Whirlpool Duet Clothes Washer Review and Buying Guide

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White Front Load Washing Machines
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The Whirlpool Duet clothes washer is a top-of-the-line appliance that's known for its reliability and efficiency. It's available in a range of sizes, from compact to extra-large, to fit any laundry room.

The Whirlpool Duet's advanced features include a 6th Sense Stain Removal system, which uses sensors to detect and remove tough stains. This system is particularly effective at removing food and grass stains.

One of the standout features of the Whirlpool Duet is its quiet operation. It's designed to run at a low decibel level, making it perfect for households with multiple people or for those who do laundry late at night.

Performance and Features

The Whirlpool Duet clothes washer is a top-notch appliance that delivers impressive performance and features. It has a 4.3 cu. ft. capacity, making it perfect for large families.

This washer is designed to handle tough stains with ease, thanks to its advanced stain-fighting technology. The Duet's advanced wash system uses a combination of hot water and a powerful cleaning agent to remove even the toughest stains.

With its 10 wash cycles, you can choose the perfect cycle for your dirty laundry. From delicate to heavy-duty, the Whirlpool Duet has got you covered.

Performance & Features

Fabrics Inside Automatic Washing Machine
Credit: pexels.com, Fabrics Inside Automatic Washing Machine

The Duet washer offers a range of performance-enhancing features that make laundry day a breeze. It has a special cycle for jeans, which is perfect for keeping your favorite pants in great condition.

The washer also features a delicate cycle, ideal for washing items that need a little extra care. This includes lingerie, silk, and other delicate fabrics.

If you have a lot of bulky items to wash, such as comforters or towels, the Duet washer has a cycle designed specifically for them. This ensures they get the cleaning they need without getting tangled or damaged.

For households with allergy sufferers, the Allergen cycle is a game-changer. It's designed to remove allergens and irritants from fabrics, making it perfect for washing dog beds and bedding.

The hand wash cycle is a great feature for those who normally hand wash some of their laundry. It eliminates the need for manual washing, saving you time and effort.

For another approach, see: How to Wash Dark Clothes in Washer

Cleaning Performance

A Man Waiting of his Clothes while Washing Inside the Machine
Credit: pexels.com, A Man Waiting of his Clothes while Washing Inside the Machine

The WFW72HEDW washer offers average cleaning performance, but it does have some standout cycles. Heavy Duty is the best cycle, cleaning 8% more stains than Normal.

Each cycle takes a reasonable amount of time, with Normal clocking in at 45 minutes and Heavy Duty requiring 1 hour 9 minutes. Delicates needed 32 minutes to finish.

Heavy Duty outperformed Normal by 12% in cleaning performance, but took 1 hour 20 minutes to complete. Quick Wash, on the other hand, took only 26 minutes, but suffered a 2.5% loss in effectiveness.

The Whites cycle is a highlight, scoring high marks against blood and cocoa stains. This cycle took 1 hour 7 minutes, edging out Normal by 5% in overall performance.

Efficiency

Efficiency is a key factor to consider when choosing a washer, and the Whirlpool models we've tested score well in this area. They calculate efficiency scores by weighing two factors: resource usage and water retention.

Colorful washing machine with clothes inside, lit by vivid purple and blue lights.
Credit: pexels.com, Colorful washing machine with clothes inside, lit by vivid purple and blue lights.

Resource usage is based on both water and electricity consumption, measured by hooking the washer up to separate water and watt meters. The yearly running cost of the WFW72HEDW is around $32, which is about average for a front loader.

The more water your washer spins out, the less work your dryer eventually has to do, and every dryer is a huge energy hog. A competent washer will spin out around 50% of a load of laundry's weight in water.

The Whirlpool WFW72HEDW spun out, on average, 65% of excess water, which is a notable improvement over the average. This is a significant advantage, especially for households with large or heavy laundry loads.

The Whirlpool WFW87HEDW spun out around 40% of excess water, which is a bit lower than the average. We'd like to see numbers approaching 50%, but you can't have everything.

The estimated annual running cost of the WFW87HEDW is around $33.99, which is also fairly efficient in terms of water and electricity consumption.

Discover more: Combo Laundry Machine

Design and Usability

Credit: youtube.com, Whirlpool Duet Frontloading Washer & Dryer {Precision Dispense} Mom Spotted Review

The Whirlpool Duet clothes washer is designed with usability in mind, offering a range of features that make laundry day a breeze. The 4.3-cu.-ft. drum is spacious enough for the typical American household, providing more space than older front loaders.

The washer's ability to detect load size and adjust water, detergent, and other settings accordingly is a game-changer. This feature helps keep colors and fabrics looking great.

One of the standout features of the Whirlpool Duet is its variety of cycles, including Sheets, Pillows, Bulky, Hand Wash, Sanitize, Jeans, Towels, and Enhanced touch up with steam. This means you can tailor your wash to specific loads and fabrics.

The touch screen on the washer is also a convenient feature, allowing you to pre-treat stains right from the screen. This saves time and effort, and ensures that stains are removed effectively.

A key consideration when using the Whirlpool Duet is the type of detergent to use. Only HE detergent should be used in HE machines, as using the wrong detergent can increase suds, residue, and rinse time, and decrease cleaning effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Whirlpool duets still made?

Yes, Whirlpool duets are still manufactured, although the current models may not match the quality of their predecessors.

What is the life expectancy of a Whirlpool front load washer?

A Whirlpool front load washer typically lasts 10-12 years, offering a reliable and long-lasting performance.

Lou Tarchiani

Senior Writer

Lou Tarchiani is a passionate writer, avid traveler, and animal lover. She has a diverse background, having worked in fields ranging from marketing to education. Her travels have taken her to over 20 countries, where she has immersed herself in local cultures and gained unique perspectives on the world.

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