very well. It got excellent for cleaning in Consumer reports if I recall correctly.

Hopefully the people who work for Whirlpool on this site see these posts and take peoples concerns seriously.

For all of Whirlpool's missteps I would hate, and I know many others would hate to see another US iconic name go under.
 
I've had a Neptune MAH7500 for about 20 years now, and never noticed undue motor spin noise. It also got a control board swap after a couple of years (the spider cracked under extended warranty). And the washer sits in an open alcove in the middle of the home's living area, so I think I'd notice. Or, maybe, motor noises don't bother me.

 
 
Agree, with the updated motor/control the Neptunes are very quiet in operation. In my experience the first version was more of a crapshoot with respect to noise.
 
More water option on GE

This option allows more water to be used in the wash and rinse. I read the owners manuals and I only see the option on the 2 lower models. The TOL model appears not to have it.
 
I wonder what they were thinking leaving that off the TOL model? Is the TOL the only model with a heater or does MOL have one too? I'm sure BOL is heaterless
 
MOL (650) has a heater and the associated steam and sanitize cycles.

Regarding my original post, here is a video of the noise I hear during the UltraFresh venting cycle. As I understand it, a damper is opened and it spins the drum every so often to dry everything out. It works well, but runs for a few to several hours.

 
The fresh vent

I understand consists of a fan, maybe something like the one in the link below but inside the cabinet, and drum rotation, 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off until a sensor or sensor find things have dried.

I suppose they tested, but it seems like all that drum rotation would be excessive, but the fan seems like a good, simple idea.

 

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