Which Model Is Right For You?

Whirlpool washer and dryer is the first name that comes to mind for many people when shopping for a new laundry set. It’s little wonder, since the company’s been around for more than a hundred years. Thanks to that history, most reviews associate the Whirlpool washer and dryer with quality.

I’m the founder of Designer Appliances, a premier appliance store in New Jersey. Over the last 15+ years I’ve tested many Whirlpool washers in my own home and in our showrooms, and heard real-life feedback from thousands of customers in real-time.

Whirlpool has a big product lineup, so there’s a solution for every budget and household size. But with that broad range of options comes a challenge—namely, deciding which washer and dryer set is the best fit for your family. That’s where I come in. Read on to learn more about Whirlpool washers, including their features, upsides, and downsides—and then which models I recommend.

Pros: Reasons To Buy Whirlpool Washer and Dryer

• Whirlpool prices its laundry consistent with the feature set presented. There are certainly less expensive products on the market, but they lack the reliability that Whirlpool offers.
• Whirlpool has a large selection. Its laundry products range from full size front loaders to compact-apartment size washers and dryers. The company even carries legacy products such as top load washers, laundry centers, and commercial washing machines. The same goes for its dryers. The brand makes gas and electric dryers with or without vents.
• Prominent convenience features. Whirlpool front load washers are stackable to save space in your laundry room. The Load and Go dispenser, which stores bulk detergent -for 20 loads or so- is a time saver. Post wash tumbling prevents musty odors when you cannot attend to your laundry immediately.
• Are you tired of fighting mold? Choose a Whirlpool top load washer. Even the front load selection does an excellent job regarding mold, thanks to its antimicrobial gasket.
• Whirlpool does a fantastic job in cleaning as long as you don’t over-pour detergent. Select models in the top load catalog get you the 2-in-1 option where you can use a traditional agitator vs a gentle impeller.
• If you are looking for a true blue “Made in the US” brand, Whirlpool should be on top of your shopping list.

Cons: Reasons To Avoid Whirlpool Washer and Dryer

• Not a flashy look. Whirlpool laundry is reliable, but the styling is not up-to-date compared to its Korean competitors. The brand still offers the “chrome shadow” color, which helps if your laundry is in a visible area of your home.
• Lower spin speed in washers. Whirlpool (front load) washers come with a maximum 1,160 RPM spin speed (in comparison, other modern brands offer washing machines between 1,200 and 1,300 RPM). Washing machines with higher RPM’s extract more water leaving less work to the dryer while saving you time.
• Wifi connectivity is an afterthought. Whirlpool offers wifi connectivity only in its top models.
• Not the most shallow depth laundry on the market. Whirlpool correctly identified an issue that affects many customers -some people simply don’t have the depth to accommodate the modern full-size washer and dryer pair-. If depth is a significant concern for you, check out Whirlpools 4.5 cu. ft. washers with an almost 32-inch depth. However, keep in mind that the depth of LG washer and dryer is 30-inches.

The Whirlpool Washer and Dryer in 2023

Whirlpool makes a broad selection of front load and top load washers. It also makes two types of top load washers: traditional agitator and high-efficiency impeller models.

The following are the best Whirlpool washer and dryer models suitable for most families.

1. Best Overall Front Load
Whirlpool WFW6620HW

W x H x D (in): 27 x 38-5/8 x 31-9/16 | Capacity: 4.5 cu. ft. | RPM: 1,160 | Color: White, Chrome Shadow | Steam Washer/Dryer: Yes/Yes | Stackable: Yes | Energy Star: Yes

Whirlpool WFW6620HW

Pros – Reasons to Buy:

• Load and Go bulk detergent dispenser.
• Steam washer and dryer.
• Extended post-wash tumbling to keep your laundry fresh.
• White and chrome shadow (gray) finish.

Cons – Reasons to Avoid:

• No WiFi.
• Washer door is not reversible (Left hinge opening).

Sleek and high-powered, this 27-inch front load washer offers 4.5 cu. ft. capacity and multiple wash cycles. In addition, it comes standard with steam, and sanitize wash cycles which is not common for laundry in this price band. The quick wash cycle takes less than 30 minutes and is ideal for a small load of clothes that you need in a hurry.

Whirlpool WFW5620HW

Other Front Load Whirlpool Washers:

• Budget front load: WFW5620HW covers all the basics, still at 4.5 cu. ft. capacity. It even has the Load and Go dispenser. (Later in 2023 we expect Whirlpool to replace this model with WFW5605MW which will not have the automatic dispenser.)
• Larger capacity front load: WFW8620HW With a 27-inch profile and 5.0 cu. ft. capacity, you can rest easy knowing your family’s laundry needs are met. Even more convenient are this washer’s ability to tumble dry clothes once the wash cycle ends and its 12-hour FanFresh Option, an automatic fan that keeps clothes fresh for up to 12 hours if you don’t have time to switch clothes to the dryer. A one-step wash and dry, plus more capacity? That’s a win-win.

2. Best Budget Top Load
Whirlpool WTW5010LW

W x H x D (in): 27 3/4 x 41 1/2 (55 3/4 lid open) x 27 | Capacity: 4.6 cu. ft. | RPM: 770 | Color: White | Steam Washer/Dryer: No/No | Energy Star: Yes

Whirlpool WTW5010LW

Pros – Reasons to Buy:

• Traditional top load washer with modern features.
• Built-in faucet for pre-treating/soaking clothes.

Cons – Reasons to Avoid:

This 28-inch HE top load washer boasts a 4.6 cu. ft. capacity, 12 wash cycles, a built-in water faucet, presoak option, quick wash cycle, and the deep water wash function, which breaks down loose soils by using more water.

Whirlpool WTW8120HW

Other Top Load Whirlpool Washers:

• Premium top load: WTW8120HW Our favorite Whirlpool workhorse, this 5.3 cu. ft. capacity washer has plenty of features to get excited about. It’s great for larger families with a lot of laundry, and with 26 cycles, there’s one for every situation that might arise.

Additional features include Whirlpool’s Adaptive Wash Technology with Active Bloom Wash Action and ColorLast. These two functions ensure that your clothes look newer for longer by caring for fabrics and preserving vibrant colors.

This washer can be placed anywhere in your home and used at any time thanks to the Quiet Wash Ultra Noise Reduction System, which keeps operational sounds at a minimum. You can also save money on your energy bills, since this is an Energy Star certified product.

Washer Dryer 101: What to Look For

Whether you’re buying a washer for the first time or upgrading the one you bought a decade ago, you’ll no doubt have certain expectations about what your new appliance will offer. Let’s run through the checklist of qualities you should look for and see how Whirlpool stacks up.

Choose a Type

Whirlpool Front Load vs. Top Load Washers
Like many big, global brands, Whirlpool makes both front load and top load washers. Neither is necessaraily better, per se—it really comes down to your routines and preferences.

Front load washers are better at cleaning, quieter, more efficient (in terms of overall water and energy use and faster spin speeds), and nicer looking, in our opinion. You can stack them or set them side by side. They do tend to require more regular cleaning to keep stinky mold and mildew under control.

Top load washers don’t have mold issues. That makes them better for people who won’t want to bother with weekly maintenance and better for basements. They also finish cycles faster and are smaller, although they can only be installed side by side. If you’re looking to spend as little as possible, we recommend going for a top loader—the technology is simpler and less likely to give you problems.

Whirlpool HE (Impeller) Top Load vs. Agitator Top Load Washers
So you’ve decided that you want a top load washing machine. It’s important to note that there are two types—agitator and HE impeller—and they’re different. Agitator top load washers have a familiar technology where a central post rubs against clothes to remove and rinse away dirt. High efficiency (HE) washers utilize an impeller. It’s a textured surface at the bottom of the tub that spins and rotates to rub clothes against each other and get them clean.

Typically, agitator top load washing machines tend to be less expensive, have shorter cycle times, use more water, and can be tougher on fabric. HE washing machines are the more expensive option, but they’re more efficient in terms of water and energy usage and gentler on fabric. The higher spin rates on HE washers equate to shorter drying times, which means more time and energy savings for you.

Check Out the Features

Reliable Cleaning Performance
Exceptional cleaning is the number one thing you want, of course. Whirlpool is a company that gets this. They’ve come up with an innovative feature called Deep Water Wash that adds extra water to the wash cycle to help break down and remove soils and stains.

Whirlpool washers also ensure that colors stay vibrant, thanks to each washer’s ColorLast wash option. Your clothes run through at the ideal temperature and duration, reducing bleeding and fading.

Here are a few more of Whirlpool’s cleaning innovations:

Adaptive Wash Technology: This is a core technology across all Whirlpool washers. It senses the weight and soil level of each load and adjusts the water levels and wash actions to clean them thoroughly but gently. It should help your clothes and linens last longer.

Precision Dispense: Present in all Whirlpool washers, this feature ensures that detergent and fabric softener are released at the ideal time during a cycle.

Steam Clean: This brilliant stain-fighting option penetrates fabrics to soften and break down stains and soils. With increased wash action, rinsing, and heat, even stubborn stains are more likely to lift. Steam also helps your washer use less water.

Quick Wash Cycle: By using a smaller amount of water and higher spin speeds, this feature gives you clean clothes in less than 30 minutes.

Time-Saving Active Spray: This technology ensures better cleaning and stain removal by spraying your load with water and detergent before washing, removing the need to pretreat clothes before a cycle.

Oxi Dispense Option: This feature releases oxygenated additives to your laundry to improve cleaning performance.

Built-In Water Faucet: Positioned inside the rim of Whirlpool top load washers, this faucet helps to prewash clothes and remove simple stains before the cycle even starts.

EasyView Frameless Glass Lid with Slow-Close Technology: It closes your washer’s lid slowly and quietly, and even allows you to see inside the drum.

Although washers generally get more attention than dryers in terms of their technology, Whirlpool dryers also have some notable features.

Wrinkle Shield Option with Steam: This feature adds steam to the drying process to ensure the absence of wrinkles—which makes it a great option for those who don’t have time to iron.

Sanitize Cycle: With this function, 99.9% of common household bacteria is eliminated, keeping your clothes clean and your family healthy.

Energy Efficiency

Whirlpool washers are known for low energy consumption, which helps you keep your water bill lower. The company’s mid-high-end washers also exceed minimum Energy Star requirements. And while most typical high-efficiency washers take around 80 minutes to complete a cycle, Whirlpool’s quick wash cycles can effectively clean a load in less than 30 minutes, using less water and increased spin speeds. This feature can save you a lot of time—and the environment a lot of water.

Reduced Noise

There’s nothing worse than a clanking, clattering washing machine, which is why Whirlpool washers include sound-absorbing material and a compact motor that runs around the wash drum. Thanks to the Quiet Wash Ultra Noise Reduction System, you can place your washer anywhere in the house and wash a load any time of day without disturbance.

Smart Size, Configuration & Ergonomics

As we mentioned above, Whirlpool makes top load and front load washer, so you’ll need to decide which configuration you like best. One of the biggest ways they differ is ergonomics: Top load washers are easier on your body. How? Because they don’t require you to bend down to load or unload clothes.

Another is stackability. Front load washers allow you to stack the dryer on top of the washer, saving you floor space.

However, top load washers do boast a smaller footprint: The width of both washer and dryer generally ranges between 27 and 27 1/2 inches, making it easy for you to place the Whirlpool top load washer and dryer side by side in your laundry room. (However, make sure you leave an inch between the washer and dryer, per manufacturer recommendations.) Budget about 28 inches for depth and between 40 1/4 and 44 inches for height, and keep in mind that the lid is approximately 21 inches high when in the open position. You’ll also want to reserve 4 to 6 inches behind the washer for the hoses and vent kit.

Do those dimensions sound tight for your space? You might want to consider a compact washer and dryer instead. Keep in mind that Whirlpool makes multiple ventless dryer models to facilitate versatile installation.

WiFi Connectivity

Do you want to be able to stop and start your laundry using your smartphone? If so, look for a WiFi-enabled set—most of Whirlpool’s machines are.

Whirlpool’s mobile app acts as a remote control for your washer. You can use it to start and stop cycles and select a preferred cycle—even if you’re not at home. It has an alert and diagnostic tool that can let you know if your machine has an unbalanced load or if you’ve used too much detergent.

You can download customized cycles for various laundry needs, ensuring the best possible care and wash performance. As new cycles are released, they can be downloaded through the app; you can also create your own unique cycle.

Amazon replenishment is another great feature you get from Whirlpool’s WiFi-enabled washers. By syncing the Whirlpool app with your Amazon account, you can set it up to automatically place an order for a detergent refill whenever you’re running low.

The option to pair your set with the Nest Learning Thermostat is another cool feature: Because energy costs differ over the course of a day, it can tell you when energy costs are below average so you can run your cycle then, decreasing your electricity bill.

Conclusion

Whirlpool washers and dryers appeal to a big range of customers, thanks to their name recognition and wide array of options. Whether you’re looking for a base or deluxe model, with Whirlpool you know you’ll be getting a quality, high-performance machine, one that will care for your clothes with every wash.

Cover Photo by MVP Detroit (@mvpdetroit) via Home Bunch House Tours (@homebunch); design and build by Petrucci Homes (@petruccihomes)

FAQs

Is Whirlpool a good brand?
Yes, Whirlpool is one of the most highly sought-after manufacturers of laundry appliances, and its washers and dryers consistently rate high.

How long should a Whirlpool washing machine last?
With normal wear and tear, a Whirlpool washing machine should last about five to seven years.

Who makes Whirlpool washers?
The Whirlpool Corporation, which also oversees and manufactures Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, and other household appliance brands.

Where are Whirlpool washers made?
Right here in the United States. Whirlpool headquarters are located in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and the company maintains nine factories throughout the U.S.