The two best front-load washer brands are
GE and LG with the best features and best overall reliability.
In this video, you'll learn about key features like automatic dispensers, AI,
and even the new heat pump drying in LG's WashTowers.
Like always, there are pros and cons to every model.
This video is designed for you to find
the best model for your space and how you wash your clothes.
Stay to the end, we'll even show you how to save 10%-35%,
not just on these washers, but appliances in general.
The WM3400CW is one of the most
affordable and popular front loads sold, but affordable doesn't mean cheap.
WM3400CW still has eight cycles, six options, and the same high 1,300 RPM
spin speed and reliability as LG's better machines.
For perspective, our parents washed with three cycles,
one or two speeds and three temperatures, and had 2.5 cubic feet of capacity versus
the 4.5 cubic feet you'll find in this machine.
It's also only 30.25 inches
deep versus 31.5 to 34 inches for other competitor brands.
That's a world of difference when stacking a closet or other smaller laundry rooms.
LG's 1300 RPM spin speed is fast compared
with an average of 1,000 to 1,200 RPM for a full-size front-load washer.
Faster spin speeds mean less time
in the dryer because the clothes are pre-dried from the spin.
So LG's service rates are the lowest at 2.1% service in the first year based
on 35,000 service calls completed by a service team last year.
For perspective, the average appliance is 9.5% service in the first year.
The WM3400 is a good basic machine and is
still an upgrade from your current machine.
It does lack some cycles like steam
to loosen tough stains and allergen cycles to remove pet dander and other irritants.
It also lacks WiFi connectivity, which for laundry actually makes sense.
So you can see the time remaining and not be tethered to your laundry for the last
five minutes of the cycle in your basement.
The washer door is not reversible on any LGs.
The doors won't line up if you're stacking with a dryer.
It can be annoying the washer and dryer are also on opposite sides.
You do not have an automatic dispenser on this or the next WM4000.
Auto dispenser is the best new feature in front-load washers.
And at the end of the video,
we'll show you how to buy this even cheaper for $699.
The WM4000 is an upgrade from the WM3400.
It adds four cycles, including turbo 360, steam, and allergen.
Turbo 360 employs five high pressure
nozzles to turn any cycle in a 30-minute wash.
Most brands have a 15-minutes cycle
for small loads and wash larger loads in 30 minutes using the turbo 360 option.
Steam loosens tough stains like grass and wine.
This model adds WiFi,
which will even send a push notification when the cycle is done.
This model lacks an automatic dispenser, even on the WM4000.
You must buy their next best, the WM6700 model for the dispenser.
The WM6700 incorporates many of LG's best features from the WM4000 like Turbo
360, steam, WiFi, and other advanced cycles.
The size is 5 cubic foot or half a cubic foot bigger than the other two models,
but the exterior depth increases from 30.25 to over 33 inches.
Their AIDD, that's Artificial Intelligence Direct
Drive, sets the proper cycle based on the weight and type of fabric.
Also sets the proper drying cycle on the compatible LG dryer.
The WM6700 is LG's first model with an 18 load automatic dispenser.
The machine calculates the exact amount
of detergent and the best time to release it in the cycle.
Auto dispensers also save you from potentially expensive service calls.
Many people use too much detergent
and the excess suds stay in the machine for an expensive future service call.
The dispenser is smaller than GE.
Maytag had mold issues in the same top location as LG.
Speaking of mold, let's look at the brand that virtually eliminates the problem.
GE redesigned its washer and dryer with new features three years ago.
It's entirely different than any other washer in the market.
At 5 cubic foot, the GFW8500SSWW is
the largest size we recommend, along with the LG WM6700.
At 5 cubic foot, you pay way more but not a lot of extra capacity.
Microband is an antimicrobial agent to stop growth of bacteria and mold.
GE integrated microband in their best washer to prevent mold.
Their front load washer uses microband
for the gasket, dispenser, and the draining system.
Odor Block is another feature designed to eliminate moisture.
With Odor Block, the washers vents are built
into the door and the cycle spins the drum
to create a vacuum effect to dry any moisture.
The GFW8500SSNNWW also features a 32
load automatic detergent dispenser. Like LG,
the GE washers are WiFi enabled.
You see the time remaining,
send notifications and tell you how much detergent is left in the dispenser.
GE also has a reversible door so the doors
can be conveniently opened in any installation.
The overnight wash and dry feature allows
you to add a small load like an outfit and wash and dry it by the morning.
The GFW650 is another popular washer to step below the 850 series.
It costs $100-$150 less,
but does not have an overnight cycle and is 0.2 cubic feet smaller.
The washer also does not set the time of the dryer.
The depth is an issue in smaller spaces.
Reliability is excellent at 6.4%, but LG is more reliable.
GE is the best at handling problems after
the sale with their service department, which is one of the crucial factors
to consider, especially if you're buying from a store without service.
At the end of the video, I'll show you how to save $200 on both these GE washers.
The WashToler makes too much sense when
you're stacking, the controls are in the middle.
When stacking, you don't have to reach
for the controls at the top of the dryer at almost 6 feet.
The features are similar to the WM6700, only without the auto dispenser.
It is the standard size of 4.5 cubic foot with the depth of 30.25 inches.
You have the AIDD and the washer determines the drying cycle.
Price is less than if you bought
a matching set of the WM4000 and the dryer on the most popular series.
Unlike any LG dryers,
the WashTower is available with a heat pump.
Heat pumps recycle the air
with a compressor, heating the air through an air exchanger.
They're more efficient than
the traditional dryer with elements and much gentler on your clothes.
Place this WashTower anywhere with water
and power because the heat pumps do not need vents.
However, the wash tower is the first extra-large heat pump of the market.
Heat pumps dry at a lower temperature, so drying time could be a concern.
We have to test that.
More parts than a regular dryer will also mean more expensive repairs as well.
That $899 WM3400 was $699 last President's Day weekend.
As I mentioned, you don't have to wait
until next President's Day for a $200 savings.
You'll see deals around 10%-35% around President's Day, Memorial Day,
July 4th, Labor Day, and Black Friday, which is now all of November.
Manufacturers added capacity,
so you don't see the supply issues on laundry as with other products.
And with the recession looming,
they'll cut prices to sell through their inventories.
Stay within 4.5 to 5 cubic foot range on washers for the best value.
After that, it depends on your space, budget, and the features you want.
Click the link to download our Free Washer Buying Guide.
We all know someone who's been talked into buying the wrong appliance.
Don't let that happen to you.
Over a million people found the right answers in a Yale guide.
Thanks for watching.