Why You Can Trust CNET Electrolux EFLS617S review: This cool, uncomplicated washer performs well under pressure
Electrolux's $1,099 EFLS617S washing machine is the complete package -- it works well, it's easy to use, and it looks nice, too.
The $1,099 Electrolux EFLS617S Front Load Perfect Steam Washer with LuxCare Wash and SmartBoost may not have an app or any other connected home integrations, but this affordable appliance is definitely smart.
Electrolux EFLS617S
The Good
The Bad
The Bottom Line
The SmartBoost performance feature the Electrolux team touted when its new 600-series washers were first announced in January really does clean clothes better. The EFLS617S, a flagship 600-series washing machine, also has intuitive controls and is easy on the eyes. If you're in the market for a reasonably priced front-load washer with impressive stain-fighting power, I'd give this Electrolux model a close look.
The basics
For a full-size washer priced at just $1,099, the Electrolux EFLS617S has a lot to offer. Available in a white or dark gray finish (gray costs an extra 100 bucks), it has a competitive 4.4-cubic-foot capacity, an unfussy display, and a variety of features.
Some of them include:
- Front-load design
- SmartBoost
- LuxCare wash system
- 15-minute Fast Wash cycle
- Sanitize option
- StainSoak option
- Perfect Steam option
- Extended Refresh option
- Fresh water rinse
While I wouldn't expect to see a steam feature like Perfect Steam or a system designed to monitor and control water temperatures and sense load size like LuxCare for $1,099, SmartBoost is the real standout here. As Electrolux claims, SmartBoost offers "The most effective stain removal."
Here are some of its other key features:
| Electrolux EFLS617S | Samsung WF457ARGSWR | |
| Price | $1,099 | $1,399 |
| # of cycles | 9 | 21 |
| Energy consumption | 85 kWh/year | 148 kWh/yr |
| Dimensions (width, height, depth) | 27 inches x 38 inches x 31.5 inches | 27 inches x 39 inches x 34 inches |
| Warranty | 1 year, parts and labor | 1 year, parts and labor |
| Voltage rating | 120V 60Hz | 120V 60Hz |
| App | No | Yes, Android and iPhone |
Performance
SmartBoost definitely sounds like a PR buzzword, something designed to seem fancy that might not actually improve a washer's performance -- or make doing laundry any easier. But in this particular case, it delivers.
The feature relies on a third pump to mix the water and the laundry detergent together before they hit your clothes. It sounds simple enough, but the premixed soapy water will distribute more evenly for a more consistent overall clean (check out the video demonstration below). That was our experience, at least.
Compared with the $1,399 Samsung WF457ARGSWR's 48 percent stain remaining score, the EFLS617S had only 40 percent of its stains left over, on average. That may not sound like a huge leap, but it is in washing-machine land.
When you break down the score by each individual stain, 44 percent of the sebum (skin oil) remained, 50 percent of the carbon (ash) remained, 19 percent of the blood remained, and 45 percent each of the cocoa and red wine remained.
A better stain removal score typically translates to a washer that's a little tougher on clothes. That was true here, too. We measure the number of attached, but frayed fabric strings that are at or over 2 millimeters long after a cleaning cycle. The higher the number, the worse a washer scores in terms of overall wear and tear.
The EFLS617S had an average of 295 attached frayed strings at or over 2 millimeters long -- not great if you're concerned about the lifespan of a favorite shirt. In contrast, the Samsung WF457ARGSWR had a slightly better wear and tear score with only 274 attached frayed strings.
The verdict
With impressive performance, a long list of features, an intuitive display and a reasonable price, Electrolux's $1,099 EFLS617S has a lot going for it. It can combat everything from the red wine stain on your favorite blouse to your kid's cocoa-stained T-shirts -- and more. And it outperformed the pricier Samsung WF457ARGSWR, making this budget-friendly Electrolux washer a superior value that's easy to recommend.