Whirpool WFW97HEXL Front-Loading Washing Machine 4.3 cu ft
Sixth Sense Technology, Energy Star
This is a 4.3 cu ft cubic feet front-loading washing machine that is Energy Star-rated and CEE Tier III-qualified. It is programmed with the Sixth Sense Technology and has a total of 26 wash cycles. The washer’s water temperature is regulated by the Care Control Temperature Management.
Best
Average
Poor
Capacity: 4.3
Cycles: 12
Price Level
$312
Per Cu Ft
MEF Energy Factor
3
Mef
Green Rating
4.9
stars
Yearly Energy Cost
16
Price
Premium Features
6
out of 8
Washer Highlights
Interior Features
Its 26 total wash cycles include the Whitest Whites, Delicates, Normal and Bulky Items cycles. The washer itself can be cleaned and sanitized with Affresh washer cleaner by using the Clean Washer program. An optional Extra Rinse is also an added feature.
The washer’s Direct Inject Wash System helps in eliminating stain by pre-treating the garments before the wash cycle starts. By rocking the drum instead of spinning it, hand-washing is simulated for extra-care cycles. The washer’s Care Control Temperature Management adjusts the water temperature accordingly.
Sixth Sense Technology assesses the size of the load and decides the amount of water needed for it. The water level is regulated, thus water wastage is minimal. The sensor also keeps the detergent’s efficacy by slowly increasing the water temperature.
Exterior Features
It's control panel is equipped with digital buttons and knobs for easy cycle programming. It has a wide LCD display which allows monitoring of the cycle’s estimated remaining time.
It's Stackable and can be placed on top of an optional pedestal. Its compact 27-inch wide body allows easy installation in tiny laundry areas. It is compatible with the Laundry 1-2-3 Worksurface, which is ideal for sorting dirty laundry or folding freshly-washed garments.
The Lunar Silver drawer pedestal is available to elevate the washing machine unit for a more relaxed height. It also provides extra storage space for clothes washing necessities.
Price History »
How does this washer stand out? »
Whirlpool has discontinued manufacturing this model but some are still left in circulation to buy due to terrible consumer biteback. Some premium features which come on its replacements, the WFW96HEAU / WFW94HEAC & WFW88HEAC, can’t be identified in this model.
These are the active spray technology and adaptive wash system. The beautiful color LCD display was taken out of the three replacement models. This washer also has 4 hour more in the fan fresh option, for a total of 16 hours, and also a feature called “cradle clean technology” which starts to rock the drum instead of spinning it. Because of the absence of this technology it this washers replacements, I think this could have had something to do with withdrawing it from the market.
Cradle clean technology is supposed to have the same effect as gentle hand-washing. It also has an extra temperature setting, and a huge delay start option of 18 hours (compared with 12 hours on the WFW96HEAU). It still has the same amount of cycles, and is the same size.
Advantages
Clothes are pre-treated before the actual washing by the unit’s Direct Inject Wash System.
The stainless steel drum prevents odor and rust build-up.
Water temperature is adjusted to reach the desired level needed to dissolve detergents.
Comforters, pillows and down jackets fit easily inside the washer’s 5.0 cubic feet drum.
The Quick Wash cycle cleans and spins clothes in less time.
The Add-A-Garment Indicator Light reminds the user to add any forgotten articles.
Rated with Energy Star and CEE Tier III Qualification, this unit features more savings in both energy and water consumption.
Disadvantages
Because the washer is not fitted with a reversible door, laundry room add-ons are limited.
Cleaning is more difficult since the washer does not have a self-cleaning lint filter.
Consumer Opinions »
Pros "heavy soiled clothes come out great" "spins out most of the water" "totaly dry clothes after leaving in washer for a few hours" "softest sheets i ever had"
This machine it terrible, it seems no matter what cycle I try the water level is the same, which is hardly any at all. how do they expect to get cloths clean with no water. I just put a load on heavy duty cycle to see if that made a difference & it did not, not only that the rinse cycle does not get the soap out, I had to do an extra rinse so the total took 2 hours how is that saving energy. I was so excited when I finally got my new machine (almost a 5 month wait) & now I wish I never bought it...
Dec 02, 2012 Rating
not happy by: Anonymous
after 18 years of maytag I thought it was time for a new set so decided to purchase the Duet. I loved the idea of frontload thinking it would clean great, sadly mistaken, I did wash after wash and noticed the cloths were not getting clean, whites and off whites were dull and simple stains were not being removed. I noticed there was hardly any water, actually next to none. have had the techs out 4 or 5 times, once when I was cleaning the machine (which by the way is the only time it fills with water) the hose was kinked and flooded my laundry room. I asked how much water is suppose to fill each cycle but have not got a response. I just put in a load for heavy duty and checked the clothes to see how wet they were you could barely squeeze out any water...which I never bought it and if I can will return it
