Whirlpool is the first name that comes to mind for many people when shopping for a washer and dryer. It’s little wonder, since the company’s been around for more than a hundred years. It was founded in 1911, right here in the U.S., and has been making family life easier for generations.
Thanks to that history, people associate a Whirlpool washer and dryer with quality. The company also has a big lineup, so there’s a laundry solution for every budget and household size.
And you can feel good about supporting it: Whirlpool was the first appliance manufacturer to drastically reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
But with that broad range of options comes a challenge—namely, deciding which washer and dryer set is the best fit for your home and family. That’s where we come in. Read on to learn more about Whirlpool washers, including their features, upsides, and downsides—and then learn which models we wholeheartedly recommend.
Photo by MVP Detroit (@mvpdetroit) via Home Bunch House Tours (@homebunch); design and build by Petrucci Homes (@petruccihomes)
Best Whirlpool Washer Dryer Picks 2022We reviewed front load vs top load washers in our video review.Our Whirlpool Washer and Dryer Picks in 2022
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.
We’ve included all of the different types of washing machines in our current ranking. Read on, and we’ll explain the differences in more detail.
Whirlpool Front Load Washer Suitable for Most People: WFW6620HW
Whirlpool WFW6620HW
Who It’s For: People who want an attractive front load washer that does it all.
Why We Chose It: It has a great mix of features for a great price. Buy the set with its matching clothes dryer for under $2,000.
Sleek and high-powered, this 27-inch front load washer offers 4.5 cu. ft. capacity and 37 wash cycles. In addition, it comes standard with steam, sanitize, and cold wash cycles. 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 Top Load Washer Suitable for Most People: WTW5010LW
Whirlpool WTW5010LW
Who It’s For: People who want a traditional top load washer with the best modern additions.
Why We Chose It: We like the built-in faucet on this gentle-cleaning impeller model for presoaking clothes.
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.
Budget Pick Front Load Washer from Whirlpool: WFW5620HW
Whirlpool WFW5620HW
Who It’s For: People who want steam but don’t care about a lot of other features—this front loader covers all the bases.
Why We Chose It: We like that it has steam and a convenient auto-dispenser for detergent (although it’s not Whirlpool’s most capacious dispenser).
This 4.5 cu. ft. capacity front loader isn’t a base model by any typical measure. It’s equipped with steam, quick wash, cold wash, and presoak, plus Whirlpool’s Load & Go Dispenser, which allows you to add detergent to the machine only once every 20 washes.
Budget Pick Top Load Washer from Whirlpool: WTW5000DW Cabrio
Whirlpool WTW4855HW
Who It’s For: People who don’t need a ton of capacity and just want an essential machine.
Why We Chose It: Smart features like load sensing separate this budget pick from other brands.
This 4.3 cu. ft. capacity washer features 12 cycles, as well as a presoak option, which helps remove even the toughest of stains through a 30-minute soaking period before the cycle starts, and load sensing, which determines exactly how much water is needed to clean your load efficiently while conserving water and money.
Premium Pick – Front Load: Whirlpool WFW8620HW
Whirlpool WFW8620HW
Who It’s For: People who want lots of capacity and all the conveniences.
Why We Chose It: We think the one-step wash-and-dry feature is worth the upgrade.
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.
Premium Pick – Top Load: Whirlpool WTW8120HW
Whirlpool WTW8120HW
Who It’s For: People who want the best Whirlpool top loader.
Why We Chose It: It’s fast, quiet, gentle, and big—in short, pretty perfect.
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.
Overview of Whirlpool Top Load Washers
Whirlpool makes a big selection of laundry appliances beyond the washing machines we chose as our top picks. Here’s a look at how the Whirlpool top load washer upgrade path works:
Value Model, 3.5 cu. ft. WTW4616FW top load washer with dual action agitator and deep water wash option, in white. Available with a gas vs electric dryer, both without steam.
Base model, 4.3 cu. ft. WTW5000DW top load washer with quick wash, 12 cycles, in white. The matching dryer comes without steam.
Deluxe model, 5.3 cu. ft. High-efficiency (HE) WTW8000DW top load washer with adaptive wash technology and intuitive touch controls, in white. The dryer for this model does not have steam.
Premium model, 5.3 cu. ft. High-efficiency (HE) WTW8700EC top load washer with smart phone controls, in Chrome Shadow. The matching dryer comes with steam.
Overview of Whirlpool Front Load Washers
Whirlpool’s front load washer selection follows a similar upgrade path:
Value model, 4.5 cu. ft. WFW5620HW front load closet depth washer with steam cycle, 15-minute quick wash cycle for small loads, and Load & Go dispenser, in white. The matching dryer comes with advanced moisture sensing, intuitive controls, and Wrinkle Shield.
Base model, 4.5 cu. ft. WFW6620HW, front load closet depth washer with steam cycle, 15-minute quick wash cycle for small loads, sanitize cycle, Load & Go XL dispenser, in white.
Deluxe model, 5.0 cu. ft. WFW8620HW, front load washer with steam cycle, 15-minute quick wash cycle for small loads, sanitize cycle, wash and dry option (washer can tumble dry small loads), 12-hour FanFresh option, Nest Learning Thermostat integration, and Load & Go XL Dispenser, in white.
Premium model, 4.3 cu. ft. WFW862CHC, front load closet depth washer with steam cycle, sanitize cycle, 15-minute quick wash cycle for small loads, wash and dry option (washer can tumble dry small loads), 12-hour FanFresh option, and Load & Go XL Dispenser, in Chrome Shadow.
Specialty model, Commercial Grade top load washers with or without Coin Operation and Deep-Water Wash System: CAE2795FQ (non-coin) and CAE2745FQ (coin).
The DA Download: Pros and Cons of Whirlpool Washers and Dryers
You’ll Love a Whirlpool Washer and Dryer If…
- You’re looking for a reliable, made-in-the-USA brand
- You have a roomy laundry area
- WiFi matters to you in a washer/dryer
A Whirlpool Washer and Dryer May Not Be Right for You If….
- You have limited space in your laundry area
- You want a quick-wash cycle for bigger loads
How to Shop for a Modern Washer and Dryer
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.
Whirlpool Washer Dryer 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.