Strip away a washing machine's bonus features, like multiple specialty cycles and a related app, and you wind up with Whirlpool's $1,199 WFW87HEDW. Like the $1,099 Electrolux EFLS617S, the WFW87HEDW is a no-frills front-load model that gets the job done.
That said, it isn't an entry-level washer either. Complete with 10 cleaning cycles plus a steam setting, the WFW87HEDW is a solid upgrade over the most basic of front-loaders. Its premium-looking Titanium finish helps too. While it can't quite match Electrolux's EFLS617S in terms of performance, it's still worth a closer look.
What do you want from a washer?
The Whirlpool WFW87HEDW is a simple washer with some basic upgrades like a Steam Clean setting, a Titanium finish (it's also available in white for $100 less), and 10 cycles. They are:
- Clean Washer
- Cold Wash
- Delicates
- Drain & Spin
- Heavy Duty
- Normal
- Quick Wash
- Sanitize
- Towels
- Whites
Its touch-style display panel is very responsive and a small screen displays the cycle time remaining in easy-to-see green LEDs. While this is easy to use overall, each button seems to sound a different musical tone, which I would absolutely turn off if I had this machine at home. I do like having sound associated with each button press, but I found these particularly annoying. Fortunately, they're easy to turn off -- just press and hold the Cycle Signal button on the bottom right of the panel for a few seconds and presto.
Here's a closer look at the Whirlpool WFW87HEDW alongside its Electrolux EFLS617S competitor:
| Whirlpool WFW87HEDW | Electrolux EFLS617S | |
| Price | $1,199 | $1,099 |
| Color finish | Chrome Shadow, White (for $1,099) | White, Titanium (for $1,199) |
| Capacity | 4.3 cubic feet | 4.4 cubic feet |
| # of cycles | 10 | 9 |
| Energy consumption | 109 kWh/yr | 85 kWh/year |
| Dimensions (width, height, depth) | 27 inches x 38.75 inches x 33.13 inches | 27 inches x 38 inches x 31.5 inches |
| Warranty | 1 year, limited | 1 year, limited |
| Voltage rating | 120V 60Hz | 120V 60Hz |
| App | No | No |
Performance
For the full rundown of washing-machine test procedures, check out this how we test article -- or watch the video to the right.
Basically, we run three identical loads. That's a normal cycle, with normal soil, hot water and a high spin. Each load has long fabric strips stained with sebum/skin oil (Gross? Yes. Hard to get off clothes? Double yes), carbon black/mineral oil, blood (pig's blood), cocoa (chocolate and milk) and aged red wine.
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