Steam-cleans and sanitizes clothes. Steam is very effective in gently removing tough stains, sanitizing garments, reducing allergens, and getting clothes really clean. Helps soften clothes and prevent wrinkles during high speed spin cycle.
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Spin
Maximum washer spin rate is 25% higher than average. Higher spin RPM wrings more water out of clothing, shortens dryer time, and saves on overall washer-dryer energy use. Ranks in the top 30% of new clothes washers for BEST moisture removal.
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Energy
Energy Factor is 13% higher than average. Washing machines with higher Energy Factors are more efficient and will save you money by using less energy. Ranks in the top 20% of new clothes washers for BETTER energy efficiency.
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Water
The WFW8740DC Water Factor is 14% lower than the average new washing machine. More efficient washers have lower Water Factors and will use less water to operate. Ranks in the top 30% of new clothes washers for BETTER water efficiency.
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Cycles
Cycles and options are about average for a new washing machine. The more flexibility you have with program selection, the better the chance of meeting your family’s unique clothing care needs. Helps with diverse fabrics and children.
Price
Price per cubic foot is 12% higher than average. Based on the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), each cubic foot costs about $28 more than the average new washer. Ranks in the lower 40% of new washers for FAIR price efficiency.
Performance Ratings
Steam
Steam Cleaning – Generates steam that deeply penetrates clothing to remove grime and achieve a cleaner wash. Gentler on fabrics than other stain-removing wash cycles. Produces a softening affect that reduces wrinkles from high spin rates.
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Sanitize
Sanitize Cycle – Clothes are sanitized by raising water temperatures to high levels that kill several types of household bacteria. Sanitization method may be effective, but it is not certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).
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Allergen
Not certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) or the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) to reduce allergens such as dust mite and dander with high temperature water.
Temp Control
Auto Temp Control – Automatically regulates the hot and cold water supply to ensure that the wash water is at the proper temperature for the cycle selected. On cold winter days the hot water runs longer or more often to compensate.
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Heater
Internal Water Heater – Includes an internal water heater that can boost water temperature beyond your home’s hot water tank. Helps maintain optimum temperatures throughout each cycle. Hot water is the key to really getting your clothes clean.
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Water Level
Automatic Water Level – Designed with sensors that detect the load size and then adjust the water level to achieve the best cleaning and rinsing performance. Convenient feature that eliminates guessing and saves water costs.
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Drum
Stainless Steel Wash Drum – Stainless steel is a durable wash basket material that resists corrosion, stains, and chipping. It is superior to porcelain or plastic. Over 90% of new washers produced today have stainless steel drums.
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Vibration
Added Vibration Control – advertised to have advanced features to help control vibration and related noise. Details of these anti-vibration features are not readily available and the true effectiveness is unknown.
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Wash Type
Drum w Paddles – Front load washer with a rotating drum and paddles that lift and drop clothes. Very effective washing mechanism compared to the older agitating machines. Gentle on clothing and uses significantly less water.
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MSRP
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is 13% higher than the average new washer. Expect to pay about $134 more than average. Ranks in the lower 45% of new washers for FAIR overall price. Also check the cost per cubic foot.
Motor
This model has been discontinued by the manufacturer but may still be available at some stores that sell Whirlpool washers. Most appliance stores will provide at least the standard one-year part and labor warranty on the drive motor.
Convenience Ratings
Capacity
Interior capacity is 11% higher than average. Larger washers generally cost more, but if you have a big family, or want to do your wash less often, they can save you time and money. Ranks in the top 45% of new washers for LARGEST load size.
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Periodic Tumble
No Periodic Tumble – After the wash cycle completes there is no extended tumbling of the clothes. Periodic tumbling, especially with circulating air, keeps the clothes fresh if you are delayed in transferring them to the dryer.
Time
Remaining Time Display – Includes a digital time display at the top of the washer that shows estimated remaining cycle time. Just glance at the display while you’re working and plan your time accordingly.
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Delay
Delay Start / End> – You can program the wash cycle to start or end several hours later when you wake up or arrive home. Allows you to organize laundry chores around your schedule, or take advantage of lower, off-peak, utility rates.
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Dispenser
Bleach, fabric softener, or detergent can be preloaded into the dispensing trays and automatically released by the washer at the optimum time in the wash cycle.
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Settings
12 Temp-Soil-Spin Settings – 5 Temperature, 3 Soil, and 4 Spin settings. About average number of settings for a new washing machine. The more settings available, the greater the flexibility in caring for a wide range of fabrics, stains, and conditions.
Quick Wash
No Quick Wash – This washing machine does not have a fast wash cycle that can have your clothing ready in much less time than regular cycles. Some washers can have a small load ready in just 15 minutes.
Wash-Dry
No Overnight Wash & Dry – Like most washers, this model does not have the unique capability to both wash and dry your clothes overnight. A few washers can continue to tumble the clothes and circulate drying air after the wash cycle has ended.
Drum Light
No Drum Light – There is no internal lighting of the wash drum area when loading or unloading clothes. Sometimes shadows or an unlit laundry room can hide a stray sock that remains missing until the next wash cycle.
ADA
ADA Compliant – Complies with Federal American Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. Controls and operating mechanisms are within 48 in and 15 in defined reach distances, and can be easily operated with one hand.
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Wi-Fi
No Wi-Fi – This washing machine is not Wi-Fi Enabled or Wi-Fi Ready. It cannot be remotely programmed, operated, or diagnosed through a home Wi-Fi Internet connection or Smartphone. It is not Smart Grid or Smart Meter capable.
Detergent
No Detergent Reservoir – Like most washers, this machine does not have a reservoir that holds a large supply of detergent. A Few brands such as GE, Maytag, and Whirlpool offer new washers with multi-day detergent and fabric softener storage.
Reverse Door
No Reversible Door – Like most front load clothes washers, the door is fixed and cannot be changed to open from the other side. Only a few brands such as Electrolux and Kenmore offer washers with reversible door capability.
Stackable
Stackable – Front load washers can be stacked vertically with a companion front load dryer. If you have a small laundry area this is a very convenient feature. It also places the dryer at shoulder level for easier loading.
