Whirlpool WFW9750WW Front Load Washer Review

MSRP: $1300, Internet Prices from $879 (including tax and estimated shipping)

There are many front load washers on the market today with a wide range of prices. Most manufacturers try to offer a varienty of washers with different sizes and features to spread across the spectrum of prices in order to offer a washer to suit the needs of every consumer. Whirlpool is no different that most other companies in this respect, with a large number of washers to choose from. The Whirlpool wfw9750ww is a smaller capacity steam washer built to attract buyers who want all the features available, but don’t necessarily need or want the largest capacities, and it makes the claim to be the most efficient front load washer on the market. Not terribly long ago, in order to get all of the top of the line features, you also needed to buy a the largest sized washer as well, but this is no longer the case, as the WFW9750WW shows.

Features:
- 3.9 cu. ft. stainless steel washer basket is large enough to wash 18 paris of jeans
- Most efficient washer on the market uses up to 77% less water and 81% less energy than older washers
- Choose from 14 automatic cycles to tailor the machines settings to any load of laundry
- Care Control Temperature Management system uses a system of sensors to adjust the water temperature automatically to get clothes as clean as possible without causing shrinkage or color fade
- FanFresh system circulates air through the washer for up to 10 hours after the cycle ends to prevent odors and keep clothes fresh
- H2Low system uses sensors to use the minimal amount of water while still getting your clothes clean
- NightQuiet™ Option allows you to reduce noise by choosing a lower spin speed
- 1400 RPM maximum spin speed gets clothes dryer in the washer to reduce time in the dryer
- Deep cleaning steam option uses steam to penetrate deeply into fabrics to break up tough stains
- Delay Start allows you to load the washer now, but start it later when it is convenient
- Display indicates the estimated time remaining to let you know when to come back to switch your load to the dryer
- End of cycle signal will let you know when the washer is finished
- Child safety control lockout prevents unwanted playing with the washer
- Smooth Spin technology uses shock absorbers, springs, and electronic sensors to limit vibrations and therefore noise
- Direct Inject Washing System injects a concentrated burst of detergent into the drum to prevent the need to pretreat
- Oxi Dispense Option allows the use of a bleach alternative to add oxygenated additive at the proper time
- Add-A-Garment feature ensures that you don't forget something within the first few minutes of the cycle

Sadly, despite the impressive list of features it has the Whirlpool wfw9750ww front load washer did not get good revies from consumers. While there aren't hundreds of reviews out there for this model like there are for some of the entry level front loaders, there are enough to draw some reasonable conclusions about the WFW9750WW. Overall it only gets a rating of 3.2 stars out of a possible 5. While this isn't quite the lowest rating you’ll find for a front load washer, it is certainly near the bottom of the list. Those reviews there were good listed features and appearance as good points, but there were more bad reviews that good for this model.

There is a definite trend within the negative reviews out there for the Whirlpool wfw9750ww front load washer. The central issue of the majority of complaints about this washer is durability. There are a good of complaints about the wfw9750ww complaingin that the bearings around the driveshaft for the washer tub go bad causing the machine to vibrate violently and uncontrollable. This seems to be a fairly common issue, and whats worse, the general lifetime of these bearings for what appears to be normal use seems to be about 1-2 years, meaning that they fail not too long after the warranty runs out. Many of the complaints further go on to mention that the costs to replace the bearings for parts + labor end up being close to, and in some cases more than, the cost of the machine brand new. Even when the machine failed while under warranty there are a number of complaints indicating that they were unable to get repairs due to back ordered parts for weeks at a time.

With as many models for front load washer as there are to choose from, it would seem as though there are simply better alternatives out there than the Whirlpool WFW9750WW. Other manufacturers are offering models with similar features, and similar price that have received much better reviews from customers. One such example is the LG WM3360HWCA, which has a similar capacity, similar features, similar price, but receives a rating of 4.95 out of 5 stars. There are other Whirlpool washers that are reviewed here that have complained about the same issue with bearings, so it is likely best to stay away from Whirlpool as a whole for the time being.

Whirlpool WFW9550WW Front Load Washer Review

MSRP: $1100, Internet Prices from $768 (including tax and estimated shipping)

The front load washer market is a crowded one with many companies offering multiple models at various price points and levels of features to compete for your business. Whirlpool is one of these such companies with a wide range of washers to choose from. The Whirlpool WFW9550WW is a smaller capacity steam washer built to attract buyers who want all the features available, but don’t necessarily need or want the largest capacities. It wasn’t too long ago when only the largest capacity washers offered the top of the line features, but with the WFW9550WW that’s not the case, it has a full list of features.

Features:
- 3.8 cubic feet of capacity from the durable stainless steel washer basket let you wash 18 pairs of jeans at once
- Choose from 12 automatic cycles let you choose the right settings with the touch of a button
- Care Control Temperature Management system automatically adjusts the water temperature so that it is hot enough to fully dissolve detergent, but not too hot to cause shrinking or colors to run
- Delay Start lets you set the washer to start when the time is best for you
- Duet Steam system provides steam for extra versatile cleaning options
- TumbleFresh will intermittently tumble a load once the cycle is finished to help reduce wrinkles and prevent odors
- Adjustable signal for the end of cycle to emit an audible alert when a cycle finishes
- Child safety lock prevents children from playing in the washer
- QuietWash Plus noise reduction system uses stabilizers and direct drive to limit vibrations and noise
- NightQuiet™ Option lets you select to use a lower spin speed to lower noise even more when you need to
- Direct Inject Washing System uses a concentrated burst of detergent to eliminate your need to pretreat clothes
- Add-A-Garment lets you add to the load early on in the cycle, just in case you forgot something

When it comes to customer reviews of the Whirlpool WFW9550WW front load washer, it doesn’t fare well at all. There are a good number of reviews out there for this washer, and sad to say, but there are more bad than good. Overall it receives only 2.4 stars out of a possible 5. This is one of the lower ratings you’ll find for a front load washer. Those reviews there were good listed the value and features as good points, but there weren’t many good reviews out there.

The negative reviews out there for this washer were very consistent in what the complaint was about the Whirlpool WFW9550WW front load washer. This machine has durability issues. The vast majority of complaints about the WFW9550WW center around the bearings around the driveshaft for the washer tub. Apparently these are prone to failure - and they seem to regularly fail every 1-2 years, with most all the complaints pointing out that the bearings started to fail just after the warranty expired. The replacement costs on these bearings seems to start around $600 for parts, plus shipping, plus labor, which seems to add up to be another few hundred dollars. This means that replacing the bearings when they go will very likely cost nearly as much as the new purchase price of the whole machine.

As stated above, the market for front load washers is a crowded one. There are almost certainly other companies that have a better alternative front load steam washer with a similar capacity, list of features, and price to the Whirlpool WFW9550WW that have fewer questions out there about their durability. For example this LG WM3360HWCA review indicates a washer that fits this criteria and seems to have a rating of 4.95 out of 5 stars. As with some of the other Whirlpool washers reviewed here durability seems to be really lacking in the WFW9550WW.

Samsung WF350ANW Front Load Washer Review

MSRP: $1099, Internet Prices from $989 (including tax and estimated shipping)

Samsung offers a full selection of front load washers for sale here, attempting to be able to offer a model to fit the needs and price desires of every potential customer. With the WF350ANW Samsung is offering what they are calling the largest capacity front load washer in its class. Samsung claims that this washer can fit 31 bath towels in a single load - a simply massive capacity. It also features technology aimed at prolonging the life of clothes with a specially designed drum among its many features.

Features:
- 3.7 cubic feet of capacity is the largest front loader in its class, capable of washing up to 31 bath towels in a single load.
- PureCycle self-cleaning runs extremely hot water through the spinning drum instead of using chemicles
- Diamond Drum technology is designed specifically to reduce wear and tear on your clothes
- Samsung Vibration Reduction Technology (VRT) reduces vibration and noise to allow installation on second floors or near living spaces
- Direct Drive motor allows spin speeds of up to 1300 RPM to extract maximal water and reduce drying times
- Internal Water heater to achieve higher temperatures than normal hot water to aid in cleaning
- 11 wash cycles to choose from to suit nearly any load
- 4 temperature settings
- Energy Star Certified
- Steam Washing technology
- Delay start and end of cycle alarm let you choose when the cycle starts, and let you know when it finishes

Customers who have taken the time to post reviews online about the Samsung WF350ANW seem to be generally quite happy with their purchase. There are a good number of reviews out there online for this front load washer, and the overall average rating is 4.7 of 5 stars, with 93% of owners saying that they would recommend this washer to someone else. In the front load washer market, this level of approval is about as good as you can hope for. The washer gets generally very strong marks in the areas of features and design, and rates generally well in the area of value as well.

There is a curious and somewhat disturbing trend among reviews, even those that ultimately rate the washer as good, and people who would recommend it. Of a 4 category rating system where the categories are features, performance, design, and value, performance is consistently rated the lowest. This brings up the question of would you rather have a few extra features, or a washer that doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles, but just works well. Most consumers would probably choose the latter. There are a number of complaints about heavily soiled clothes not getting all the way clean, and particularly sweaty clothes not smelling clean after a cycle.

There are always a few people who have some buyers remorse, or get one that has a malfunction and end up giving the washer terrible reviews, sometimes unwarranted. With the Samsung WF350ANW, that really doesn’t seem to be the case. Reading through the poor reviews indicates that most seem quite warranted, and even some people rated the washer overall pretty well, while complaining that it doesn’t always get clothes as clean as the washer it replaced did. So with this all being said, it looks like the Samsung WF350ANW front load washer is likely not the best possible buy for your $1000 of hard earned money.

LG WM2801HWA Front Load Washer Review

Price Range: $1250 – 1380

The LG WM2801HWA front load washer with steam is one of the older models in LG's lineup of front load washers. In fact, it was only their second front load washer to have steam cleaning cycles, following the WM3001HWA. With a capacity the same size, as the older WM3001HWA, some additional refinements, only slightly less ultra high end features, and a price tag about 10% cheaper it is clear that the LG WM2801HWA front load washer was a clear evolutionary step for LG's steam washers. Despite being relatively a cheaper steam cleaning front load washer, the LG WM2801HWA was by no means inexpensive, still costing nearly double that of an entry level LG front loader without steam options, like the LG WM2016CW. If, as a consumer, having a washer with steam cycles is important to you, then you're got to be willing to pay the premium price associated with these features. At the time it was new, LG was still the only company to offer steam cycles on their front load washers.

Features:
- 4.5 cu. ft. capacity for ultra large loads, and a stainless steel drum guaranteed never to rust
- DirectDrive motor allows extremely high spin speeds to efficiently extract water
- 9 wash programs featuring permanent press, delicates, and hand wash among the list
- TrueSteam technology gently adds steam for improved cleaning performance
- LG exclusive Allergine cycles are designed to remove up to 95% of allergens, like pet dander, from clothes
- SteamFresh cycle option is designed for odor reduction, freshening, and limiting wrinkles in clothes
- Extra large door opening compared to previous washers to allow easier loading and unloading
- Special wash and rinse optimizer uses sensors to determine the proper amount of detergent based on water hardness and load characteristics
- 4-tray dispenser adds prewash, main wash, bleach and softener at the proper cycle time
- TrueBalance Anti-Vibration System designed to reduce vibration and limit noise while running
- Stackable can have a dryer mounted on top of washer

Based solely on the number of reviews that are available for the LG WM2801HWA front load washer out there, this particular model was never quite as popular a purchase as some of LG's other front loaders. Based on the content of the reviews that are out there, this apparent lack of popularity is not due to any specific negative aspect of this particular model. Out of 5 possible stars, the WM2801HWA receives an overall rating of 4.8. Not surprisingly given this high rating, 96% of reviewers said that they would recommend purchasing this model to another consumer.

There is certainly a trend in the positive comments in the reviews out there. Well over 90% of reviewers listed ease of use and performance as two of the things that most impressed them about the LG WM2801HWA. To this individual a high rating in performance is certainly paramount. I don't do enough loads of laundry to make some minor added complexity a real detriment, but I certainly expect my clothes to come out of the washer clean. In addition to ease-of-use and performance, about 85% of the reviews out there list the overall number of features as a major positive, and similarly about 85% list quality as a high point as well. High marks for quality are the norm for LG washers, and really, what consumer wants to buy a product that won't last. It should be no surprise that the overall number of features of this front load washer are thought of highly, as at the time it was released only LG offered some of the features found on the WM2801HWA, and similarly the WM3001HWA.

In all the reviews that are summarized here, only one was really, truly negative, giving this washer the minimum of 1 start in all categories. I feel that this was done unfairly. The reviewer was mainly ranting about being unable to wash single items or otherwise extremely small loads, due to the washer's inability to balance the drum to allow it to spin. They also complain that when attempting to wash a load at the maximum capacity for the machine that the cycle takes too long. Neither of these complaints is valid in the eyes of this reviewer as both of these are well known issues that go along with all front load washers. This individual claims to have done research on the internet before making their purchase, but they clearly did not do a good job of it. Furthermore, given these two complaints, it seems justifiable that this particular reviewer would give a low mark for performance, and perhaps ease of use as well. This review does not, however, mention that the machine has in any way broken or malfunctioned, therefore the lowest possible rating given for quality does not seem justified. Overall only about 60% of reviewers thought that the LG WM2801HWA was a particularly good value, and given the relatively high price of this machine, that seems a logical conclusion to draw to a certain extent.

Overall, the LG WM2801HWA is a well-liked, durable, high performance front load washing machine with steam technology. It is also old, and somewhat out of date. If you can find a store selling this model, perhaps they will have it on a clearance sale. Unless this particular model can be purchased for about $1000, which is very unlikely, there are newer machines out with with larger capacities, more features, and an extremely similar price tag. For an example of this, take a look at this LG WM3875HWCA review; it is newer, larger, and most stores have it for about the same price. Another very good option can be found in this LG WM2501HWA review; it is only slightly smaller in capacity, but has extremely similar features, and is nearly 20% cheaper. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with the LG WM2801HWA front load washer, there is probably a better fit out there for most consumers.

LG WM3875HWCA Front Load Washer Review

Price Range: $1200-$1400

The LG WM3875HWCA SteamWasher is the new flagship front load washer in the LG line of washing machines. Replacing the older, smaller, and much more expensive LG WM3001HWA, LG has delivered what looks like another in their line of successful front load washers. With the impressive list of features on this model, it can only be a matter of time before the older more expensive WM3001HWA is no longer a factor.

Features:
4.8 cubic foot capacity stainless steel drum allows for simply massive loads and impeccable durability
LG's new 6Motion technology moves the tub in 6 different directions to reduce wear and tear on clothes
14 automatic cycles with 10 additional optional steam cycles allow tailoring the wash cycle to any type of load
Allergiene and SteamFresh cycles use the TrueSteam technology to eliminate germs, orors, and allergens
SenseClean technology makes use of electronic sensors for the ideal cleaning environment
Timed starting options allow programming the start time of the washer to best suit your schedule
Automatic dispensers to add the bleach, fabric softener and prewash at the proper times
Status indicators to allow you to easily see the process of your wash cycles
Child safety locks
TrueBalance and LoDecibel systems to ensure a quiet and smoothly running machine

With an average user rating of 4.9 the LG WM3875HWCA is another strong performer for LG as far as customer satisfaction goes. Basically everyone who owns one of these machines and has reviewed it on the internet seems to agree on the things they like about this washing machine. Universally the first thing listed as a positive aspect of this front load washer is its performance. This should not be surprising though, given the sheer size of this washer, and the list of high end features to make doing laundry easy. The number of features and settings is also touted as a strong point for this washer, and with all the cycle options available this shouldn't be particularly surprising either. Many owners are impressed with the overall quality of the machine, though perhaps this should be taken with a grain of sale as the washer itself is quite new to the market. This newness means that perhaps some owners simply haven't had it long enough to see any problems arise. Also noted on a majority of reviews is the overall ease of use of the WM3875HWCA and the style of it.

As far as specific complaints go, there are some owners who question just how good all those sensors are that are supposedly able to figure out what size of load is in the washer to use the proper amount of water and cycle time, especially when trying to do particularly large loads, like a king size comforter. Also there are complaints that the child safety lock is flimsy and easily defeated by small children, therefore rendering it effectively useless.

If you are in the market for a front load washer with all the bells and whistles, this could quite possibly be the one for you. It surely seems to be the best that LG has to offer, being much newer, and cheaper than the WM3001HWA. While it hasn't been out on the market for all that long, the early reviews are quite good, however, the price may still be a deterrent for many would be purchasers, as this front load washer will certainly cost well in excess of $1000 even when found on sale. If you're after capacity, and you're willing to sacrifice the steam cleaning abilities, perhaps the LG WM2101HW with its 4.0 cubic foot capacity and much lower price tag is the right choice for you.

LG Front Load Washer Review Model WM3001HWA

Price Range: $1300-1500
The LG WM3001HWA front load steam washer is the flagship of the LG line of front load washers, to be more precise, it is their overall top of the line washing machine, top or front loading. With a price tag twice that of the entry level, and ultra popular, LG WM2010CW front load washer LG is certainly expecting consumers to be willing to pay a premium for their top of the line steam clean front load washer. This is by far the most expensive washer reviewed here, even more costly than the Frigidaire stacked combination front load washer and dryer, but with an impressive list of features and capabilities to, at least attempt to, justify that price.
Features:
- Menu based controls with an LCD screen and Dial-A-Cycle allows easy customization of settings for each specific load of laundry
- 4.5 cu. ft. capacity for ultra large loads
- DirectDrive motor with ultra high spin speed efficiently extracts water
- 9 wash programs to choose from including permanent press, delicates, and hand wash
- SteamWash settings can add steam to sanitary, bulky, normal/cotton, and permanent press cycles
- LG exclusive Allergine cycles removes up to 95% of normal household allergens from clothes
- SteamFresh cycle option to reduce odors, freshen, and limit wrinkles to clothes
- Automatic temperature control self-adjusts to the needs of the particular load
- Special wash and rinse optimizer uses sensors to determine the proper amount of detergent based on water hardness and load characteristics
- 19-hour delay-wash allows programing the cycle to start at a time most convenient, like while at work or running errands
- 4-tray dispenser adds prewash, main wash, bleach and softener at the proper cycle time
- durable stainless-steel drum
- End-of-cycle signal
- TrueBalance Anti-Vibration System reduces vibrations to keep machine quite while running
- Stackable can have a dryer mounted on top of washer

Customers who have purchased the LG WM3001HWA have been quite pleased with it overall. The average rating is a 4.4 out of 5 stars, and 85% would recommend this washer to another shopper. The most often mentioned positive characteristics of this washer by the people who use them are that is has a fantastic cleaning ability. Many reviewers note that the steam cleaning feature is able to get clothes much cleaner than other washers, and also that the SteamFresh cycle works well to limit wrinkles. The overall ease of use was also a common theme among those consumers who have chosen to review this product. The extremely large capacity of this front load washer was also almost universally noted. Also, the aesthetics of this washer are soundly praised, despite most laundry rooms being well hidden from sight.

Without truly being a positive or a negative, as this truly is at or near the top of the mountain for front load washers as far as features are concerned, many reviewers commented on the expense of the LG WM3001HWA. There was no real negative sentiment indicating that consumers feel that this model is a poor value for the price, but also there were no positive sentiments about value for price either.

The most common complaint among reviewers of the LG WM3001HWA is that the cycle times are long. However, this should be expected given that the steam cycles are in addition to, not in replacement of, the rest of the more typical wash actions. As with all front load washers, it is recommended that the front door seal be wiped off to dry it after use, a fact that some find annoying. This is a well known and documented issue with front load washers, and has been for years, and should not be considered a real deterrent from purchasing a new front load washing machine. The only real complaint any reviewers had with the LG WM3001HWA is that sometimes the front door seal can leak during operation, an issue that is covered under warranty.

Overall the LG WM3001HWA should certainly be considered by anyone who is looking to purchase a new front load washing machine with the steam cleaning capabilities. Backed by the LG name consumers should feel secure in the quality and durability of this steam cleaning front load washer. Although significantly more costly than many other front load washers on the market today, the LG WM3001HWA has a full list of features to justify spending the extra money over an entry level washer. Its ability to get clothes very clean and help eliminate wrinkles are unquestioned by those who have purchased this machine. All in all this front load washer would make a strong addition to any laundry room.

Steam Cleaning Front Load Washer Information

In a front load washer, the combination of steam and water can make a difference in the quality of the job your washing machine does. Steam works with the water while the washer goes through its cycles to help keep the clothes in there soft and free of wrinkles. LG was the first company to make a steam cleaning front load washer available for purchase. In doing so the company explained how adding steam during the various washing stages can help with your front load washer do the best job it possibly can to get your clothes clean. There are 3 stages to a typical washing cycle: the pre-wash phase, the washing phase, and the post-wash phase. Adding steam to the washer tub at these different times offers different advantages over using just water alone.

Adding steam into the dry clothes while the water is loading into the washing tub helps to open up the threads of the fabrics, allowing the water to soak in more thoroughly. If steam is added during the washing phase of your washing cycle, the steam increases the temperature of the water in the washing tub. This helps improve the cleaning power of the water and detergent mix both simply because the water is hotter, and because the steam will help to better dissolve and activate the detergent allowing it to work the best. If steam is added during the post wash phase while the clothes are draining, it helps to sterilize the clothes, and also helps to soften the clothes and break up any hard folded wrinkles that were formed while the clothes were tumbling around in the washing tub of your front load steam cleaning washer. This is useful because when some fabrics get hot and wet, their properties change dramatically from when they are relatively cool and dry. These changes, although allowing the fabrics to get cleaned better, can also make them harder and more wrinkle prone. Adding the steam at this time helps to counteract that.

There are multiple ways to add steam into the mix of water and clothes in the washing tub. Some models will heat the water that is already in the washing tub to create steam in this fashion. There are other models that create the steam in a separate compartment and then inject the steam into the washing tub via a nozzle to release pure steam directly into the washing tub. There is some debate as to which method actually produces the best results, and there are some pros and cons to each. The generally accepted rule of thumb is that if you're trying to get your clothes as clean as possible, the hotter the better.

One thing to note is that steam washing machine have the options to add steam to the various stages of the washing cycle, it isn't an automatic. Creating steam takes time to heat water to near boiling temperatures to produce steam, meaning that using steam cycles can increase both the energy consumed and the time it takes to run a load through a steam cleaning washing machine. By allowing users to choose to only use the steam cleaning options when needed, these steam cleaning front load washers can still reap the efficiency benefits of their simpler, non-steam incorporating, front load washer models.

Some companies claim that another benefit of using the special cycles on their steam cleaning washers can help people with severe allergies. This is done by using an extra steam only phase during the washing cycle with very high temperatures to help to break up allergens bound up in the fabrics.

The one major caveat of these new front loading steam cleaning washers is that they can be somewhat more expensive than a similarly sized front load washer, and are significantly more expensive than a top loading washer. If getting out tough stains is an issue, then perhaps the added cost of a steam cleaning front load washer is worth while.