LG 4.5 Cu. Ft. High-Efficiency Stackable Smart Front Load Washer with Steam and Built-In Intelligence White WM4000HWA - Best Buy (original) (raw)

I've been interested in washing machines since I was bout 3 or 4. From my grandmothers old washer with a wringer attached to the new machines with sensors and electronic controls. I bought this as part of a set to replace our 20+ year old set which was still working well while the new ones were on sale. If anything broke on the old machines the parts were mostly "NLA" and the new ones probably would not be on sale at that time. We have had this washer about 3 months and this is our second front loader. The different cycles are handy. Originally, I thought that all those choices were silly. I had alway selected the basic wash cycle, adjusted the wash time, the spin speed and wash temperature. Now, one selection can do all of that. Depending on the load, I sometimes need to select"Cold Wash". I like the one-button selection for "Cold Wash" and the button for extra rinse(s). I didn't pay attention at first, but I recently realized up to 3 extra rinses can be selected, not just 1. I have used the Prewash cycle a few times on especially dirty items, along with an extra rinse to be sure they were rinsed thoroughly. The clothes came out bright and clean, even using the cold water wash. I have used the steam function a few times and it seems to help clean. We have a couple old, white bed pads that we lay on the floor near the back door or outside for the dog. They had developed stains in the center. When I first washed them in the new washer, the stains were gone, but I thought that it looked like the white bed pads had a slightly yellow hue to them. I washed them a couple more times when they had become dirty and hoped to see an improvement. I tried warm water and hot water and finally used steam. The steam brightened them up. In my opinion, that was a pretty tough test. Old dirty, white bed pads can be hard to get totally clean looking. I like the WiFi feature that, in conjunction with the LG app, sends an alert to the cell phone and even the LG television when the load is done! I also like that LG installed a drain hose for the pump filter. Our previous front loader did not have that. The washer nad dryer are in a small utility room with no floor drain. I would have to drag the washer to face out the door to the back porch, then open the pump filter and let it drain onto the porch. After checking and cleaning, I had to put the cap back in, put the front panel back on and drag the washer back into place. I say all of that so those who have never had a front load washer before can appreciate what LG has done with the flip up access door and drain hose. The LG washer is much, much quieter than our previous washer, which was quieter than the top loader that it replaced. It sits on a wood floor, above the ground and I often don't know if it is running unless I look at it (from about 25 ft. away) or I am close to it. No more rumbling and shaking of the house on spin cycles. We have a queen size bed and as large as our previous washer was, we could only 1 bed pad with maybe 1 sheet or 1 comforter at a time. This washer will handle 3 bed pads or a comforter and a bed pad with ease. According to LG, it can handle a King size comforter. Ok, if you have made it this far ... it does a good job cleaning clothes, has lots of cycles to help determine what is best for the load that is being washed, it is quiet and the WiFi feature with the app. is cool. It will even notify you if you are away from home if your phone has access to the Internet. And there is the way that it holds the door open slightly to allow air in to dry the interior. Following the suggestion in another review, I wipe down the gasket, glass and inside of the door when I am through washing for the day. I forgot to mention the size. Our house was built in the late 50's. The utility room was designed for a top loading washer. The front loaders can be a little bit larger.The space is limited by a door that swings across in front of the washer. at the left corner where the dispenser door is located` I had to be careful of the dimensions of the washer. This washer fits the space with enough clearance that I can pull the dispenser door out a little bit to allow it to air dry without the door hitting it. Based on my many years of experience with washers (and dryers), the design of this washer was well thought out. I will give it 5 stars for now. I can't speak to reliability yet. Because of all of the electronics, I purchased an extended warranty. I had a circuit board go out on the previous washer and that was covered by an extended warranty. The replacement would have cost more than the extended warranty did. That was the only service call for that washer and drier for over 20 years. LG is supposed to be very reliable, but even their equipment breaks done. Just something to consider.