New Whirlpool Front Load Washers

[ryner1988]

Reply #14

Seems like a solid option, but for $1500? Holy crap, at that pricepoint one might as well cough up the extra $500 or so for an SQ FL.

I think the thing that Eddie and I keep referring to is something like an FL equivalent to our basic 3.5 cu. ft. Whirlpool-sourced TL's. A cycle selector knob with options such as Normal, Heavy, and Bulky, as well as a temp selector, maybe a spin speed selector and a knob or physical buttons to add extra rinses if needed. Possibly a soil level selector, if one wants to increase or decrease wash time. Sell it for around $600 or so and it would be a winner for sure.

And for heaven's sake get rid of the GD touch screen! Either knobs or buttons work just fine, and touch screens leave out certain segments of the population automatically by way of their design. I understand all appliance controls are driven by a computer board now, and front loaders in particular require computer boards because of the way they wash clothes, the need for a door lock, etc, but that doesn't mean it has to be connected to a touch screen. My basic Whirlpool TL has a computer board, and it's not connected to a touch screen whatsoever.

 

[askolover]

Big machines won't fit in my laundry closet either. I have to use smaller machines like Miele, asko, Bosch, or perhaps the LG model that's smaller, or even Electrolux. I hope I don't have to deal with it for a while. 

Neither my Miele nor the Asko have any issues with sagging glass doors and they are both well over twenty years old.

 

[panasonicvac]

Speaking of price

Since it was mentioned on the first post that these would be competitive to brands like LG and GE. I just noticed that the prices for both LG and GE have significantly dropped but more for GE. Is GE struggling with their front loaders? The UltraFresh models were released not too long ago so I'm curious how they're holding up so far?

 

[mark_wpduet]

I mean imagine going through a big box store checking out the cool front load washers... people open doors of GE, Whirlpool, Maytag, LG, Samsung, etc... and they immediately think... wow, this one's plastic... all of the other ones or glass. I'm not getting the one with plastic. I can totally hear this conversation happening over and over in stores when ppl see that.... I mean, maybe they will all go to plastic doors eventually. It's good to hear that they seem to hold up... but I still don't like it.

 

[littlegreeny]

Mark is totally right!

Everyone comparison shops in the store. Whirlpool & Maytag models feel significantly cheaper than competitors, particularly the door and detergent dispenser drawer. You also couldn't get a drum light unless you went to their high end models. Pretty much every Korean washer has a drum light. I do really like the real stainless drum in Whirlpool made models. Korean drums just look cheap with their chrome-plated ones.

Overall you feel a flimsiness with any Whirlpool-made product. American companies in general have gone way too far reducing costs. It shows to the consumer and they choose a Korean brand just because it looks or feels more premium.

I have a feeling Whirlpool has significant pension obligations, perhaps due to union labor. Unfortunately, those obligations show up in their "lean-produced" products.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

ultra fresh bandwagon

It seems like Whirlpool is on the ultra fresh bandwagon like GE started.

 

[imperial70]

Something about those machines make me think they are just badge engineered Whirlpools from a different manufacturer.

 

[combo52]

Plastic versus glass front load washer, windows

We regularly see broken hinges, and destroyed door frames on Frigidaire Samsung both the 27 and 24 inch models. I see a lot of Bosch 24 inch machines with broken hinges. They break right off the front of the machine. You guys need to get out in the real world and see what people do to washing machines. I have yet to see a problem with the plastic windows in the whirlpool models are parts distributor has never sold one so it can’t be much of a problem.

Also had customers with the plastic window whirlpool washers comment that they like the way the door feels because it’s lighter and doesn’t feel like it’ll kill you if you hit it. It’s also easier to open and close, the population is aging. A lot of people don’t like heavy things.

John

 

[gelaundry4ever]

glass

I prefer glass because of the sturdiness compared to plastic. Also, I'd wish they'd just stop tinting it. I want to know what's going on inside.

 

[biggpete]

Plastic versus glass front load washer, windows

I do agree with John (conbo-52). First, I will say, and truth be told I do own (2) Speed Queen sets. One a stacked SF7 and a side by side set FF7 SS. I ‘believe’ SQ is the only, or one of the only brands that use a piano hinge for their glass front doors to the washer making it an extremely durable hinge.

To John’s points I will add that plastic front load washer doors are considerably quieter in regards to objects such as but not limited to metal buttons, snaps or hooks hitting against it during the cycle.

I will also add that my best friend does have a FL washer with a plastic inner door/window. I did rented from him in the past for a couple years and never had any issues with the plastic inner door but did experience quieter results. The washer is 5 years old now and there still has been no issue with durability or performance thus far.

With that said I personally do prefer a glass door and prefer how SQ has chosen to use the piano hinge for durability even though there is more clanks and pings from loads that have buckles and zippers, etc…

 

[lavamat_jon]

“ I see a lot of Bosch 24 inch machines with broken hinges. They break right off the front of the machine. You guys need to get out in the real world and see what people do to washing machines”

This is just simply not a problem in the European “real world” where these 60cm machines are native to, whether from Bosch or other manufacturers. Of course they may accidentally break through extreme deliberate misuse and abuse, but this is a rare occurrence in real world use and certainly not endemic - even on cheaper machines with plastic hinges.

Perhaps Bosch specifically make different doors for the US market which are inferior, or US Bosch customers are extremely heavy handed with machines that they have paid a premium for - but I highly doubt either of those is true.

Jon

 

[mark_wpduet]

I wish the whirlpool front loaders operated more like the LG's with turbo wash... if they did, I wouldn't worry with the plastic/glass door... I've watched all the front loaders in operation on youtube and LG with turbowash is by far my favorite...the amount of water it uses for RINSING is so much better....but I think Samsungs do this too....but I wouldn't touch a Samsung.

I do know Whirlpoo is introducing new designs... maybe they operate more this way? I don't know

 

[magic_clean]

The plastic

inner door has been used since 2018. #26, they are not rebadged machines. Certain models have had the fan fresh feature for many years offering the overnight wash and dry for small lightweight loads. Using the fan fresh option kept the laundry fresh and effectively dried the machine interior.

Now it is being discussed with a renewed emphasis on its utility. Most models have a recirculating spray feature. Also, for several years.

-LP

 

[murando531]

The built in fan is nothing new. My 2017 WFW92 has the fan, capacitive touch controls, Load & Go, etc. It's just missing the recirculator pump that was added in the refresh design that's currently out.

I'm disgusted seeing they're going back to the hideous center knob. Their current models with the horizontal touch bar have been the most gorgeous control panel design on the sale's floor. I've been eyeing the 8620 set in white as what would replace my current charcoal grey 92 set, because they also have already had front access to the drain on models with the Load & Go drawer, and still have balance rings, which is my deal breaker seeing that a lot of manufacturers are ditching them. I suppose now, if this is going to be the styling they go with going forward, I'll just hold on to my set until they die and live with being sick of the dark grey color. I just know the day that I finally DO replace these machines, I'll never go with a color other than pure white. These dark colors look so early-2010s dated.

As far as the door glass being acrylic, I haven't seen a single person complain, and even in a condo we stayed at the summer that had a 5xxx model washer, there wasn't a single scratch on it, and you know good and well people are throwing things in carelessly and letting it rip with open buttons and zippers. I was concerned at first, but the door still feels very solid with a satisfying thunk to open and close, just like all of Whirlpool's current top-end model top load washers and dishwashers. So I'm not that concerned about it.

I just really hate that this is the new control panel design because it blends right back in with every run of the mill LG or Samsung. The current design has always reminded me of the electronic Lady Kenmores like my grandparents had, even the rectangle touch pads and the font.

 

[appnut]

Well, my 2011/2012 WFW97HEX was the very first direct drive Duet produced in the U.S. It had the fan fresh type of feature back then. Also had the liquid detergent dispenser cartridge. I didn't start using that feature until about a year or two before the machine needed to be replaced during the pandemic. I know I'm extremely picky, but doesn't appear you can turn on the tub light while the machine is running like I could on my old Duet. Andrew I fully agree with white only and not any other color. Yes, this new design peaks my interest.

I will also admit Maytag has introduced their new MFW7020 front loader and companion dryer joining the Pet Pro line (already had a top loader) as we are pet household. The thing I noticed, which I feel is a stupid mistake, is Maytag doesn't offer the front pump clean out acccess and I'm like, are you stupid??, and this is target for pet owning families.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

pet owning families

It's just a matter of time before GE jumps on the bandwagon of pet hair removal like Whirlpool, Maytag, and Speed Queen.