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Whirlpool Duet Washer

by Eric
(Kingsport, TN)

My wife and I purchased a Whirlpool Duet washer and dryer just over a year ago. We have them stacked, and they fit nicely into our laundry closet.

The washer offers many different cycles, which my wife loves. There is a sanitary cycle that we use for towels, washcloths, etc. and it works very well. Almost no need to use bleach at all. One of the reasons we decided to go with the duet was because it is Energy Star rated and also uses less water than top-loading washers.

Overall, we have been happy with the washer with a couple of items to mention. One, the washer is bad to wad up large items like jeans, sheets, etc. Often they will come out almost tied up and intertwined. Just today I took a load of sheets out of the washer, and there was a football shaped wad of pillow cases wrapped up into one of the sheets.

We usually have to shake out and separate larger items before putting them into the dryer so they do not get knotted up any further. If we do not, then they will get wadded up even more causing them not to dry properly. Second, the rubber gasket that seals the door is vulnerable to zippers, buttons, and anything made of metal that may rub against the seal.

From an engineering standpoint, I wonder about the reliability of constant friction on a rubber gasket that could be a major failure point. We recently had our seal replaced under warranty, and it had several holes in it which cause water to leak onto the floor.

The water only leaked on the delicate cycle, and from what I have read the delicate cycle uses more water than the other ones. On the bright side, the washer holds quite a bit of laundry. In comparison to our old washer it probably holds twice as much, but it does not use as much water.

Also, the washer only needs about two tablespoons of the High Efficiency detergent to run a load. Being able to stack the washer and dryer also gives us more room in the laundry closet for shelves that we use for laundry baskets, detergent, etc.

Comments for Whirlpool Duet Washer

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Mar 18, 2017
Rating
star 		Dirty Laundry NEW
by: Anonymous

I purchased the duet about 4 years ago. Thought it would be a great machine. My clothes do not come clean. I have actually pulled them out with dry spots after a complete wash cycle. They have never torn any of my clothes but hate that my clothes are not clean. Have to pretreat a lot. Needs to add more water somehow. Will definitely not purchase another machine like this one. No problems with the dryer.
Aug 22, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstar 		holes in clothes from Whirlpool NEW
by: Anonymous

I have had my whirlpool top loading washer for 3 years and it has put pin holes in my tee shirts and sheets. It has shredded my wash cloths and frayed my new towels. Yvonne Mccoy, the CEO's assistant refuses to help me since I didn't have the service man out when under warranty. However I am out of town a lot and didn't use it enough in the beginning to notice.
I had 3 other whirlpools before they sold the company. The old ones were great.
Do not buy a Whirlpool washer.
Jul 21, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		HE wshers NEW
by: Anonymous

Samsung HE Top loader tears our clothes as well. I hate that washer. I'm thinking its just HE washers. Wish I still had my old Whirlpool washer with the agitator.
Jul 10, 2016
Rating
star 		Wirlpool duet shit washer NEW
by: Géraldine

I hate my duet wirlpool washer.
Every time I wash towels it stop and puts in the code LF
I have to do 2 washings for one load of towels.
Can't hardly put anything in it.
This will be the last time I by this product. I regret it terribly. Ans I hate it so much.


Jan 04, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		New Comforter ruined NEW
by: Anonymous

My daughter just put a brand new comforter into the whirlpool duet. Hasn't even been put onto a bed yet and it is now ruined. About a 12" tear (shredded) is now along one seam!
Jan 04, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		fixes NEW
by: Anonymous

I don't recommend whirlpool duet washer or have anything to do with whirlpool corp. Got a free duet,because of the problems so tried to fix it. 1st problem. Inner metal basket not tight,bearing had spun on shaft wearing shaft where bearing rides. Fix peened shaft with center punch got new bearings at local auto parts, seal was good used it over. Packed new bearing with a good marine grease. Install rear bearing and seal in plastic washer tub,leaving the smaller bearing out. Used loctite sleeve locker where I peened shaft. Place tub with seal and bigger bearing on shaft used a piece pipe that fits just over shaft and will drive inner race over peened shaft. Use nut on shaft to install smaller bearing. Problem 2. Zippers and jeans wearing out bellows causing clothes to get between drum and basket tearing them. Revised inner door glass # w10388315 keeps clothes away from bellows. Revised bellow # has to be looked up for each model. Long wash times to much soap washer will keep rinsing till soap sensor has correct soap water mix.
Oct 23, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		whirlpool fix NEW
by: Anonymous

Everyone mail your shredded clothes to the ceo until they recall their expensive hunk of metal that eats your clothing. Make sure it smells really ripe when they open the box.
Jul 20, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		whirlpool top load NEW
by: Anonymous

I have the top load HE and it puts holes in tshirts and tonite my laura ashley sheets.
Jun 27, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstar 		At least I'm not alone with ripped clothing NEW
by: Anonymous

My husband and I purchased the Whirlpool Duet Washer and Dryer in October of 2014. Since then I've been noticing holes and tears in my tops and even sheets. I couldn't imagine that Whirlpool would sell something that actually ate clothes, but after reading everyone's post, it now makes sense. The washer has been doing this from the start, so it's not an issue of wear and tear, it's just a poor design. I feel like they just took my money and it seems based on everyone's comments here, it won't do any good to complain to Whirlpool. I wish there was another way to tackle this and somehow get my money back.
Jun 23, 2015
Rating
starstar 		delicate cycle leaks NEW
by: KYGal

have had this set for many years...now it sits in the garage ready to go to a new owner. It's been replaced by an LG top loader washer and matching dryer, finally!
We paid ALOT for this set when we bought it. The door sat open to eliminate the odor that was not only present but permeated our clothes, especially the towels if the load wasn't removed pronto!
Never could leave it in overnight without doing a rewash.
Washing on delicate cycle caused the washer to leak gallons of water, we just stopped using that setting. And got tired of the basement flooding after a delicate wash cycle, ridiculous!
Problem after problem.
Needless to say, I'm glad it's been replaced, I'm happy I went back to a top loader washer and will never buy whirlpool again!
The set we just bought, sadly, probably cost half of what the duet cost when we purchased it several years ago...at least we got the pedestals as a free bonus at the time! And our new set is twice the set the duet is! Very happy to have made the switch!
Jun 23, 2015
Rating
starstar 		delicate cycle leaks NEW
by: KYGal

have had this set for many years...now it sits in the garage ready to go to a new owner. It's been replaced by an LG top loader washer and matching dryer, finally!
We paid ALOT for this set when we bought it. The door sat open to eliminate the odor that was not only present but permeated our clothes, especially the towels if the load wasn't removed pronto!
Never could leave it in overnight without doing a rewash.
Washing on delicate cycle caused the washer to leak gallons of water, we just stopped using that setting. And got tired of the basement flooding after a delicate wash cycle, ridiculous!
Problem after problem.
Needless to say, I'm glad it's been replaced, I'm happy I went back to a top loader washer and will never buy whirlpool again!
The set we just bought, sadly, probably cost half of what the duet cost when we purchased it several years ago...at least we got the pedestals as a free bonus at the time! And our new set is twice the set the duet is! Very happy to have made the switch!
May 31, 2015
Rating
star 		Cant wait till it dies! NEW
by: Anonymous

So we've had torn clothes too. But my biggest problems are that I phyiscally have to stand by the machine after I push start cuz sometimes it just won't even though it makes the sound it should. The estimated times are a joke and very frustrating. A 50 min load takes over an hour almost every time. The dryer is even worse, it can stil w 9 minutes remaining for an hour. Never again whirlpool ANYTHING (don't get me started on the pos refridgerator!) Next time going for el cheapo. None of the bells n whistles are worth the hassel.
May 14, 2015
Rating
star 		Putting holes in my clothes NEW
by: Anonymous

The Whirlpool Duet is the worst washing machine I have ever owned. It has put hole in many different items. It started 3 years after we purchased them. The sad part is we had a 10 year old washer that did a better job with 0 issues.
Mar 26, 2015
Rating
star 		Holes in clothes NEW
by: Fran Watersonymous

Whirlpool's stackable washer has ruined many of my shirts, and all Whirlpool's customer service has to say is, "Sorry".
Fran Waters
Mar 15, 2015
Rating
star 		Clothes shredder NEW
by: Trek Man

My wife and I have had the Duet washer for two years. We had trouble with our thin clothing getting shredded. Repair man changed the door seal. Machine still damages our clothes. So now we are hand washing our clothes in a bucket, I wish I would of bought A top loader.
Mar 01, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Clothes ruin caught between tub and rubber NEW
by: Laundry man

We have the duet and been noticing that it's damaging a lot of our clothes caught between the tub and the rubber. It's a very bad design. We should start avoiding whirlpool products. The materials they used are cheap for a very expensive products.
Feb 26, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		9 years no issues. NEW
by: Anonymous

Washer dryer set work great with no issues. We've had our set at least 9 years (since 2006). Only thing is we keep the washer door open after a load to dry out and the estimated time remaining display is a complete joke. As for twisting sheets up, happened to me once on a small load. I now use washer bags for each sheet $1.50 each) and that completely solved the problem.

I had a 2nd duet set at a condo that the dryer display went brain dead on me once. Unplugged the unit for about 10 minutes and that cleared it. I do that now for any appliance that fritzes out on me.
Oct 29, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Fucked up Machine NEW
by: Anonymous

felt like i wasted my money on this machine, tears and holes in my clothing, going to change bellow seal myself, hope it would make a difference
Oct 01, 2014
Rating
starstar 		Would go back to top loader if I could NEW
by: Anonymous

I have found the front loader does get my clothes clean, does not leak, but does build up an odor if the door is closed. The main problem I am having which is not mentioned is my clothes are being bleached out...and I don't use bleach! Somehow the detergent is not being mixed with the water, I guess, and coming in direct contact with my colored clothes. I, too, have changed to all white towels simply because I am tired of looking at all the bleached out spots on my colored clothes. Now though it has started removing color my clothes and am I am not happy...don't know why I thought a front loader would be better. Are all front loaders this way...wish I could go back to my old top loading Maytag! Whirlpool, please get your act together.
Sep 07, 2014
Rating
star 		Worst washer and dryer ever NEW
by: Anonymous

I hate both my Whirlpool duet washer and dryer. The seal has come off the washing machine 5 times causing a flood in my first floor laundry room, leaking into my finished basement ruining the ceiling tiles and bathroom below! The dryer lint screen does not do its job in collecting lint. The dryer vent tubing has been filled with lint so bad that it is a fire hazard. Not to mention that the whole bottom of the dryer has been filled with lint as well. Both the computer controls on both machines had to be replaced fairly soon after I purchased them. Never again will I purchase Whirlpool products! JUNK!
Sep 04, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		works great NEW
by: Jennifer

Interesting all the comments about ripping clothes - we've had ours for about four years. Other than the stink, we've had no problems. I wouldn't say the clothes are balled up, more like twisted together but I'm pretty sure that is just a result of the spin cycle after everything is nice and clean. We only own the washer but are going to buy the dryer so we can stack them. Even with the stink, I'm not considering replacing it yet. We leave the door open and when it starts to stink, I just run the "clean" cycle with bleach and it takes care of it. I don't know if it's because we've always kept the door open between uses that we haven't had other problems or not.
Apr 08, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Frustrated. NEW
by: Anonymous

I hate Whirlpool!!!It has ripped up so many items of clothing. Terrible! DO NOT BUY WHIRLPOOL!
Apr 08, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Frustrated. NEW
by: Anonymous

I hate Whirlpool!!!It has ripped up so many items of clothing. Terrible! DO NOT BUY WHIRLPOOL!
Feb 05, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		It finally died NEW
by: Jennifer

I have reported problems in the past here with my Duet. Well, the other day I had 2 toddler fitted sheets and 4 small toddler blankets in the machine. Two of the blankets came out tangled together with a strip of the rubber gasket about 24 inches long. It ripped it off and wrapped so tightly around my twins blankets that they screamed thinking their prized little blankies were lost forever. I have lost thousands in clothes being torn to shreds. I have emailed numerous times, Whirlpool says I need to clean my machine, which I already do weekly. I am fed up, and now looking for new machines after only 3 years.
Jan 10, 2014
Rating
star 		Does not wash clothes NEW
by: Anonymous

The Whirlpool Duet Front Load Washer is a picture of engineering design not thought out nor tested. It just does not work good at washing anything more than a few pieces of clothing at a time. Mine is 1 1/2 years old and while we have had no mechanical/electrical problems requiring maintenance....it just does not wash clothes good at all. We have resided to the fact that the Whirlpool Duet Front Load Washer we bought is a piece of dog crap and are going to replace it this Spring (Spring 2014) with a standard top load non-Whirlpool washer.

Here's our problems with this machine;

- Clothes get balled up into tight wads while washing which result in them not being washed hardly at all.

- Bed sheets are almost impossible to wash and take 2-3 hours to complete.

- Washing one sheet is impossible as it will not spin.

- Washing two sheets together results in them being wadded up into a ball and they take forever to finish (when they finish at all). Numerous times I've had to stop the cycle and wring out the water by hand in a sink.

- Clothes smell....I think because they all get wadded up into a ball and they can't be thoroughly washed.

- The washer stinks...literally...of mold. I wipe it, clean it, spray it and leave the door open but it still smells?? This started from almost the first day we owned it? This smell in transfered to our clothes.

- I can wash clothes better by laying them out on my deck when it rains!!
Nov 15, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Whirlpool Duet
by: Anonymous

We have had a Duet washer for 6 years now. This is our second one the first one was replaced. We have had the 2nd one for almost 2 years. we had the same problem with the new one. It was tearing the clothes and leaving rubber on the clothes. The first repair man said it was one thing then when the 2nd man came to install the new parts he said the first guy was wrong. He ordered different parts and installed them an it is now fixed no more problems! He replaced the "glass bowel" in the door with a flat "glass bowel" and it did the trick.
Oct 05, 2013
Rating
star 		HATE MY WHIRLPOOL DUET WASHER!
by: Anonymous

I HATE my Whirlpool Duet washer. I have owned it for five years (I owned my previous washer for 18 years - replaced one belt!) and have hated it for about 4 of those years. I have ALREADY replaced the drum and gaskets at a cost of $1,000 just for the drum. The repair man told me you cannot expect to get more than five years on a drum and I can plan to replace it about five years from now. It just stopped working again. If I could dig my old one out of the landfill I would begin using it again! What a rip-off!!!
Oct 05, 2013
Rating
star 		The Reasons I am scraping our duet washer
by: Anonymous

We bought our Duet set in 2006. Needless to say, both machines have had to have been serviced. The washer has had 2 mother boards and a new inner and outer drum! The dryer has had 1 service call. All calls have been out of pocket except the drums were under replacement warranty but the labor was not. The mother boards were not and all service calls have cost about $900 out of pocket. Just this morning the machine decided, as it has before, to fill up with water and when my 93 year old mother-in-law opened the door to put some towels in the utility room and my finished lower level was flooded. I have been cleaning up all day except for the time it took to go buy a new Samsung top load washer. I will truly be a happy consumer again when they carry the Duet washer from my house and I am able to rid myself of one piece of Whirlpool crap knowing I will not ever buy their products again.
May 07, 2013
Rating
starstar 		Loved it but then started ripping my clothes
by: Julie S.

I used to love my Whirlpool Duet. I am a foster parent of teenage boys and I wash clothes EVERY SINGLE DAY! Then one day, I found a small plastic chunk in my seal, and tiny rubber grains on my clothing. Since then, I am getting torn clothes from nearly every load. I can't afford to buy these kids new clothes everyday!! My husband, my father, and I have all checked the drum for anything that may be stuck in the drum to tear the clothing, but we have found nothing. It has to be a manufacturing flaw. I'm so angry, frustrated, and disappointed in Whirlpool for allowing this to happen over & over again without fixing the issue. Whirlpool=fail!
Apr 21, 2013
Rating
star 		ripped, torn & holes in clothes
by: Anonymous

I also have a whirlpool duet that was tearing, ripping and putting holes in my families clothes! But my machine is dead now! In researching on internet and getting information from repairmen and salesmen, there is definitely a defective part on these machines! What is happening is the bearing that holds the drums in the washing machines is too small to hold the loads of washing clothes and the other thing that has been found is that there is a rubber seal on that bearing. Our HE detergents are destroying the seal first, then the alumin alloy "spider" piece holdind the bearing on the drums. The spider is corroding and then the bearing starts failing. All of this is causing the tubs (inner and outer) to get out of alignment. When they get out of alignment, that is when the clothes are getting caught in between the tubs and causing the ripping, tearing and holes in our clothes. It also starts making more and more noise! Even if you replace the tubs, the problem just keeps coming back from defective parts and bad design! Whirlpool knows they have this problem and is hiding behind their one year warranty that means nothing because the problem does not usualy show up until after one year. Also does anyone else know that Whirlpool is currently in a lawsuit for these machines? The state of Ohio has a class action lawsuit currently on going, its main issue is the mold issue that these machines are also causing. There needs to be more class action lawsuits against this manufacturer! They not only have crappy washers and dryers, all of their appliances are pieces of crap! If you don't believe me, just check out all the complaints on the internet! Even on their own Facebook page! It is filled with dissatisfied customers! How does this company stay in business pissing off so many people? I know I have learned several things from my experience. I will never ever purchase a Whirlpool or Whirlpool associated product again! I also will never purchase a front loading washing machine again! These manufacturers have no clue what they are doing and cannot build them to handle the loads or stop the mold problem!
Apr 21, 2013
Rating
star 		More issues.
by: Jennifer

So I had a problem with a chunk of rubber showing up in my washing machine, and no matter how hard we look, we cannot figure out where it came from. Still having issues with holes in clothing. This is getting ridiculous, we are a family of 6 and I need a working machine. I bought it in January 2011, not late 2010 like I had originally thought. So here is the new issue. I have washed 3 loads of clothes today, just went to take a load out and found this, it appears to be very fine grain rubber. My machine does not smell musty and right before this load the boot was clean because I check it after every load incase i miss something. Anyone else having this issue?
Feb 10, 2013
Rating
star 		Bummer
by: Anonymous

We have only had this washer for under 2 years and it's starting to poop out on us. It has all ready ruined almost $100 worth of clothes because a piece will get caught in the inside rim and then it tears.
Feb 07, 2013
Rating
star 		Please let Whirlpool hear your complaints
by: Anonymous

Thy have not been owning up to this problem, nor has A&E Factory Repair, who they've had "repairing" this problem for years. Neither will take responsibility & I feel like a pin ping being bounced back & forth w no resolution. I would never recommend either Whirlpool nor A&E after this whole ordeal. If I'd known neither would honor their contracts I would have been done w this set years ago before it continued to destroy laundry.
Feb 07, 2013
Rating
star 		disappointed
by: coup

We bought our duet 4years ago and now Feb 5, 2013, the washer is now going to the dump. The bearings have gone $600.00 for bearings $300.00 for labour and of course the tax man, or JUST REPLACE FOR $699.00 plus the tax man. OH what to do DISAPPOINTED
Feb 07, 2013
Rating
star 		Tearing Clothing
by: Jennifer

I am having the same issue. Bought my Duet in 2010 and tore 2 sweaters last week, and today more torn clothing. I also had a thick piece of rubber break off the sealer boot last week. Will be contacting them tomorrow to make a complaint. I mean the clothing was shredded! Not just a small hole, there were chunks ripped out of my sweaters.
Feb 07, 2013
Rating
star 		Washer tears clothing
by: Becky

It is now almost 3 years old, the gasket has had to e replaced, and it is tearing up all our stuff. Lost about $2,000 of stuff so far. Had to come online to figure out the problem is a design flaw in the washer drum and where the gasket come together. I am only one of so far hundreds of these same complaints I haave found. They need to do a recall. Bad Duet! Very bad!
Feb 06, 2013
Rating
star 		Whirlpool Says This Isn't a Problem!
by: Anonymous

After spending over an hour on the phone with Whirlpool earlier this week, we have no satisfaction whatsoever with Whirlpool. Their reps claim there is no problem, that if there were "they would have recalled the washer & dryer." Meanwhile we are out over $1,000 of damaged/ruined laundry, plus the cost of a new washer & dryer, plus the cost of a warranty that was useless, and no credit for a useless washer & dryer that we can't sell to anyone as wouldn't wish this on anyone else.
Oct 29, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Washer Tear Delicate clothing
by: Mrs. H

Bought our units in 2004. Have worked fine since that time. Other than the sewage odor we experience from the water coming out, which we were told was a result of our hot water tank's iode or diode or something other other, accumulating yuck resulting from our well water. This past month however, Oct 2012, it did start to tear clothing. Oddly, though, it appeared to favor my daughter's unmentionables - and only those. So odd. Then I did a load today and the sash to my husband's robe had begun to shred. I have felt all in and around the drum, but can't seem to find anything sharp. The perculiar thing is nothing else has shreded. I've read about the "balling" up of clothing and I resolved that issue by washing nearly everying on the delicate cycle. That helps it. I also use the Bulky cycle for things like blankets and sheets so they don't get all tangled up. I've read about the rubber seal on the inside, but never looked close enough to see what it is supposed too look like, but I may explore further to see if indeed something is stuck in there that creeps out now and again the attack the laundry. If anyone knows what it is supposed to look like, feel free to respond back to me. Thanks
Oct 14, 2012
Rating
star 		Duet front load washer
by: JR

I hate this washer and dryer set
The washer stinks and gets mouldy and the dryer twists and bunches up my sheets. If I wash small items such as towels an washcloths, it rolls those into a ball and they come out packed inside of a sheet. The dryer has made an uneven rolling sound ever since new but Tech said that was normal because it had to "warm up". IT has been several years and nothing has changed. I got mine at Costco but know it is too late to return now - I'll just sell them with the house. Good riddence.
Aug 29, 2012
Rating
star 		Tired of holes & tears in clothing
by: Anonymous

Rating Duet 1 of 5. Purchased Duet set in 2006; about 3 years ago I noticed pin-prick holes in knit tops that went through normal wash; it expanded out to slicing in addition to the holes. Items look as though they met Freddy Krueger. Repair co has been out repeatedly (8-9x over the years?) & has replaced every part they can think of - tub, seals, shocks, etc. I have had to replace blankets, sheets, bath mats, shirts; lost my favorite expensive splurge blouse. They're with the washer & dryer yet again as I type. I am disgusted & just want out - I will not put another load in this horrible washer & dryer. Besides the destruction of laundry, washer runs on football minutes - the timer might say 3 minutes but you know it's going to be another 20,easily. I've never had to take such care to do laundry - smaller loads so they can't blame it on that, small amount of All detergent, don't even use the high speed spin, bras are in mesh bags, clothes are inside out - there's nothing to snag. Cannot express complete disappointment with Duet & Whirlpool. Would NEVER buy another Whirlpool product.
Jun 03, 2012
Rating
star 		Have to Untwist Every Load
by: Sandy

I purchased The Whirlpool Duet in 2007. I HATE HATE this washer. I had a repair man come out about a year and a half ago because every load comes out of the washer in a tight twisted ball of clothes. The repair man told me to mix the loads up with jeans, towels and shirts. I laughed, yea like I'm going to do that. After visiting the Nebraska Furniture Mart (store I purchased it from) I inquired if the newer models twist the clothes up too? The store clerk said there was something wrong with my washer and the twisting should not be happing. I had to go to the laundry mat to dry my clothes as my Duet dryer's mother board went out. As I looked around the laundry mat I noticed I was the only one with large balls of wet clothes that had to be pulled apart and untwisted. Also the fabric softener runs out at the beginning of the cycle with the soap.
Jul 28, 2011
Rating
star 		Hate the Duet Washer
by: Anonymous

Very unhappy with my duet washer, I had previously had a White Westinghouse Front loader that cleaned like nobody's business, but this machine was engineered by someone who has never done laundry, as soon as this piece of crap dies I am going back to a super capacity top loader
Mar 23, 2011
Rating
star 		AHHHHHHH !!!!!!!
by: Anonymous

It washes my clothes-

It's not the best. I had to change to white towels so that I could bleach them because the washer never seemed to wash them good enough. It is loud and shakes itself out of the spot that it's in. We have leveled and messed with it more than you can possibly imagine. I can't wait until I have the money to replace these huge pieces of junk.
Jan 16, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Have had duet washer dryer forn 5 years
by: Anonymous

I have had three problems with washer and dryer.

The dryer would not heat. The safety device did it's job an prevented the dryer from burning down my house. When the dryer was installed the installation "pro" I use this term in jest wrapped duct tape around the vent pipe. Needless to say it blew apart and filled the dryer innards full of lint. The dryer had burned lint that was on the verge of catching fire. A safety device sacrificed itself and stopped the heating element from heating which would have surely started a fire. I replaced the part myself for about $18. I cleaned out all the lint and "properly" installed the dryer vent. I have not had any problems since.

The washer leaked because the drum to door gasket got ripped because of stuff that shouldn't go in a washer ended up in the washer i.e. screws and other jagged objects probably from my pockets ripped a hole in the gasket.

The latest failure was from more pocket junk that shouldn't be washed stopping up the drain filter before the items could get into the pump and destroy it.

So ask yourself am I or someone else responsible for my duet failures. In my case 3 failures all caused by human error.

If you want your appliances to work and last. Do not wash and dry crap that shouldn't be laundered. If you are not handy and are unable to maintain and repair your equipment. Buy a service contract that includes yearly service to clean internal filters and check the overall health of your appliances. Do not be offended when the service tech gets on your case for washing sharp metal objects.
Dec 31, 2010
Rating
star 		18 Months
by: Anonymous

Whirlpool Duet lasted me about 18 months. Have to buy another washer already. It won't be a Whirlpool. Come to think of it, nothing I buy will ever be a whirlpool.
Nov 18, 2010
Rating
star 		whirlpool junk
by: Anonymous

I have a 5 year old duet. after the first year it started to throw a fault code of the door lock mechanism. I have replaced the lock mechanism every four to six months for the last four years. Now a new mechanism in place and the same error code. This time I don't even get four months of washing for my trouble. To anyone who reads this DON,T!! buy whirlpool products. Kenmore is made by whirlpool.
Sep 08, 2010
Rating
star 		hate it
by: sebrina gilbert

I hate,hate,hate this washer. I have had so much trouble with it the control locked light keeps coming on and locking up everything,I have spent 600.00 to get it fixed and now I can't do my mothers wash for her hospital stay,because it's doing it again.I will never buy another thing from whirlpool I bought this because it was the BEST ,,,,right. I hate it.
Aug 31, 2010
Rating
star 		can never recommend
by: Anonymous

I bought the Duet washer and dryer in Oct 2007. In June, less than 8 months later, the washer would not start. It took 6 weeks and 7 visits from 2 different repairmen to fix it.

In July 2010, the washer stopped working again, it is not even 3 years old. 2 different repairmen have quoted the repairs would cost more than $700.00. What no one tells the consumer is that the machines get mouldy because they don't dry out without opening the door and wiping the inside of the seal. You have to specially clean the inside periodically or your clothes will get the same smell. The clothes get twisted together and wrinkle badly.

I would NEVER recommend this or any other Whirpool products, they are junk.
I would not purchase a front loader until
Mar 13, 2010
Rating
starstar 		beware!
by: Anonymous

I have had the Whirlpool washing machine for a couple of years now and we have had a few problems with it that may be addressed in newer models. Shortly after we had it we had problems with black mildew all over the rubber gasket and inside it. I have scrubbed it with bleach, also used a bathroom cleaner for mildew stains and remover and I have even scrubbed it with a magic eraser bar. I can't even get inside the gasket to clean it very well. I hate pulling out my just washed clothing across the gasket with the mildew all over it to put into the dryer. Also, sometimes it pulls a sewer smell into the house which my husband thinks is because we have a sink in the laundry room. It doesn't do it everytime so I know it is not the mildew problem in the guts of the machine. Also, we have had problems with the handle breaking several times. We had just replaced it and within no time it was broken again. We cannot place anything on top of it because it falls off in the spin cycle. We opted not to get the Duet dryer and I am glad because I would not have a good place to fold clothes or to put hangers if I had a tall dryer too. The spin cycle is so violent it shakes things off the dryer too. The drawer is handy if you keep your floor clean. When I washed a king comforter in it the comforter tore. I thought it was big enough to handle it because my queen comforter washed well in it. Otherwise it is a good washing machine, but with all the mildew I don't feel confident my clothes are as clean as I would like. About a year after I bought it there were cautions all over the internet about this washer. I don't see them now so either people stopped buying it or they made some improvements.
Aug 14, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Wash large loads with ease
by: Anonymous

I would have to say the best thing about this washing machine would be the amount of clothes you can wash at once. I also like how it automatically dispenses the detergent, bleach and fabric softener at the proper times during the wash cycle.

The one thing I don't like about it or would change is that being that its a front-loading washer and some of the loads can get tangled up if not properly loaded.
Aug 14, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Nice and spacious
by: Patrick Zwayze

I purchased a home a few years ago and with it came a Whirlpool Duet HT washing machine. I had never owned a front-loading high efficiency washer, and quickly came to love it. The system makes a bit of strange noise as it clicks, whirls, and then stops for a moment before taking off again. If you’ve never owned one of these before, make sure you use the special “HT” type of detergents (I use Tide) as they are specifically designed for this type of washer.

Our washer came with the pedestal, so loading and unloading clothes from the unit is simple and not as hard on my back.

I would definitely recommend this washer to anyone in the market, there haven’t been any problems 3 years into ownership and my clothes are as clean as ever. The inside compartment is nice and spacious, even though the first time I looked at it I though it was tiny.

To give you an idea I’ve gotten a blanket, sheet, pillow cases and a few towels in the washer without having to over-pack it. I have yet to get the washer off-balance as would happen with my old style washer. It’s nice not having to carefully spread the distribution of clothes in the tub, or running downstairs quickly as you hear the “Bang! Bang! Bang!” coming from the basement. I think I get by with a lot less detergent, and I know I get use a considerable amount less of water with the Duet HT.

When looking for washing machines I think you have to take the environment into consideration, so pay close attention to the energy and water efficiency information that should be available.
The only problem I seem to have with this model is the design of the door. It doesn’t exactly look very appealing; it looks like it belongs on an old boat.

This is only when it’s open, and you see the water and/or residual soap that always seems to cling to the door itself. Closed the unit is very appealing, but as time goes on I find myself always noticing that when I change the laundry.
Aug 14, 2009
Rating
starstar 		tears up my clothes
by: Anonymous

I bought this washing machine when my other on broke. My laundry is very lacking in counter space, so I went for the front loader. I bought this machine from Lowes. I have had this washing machine for maybe 3 years. About the only thing I like about it is the extra counter space it gives me.

There are 3 major things that I dislike about this washing machine 1 it tears up my clothes when it spins them the get all twisted together and ripped up 2 it does have a soak cycle, but it does not soak like a mother of three boys needs to soak. And it always smells moldy no matter how often I wash it out with clorox.

I do not think I would recommend this model, or any front loader for that matter.
Aug 14, 2009
Rating
star 		only lasted six months
by: Morgan

Where you brought the washer from?
*I bought my Whirlpool® 4.0 Cu. Ft. Ultra Capacity Plus Duet™ Washer (Color: White) ENERGY STAR® from LOWES.COM

When did you buy it and how long did you have it?
I bought it in September 2007 and I still have it.. It is still is running great to this say, I am so happy!

Why did you like it and what made it special?
I liked it because its an energy saver, has a great look to it, and it has a very large capacity.. Great for my whole family (with 2 kids and a husband, we go through A LOT and I mean A LOT of laundry!!!

Tell us about your experience with it - was it reliable? how did it wash? would you recommend it?
So far this has been the best washer I have had yet! Not a single complaint!

Can you compare it to another machine?
I can compare it to an old Maytag model I had before this one, which was half the size and didn't agitate well. My last washer I had only lasted 6 months (well I bought it used) and then died!! I couldn’t believe it..
Aug 14, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Found it quieter with large loads
by: James V. Reagan

We moved into our current house three years ago, and it came with a 3.1 cubit foot, front loading kenmore washer. After about a year (it had intermittent problems), we replaced it with a Whirlpool Duet HT we found on sale at a local appliance store, along with accompanying dryer. We couldn't be happier with our purchase!

First, the larger Duet is quieter than our smaller Kenmore. Our laundry room is on the upper level of our house, and the Kenmore would shake the house during certain cycles. No shaking at all from the Duet.

Second, we are now actually able to get stains out of our clothes! I do a lot of outdoor activities, and the Duet was able to get years-old dirt and grass stains out of my clothes. Not sure if its the Duet or the HE Tide detergent we use, but either way our clothers are better off.

Third, the large load cycles really help. A normal laundry day would be seven loads for us, now its down to three. Doesn't decrease the number of clothes we wash, but definitely saves the amount of time transfering clothes and checking on the washer/dryer.

Overall an excellent purchase, and we highly recommend.
Jul 18, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Never needed service after four years
by: Kacey

We built our home 4 years ago and decided to purchase all new appliances. After much research, we chose the Whirlpool Duet. At that time, we did not know anyone who owned this combo, so our decision was based solely on various consumer reports.

One of the features I most enjoy is the wide range of washing options. This machine has everything from a quick wash to a sanitary cycle. Any family that has ever used cloth diapers can appreciate the convenience of the sanitary cycle!

It has worked wonders on multiple offenders over the years, from kitchen grease to grass stains to workout clothes. And the quick cycle is perfectly efficient for those clothes that aren’t quite clean enough to put away but aren’t dirty enough to waste the time and water on a regular cycle.

Pro #2: The dryer has multiple drying cycles, including a manual, timed dry. This is great for synthetic fabrics that can’t withstand the long, high heat drying process. Our model also came with a sweater rack, which when inserted does not permit the drum to tumble. This has saved us a lot of money on dry cleaning.

One of the biggest drawbacks to this set is that the washer is loud and it vibrates like crazy in the spin cycle. If storing detergent and fabric softener on top of the unit, be prepared to find them on the floor at the end of the cycle. At first we thought the unit wasn’t balanced, but it is, it just shakes and rattles.

The good news is, the clothes are slightly more than damp after this intense spinning which makes for less drying time. The second con is a bit hard to articulate. There is a bit of a gap between the seal and the drum, in which small items get caught.

Particularly common items to find are socks, undergarments, small children’s clothing, etc. If you don’t remember to check this area, there is the potential for leaks.

It is also extremely important to run the sanitary cycle once a month with Whirlpool Affresh cleansing tablets. Otherwise the drum retains an odor that transfers to the clothes.

All in all, we are satisfied with these machines, and after 4 years of hard use they have never needed service. Rating: 4
Jul 16, 2009
Rating
star 		It fel apart
by: Anonymous

I have a whirlpool duet washer that is not even 3 years old yet and has fallen apart. I just got the repair estimate. It's $920.00.

That's more than I paid for it less than 3 years ago. I am very disappointed because it was very highly rated by CR at the time I bought it. I never thought I would be replacing this expensive appliance in less than 3 years.

I found a LG on sale at Sears and that is what I am replacing it with. A friend of mine has had a LG front loader for 7 years and has not had any problems with it.
Mar 05, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Very quiet
by: Anonymous

This model has several controls to maximize the cleanliness of your clothes. It operates very quietly and has a convenient front loading feature. This unit minimizes the use of water and works best with ultra detergents. The model has a modern look and comes in several colors to complement your home's deco
Feb 15, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		very quiet - very happy
by: Anonymous

My husband and I recently purchased this washing machine, and we couldn't be happier with it. It's certainly the nicest washer I've ever used. The front-load style allows us to wash large loads in less water than traditional top-load machines, and it uses less detergent as well. This machine is faster, as well. It calculates time needed for each load, and saves on many loads.

The controls are highly customizable, and incredibly user-friendly. Even my husband can't ruin any laundry! Because the machine has no agitator, clothes won't stretch or warp.
The hand wash cycle has been a lifesaver. It's so gentle I was able to wash a sequined silk skirt safely. I used to dry clean that same skirt. I use the hand wash cycle on delicates that I used to wash in the sink.

The machine runs so quietly, you can barely tell it's running. This is especially amazing, given it's high rpm speed and its efficiency.
It may be a little silly, but I also love the cheery noises the machine makes. All button presses and alarms are pleasant, not the loud, annoying buzzers of many washers. The volume is fully adjustable, too.

We purchased our machine for $800. Though that is a bit steep for a washer, I found it to be well worth the price, and we will continue to use this machine for many years into the future.
Feb 11, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Saves on water
by: Anonymous

The great part is that this washer does not use as much water as some of its competitors but the bad part is that it simply does not have as much capacity as a greater gallon per wash machine. This means that I am limited to a few small loads instead of getting it all done in one. So this changed my washing habits to work on washing more than once a week.
Feb 11, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Spin cycle gets loud
by: Chris H.

I've owned my Whirlpool duet for several years now, and it's provided me nothing but amazing service. When it was first installed, I was in awe of its size - it's pretty big. It's a front-loading machine, so it has a large see-through window on the front door, which is handy for seeing the status of the clothing being washed.

My favorite feature is the timer for estimating time remaining. It really helps me in my crazy life because I can run down to the basement, look to see how long my laundry has, and if it needs another hour or so, i can go grocery shopping without leaving my delicates to get damaged by sitting in the machine. It uses a soil sensor in the washing machine itself, which makes the time remaining more accurate, and so it also always cleans clothes fully. I was completely covered in mud one day after getting back from work, but I just threw my clothes in the machine and it cleaned them no problem (Just took a little longer than usual).

In addition, this washing machine has a tray for loading bleach, detergent, and any other wash agent that could possibly be added. I always used to eyeball how much cleaner I was adding, but having a measuring cup for more accurate measurements is a really great thing.

The machine gets loud, though. When it's washing laundry, it's not loud at all, but the last ten minutes or so of the cycle is a spin period. The machine is really powerful, so the spin cycle becomes really fast near the end. The first time it spun up to full speed, I was freaked out, because it spins so fast that it shakes the entire house. Next time I ran a load, I watched it spin, and it has reason for shaking the house. When clothes come out of the machine, they're very dry, which leaves less water for the dryer to remove.

One thing I don't like about it is the control method. It has a number of presets, and I've actually found that some, like 'Whitest whites', are the best setting for other types of clothing too. This means the washer has a learning curve, but it's not too steep, and it's far outweighed by the positives.

This is a superb machine - I would give it 4.5/5 stars.

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