WFW9400SZ Review

Companion Dryers:
Electric - WED9400SZ Review
Gas - WGD9400SZ Review

Washer Pros and Cons

Cleaning

Sanitizes clothes with an internal heater. Raises the temperature of the input water supply to ensure the water is very hot, usually above 150 degrees F. High water temperature is the key to getting clothes really clean.

Spin

Maximum washer spin rate is 7% 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 50% of new clothes washers for BETTER moisture removal.

Energy

Energy Factor is 20% lower than average. Clothes washers with lower Energy Factors are less efficient and will cost more to operate because they use more energy. Ranks in the lower 15% of new washers for FAIR energy efficiency.

 

Water

The WFW9400SZ Water Factor is about average for a new washing machine and should provide GOOD water efficiency. Water Factor is defined as water consumption divided by capacity; the lower the factor, the less water it uses.

 

Cycles

Cycles and options are 10% higher than average. Operating flexibility can be important if you have diverse fabrics and soil conditions within your family. Ranks in the top 40% of new washing machines for BETTER program variability and selection.

Price

Price per cubic foot is 40% higher than average. Based on the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), each cubic foot costs about $99 more than the average new washer. Ranks in the lower 10% of new washers for POOR price efficiency.

 

Performance Ratings

Steam

No Steam Cleaning – Does not have the capability to produce high-temperature steam. Steam can gently penetrate fabrics and is very effective on soil removal. Steam cycles are now available on about 50% of newly manufactured washers.

 

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

MSRP

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is 32% higher than the average new washer. Expect to pay about $334 more than average. Ranks in the lower 15% of new washers for POOR 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 4% 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 40% of new washers for LARGER load size.

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.

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.

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.

Settings

12 Temp-Soil-Spin Settings – 5 Temperature, 4 Soil, and 3 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

Not ADA Compliant – Does not comply with Federal American Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. Controls and operating mechanisms are not within the defined reach distances, or they cannot be easily operated with one hand.

 

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.