Inside Consumer Reports Test Labs: New washer reviews—Estate ETW4400W, Whirlpool Cabrio WTW6500W, Whirlpool Duet Sport WFW8400T

Our latest ongoing tests of washing machines included three very different washers yet they had two things in common: All are made by Whirlpool and, more notable, they were tough on our test loads. See our newly updated ratings (available to subscribers) for more details on these and dozens of other top- and front-loading models and use our free buyer's guide to washing machines for more expert advice.

Check out our July 24 post on three other recently tested washers. And look for more Inside Consumer Reports Tests Labs posts on washers, dishwashers, and vacuums in the coming weeks as we continue to test models on a rolling basis, providing you with information on the latest innovations and the newest models to hit showrooms.

The Estate ETW4400W[Q] top-loader, $330 (right in the photo), merited the lowest gentleness score of these machines—a poor—causing fabrics to fray. The Estate's overall washing performance was very good—impressive considering that most conventional top-loaders we see tend to be mediocre at washing. Cycle time was 48 minutes, comparable to other top-loaders with agitators. And while this machine offers very good capacity—it has a claimed capacity of 3.2 cubic feet in its porcelain wash basket—it was only good in our energy- and water-efficiency tests.

We also tested the Whirlpool Cabrio WTW6500W[W], $750 (left in the photo), a high-efficiency top-loader with Energy Star qualification. It lacks a center-post agitator and its cycle time of 62 minutes isn't unusually long but still managed to cause some wear and tear on the loads we cleaned, scoring only a fair in gentleness. This Whirlpool aced the water-efficiency tests but was just good in the energy-efficiency tests. It has a claimed 5.0-cubic-foot stainless-steel wash basket and provides 14 different automatic cycles.

Front-loaders typically offer superior cleaning performance and efficiency at a price of $750 and up. The Energy Star-qualified Whirlpool Duet Sport WFW8400T[W] delivers top washing performance and water efficiency; at $750, it costs somewhat  less than many other front-loaders. Its claimed 3.7-cubic-foot stainless-steel wash basket holds an impressive 18 pounds of laundry, and its 102-minute cycle time is longer than most, which probably accounted for its fair gentleness score.—Kimberly Janeway | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: If you're replacing your dryer along with your washer, check out our free buyer's guide to dryers. And get your clothes cleaner by using the best performers from our latest report on laundry detergents.

Comments

[Gale]

Agitator or no agitator ? I see comments on blogs that in washing machines without the agitator, the clothes are excessively wrinkled and twisted together. It's becoming harder and harder to find a top load machine WITH an agitator. What have your tests revealed ? Also, I hate the colors that are being offered - the stark white color would not match my laundry room, and the blue, red or aqua are out of the question.So we're looking at black since our kitchen appliances are black but only find a few and they don't fit all our criteria. Thank you !

[Linda]

I have heard from several different people who bought a front loader washing machine that it simply does not work unless you have a full load. That's hard to do with just two people in our home.

[Currall]

I have wanted to retreve information on TOP loading washing machines and cant seem to get there. Whats the problem?

[Karen]

I bought a Whirlpool duet front load washer and dryer 7 yrs ago with extended warrenty that ran out 2008. It was a great machine until now...the bearings came apart and plastic was all in my clothes from bearings and black streaks on my clothes and the tub has come unattached and just sits on the bottom of tub. Repair man says it will cost $700. to fix and really it is just a piece of junk now. Wow, I had a GE top loader for 20 yrs previously. Now I am shopping for a washer. Guess I will just get a $400.-$500. top loader without the worthless extended warrenty. They all seem to last only about 7yrs now. I am unsure of what brand to buy. It looks like GE and Kenmore have fewer repairs, gentleness is important to me, would like fabric dispenser, water saver, and stainless steel tub. Suggestions welcomed.