Whirlpool Calypso GVW9959K Top Load Washer

Pros: None whatsoever
Cons: It does not wash clothes. It's that simple. Don't waste your money

This product is a piece of junk. It's so bad it is the subject of multiple class action lawsuits.

It does not wash clothes properly - they often come out dirtier than when they went in. Mold and scum builds up inside the machine and is transferred to the clothes. The clothes are not tumbled, so they get folded up with dirt trapped in the folds, and that's how they come out of the machine. It does, however, tangle clothes as badly as any other type of washing machine.

The outlet pump fails often, costs $300 to replace.

There are multiple reports of U-joints failing prematurely.

Do an Internet search and you will find multiple horror stories about this machine.

Whirlpool refuses to admit that it it a lemon, is poorly designed, poorly built, and does not do as good a job as a cheap washing machine.

Pros: Real dry and clean at cycle completion.
Cons: Noisy, unbalanced; jumps; anchor in concrete to hold it still. Clothes come out all twisted.

Pro: Real dry and clean at cycle completion.
Cons: Noisy, unbalanced with load; jumps all over the place; needs anchoring in concrete anchor bolts to hold it still. Clothes come out twisted and each piece must be unraveled before placing in the dryer.

I would buy something else!

Pros: None that I can think of.
Cons: detergent redeposits back on clothes and clothes come out wrinkled and in knots.

In 2002, we were in need of a new washer. We bought what we thought was the top of the line washer from Whirlpool. In the past, I have has Maytag and GE washers, but I bought into the hype surrounding this washer. The washer leaves the clothes less than clean. Detergent( I have tried all the HE detergents) gets redeposited back on the clothes. The clothes come out of the washer totally wrinkled and in knots. I have had clothes that I literally can not get the wrinkles out of.. I have had a service man out and he said, "Yeah, some people like them and some people don't." This machine isn't broken, it just flat out is the worse machine I have ever used in 40 years of marriage!!

Pros: New technology for wash agitator, but it was designed by the builder of the TITANIC
Cons: Sank quicker than the TITANIC, with the loss of many clothes.

The Kenmore Calypso sells on 'special' up in the $900s. Some folks may even pay $1099 to a grateful Sears sales associate.

What you actually get for that money is something resembling a washing machine - but it is in fact a Walter Mitty-esque mish-mash of faulty designs and engineering. Be sure to get another brand to sit alongside the Calypso, so that you can immediately transfer the wet washing in order to get rid of the spots and stains caused by the Kenmore machine, and rinse the soap residue away. On a computer, it is "bad data in = bad data out". In a Calypso, it is "nice new lightly worn blouse or shirt in = marked and spotted (ruined) clothes out"

Oh, and by the way, quoting a local Sears manager "It's a shame, because I've worked for Sears for 30 years and we used to stand behind our Kenmore products, but now that KMart is involved, we don't do that. Sorry, and Good Luck".

Pros: Absolutely NOTHING.
Cons: Too many to put down in 15 words, problems with Pump, filtration, electronics, flooding, etc.

Purchased in 2003 for $795 to save money on water usage, but since then have had at least 5 repairs for a total over $950. I may have saved water, but not money. The Calypso has poor electronics, a week pump and continuous filtration problems. If you haven't had a wet floor or two, you will. Also had problems with manufacturer. No response to our numerous demands for reimbursement of repairs until about 2006. Out of the blue they called us to pay for a replacement pump. We took it and had no idea it would take us out of a class action lawsuit. Smart company, don't you think? I can't even sell the machine, no one wants it and I fell bad trying to pass my problems on to someone else.

Pros: None
Cons: See above

We bought our machine last Spring when we moved because we wanted to conserve energy & water. This machine has ruined thousands of dollars worth of clothing and household items (tablecloths, napkins, sheets & towels). There are gray/light black streaks all over everything when they come out of the washer. The spots don't come out even when bleached. Brand new expensive towels had pulled threads after the first washing. It's faulty, it's horrible and without a doubt, the worst appliance I've ever purchased. They should all be recalled it's such a disgrace.

Pros: Quiet, many options, good design.
Cons: Durability, repair cost.

Purchased new in 2001. Repaired twice. Now on third repair with an estimate of $511.74. This item should be recalled, but Sears keeps ducking. A class action lawsuit was filed.

Seems to wash fine when working. Now has been sitting for 2 weeks full of water. It is a quiet machine. Options galore (maybe part of the problem).

They might have revamped today's models but I have lost respect for the Kenmore name.

Pros: Nice Controls.
Cons: Everything else. Repair nightmare, ruins/destroys clothes.

I have the Kenmore version of the same washer (same platform, same technology) and I thank God I decided to get the extended warranty when I purchased the machine 4 years ago. I bought this machine because Consumer Reports rated it as the best, top-of-the-line machine. Since I've owned it I've had 2 circuit boards replaced, the pump cleaned out twice, the pump replaced once, the U Joint replaced, and various other major internal parts replaced as well. According to my receipts, if I had not purchased the service agreement, I would have been out well over $4000 (that's including service calls and parts). UNBELIEVEABLE, considering the machine cost me a little over $1200.

This machine has left my whites dingy, it has left off colored stains, black streaks, and bleach stains on a lot of our clothes. It has also shredded bath mats and brand new towels. Not to mention it has also put small holes in brand new shirts.

My advice is to stay away from this machine. It has given us nothing but headaches and stress. I have been after Sears for over a year trying to get it replaced. We'll see what happens.

Pros: Looks nice
Cons: Worst washing machine in the world...hands down.

We have owned this machine for about 2 1/2 years. I wished I had never, ever bought it. It is horrible! Doesn't get things clean, leaves streaks on everything, lint too. I have to wash most loads twice, just to get them fresh smelling. I can't tell you how many sweatshirts, towels, sheets, shirts and pants this piece of ---- has ruined. Whirlpool really messed up on this one! I am ready to sell it and buy something else, but I don't want to burden someone else with it. Perhaps the local dump will accept it...I wouldn't even want to give it to charity...they have enough problems!

Pros: it looks good
Cons: too many bad things about this washer to mention in 15 words

Bought the Calypso Washer in August of 2002. He wanted the best one (or so he thought). It has never washed clothes as good as I think it should have. I have had many of the same problems that the previous reviewers have, and now this morning, I'm getting a CE error message. The only thing in the manual is to hit the stop/cancel button and start it again. It keeps doing the same thing, so I guess I'm in for a costly repair now, or may just decide to get a different washer at this point. If I would have known, I would have gone with a less expensive washer without all the bells and whistles that would have worked better and longer than this one. The last washer lasted for many years before any mechanical problems at all.

Pros: pretty, sounds good, matches my wall paint
Cons: costly, breaks ofter, bad service, does not clean clothes at all

I wish i had researched this machine before buying it. So if you are smarter than I, read all of these war stories and are smart, it’s a nice looking machine, it’s a great concept. But it is poorly designed, has many, many flaws and is just not a dependable machine.

I bought mine in Feb 04, Sept 04 pump went out. It was replaced under warranty and now exactly 6 months later the pump is out again. I am expected to pay for the service call. I called Whirlpool, they granted me a 1 time courtesy repair, but will not pay for the trip charge.

I demanded my money back and was refused.

Don’t be fooled this is the worst washer ever made. And you will be stuck with it if you buy it.

Like many others I have joined the Law Suite, but will probably never see my $1300.00 again.

Pros: Looks great. Easy to use buttons. Big capacity. Quiet.
Cons: Doesn't rinse well. Snags towels. Not reliable.

Less than one year old I have been waiting 4 weeks for warranty repair work to replace the pump & U joint. I can't wait to get rid of this machine. The extra capacity is nice, but it can't be filled or the clothes don't clean. The movement of the drum to "agitate" snags clothes....especially my towels...which were new in July but don't look it. Per the repair persons I've talked with, there is a problem with hair and lent being trapped in the pump due to lesser amount of water used and the low water pressure to push dirt out. I have a lot of animals, live on a small farm. This isn't the type of washer I need. The store we bought from....canceled 4 repair appointments and Whirlpool has canceled once after we had taken the days off for these appointments. I've taken another day off and I'm waiting..... I'll never shop Best Buy or Whirlpool again.

Pros: Looks nice in my laundry room...got to go shopping for a new wardrobe...
Cons: Had to buy new wardrobe....

The Calypso washer is the worst purchase I have ever made. It twisted, tore, stained, discolored, and spotted most of my clothing with bleach from previous loads of laundry. The last time it broke down I made up my mind to get rid of it ($1000.00 down the tubes) I called four different used appliance dealers and offered to "GIVE IT" to them if they would come and get it... they all turned me down. I heard them laughing as they hung up their phones... My $1000.00 Calypso is at the city dump now, and I have a mid priced top loader I'm pleased with. Please stay away from this washer!!!!

Pros: I cant really think of any
Cons: Everything about the machine is a con

Wonderful machine if you need a paperweight. Extended warranties are usually a waste of money but if you buy one of these products it is a necessary purchase. Expensive repair, difficult to get to the parts and no one stocks the parts due to limited production. Stay away!!!

Pros: Works well for first 200 loads
Cons: After 200 loads it stinks.

After disassembling the pump myself (as the repairman was exchanging it) I found it to contain fibers from a bathmat.
The gasket around the bottom of the basket flexes open and grabs fibers, tearing them from the rest of the material. The fibers collect in the pump and shut it down. The problem doesn't look like the pump...it is in the gasket. The pump just happens to catch the clog. THEY WILL TRY TO SELL YOU A NEW PUMP...that is another dishonest trick. The first two Sears technicians were dishonest.
The first tech told me I needed a new pump...$315.00 please. When he found out I had a service contract he told me he replaced it but he reported to Sears that he cleaned it out. It was still broken with the same problem the next day. The second tech, knowing it was a pump problem, came out without a replacement pump, necessitating me to wait home a third day and go another week without a washer.