Whirlpool Washer Model Guide: Which Is The Most Economical Pick?

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Barry Juma

Barry began to teach himself to repair appliances as a teenager. In later years, his love of cooking led Barry to learn to troubleshoot kitchen appliances around his home. His background in education allows him to combine his love of repair work and passion for writing to bring the most helpful troubleshooting and repair guides to this site. He encourages appliance owners to plan ahead, think about their goals, and always read the manual!

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Whirlpool, a US company, has been in the appliance business for over a century. With that kind of experience, you can trust that they build reliable appliances. According to the 2020 American Customer Satisfaction Index, Whirlpool ranked third in customer satisfaction, behind LG and GE. JD Power confirmed the same in their 2021 customer satisfaction index, where Whirlpool’s front-load washers ranked second and their top-load washers ranked fourth, a tie with GE. 

These studies reveal what we’ve known for years, that Whirlpool is a reliable brand. And if you’re thinking about getting one of their washers, then you’re on track to owning a dependable workhorse. But you still have a lot of decisions to make; Whirlpool has about two dozen washer models for you to choose from. How do you know which one is right for you? 

In this Whirlpool washer model guide, we’ll help you narrow down your options by highlighting what to consider and sharing our picks of the best Whirlpool washers. So, keep reading to find out more.

Types of Whirlpool Washers

Whirlpool sells four types of washers:

• Top-load washers
• Front-load washers
• Stacked laundry centers
• All-in-one washer/dryer

Top Load Washers

The company has over 12 top loaders in its lineup, of varying sizes and capacities. Loaded from above, the design of a top-load washer offers several advantages and a few disadvantages as well. 

Advantages of a top-load washer

• Top-loaders wash faster than front-loaders.
• They’re often more affordable.
• You don’t have to bend to load the washer.
• There’s little to no mildew buildup in the tub since the water drains with the assistance of gravity. 
• There are both agitator and impeller models available.

Disadvantages of top-loaders

• They’re fast but don’t clean clothes as effectively as front-loaders.
• These washers use more water.
• Unloading them requires you to bend to reach the bottom of the tub.

If you’re looking for a top-load washer, check out Whirlpool’s models here.

Front Load Washers

Whirlpool also has a couple of front-load washer models. If you’re wondering whether you should get a front loader instead, here are some advantages and disadvantages of these models to help you decide.

Advantages of front-load washers

• Front-loaders are more water-efficient than their top-load counterparts.
• They are better at cleaning clothes.
• Front-load washers make less noise.
• They have higher spin speeds and so will do a better job at drying clothes.

Disadvantages of front-load washers

• They’re usually more expensive than top-loaders.
• These models are prone to mold and mildew build-up around the door area.
• People with back issues struggle to bend in order to load the washer.
• Their cycle times take longer.

Take a look at Whirlpool’s front-load washers here.

For a more in-depth look at the differences between front-load and top-load washers, check out this handy guide we wrote on how to find the best washer.

Stacked Laundry Centers

Laundry centers are two-in-one appliances that have a washer mounted at the bottom and a dryer at the top. A few brands have laundry center models, and Whirlpool is one of them. 

They often have a bare-bones design; in fact, laundry center models tend to look the same no matter the company. If you’re considering one of these models, you’ll have to choose either a gas dryer or an electric dryer. Whirlpool sells two gas-dryer models and the rest are electric. 

Other than the fuel type, the company’s laundry centers are also differentiated by capacity as well as the number of wash cycles. 

The main advantage of a laundry center is that they’re cheaper than buying separate washer and dryer units. So, you get the benefits of an independent washer and dryer without the cost implication. 

Take a look at Whirlpool’s laundry center models here.

All-In-One

Unlike the laundry centers, an all-in-one unit is simply one appliance that performs both washing and drying functions. If you want to save space then you should consider these models. 

With an all-in-one, you only need to load the unit once and let it perform both the wash and dry cycles for you. With two separate units, you’ll need to unload the washer and load the dryer at the end of a wash cycle. 

However, the disadvantage is that if you have loads that need to be washed separately, you’ll have to wait for one load to complete washing and drying before you load the next. With separate units, one load can be washing while the other is drying. Whirlpool only sells one all-in-one model that you can check out here.

Main Features of Whirlpool Washers and Top Considerations

Size and Capacity

Whirlpool has over two dozen washer models for sale, each one with a different size and capacity. These can be categorized into three groups: compact, mid-sized, large-capacity.

Compact Whirlpool washers

Whirlpool’s compact top-load washer models have a height of 46 inches, a width of 21 inches, and a depth of 23 inches. The front loaders have a height of about 33 inches, a width of 24 inches, and a depth of between 24 and 48 inches, depending on the model. The capacities, on the other hand, range from about 1.5 cubic feet to about 2.8 cubic feet. 

Consider compact washers if you have a small space or you live in a household of one or two people. 

Mid-sized Whirlpool washers

The company’s mid-sized models have a capacity range of between 3.0 cubic feet and 4.5 cubic feet. Top-loaders in this category have a height of between 52 inches and 60 inches. Their width is usually about 27 inches and the depth ranges from 27 to 28 inches.

Mid-sized front-loaders have a height of about 39 inches, a width of 27 inches, and a depth of about 32 inches. This washer size is ideal for a household of about three or four. 

Large-capacity Whirlpool washers

For a large household, consider one of Whirlpool’s large-capacity washers. These have a capacity of above 4.5 cubic feet, and the company’s largest model is about 5.3 cubic feet. 

All of Whirlpool’s large-capacity top-load washers have the same width and depth of about 27 inches and 28 inches respectively. However, their heights vary, ranging from 57 to 59 inches. 

If you’re looking for a front-loader in this category, you’ll have the option of two models of 5.0 cubic feet. These have a height of about 39 inches, a width of 27 inches and a depth of 33 inches. 

To figure out the perfect washer size for your load size, check out this interesting piece by The Spruce.

2 in 1 Removable Agitator

There has been a lot of discussion about the pros and cons of an agitator as opposed to an impeller. If you’re unsure what these parts of a washer are, check out this guide where we dove deeper into the difference between the two. 

Whirlpool attempts to stand in the middle with their 2 in 1 removable agitator. It’s just as it sounds; the washer – a top-load model – has an agitator that can be detached when convenient or reconnected when you need it. When removed, the central disc at the bottom of the tub functions as an impeller would, allowing the washer to offer the benefits of both worlds. 

Presently, Whirlpool only has one model with this feature.

Load & Go Dispenser

This dispenser is designed to hold detergent that’s enough for up to 40 loads. Of course, this capacity is dependent on the model, with the smallest Load & Go dispenser able to hold for up to 20 loads. Once the detergent is filled, the washer will determine how much of it is required for the selected cycle, taking away the need to figure this out yourself. Here are the Whirlpool washer models with this feature.

The Load & Go dispenser might be most useful to large households where there’s always a large load to wash. Or if you’re always on the move and don’t have time to constantly refill detergent in your washer, then consider this feature.

Pretreat Station Plus

Found in some top-loading Whirlpool washer models, the Pretreat Station Plus is an in-built faucet where you can prewash stubborn stains before a wash cycle. These washers also come with a small scrub brush that can be filled with detergent to make it easy to loosen stains. 

This nifty feature is found in these two Whirlpool washers. Consider this in your next washer if you have kids who somehow always have stubborn stains on their clothes.

Adaptive Wash Technology with Active Bloom

Adaptive Wash Technology uses sensors to tell how much of a load is in a wash and then alter the amount of water required for the cycle accordingly. Active Bloom, on the other hand, is a wash action that moves the load in a circular motion from the bottom of the tub to the top and then back down. This action, Whirlpool assures us, is gentler on clothes yet more effective. 

You will find these two features in some Whirlpool top loaders.

Sanitize Cycle with Oxi

Most Whirlpool washers have a regular Sanitize Cycle that uses hot water to kill germs. However, some models have the next level of this – Sanitize Cycle with Oxi. This is the same as regular sanitize cycles except it also uses an oxi additive in the detergent for improved bacteria elimination.

If you have kids then this feature is a handy one to have. 

Price (And Your Budget)

If you’re on a tight budget, then Whirlpool’s sub $800 washers will be of interest to you. The company’s lowest-priced model costs $550. Whirlpool has a number of models below $800, but you’ll have to make do with a bare-bones top-loader. 

If you’re looking for a front loader, their cheapest model costs $900, but it’s a compact 1.9-cubic-foot washer. For a standard-sized one, you’ll have to pay at least $950.

For a smart washer, the least you’ll spend is about $1000 for this top loader. The highest-priced Whirlpool washer costs $1600. It’s a large-capacity 5.0-cubic-foot front loader with a number of helpful features. 

Since washers are expected to last at least 10 years, consider a model within your budget that will meet your present and future needs. For instance, if you intend to have kids in the next few years, it’s better to buy a slightly larger washer that will serve your growing household.

5 Best Whirlpool Washer Models

1. Whirlpool WTW5105HW 4.7 cu. ft. Top Load Washer with Pretreat Station

This isn’t Whirlpool’s most affordable model, but we think it offers the greatest value for money. First, it’s a washer so it does, well, washer things. In fact, there are 36 wash cycles that are complemented by features like the Adaptive Wash technology as well as Active Bloom wash action. You’ll notice that these features are found in more expensive models as well, so it’s refreshing to see them at this price point.

This top loader’s size is nothing to sniff at; it boasts a capacity of 4.7 cubic feet. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have the handy Load & Go dispenser, but at this price there had to be some tradeoffs. There is, however, a dispenser drawer that’s large enough to wash a single load so you need not refill it mid-wash. 

Over to looks and this washer won’t win any awards for style. But that’s not why you want it, is it? It’s one of Whirlpool’s most popular washers because of its effective agitator and deep tub. And you probably want it because it’s an affordable workhorse.

Main Features

• This is a large-capacity 4.7-cubic-foot washer.
• It has 36 wash cycles.
• There’s a Quick Wash cycle that completes within half an hour.
• It has a sanitize cycle with Oxi.
• It has a soft-close glass lid called EasyView.
• This model has a Pretreat Station as well as a refillable brush.
• There’s a 12-hour delay start option.

Dimensions

Width: 27 inches 

Height: 57 inches  

Depth: 28 inches

Pros

• The washer costs less than $900.
• It has a spacious capacity of 4.7 cubic feet.
• There’s a handy pretreat station with an in-built faucet.
• Its agitator’s two-way wash action, as well as the Active Bloom action, make this a very effective washer.
• You get a handy scrub brush for pre-washing stubborn stains.

Cons

• It’s rather loud. 

2. Whirlpool WFW5620HW 4.5 cu. ft. Closet-Depth Front Load Washer with Load & Go™ Dispenser

If you prefer a front loader then consider this 4.5-cubic-foot Whirlpool model. It’s one of the cheaper front-loading washers in the company’s lineup, and it has loads of features that make it worth the cost. This washer actually earned itself the first-place position in JD Power’s 2020 customer satisfaction study, making us even more excited about featuring it on our list.

First, let’s talk about the design that, on first look, is nothing special. There’s a circular door at the front (as you’d expect) and a control panel above this. But the special thing about this washer is that it has a closet-depth design, making it easy to hide in a laundry cabinet. This is especially useful for those who live in small apartments. Moreover, if you dread bending for whatever reason, you can attach a laundry pedestal to this washer.

Then, it has Whirlpool’s useful Load & Go dispenser that holds detergent for up to 20 loads. This works together with a single-load dispenser that holds other detergents like bleach and fabric softener.

But what gets us most perked up is this washer’s Energy Star certification, ensuring your electricity bill doesn’t shoot up when you get this appliance.

Main Features

• The washer has 35 wash cycles.
• It has a steam-clean wash option for better stain removal.
• It also has a sanitize cycle with Oxi.
• There’s a Load & Go dispenser.
• It also has a separate single load dispenser.
• The washer has a capacity of 4.5 cubic feet.
• It’s Energy Star certified.
• Its quick wash cycle completes a wash in just 15 minutes.

Dimensions

Width: 27 inches

Height: 39 inches

Depth: 31 inches

Pros

• Its closet-depth design allows you to hide it in a laundry closet if you live in a small apartment.
• With a Load & Go dispenser, you don’t have to worry about adding detergent each time you do the laundry.
• The Quick Wash cycle is very fast.
• You can attach a laundry pedestal to this washer.
• It has a large capacity of 4.5 cubic feet.

Cons

• Its plastic door latch feels rather cheap.

3. Whirlpool WTW6120HW 4.8 cu. ft. Smart Top Load Washer

The first smart washer on our list, this is also Whirlpool’s lowest-priced washer with WiFi connectivity. Because of this, you can connect this washer to Whirlpool’s smartphone app and, through your phone, monitor the progress of wash cycles. 

Other than that, it also has Whirlpool’s handy Load & Go dispenser that holds enough detergent for up to 20 washes. There’s also a Pretreat Station in this model, which, as we mentioned already, includes an in-built faucet. On paper, this washer is an excellent laundry appliance but does this translate in practice?

The quick answer is yes. This model has an impeller, known for being gentle on clothes but still effective at removing stains. Its 4.8-cubic-foot capacity is enough to, as Whirlpool tells us, hold more than two baskets of dirty laundry. And then the Adaptive Wash tech will ensure the right amount of water is used in each load. 

Sadly, this isn’t an Energy Star certified washer, and although its consumption of 340 kWh/yr isn’t overly high, it’s still significantly more than its siblings on this list.

Main Features

• This is a top-loader with an EasyView glass lid.
• It has a capacity of 4.8 cubic feet.
• It has WiFi connectivity and can be connected to Whirlpool’s app.
• The washer has Adaptive Wash technology with Active Bloom wash action.
• There’s a pretreat station with a built-in faucet.
• It has 36 wash cycles.

Dimensions

Width: 27 inches 

Height: 57 inches

Depth: 28 inches

Pros

• The smart features make it easy to monitor the washer remotely.
• Its impeller is gentle on clothes.
• 4.8 cubic feet of washer capacity is spacious enough for large loads. 
• You can check on your laundry via the glass lid.
• This washer is affordable.

Cons

• It can be noisy during the spin cycle.

4. Whirlpool WTW8127LC 5.3 cu. ft. Top Load Washer with 2 in 1 Removable Agitator

I’ll start with the main reason this washer is on our list: the 2 in 1 removable agitator. There’s no doubt that this feature is somewhat of a gamechanger in the industry, giving the washer the benefits of both an agitator and impeller. If you’re still wondering what a removable agitator is, take a second to check out our ‘main features’ section above where we dove deeper into this. 

But don’t get me wrong, this Whirlpool top loader has a lot more going for it over and above the removable agitator. First, it has a large capacity – the washer boasts a whopping 5.3 cubic feet without the agitator and 5.2 cubic feet with it installed. Then, to complement its size is a Load & Go dispenser that holds enough detergent for 20 washes. 

We also can’t forget that this is a smart appliance, allowing you to connect it to your home WiFi network and operate it via Whirlpool’s app. Finally and, if you ask me, most importantly, this is an Energy Star certified washer, so you don’t have to worry about high electric bills. 

For all these features, you’ll have to part with about $1300.

Main Features

• This Whirlpool washer has a 2 in 1 removable agitator.
• It is equipped with Pretreat Station Plus.
• There’s a soft-close glass lid.
• This washer has 36 wash cycles.
• There’s a half-hour Quick Wash cycle.
• It has Adaptive Wash technology.
• There’s a Direct Drive Motor that moves the drum directly.
• It is a smart washer that’s compatible with voice control.

Dimensions

Width: 28 inches

Height: 59 inches

Depth: 28 inches

Pros

• You can use the agitator for a more effective clean or remove it when you’re washing bulky items.
• The smart functions are convenient to have.
• Its large capacity is perfect for large households.
• The Pretreat Station makes it easy to pre-scrub stubborn stains.
• With a Load & Go dispenser, you don’t have to worry about refilling detergent before each wash.

Cons

• The tub is too deep for shorter people. 

5. Whirlpool WFW8620HW 5.0 cu. ft. Front Load Washer with Load & Go™ XL Dispenser

It goes without saying that this is an elegant-looking washer. Don’t get me wrong, the design isn’t unique: there’s a circular front door and controls at the top. Whirlpool decided to stick with a tried and true design but with a few tweaks, mainly on the tub door, which extends to the edges of the washer’s front. 

Fine, you don’t buy washers for how they look but how they work, and this one proves to be one of Whirlpool’s best. JD Power’s study in 2020 ranked this washer as one of the top models in customer satisfaction; proof of its competence. 

Most customers love its large 5.0-cubic-foot capacity and its Load & Go XL dispenser that holds detergent for up to 40 washes. And with 35 wash cycles, this Whirlpool washer should be able to wash loads of varied soil levels. 

Among the cycles, there’s a Quick Wash that completes cleaning a load in just 15 minutes. There’s also a Steam Clean cycle that, well, uses steam. And don’t get me started on the very useful Sanitize cycle that eliminates bacteria from clothes. 

Sadly, this washer doesn’t have smart functionality which, at its price point of over $1200, should come as standard. 

Main Features

• The washer has a capacity of 5.0 cubic feet.
• There are 35 wash cycles.
• It has a Load & Go XL dispenser that holds detergent for up to 40 loads.
• It has a stainless steel drum.
• The washer has a 15-minute Quick Wash cycle.

Dimensions

Width: 27 inches

Height: 39 inches

Depth: 33 inches

Pros

• It has a large capacity.
• The washer has a stylish design.
• You can add enough detergent for 40 washes in the Load & Go dispenser.
• This is an energy-efficient washer.
• The controls are easy to use.

Cons

• It isn’t a smart washer.

FAQs

Bottom Line

Whirlpool is a reliable brand and this is proven by its high ranks in customer satisfaction studies, as we’ve seen in this article. So, if you’re thinking about getting one of their washers, you should be confident that you’ll have a dependable appliance. 

However, there are over two dozen models in Whirlpool’s lineup, but not all are perfect for you. Mainly consider your budget and washing needs, and these will dictate the washer to choose. The company’s washers are known to be more affordable than competing brands, but most don’t have smart features, even a couple of the models above $1000. This is probably a worthy trade-off for effectiveness and affordability. 

Before you settle on a washer, check out the guides to Samsung and LG models that we wrote, the other two brands known to be the most reliable. 

Read More:

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