Because we were moving to a new home, we were recently in the market for a new washer and dryer. We did a lot of research via epinions, discussion forums, consumer publications, and even just visiting the stores to check the models out in person.

What we found was that the best performance versus cost would be the GSW9800P Whirlpool Gold Ultimate Care II, 27 Cycle, Super Capacity Plus Gold washer and the matched dryer, the Whirlpool Gold GGQ9800PW Ultra Capacity Gas Dryer (reviewed separately). The Gold designation means that this model has features and conveniences (some discussed below) that place it at the top of Whirlpool’s product offering.

OUR AGONY COMPARING TOP LOAD VERSUS FRONT LOAD

This was one of the most difficult purchases my wife and I have had to contemplate during our 20 year marriage. Should we spend over $1000 on just the washer (front load models) or the same amount for both washer and dryer? We didn't have a problem in doing so as long as the performance warranted the greater expense.

As quiet operation was a key criteria for us as our laundry room is adjacent to our great room, the front loads all promised extra quiet operation. But then I read about the Quiet Wash Plus features of this Whirlpool and solved that issue.

Then, I started reading about how these front load washers "walk" across floors, the wringing/drying cycle sounds like a jet engine, the door seal traps water and creates mold and mildew, loose change can go between the door and seal and clog the pump, and some control panels were flimsy and actually broke during personal inspection.

The final nail in the front load coffin door was really a logical statement by one woman user. These front loads only use one gallon of water during operation...yet claim to be able to clean 14 pairs of jeans in one washing. This woman said there was no way this could occur and I had to agree. One gallon of water is WAAAYYYY too little for that amount of clothing...especially when the clothes tumble in and out of the water in a front load.

That logic directed us back to the old reliable (and more affordable) top load models. I also believe that many people that get these front load write their reviews immediately and just gush details and not any real long term use experience.

WHAT'S QUIET WASH PLUS

This feature involves special padding placed strategically around the unit to keep noise at a minimum. There is only one better sound level available in Whirlpool's line and that's Ultra Quiet Wash available on one model only. But that model doesn't have the next feature.

ENERGY STAR COMPLIANT

Yep...we're quietly washing our clothes and saving money while doing them over other non-compliant washers. And with the prices of energy lately, it only pays to have this as a feature.

DIRTY CLOTHES DON'T STAND A CHANCE

My wife just raves about the Accuwash sensor and Pretreat Cycle. She says our clothes have never been cleaner and brighter. From my perspective, I have to agree as the home we moved into needs some major hardwood floor work and our socks were black from disrepair as well as moving in. We thought we would have to throw these socks away but this washer got them bright...and without bleach! Additionally, I've commented to my wife when pulling on a sweatshirt or lying down to clean sheets that everything smells better. I almost felt like a cheesy Mr. Brady (from the Brady Bunch)complimenting my wife...but our clothes are better!

UPDATE 11/7/05 A weekend ago I sealcoated our driveway in some old work jeans and got some thick sealcoating on the jeans. My wife washed them last week and the stains were almost gone. Then, I wore them again this past weekend while working in our dirt floor crawlspace. This area has alot of construction junk as well as residual fuel oil in one area. My wife washed the jeans with some other work clothes and informed me that the previous sealcoating stains were now almost all out and all the dirt and grime from the crawl space was completely out. She just uses Era laundry soap (no pretreating!) so it has to be the washer. If the washer gets these jeans that clean, imagine how it will clean daily light use clothing!

ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES

Besides the important features above, this washer offers the following: 3.2 cubic foot capacity which is 15 pounds of clothing, 27 cycles of washing, and 4 temperature settings. I also love the fact that on the control panel, it states, "commercial quality." This thing has to be built to last with that claim.

LOOKS HIGH END

I was almost sold on a Fisher & Paykel duo but when examining them, they appeared very cheap. When a combo costs over $1,000, it better not look cheap and embarrass me if someone visiting my home were to see the appliance. This Whirlpool Gold washer looks high end with a silver metallic looking trim embellishment on the dryer door and control head (where all the knobs are). And speaking of knobs, just about every salesperson we spoke to had concerns about digital keypad type selection displays. With this two toned appearance, the appliance separates itself from the common dryer and makes you and your laundry room look smart and sophisticated.

A RETAIL SURPRISE

We’ve been Kenmore fans for along time because of their cost, performance, and reliability. Maybe we had some “off” days recently, but the Sears salespeople really pushed the extended warranties on us relentlessly when we were looking. Then we visited Lowes and what a difference. Helpful and knowledgeable assistance without any sales pressure. And they had the best prices for this dryer and washer as well as two promotions that were deal clinchers. The first was for free delivery ($55 savings) and the second was a $100 Lowes gift card. And these promos weren’t to push some old stock or scratch & dent models out the door. No siree…brand spanking new and delivered on time and without a scratch for basically $155+ less than other appliance retailers.

BOTTOM LINE

This washer met our expectations in every way. In over a month of heavy use, it's performed flawlessly and does a better job than our previous and much loved Kenmore top load.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 500