New Whirlpool washer line spotted

[smurdle450]

While scouring Google, I managed to find what appears to be Whirlpool's next iteration of their mid-range VMW. The capacity has been dropped by 0.1 Cu Ft, and the control panel has been quite significantly changed by the looks.

Unfortunately, the flat impeller that I am known to despise still remains.

If anybody knows more, please feel free to chime in!

https://www.appliancedirect.com/Whirlpool-WTW5010LW-4-6-Cu-Ft-Top-Load-Impeller-Washer-with-Built-in-Faucet

 

[appnut]

I noticed in the accompanying photos, there was a dryer model that matched with drop down door and one with a side swing door. I found the side-swing door dryer on Best Buy. WED5050LW. In the description it said the dryer matched washers WTW5010LW, WTW5015LW, and WTW5057. Maybe one of those two corresponding models will have the agitator.

This model appears to be the WP corresponding model to the Maytag WVW62000, introduced 10 months or so ago. Our Canadian member bought the corresponding matching Maytag dryer the WED6200. I like the new WP version of the dryer as it has side swing door and steam refresh.

In fact, go look at Best Buy's web site and you can see all 3 of the above-mentioned models. Featuring removable agitators.

 

[smurdle450]

Other models' initial assumptions

My guess is that the 5015 will be the "agitator" model of the 5010, similar to how the 4850's "agitator" variant is the 4855.

As for the 5057, that will be the 4.7/4.8 Cu ft variant of the weird agitator/impeller hybrid model, which I have seen teased on Whirlpool's website See the link, and scroll toward the bottom to see the 5057 referenced. Also attached a screenshot.

https://www.whirlpool.com/laundry/2-in-1-removable-agitator-washer.html

 

[agiflow]

This is certainly not a progression but regression. Their DD line was simplified. Why couldn't they have left well enough alone ? AFAIK nobody asked for these types of machines but we are going to accept this garbage whether we want to not.This company is out of touch with the consumer.

 

[imperial70]

I wonder if they plan to do a remake of the Unitized Washer/Dryer stack.

 

[combo52]

WP Unitized Stack Washers and Dryers

WP still makes gas and electric 27" Thin Twins and 24" electric models.

 

John L.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

what else has changed?

What about the wash action?

 

[agiflow]

Wonder if they will offer anymore models with one piece porcelain tubs ?

 

[DADoES]

 
I've always been curious what kind of in-home research and testing appliance manufacturers do, if any, for new features and models, and where and how they choose the test areas.  I've never known any typical consumers / users involved with anything like that.

 

[hobarthero]

Removable Agitator Benefits??

I’ve never been impressed at all by any top load machine without an agitator. Usually it simply results in zero rollover which doesn’t effectively clean anything. If I need to wash a bulky item such as a comforter I would much rather do so in a front load machine at a laundromat rather than a TL machine without an agitator.
-Shannon

 

[jerrod_six]

From the videos I've seen, the agitator clips onto the wash plate, moves along with it and does nothing.

 

[imperial70]

Thanks John,
But I am wondering when they are going to refresh that line. It's pretty outdated looking at this point. And the 24" has only 1.6 cu ft. capacity compared to GE's 2.

 

[appnut]

I kind of like the style, reminds me of a panel design Whirlpool had for some center-dial Kenmore models in the very early 1970s. I think there's even a POD. Similar to GE's current "commercial" laundry pair.

 

[agiflow]

Speaking of the GE "commercial" laundry I saw a GE commercial dryer. The top panel was as flimsy as could be. Nothing commercial about that line. Even the Maytag commercial is better built.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

I've been thinking

about the GE commercial line. I hope they reintroduce the filter-flo line someday.

 

[jamiel]

Regarding in-home testing: I would assume that they initially place new machine designs with local employees...this would be after lifecycle testing within the lab. I worked for a division of GE in 1989-1992 (during their transition away from FilterFlo washer design) and they were seeking employees where they could place the new (plastic) design washing machines for longer-term use. They had just had lots of success with the PermaTuf dishwasher design so had a lot of confidence in the new suspended washer desing.

 

[agiflow]

There is something to be said for the hanging suspension. Before I sold my Amana I couldn't feel the floor shake. Now with the Estate DD I could feel the vibrations in the floor and it is noticable. Still the DD was an overall better design than the vmw.

 

[gelaundry4ever]

ever notice

how whirlpool designed the short/fast stroke and others like GE and maytag followed suit?

 

[gelaundry4ever]

jamiel

what other changes did you notice about the GE's when you were working on the suspended design? What about the motor and transmission? What about the pumps?