WFW97HEDC Review

Companion Dryers:
Electric - WED97HEDC Review
Gas - WGD97HEDC Review

Washer Pros and Cons

Cleaning

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.

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.

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.

Water

The WFW97HEDC 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 20% of new clothes washers for BETTER water efficiency.

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 29% higher than average. Based on the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), each cubic foot costs about $71 more than the average new washer. Ranks in the lower 20% 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.

Sanitize

NSF Sanitize Cycle – Certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) P172 Protocol to effectively sanitize clothes. Reduces 99.9% of microorganisms and ensures there is no significant carryover of bacteria into future loads.

Allergen

NSF Allergen Certified – Certified by the NSF to remove 95% of house dust mite allergens and feline dander. Employs the P351 allergen reduction Protocol where the water is heated to at least 131 deg F for at least three minutes.

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 37% higher than the average new washer. Expect to pay about $384 more than average. Ranks in the lower 10% of new washers for POOR overall price. Also check the cost per cubic foot.

 

Motor

Standard one-year parts and labor warranty on the washer drive motor. The drive motor is one of the more expensive components to replace and several brands offer longer part warranties of up to 10 years. Warranties are subject to change.

 

Convenience Ratings

Capacity

Interior capacity is 16% 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 25% of new washers for LARGEST load size.

Periodic Tumble

Periodic Tumble w Air – Circulates fresh air and continues to tumble the clothes periodically after the wash cycle is complete. Keeps clothes fresh and reduces wrinkles for several hours if you are delayed or simply forget about the wash.

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

14 Temp-Soil-Spin Settings – 5 Temperature, 4 Soil, and 5 Spin settings. Higher than average number of settings for these key items on a new washer. More settings provide added flexibility for a wide range of fabrics, stains, and conditions.

Quick Wash

Quick Wash – In a hurry? Forget to wash a garment for today’s special event? This washing machine has a fast wash cycle that can have your clothing ready in much less time than regular cycles.

Wash-Dry

Overnight Wash & Dry – Wash and dry a small load of clothes overnight. The washer continues to tumble after the wash cycle ends, while a fan circulates fresh air through the clothes. Laundry is ready when you wake up in the morning.

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.

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

Detergent Reservoir – Includes a reservoir that can hold a large supply of laundry detergent or softener and automatically dispenses them during the wash cycle. Saves time and effort filling the dispensing trays for each load of laundry.

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.