GFW650S (GE) *Available in White ($999) or Satin Nickel ($1099)
Notable features:
WHY BUY? No more mold! Well, we hope, but at least one company has finally developed a system to help prevent the nastiness that’s happening in your front load washer. How does it work? Drain, dry and defend.
GE’s tub, which is a generous 4.8 cubic feet, and gasket design makes for better drainage of water. GE also uses Microban antimicrobial technology built into the gasket, dispenser and draining system. When you type in the word “Microban” on Google, this is what comes up:
“Microbran antimicrobial product protection is a built-in active ingredient that enables products to resist the growth of microbes such as bacteria, mold and mildew.”
Not only that, but the UltraFresh Vent System with OdorBlock is a new airflow system that eliminates excess moisture and helps prevent odors. In other words, you don’t have to keep the door open or use a rag to dry that gasket anymore.
GE also takes the best of other brands (to an extent) and puts it into one machine. To start, it has WiFi capabilities. Feature-wise, SmartDispense holds up to 32 loads of detergent (50 ounces) and automatically dispenses the right amount to avoid refills, kind of like Whirlpool’s Load & Go. The washer door can be reversed, a feature that was only available on select Electrolux models. Tumble Care periodically tumbles clothes up to eight hours to keep clothes fresh for those who forget to put them in the dryer right away, a feature that is close to Maytag/Whirlpool’s Fresh Hold option. You also get an Active Wear cycle for nicer gym garments, a cycle that is popular with GE laundry overall. Steam, which helps loosen stains, prewash and sanitize cycles come with it, too. *The Wash and dry feature is on the next model up.
It’s new, but for the price point, it’s very appealing. For the mold prevention, it’s a no-brainer.
MHW8630H (MAYTAG) *Available in White ($1,249) or Metallic Slate ($1,349)
Notable features:
WHY BUY? The Whirlpool family (KitchenAid, Maytag, Whirlpool, Amana) is one of the more reliable brands out there. When there’s a problem, it’s quick and easy to get parts and schedule a technician for appliance repair. KitchenAid doesn’t make laundry and Amana only designs top loaders, so Maytag and Whirlpool it is. Aside from great service, you get a ton of features and good performance. You’ll be paying more Whirlpool’s comparable smart washer, which makes Maytag a much better buy for what it is.
It gives you a bigger tub than most at 5.0 cubic feet. The Extra Power button will work extra hard against stubborn stains by using both hot and cold water during different phases of the wash to boost the performance. You can use this on any wash cycle, but just keep in mind that extra detergent must be added in the marked “Extra Power” compartment.
Optimal Dose Dispenser is similar to Whirlpool's Load & Go but in smaller capacity and located in the top compartment. It holds enough detergent for up to eight loads so you don’t have to refill evert time. PLEASE BE SURE TO CLEAN IT REGULARLY to avoid future service issues.
The 24-hour Fresh Hold option is for those who forget to take clothes out of the washer when they’re done. The machine uses an internal fan combined with periodic tumbling, which allows fresh air to circulate inside the washer while moisture is filtered out. You also get an overnight wash and dry cycle for small loads (spins it dry), a sanitize cycle for bacteria-infested clothes and LED interior lighting.
When you download the Maytag Mobile app, you can monitor and control your machine away from home, receive notifications when your laundry is finished and use remote diagnostics. Go to maytag.com/connect for specific instructions on how to connect. Unlike its family member Whirlpool, Maytag has extended warranty (parts only) on the drive motor and wash basket.
WFW6620H (WHIRLPOOL) *Available in White ($999) or Chrome Shadow ($1,099)
Notable features:
WHY BUY? Based off a recent study done by Yale Appliance, Whirlpool is the least serviced brand of laundry. There are fewer bells and whistles here, which many customers like.
The main feature is the Load & Go XL. A Whirlpool staple, this feature allows you to fill up to 40 loads and dispenses the correct amount of detergent for each selective cycle. This feature is located near the bottom of the unit. It's a great feature for those who find it annoying to refill detergent every time. PLEASE BE SURE TO CLEAN IT REGULARLY.
In this 4.5 cubic foot washer, you get a ton of cycles including regular/normal, heavy duty, delicate, bulky items, drain and spin, wrinkle control, whites and colors. You also get a quick wash (small, lightly solid loads in 15 minutes), cold wash (for gentler cleaning), sanitize (kills 99.9 percent of bacteria), steam clean (reaches a hot temperature to remove everyday stains) and presoak (hands-free option that operates before the wash cycle). It’s worth noting the presoak option is not available on any Maytag front loader. *The 12-hour Fan Fresh feature is on the next model up.
If you care about the look, this model will stand out. It’s modern and sleek, and its easy-to-easy touch controls allow you to customize up to 35 cycle combinations. Simple enough.