LG Front Load Washer

[trappn]

After a couple of years on the fence, we may go with the WM4000. Believe this is intended to take the place of the 3900, and is a little cheaper.

One of the complaints about this model (and, perhaps, earlier models) is the lack of a spin-only cycle. On the control panel, we only see Rinse & Spin.

We've also heard that some cycles are "downloadable." How does this work, exactly? Are the downloaded cycles executed from the machine, or a phone?

Thanks for your help.

 

[henene4]

Spin only

Unless they changed that, you switch on and before you select anything, you just press the spin speed button.

You download the cycle via your phone, however it is executed on the machine.

 

[golittlesport]

spin only on LG FL

Yes, that's exactly how you select "spin only" on my LG 3570. It is explained in the user manual.

 

[powerfin64]

downloaded cycle

you must install LG's "ThinQ" app to you smartphone, then mate your machine to

ThinQ app, for many more cycle and option choices, then connect your machine to

your home Wifi to use the downloaded cycle.

Having just purchased a LG WM4200, which is the advanced tier, highest efficiency

model, I have used some of the downloaded cycles on both washer and dryer,

which I like them so far, haven't got to try all of them out yet. Also with

the Smart Pairing, the washer pairs WITH the dryer and automatically will

choose the correct drying cycle and temperature for the load to be dried! I use

that feature a fair amount. Makes doing laundry enjoyable.

 

[henene4]

Though I used the EU version

Pairing the machines can be a bit finicky, but once set up everything runs ok.

When paired with the app you get alerts on your phone if either finished, which is nice.
Of course only if you want to.

I found remotely selecting a cycle to be quite annoying sometimes.

The UI sometimes just glitched out.

However, once you downloaded a cycle, that cycle will stay downloaded onto the "Download" position on the machine.

So you don't have to use the app every time you wanna run a downloaded cycle.

One thing though is that both machines have to have a WiFi signal at their setup location.

Some people are less lucky with that, really depends on your floor plan and location of router.

 

[appnut]

Rich, congratulations on the new washer & dryer. Be sure to update your profile to reflect the change in your machines.

I'm probably going to email you cuz I got numerous questions you will probably be able to answer for me after you use the machines for a while.

 

[lakewebsterkid]

New machines

I have a new Kenmore Elite 41982 washer that is built by LG. I can safely tell you that front load machines have come a long way in the past few years. The Kenmore rarely has an issue distributing clothes and ramping up to spin. This makes cycle times much faster. It is very quiet too. The loudest part is when filling. Only thing, just remember that using the Normal cycle will use lower temps than you are used to. Hot = Warm water in a majority of cases.

 

[egress]

we own a wm3900 and the matching dryer. they have been extremely good so far, and I don't think i've found something it cant clean yet. I've stuck entire area rugs in it and its managed to clean.

i think my favorite download cycle is the cuffs/collars cycle, it ramps the water heat up during the wash and i've found it gets stains out very well. use it on napkins & stuff.
I think the only issue i've had is that you have to use a miniscule amount of detergent. it has suds locked a few times and goes into the sud decreasing mode which adds 1-2 hours to the cycle time... other than that its been superb!

 

[appnut]

Marco, it's good you've figured out a downloaded cycle can be appropriate for other things besides the label of the cycle. What I look for is what the cycle does and how it executes it and if it's applicable to other types of loads I might want. Good for you. My cotton sheets cycle on my Whirlpool Duet is my go to cycle for everyday cotton clothes worn around the house. It's normal soil, warm water and the heater comes on to maintain temperature.

 

[eurekastar]

I own the 3900 pair and really like them.  I still have my old Maytag A606 out in the garage that I fire up every now and then, but this front loader has grown on me.  I'll have to try the cuffs and collar cycle!

 

[egress]

I just looked and theres a dedicated food stain cycle that I didn't see last time. they must have added it recently.

 

[trappn]

Wow.......

We can't thank everyone enough for all the feedback. Appreciated more than you could possibly imagine.

Egress.....Especially with our soft-water system, thought we should probably adhere to the Lorain rule of no more than two tablespoons, per load. If we are wrong, welcome everyone's feedback.

We are not afraid to spend money for a superior product. So far, not that impressed with the new automatic dispensing systems on the newer LG's.

Before moving on the 4000, would anyone care to chime in? Thanks a million!

 

[appnut]

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" So far, not that impressed with the new automatic dispensing systems on the newer LG's."

Trappn, please explain the thoughts behind this comment.  I'd like your perception so I can compare it with my Duet Precision Dispense brought out over 12 years ago and also I can compare it to Wirlpool's current auto dosing sytem.

 

[powerfin64]

LG WM4200 VS WM4500

The only difference between 2 of LG model washers is: WM4200 does not have the

auto dosing liquid detergent and fabric softener cartridges, and WM4500 does.

I was not attracted to the 4500 model due to I have and use a menagerie of

detergents, and didn't want to be restricted to using only liquid

detergents only. Other than that, they are the exact same machines. I will say

that my new WM4200 washer, rinsing is MUCH better and Balances easier and faster

than my last LG set I had, resulting in getting through a cycle faster. The

Turbo Wash option is amazing, I use it in all the cycles that will allow it.

The downloaded cycles that I have used so far, I've been very pleased with

the results. I recommend the Denim, small load, econo wash cycles so far.

I will be trying out a few more of the other downloaded cycles soon. In total

there is 19 downloaded cycles, not including the standard cycles already on

the dial of 14 cycles. Those will keep me entertained for a while.

 

[appnut]

The 4500 also has a tub light. For me I've gotten spoiled with that so that I can sit and watch the washer as my current duet has. The 4500 cabinet is also significantly different with a square door instead of a round door. Also the 4500 is only available in Black.

 

[trappn]

appnut & powerfin64..........

We're still thinking things through, and may still go with the WM4500.

Was thinking the Whirlpool auto dispenser might be more programmable. We don't use fabric softener, and would like to be able to program that cartridge for a 2nd detergent. Was thinking you could do that on the Whirlpool. Not sure about the LG.

Another thing is that the 4500 has the larger capacity, which we are trying to stay away from. Except for the king-size bedding, our loads aren't that big, anymore.

Was thinking the WM4000 would be OK for the king-size comforter.

From what we can see, the 4000 & the 4200 are the same machine, except for capacity.

The light in the 4500 would be nice.

By Memorial Day, we will choose the 4000, or the 4500. Welcome your comments.

Thanks.

 

[egress]

I can fit an entire queen size comforter + cover + both fitted and loose sheets in the 3900. washes & spins fine on the bedding cycle, but dryer sometimes bunches everything up and doesn't dry.

IMO autodosing is overrated. we use 3 different detergents weekly & it honestly isn't that big of a deal.

we use tide pods for most loads, powder detergent works better for hot water washes which we try to run at least once weekly to keep the washer healthier. we almost never run cold washes unless clothing explicitly calls for it, since not only does it not clean as well but also the drum stays wetter for longer, which could cause more mildew to build up.

these washers are able to adapt to almost all sizes of loads. I've done loads as small as 2-3 shirts and as full as the tub can go and everything comes out nicely clean at the end. cycle time isn't exorbitantly long either for general loads, only about 30-45 minutes for a week of clothing.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

I've done

small loads on normal/turbowash and it can last anywhere from 26-53 minutes.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

personally

I would use the auto dose for laundry detergent and fabric softener. I have a bad habit of using too much or too little.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

and of course

I use laundry detergent and fabric softener on everything.

 

[lakewebsterkid]

Egress

Ironically, I did the same today! Mattress pad, cover and fitted sheet with 4 pillowcases, and the quilt comforter. The 5.2 cu ft Kenmore ate them alive. And yes, I dried in 3 loads. Lol. Certainly one of the worst parts of this machine is how your dryer is outmatched.

 

[egress]

its not consistent either. sometimes it'll dry in 1 cycle and sometimes i have to do 3 or 4 to get everything dry. IDK how LG senses the load dryness level but it certainly isn't reliable.

 

[powerfin64]

a few differences between

4000 and 4200, 4000 is 4.5 cu.ft, less cycles, 4200/4500 are both 5 cu.ft with same cycles.

4200 round door, no drum light(wish mine had one!)4500 rounded-square door, with

drum light and liquid detergent and fabric softener cartridges. both are advanced

tier efficiency rating.

I originally wanted the 4000 set, but after deep research, changed my mind and

choose 4200, have been very happy with my decision. LG laundry has come

a long way since I purchased my first LG set 11 years ago(which I just replaced

with the4200) which was WM2050!

 

[trappn]

Interesting.........

More great input.

Didn't realize the matching dryer might be a problem. Are we just talking about bedding, or everything?

Also, is it when the washer & dryer are communicating, or when cycles are selected manually, or both?

Thanks.

 

[henene4]

Dryer sizing

Dryers should be twice the size of the washer to dry the same full load.

That is in general.
Very few people fully fill a 4.5 cuft washer, so slightly smaller is fine.

Things like towels are fine being in a fuller dryer.

High loading in a dryer means more creasing and more uneven drying.
So some items like shirts and such or large bulky items just want more space in a dryer.

Mixing things like pillows or comforters with stuff like fitted sheets or other large items promotes uneven drying.

 

[powerfin64]

matching dryer capacity

dryer capacity for 4000,4200/4500 are all the same 7.4 cu.ft which is very big

and deep in size. Drying comforters of any size should not be a problem and was

not with my last LG dryer and it was 7.3 cu.ft. The condition of your dryer

venting is very important and needs to be checked and cleaned at least once a

year to dry consistently, also using the correct drying cycle. this all makes a

difference how the machine operates how it should.

 

[appnut]

Rich, I sent you an email on Saturday the 24th. It may have gone to Spam if you didn't see it.

 

[trappn]

appnut........

No response to the OP?

We responded to your query.

Thanks.

 

[appnut]

Trappn, I apologize.

The liquid concentration is determined by the number of ounces in the bottled divided by the stated number of loads on the bottle. The Precision Dispense system allow the user to vary that based upon the hardness & softness of your water. I have very hard water and was able to adjust the amount dispensed based upon hard water. Now that I'm using STPP, I've adjusted to water hardness to both Normal and Soft to see which setting works better and help me save on detergent. And that was the case until the latest generation
of Whirlpool & Maytag front loaders was release 3 years ago this coming fall. The manual states to still do the above calculation of ounces/loads on package to determine concentration setting. But there is no allowance/variance allowed for water hardness/softness. Whirlpool's current WFW9620 is the only model that offers two detergent reservoirs. They are two different fluid sizes. The default arrangement is the larger reservoir is intended for detergent and the smaller one is intended for fabric softener. The user manual states the smaller reservoir can be changed to being used as a 2nd detergent reservoir so 2 different detergents can be stored simultaneously. Another forum I participate in, there was an individual who had purchased the 9620 for its sophistication, flexibility, and ability to download added cycles. She bought an early version of the 9620 and the reprogramming of the 2nd reservoir from fabric softener to detergent did not function due to software and she was very disappointed and frustrated. Whirlpool hadn't resolved the issue almost a year after purchase, but she's not posted any additional updates. The LG system has a default amount of detergent dispensed. If the detergent being used calculates to a different concentration level, that can be easily adjusted and saved. the system also allows for individual load flexibility to add more or less for an individual load. All 3 systems also vary amount dispensed based upon the sensed load weight as well as soil level selected for the load. I hope this answer your concerns, if you have futher questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

 

[trappn]

Thanks Appnut........

Sounds like LG's version would suit our needs. We haven't come across one bad review, yet.

Whirlpool's versions sounded a little more customizable on paper, but the only real advantage we see is that the reservoirs might be larger.

What would be fun is if the machines were able to show how much detergent was actually dispensed.

For us, it's all going to come down to whether we want the larger washer, which is the only way we'd be able to get the new system.

Thanks for your help.