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Whirlpool WFW9470WW Duet front load Washer

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  Quick Specs  
Style: front loading, white, LED display, 3 dispensers,
Cleaning: 1300 rpm, 4.5 cu ft, 4 temperatures
Cycles: 12
Features: 12 hour delay start, fanfresh circulates air for fresh clothes, estimated time, add a garment

fast spinning washing machine

Discontinued

See the WFW9550WL instead

With many of the qualities that have made Whirlpool an outstanding name in the washing machine market, this front-loading washer can easily handle tough, heavy, and large loads. Its attractive white exterior houses a mean, heavy-duty cleaning machine.

Key features

  • A 4.5 cubic feet capacity allows you to wash very large loads.
  • Multiple cycle options enable you to wash any kind of garment. The Heavy Duty cycle launders even the toughest, thickest fabrics. The Hand Wash cycle is gentle enough to wash garments that are labelled hand wash only. Other clothes can be washed using the Delicates or the Normal cycle. The Whitest Whites cycle delivers just what its name suggests: truly white clothes that look practically brand new. The Quick Wash cycle allows you to launder small loads quickly. Even comforters, quilts, and similar items can be thoroughly cleaned using the Bulky Items cycle.
  • The Direct Inject Wash system gets rid of stubborn stains, even without pretreating.
  • Clothes are kept clean and fresh smelling even when left inside the machine after a wash cycle, thanks to the FanFresh feature. This feature keeps the inside of the washer ventilated for up to ten hours, allowing you to unload your clothes at your convenience.
  • A standard of many Whirlpool washing machines, 6th Sense Technology ensures the right amount and temperature of water for every load placed inside.
  • Clean Washer Cycle with Affresh cleans the interior of the washing machine with minimal effort on your part.
  • A delay feature of up to ten hours allows you to select the time when doing the laundry will be most convenient for you.
  • Smooth Spin Technology reduces vibration and movement of the washing machine. Coupled with the Quiet Wash Noise Reduction System, any unpleasant or troublesome sounds are almost completely eliminated.
  • The washer?s door locks automatically once a cycle starts, preventing accidents and spillage.
  • This washing machine is Energy Star and CEE Tier III qualified, which means reduced energy consumption and costs.

    Advantages

  • The large capacity and versatility of this washing machine make it ideal for large households.
  • Even a huge amount and variety of laundry can easily be laundered with this washer.
  • Its features also save you time, energy, and money.

    Disadvantages

  • However, like other similar Whirlpool models, some customers may find its price a little too hefty for their budget. The WFW9470WW?s prices range from US$900-1300.

    Consumer Opinions

    Pros

  • Convenience: the delay feature and FanFresh feature allow you to start and unload your laundry at the time that is most suitable for you
  • Performance: tough stains are removed even without additional pre-treatment. Clothes are clean and bright without being damaged
  • Efficiency: the Energy Star and CEE Tier III qualifications assure you that this is one of the most energy-efficient washers available. Water and detergent consumption are also optimized, so you get the cleanest possible clothes while using the least amount of water and laundry products

    Cons

  • Expensive
  • May not be worth the price



  • Comments for Whirlpool WFW9470WW Duet front load Washer

    Average Rating starstar

    Click here to add your own comments

    Jun 10, 2018
    Rating
    starstarstarstarstar
    Outstanding NEW
    by: Sharie

    Bought our set in 2001. Still using now. One minor repair to the dryer and one to the washer, neither costing more than $100. Absolutely love them! Will purchase another set when these finally quit running, but so far I've gotten 17 years out of them and they are still going strong!

    Nov 12, 2013
    Rating
    starstarstarstarstar
    Worked Fine
    by: Anonymous

    Bought the Duet washer/dryer set in 2001. Just replacing them now, in 2013 -- family of five, zillions of loads of wash have been done over the 12 years... had to have it serviced a few times, but never costing us more than say $40 to $100. I will say that over the past six months have we noticed (occasionally) that (mostly) T-shirts were ripped, not sure exactly why, and the dryer started running very hot. Also, for the past six to 12 months we could only run the washer on one setting, but it was the setting we normally use anyway. We DEFINITELY had no problems for the most part with these machines, and we ABSOLUTELY got our money's worth AND THEN SOME. I am surprised to read so many negative comments, because we had great luck with ours, and I'd have to say ours was OVER-used/beat to death.

    Dec 13, 2012
    Rating
    star
    JUNK! DO NOT BUY!
    by: Anonymous

    I bought the Duet set 21 months ago and the washer has burned the MCU board out nearly starting a fire. At a price of 350 for a new board if you install yourself. Installed the new board and washer now runs but will not high spin spin leaving clothes soaked, don't know if I want to spend anymore money on such JUNK!

    Oct 14, 2012
    Rating
    star
    Loud spin cycle
    by: Anonymous

    After reading the reviews I'm worried. My wife and I bought the WFW9470 washer (and the matching dryer). They have been in service for a little over a year and so far they both work well. No ripping of clothes as reported by others.

    But when the washer spins, you would swear it is a jet engine revving up in the laundry room. No clunking sounds like others report, just a loud roar. So loud that we have to shut the doors between the machine and the living room and crank the volume on the TV if we want to hear it while a load is going. I always run it on the lower spin speed, which helps. The loudness hasn't increased or changed over the year and it was loud like this from the very first load of laundry we washed in it. I just figured that was normal (and who knows, maybe it is).

    We have an opportunity to buy extended warranty coverage. Decided to see if other report a loud spin as that would be comforting to know that this is normal. But then I read all of these negative reports! Maybe I should by the extended coverage for the washing machine.

    Oct 14, 2012
    Rating
    star
    Bad investment
    by: Anonymous

    My son bought a whirlpool duet washer and dryer about 14 months ago he didnt have enough on his credit card to get the warrenty,This set has had many probblems including the clothes not washing through the cycle,the rubber boot has been changed 2x it has wholes getting in it some how the machine has grease that just appears on our clothes and it some how has been ripping our clothes I have lost so many clothes my kids are scared to put there new clothes in it in case it will ruin them we dont know what to do the place we bought the rubber boot said they will not replace it a third time it cost 125.00 for the boot so we are afraid to use it again after replaceing the boot. The company is a real piece of work they want nothing to do with helping the probblem.this is a bad investment.

    Sep 04, 2012
    Rating
    star
    Defective
    by: Anonymous

    After less than 3 years, the basin has broken from normal use. A service tech from a local service store said this is a common problem with this washer. Junk! Stay away.

    Jul 31, 2012
    Rating
    star
    This machine costed me thousands in ripped clothing!!
    by: Anonymous

    This machine ripped my clothing when it was brand new. After using it the first few times.... What are they doing wrong????? Now after 1 1/2 years of heartache the tub and shocks went.... i thinK a lawsuit is the perfect solution.

    Jun 04, 2012
    Rating
    star
    Mechanical Failure
    by: O.G. Raskal

    Horizontal axis bearing failed 13 months into a 12 month warranty. Estimated cost of repair is $1300.00. I expected better from a machine manufactured in Germany. I'll never buy another Whirlpool appliance.

    Apr 23, 2012
    Rating
    star
    WHIRLPOOL DUET DESTROYS LAUNDRY
    by: Anonymous

    What a POS! I am absolutely over-the-top furious with the past 3 years of torn laundry, repairs/replacing the drum & just about everything else on this machine to stop the ripping of clothing. Whirlpool pawns me off on A&E, A&E pawns me off on Whirlpool. I cannot say it loudly enough - DO NOT BUY WHIRLPOOL FRONT LOADERS - I have spent more money replacing torn sheets, towels, blankets, blouses than I spent on this over-priced washer! Now it destroyed my favorite blouse in the delicate cycle!!

    Jan 10, 2012
    Rating
    star
    Screwed
    by: FaxDr.

    I wasted $700 on this machine.
    2 years old and broken tub.
    I hate lawsuits, but this one is going to change my mind

    Dec 12, 2011
    Rating
    star
    Piece of Junk
    by: Anonymous

    Bought A Duet set in 2007. Had to have the Washer replaced the first year.The bearing went out. Waited 6 weeks for the part and finally told whirlpool that it smelled like something was burning.They got me a brand new machine the following week. The part did show up the day the new washer showed up. They never asked for it back so I do have an extra drum. Now it flashes code F-20. $350.00 for a damn board. Went out and bought a new top load with 5 year warranty. I will never buy/recomend and will tell everyone Whirlpool sucks. Probably made in Cina!!

    Dec 03, 2011
    Rating
    star
    Never again Whirlpool
    by: Grunf

    Bought washer/dryer 16 months ago. 8 months later a sock got stuck between inner/outer drum, plugging water/soap input and causing water leak. 5 months later, drum out of balanced, banged at soap dispenser and cracked it, Repairman couldn't figure the problem, recommended small loads. I got Whirlpool oven at the same time, 16 months later while baking ribs, top burners decided to create little hell by going full blast. Any time oven was turned, head would go max, faster than rapid heat option. I reset controls and checked heat sensor, and now the oven is working again but no guaranty it won't happen again, huge potential for fire/burn hazard.

    Do I need to say I'll never buy Whirlpool product again?

    Jul 26, 2011
    Rating
    star
    piece of junk
    by: Anonymous

    We are having the same problems. Our washer is less than 3 years old and it won't finish the cycle - seems to be stuck in the spin. Makes all kinds of weird noises and the clothes are soaking wet when it turns off. It will take a lot of money to replace the parts... thinking of going back to a top-loader and it won't be whirlpool!

    Jul 21, 2011
    Rating
    starstar
    F20 Error Code
    by: Anonymous

    repairman out twice and still not fixed
    google f20 error for whirlpool and it will take a day of reading the numerous problems
    never worked as well as the commercial says

    Jul 19, 2011
    Rating
    star
    Grrrr!!!!
    by: sunshine5300

    We have had our Whirlpool Duet for 2 1/2 years. It recently started making a wierd, loud sound when spinning and our clothes come out soaking wet (even after multiple "drain & spins"). Mr. Repairman came out today. Like many others here, the bearing has gone out. It will be at least $650 to fix it. Do I want to sink $650 into a product the manufacturer won't back? NO! Moving back to a top loader. Don't take a chance with this washer. It is horrible!

    Jun 16, 2011
    Rating
    starstarstarstarstar
    Take Some Look at the Comments befor you Print them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    by: Mike

    Great washer have had no problems LOVE IT!

    Mar 21, 2011
    Rating
    star
    Brand new out of the box
    by: Anonymous

    just purchased a matching set front load duet mdl 9470. first attempt to wash a load of laundry. 10 mins in I get a F20 error code. The manual has us look at the water lines to make sure they're in good shape, no kinks, etc. Well of course they should be good they came with the washer. I tried the washer in all three modes, Hot, Warm, and Cold all resulting in the same F20 code. I did a drain and spin to get the current clothes in dryer safe mode. I than ran another wash cycle with no clothes. It goes through all the stages just fine. No codes. No issues. I then put another load in and back to the F20 error.

    I didn't spend 700 dollars on a washer to be crap right out of the box. I'm not about to start tearing it apart either. What a waste of time and money.

    Feb 22, 2011
    Rating
    star
    Whirlpool WFW9470WW Duet Washer
    by: Bill

    We have a 2008 washer and the main bearing is going out like many others. I found out that the $20-30 bearing is built into the drum and the whole drum needs to be replaced at a cost of $450.00 just for the part. An additional $200.00 to replace the bad $20-30 bearing that is attached to the $425.00 drum! I also contacted Whirlpool and told them I was very unhappy about this design flaw. Just like most of you, no support from them. I am a maintenance tech and plan on taking the machine apart and see if there is a way I can replace the bearing alone. If I am successful, I may start doing service calls on these cheaply made machines!

    Jan 31, 2011
    Rating
    starstar
    6 yrs 1st repair no point in fixing.
    by: Anonymous

    asking for a reliable washer is apparently too much nowadays because my wife and I bought a duet new and paid a mint for it, expecting 20 years before replacing... we got 6 & now it's coding and failing.

    service guy says it'll cost $400 in parts and we're on the verge of buying more parts so don't bother.

    angered and frustrated by this, when I was single I had an apartment sized washer, I tossed clothing in washed it on cold, threw it into the dryer pulled it out and went about my day never really wondering if it was going to fail.

    Jan 28, 2011
    Rating
    star
    frustrated and furious with Whirlpool duet
    by: Anonymous

    I bought a the matching washer and dryer duet in May 2009. I bought the extended warranty, also. the washer is making loud noise when spinning. The repairman said the drum was bad and needed replaced. The Lowes warranty co will not pay for the repair. They say it is still working and until the part, fails it will not pay. in my opinion the part has failed because it is not working as good as before. I say shame on Whirlpool and shame for Lowes for deceiving customers. by far the worse appliance I have owned.

    Jan 28, 2011
    Rating
    star
    Don't waste your money
    by: Tim in Kenmore

    I always take online reviews with a grain a of salt, but it's no coincidence this washer consistently receives so many bad reviews.

    I had mine less than two years when a bearing went bad on it. The bearing is molded into the rear tub and the spinner which is molded into the spin basket. It all has to be replaced. It would cost $1,400 to fix a machine I paid $820 for. At this point we are considering going back to a top loader.

    The appliance store and Whirlpool do not back the products they sell.

    Jan 23, 2011
    Rating
    starstarstarstarstar
    Everything is not perfect
    by: Anonymous

    Just wanted to say that these are awesome washers and just because a specific model had issues, not all are bad. I have had horrible issues with my kenmore, but I would consider another one if it met my needs.

    Jan 15, 2011
    Rating
    star
    Whirl pool duet
    by: Anonymous

    less then 3 years old has broken 4 times piece of junk

    Dec 09, 2010
    Rating
    star
    Deut owner
    by: Anonymous

    Total Garbage >>> in less than two years it was howling. a few months later it destroyed itself. repair is 350 for just parts.

    Dec 03, 2010
    Rating
    star
    Brand new and broke
    by: Anonymous

    I just got this washer last week. I used it 5x in one day because I was going on vacation the next day. I come back after 4 days and it won't even turn on. I could not believe it. I think I will be returning this one before the 30 day policy expires. The only good thing is that the repair guy is coming out today to hopefully fix it. But I am worried I didn't buy the extended warrenty. Need to look in to it again.

    Oct 22, 2010
    Rating
    star
    It has a multi-purpose mode ...
    by: Anonymous

    I wash my veggies in it and they smell and taste great. The steam cycle is perfect for broccoli.
    If you rinse, the discharge can be used in your juicer, it has all the vitamins!

    Oct 22, 2010
    Rating
    starstarstarstarstar
    Amazing Piece Of Machinery
    by: John Tudor

    We had the modelWFW 9470WL and it works just amazing for the last 3 years.Performance and durability is superb.

    Oct 10, 2010
    Rating
    star
    Works great until it breaks - BUY WARRANTY
    by: Anonymous

    This worked great for 3 years, then broke down. It took the warranty company 5 trips and 6 weeks to get it working. Working great again, hopefully for a long time. The repair would've cost more than I paid for the machine brand new if I didn't have a warranty. I WOULD NOT recommend this machine.

    Oct 06, 2010
    Rating
    star
    Very unhappy
    by: Anonymous

    I'm on my second service call in two years. Cost to repair this time is $500. Will not repair will replace with different brand. What a disappointment after spending all that money.

    Sep 14, 2010
    Rating
    star
    Duet front Loader washer- horrible
    by: Maggie

    We have this machine for less than 2 years, whole computer and interface is shot.. I had my old machine(maytag) for over 20 years.. Whirlpool will not address the problems or admit this machine is a piece of garbage.. Sorry I spent the money on it and now either have to buy a new machine or sprend 400-600 on a repair...
    worse machine ever.

    Sep 08, 2010
    Rating
    star
    Whirlpool Duet Frontloading Washer - JUNK
    by: Anonymous

    We have had this machine for about 2 years and starting getting the F22 code (door lock problems). The repairman said Whirlpool recommends changing out BOTH the locking mechanism AND the computer control unit. This will cost me 350-400 dollars!!! Which happens to be about the price of a top loading washer (maybe a few bucks more)

    Are you serious??? 2 years and $400 repair!!!! The first washer i bought (top loaded) lasted 19 years and I finally had to replace it because the basket rusted out (GE Brand)... The next was a Maytag top loader and it lasted 15-16 years.

    I WILL NOT PAY ALMOST 1/2 THE COST OF THIS MACHINE TO REPAIR IT... IT IS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD...

    Aug 30, 2010
    Rating
    star
    My 2nd Duet Washer is a Lemon
    by: Upset Duet Owner

    I purchased a Whirlpool Duet Washer in FE9200LW in 2001. We never had any problems with this washer and I loved it. Just two weeks ago, it would not drain water. After much ado I was told the electrical board was bad. So, I purchased the Whirlpool WFW9470WW. It works great, unless I want to wash a load on "heavy" setting. It does not fully spin out the water and the towels are quite wet. A repairman came out and ran diagnostics. He found no errors. His suggestion was that we either do not rinse our bodies properly after showering and have soap residue in our towels, or I should just run the spin cycle an extra time. SERIOUSLY!?! I called Whirlpool and was told this washer has sensor issues and sometimes no error code shows up, but the sensor "says too much soap" even when there is not and put in extra water. I had the Whirlpool rep get on line with the local dealer I bought this washer from. She told the service dept. what she told me and suggested they replace the washer. Long story short Customer Care at Whirlpool refuses to replace the washer. The local appliance store said they cannot find an error during diagnostics and are trying to figure out what sensor to order, but not having luck. They said they have no idea what to do for me. So, I have a brand new Duet washer with a 5 year extended warranty, that does not drain clothes from time to time. I am told to run the spin cycle a 2nd time. Not convenient. I am sorry I paid cash, because I cannot even get a credit card company to put this purchase on dispute. What a LEMON, and I cannot make LEMONADE out of this sour deal.

    Aug 22, 2010
    Rating
    star
    Rip Off! Whirlpool Duet front loader
    by: Anonymous

    Bearing went bad before one year. Came out to fix. Would have cost $1200 if not under warranty. Bought extended warrranty thank goodness. It is shaking again and making noise. Needs to be repaired again within one year! Service tech said you can't fill the washer too full. I believe it is called a large capacity washer!!! How much water will I really be saving if I have to do twice as many loads because I canonly fill my washer half full? I want to return them and get top loader.

    Aug 17, 2010
    Rating
    starstar
    Need an extended warranty w/ this one!!!!!!
    by: HLG

    We bought a Whirlpool Duet HT (model # GHW9250MLO) washer and dryer set in 2005. Luckily we recieved a free additional 5 year extended warranty with the set. The washer cleaned a huge amount of clothes at one time, but the repairs we have needed would have outraged us if we had had to pay for them ourselves- the extended warranty covered everything. Our warranty is now up and after sinking $200 into a repair, and now having another repair needed, we have finally decided to ditch the washer and buy a new top load. The problems we had were: knobs breaking, clothes getting caught between the basket and the rubber boot-twisting and having holes rubbed through them- we 've had lots of clothes ruined this way; the belt came off track and rubbed a hole in the actual inner tub which leaked and was replaced. The first replacement was damaged in shipping which they did'nt catch until at our house. The rubber boot ripped twice; the spring band that holds the rubber boot loosened and came off twice-the second time it damaged the door lock-which is where we are now: front washer panel on the floor so we can get our clothes out, and a dead washer! We will get a top load this time. A front load washer cleans a lot of clothes at once, but this washer could'nt take it.

    Jul 19, 2010
    Rating
    star
    Ripped Off and Burning Mad in Ohio!
    by: S. Willis

    I bought the Duet front load washer in 2007 - WFW9200SQ02 and I use it very infqently as its for a second residence that I own so its probably had about 50 loads thus far. I've already had to call for service yesterday as it would not start and after calling the Whirlpool hotline they told me that the electrical mechanism had died and I would have to call a service person. I want to know why I spent $1,000 on a machine that has problems after such a short amount of use and ironically my sister has the same machine and had to call for service after only 3 years also! I woud never recommend this washer to anyone and I'm furious that I spent so much on a piece of junk!!

    Jul 14, 2010
    Rating
    starstarstarstar
    Smell in washer tub
    by: Anonymous

    Love my duet front load washer and dryer, cleans great, however when door is closed and no laundry inside it get a mildued smell, when opened. I have tried wipeing down with bleach, around large gaskett, but smell is still there?????

    Jul 05, 2010
    Rating
    star
    Expensive junk
    by: Fccaplan

    Very poor machinery from a company that does not even respond to complaints.washer gets choked up with lint that requires you to dissasemble to fix. co will not even resound to complaints..
    No more machinery from this company

    Jun 05, 2010
    Rating
    star
    Not impressed
    by: Anonymous

    Washer is horribly loud and getting louder. Grinds and screeches during the spin cycle. It probably will be dead in short time.

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