Whirlpool WTW5000DW washer review

The Whirlpool WTW5000DW is an energy efficient washer and it has been designed to be gentler on clothes.

Whirlpool WTW5000DW washer review
(Image: © Home Depot)

Top Ten Reviews Verdict

The Whirlpool WTW5000DW offers good value for money due to its large tub capacity and high efficiency, but its loud operation and basic features let it down.

Pros

  • +

    Energy efficient

  • +

    Good value

Cons

  • -

    No fabric softener dispenser

  • -

    Loud

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Find all you need to know in this Whirlpool WTW5000DW review, with everything from how easy it is to install, to how much it costs to run each year all included here. 

The Whirlpool WTW5000DW offers a 4.3 cubic feet capacity which is suitable for family homes but there are larger models available if you find yourself constantly doing laundry. To see which other models we’ve reviewed, head to our full guide to the best top load washers.  

Whirlpool WTW5000DW: Essential info

Whirlpool WTW5000DW washer review

(Image credit: Home Depot)

1. Top loading design
2. 4.3 cubic feet capacity
3. Has an impeller
4. Not Energy Star certified
5. Only available in white
6. Has matching dryers
7. Has a one-year warranty
8. Quick Wash setting
9. Costs approximately $36 a year to power
10. Maximum spin speed is 660 RPM

With a selection of wash cycles, including a speedy Quick Wash setting, the Whirlpool WTW5000DW has all the basics and also has a matching gas and electric dryer, should you be looking for a whole set. 

This is a top load model but it offers a more modern design because it doesn’t have a central agitator like most traditional washers do. Instead, the Whirlpool WTW5000DW features an impeller that moves the washing around in circular motions and also doesn’t require as much water to clean your clothes. 

Available in only white, this machine isn’t smart enabled but it certainly doesn’t cost as much as fancier models either, and it’s available for under $700. 

The Whirlpool WTW5000DW offers a selection of wash temperatures and cycle settings, and you can also make use of a Pre Soak functionality too. All of these options can be selected by using the simple dials on the top of the machine. 

Whirlpool WTW5000DW: How big is it?

  • Height: 42-inches 
  • Width: 27.5-inches 
  • Depth: 27-inches 

The Whirlpool WTW5000DW has a respectable 4.3 cubic feet capacity which makes it suitable for smaller families. It will be capable of washing bedding and comforters, though not at the same time. If capacity is something you don’t want to compromise on, check out our Maytag Bravos XL MVWB835DW washer review as that model offers an impressive 5.3 cubic feet. 

This washer has a hamper door which means you will need to load laundry in from the top. Because of this, you won’t be able to stack the machine with a dryer, and it’ll take up more room than a stacked laundry set. If you’re planning on positioning this washer beneath any shelving or cupboards, take note of the height the lid reaches so that you won’t be bashing into anything each time you go to do some laundry. With the door open upright, the height reaches 51.25 inches. 

With energy costs varying depending on where you live, the Whirlpool WTW5000DW has an estimated annual running cost of $36. While this model isn’t Energy Star certified, that’s still a good figure and it’s still pretty efficient. 

If you’re unsure on whether this is the type of model you need, take a look at our features for more advice: What size washing machine should you buy? | Agitator vs. Impeller: Which washer type is best? 

Whirlpool WTW5000DW: How easy is it to install?

Whirlpool WTW5000DW washer review

(Image credit: Home Depot)

It’s possible to install the Whirlpool WTW5000DW without professionals, however, we’d recommend having two people involved to share the weight of the machine. You’ll need some basic tools to get the job done and these include an adjustable wrench, level, wooden block, pliers, and a tape measure. As with all washers, you’ll need to make sure you install this model on a firm, flat surface, and it’s not suitable for keeping on a carpeted floor. 

In order to allow your washing machine to move slightly, account for one inch of breathing space all the way around the washer. This Whirlpool model will need to be plugged into a three-prong grounded plug socket, and it requires inlet hoses with flat washers - but note that these hoses do not come with the machine. 

Whirlpool WTW5000DW: What’s good about it?

The Whirlpool WTW5000DW is a washer that doesn’t have masses of fancy features but it also doesn’t cost as much as models that do. Available for under $700, this model sits at the budget end of the washer scale and if you simply need something to get the job done, it’s a solid choice. 

What we like about the Whirlpool WTW5000DW is that this model doesn’t have a traditional agitator but instead, uses an impeller to get your clothes clean. Agitators are typically very harsh on clothes and that type of washer also uses a lot of water in order to clean a load of laundry. The Whirlpool WTW5000DW, however, doesn’t use as much water as the impeller moves laundry around in circular motions, rather than using a central column to rub the dirt out of clothing. Having no agitator also means it's also more efficient as it doesn't use as much energy to move a central agitator column from side to side. 

What’s more, to make this model more efficient, the water levels automatically adjust so that you're not using more water than is really necessary. The washer’s drum is made of stainless steel to prevent damage to clothing and be gentler on delicates too. 

There aren’t masses of wash cycles on the Whirlpool WTW5000DW but the Quick Wash setting is a welcomed feature as it can clean a small load of laundry in 28 minutes. This setting also includes a faster spin speed to rid your laundry of excess water, decreasing drying time too. If you’ve got tough stains to treat, a 30-minute pre-soak functionality tackles dirt before the washing machine begins its cycle. A handy Add Garment function is also a welcomed function if you spot a stray sock that you left behind. 

Whirlpool WTW5000DW: What’s not so good about it?

It’s worth pointing out that while the Whirlpool WTW5000DW is efficient, it’s not Energy Star certified so there are models on the market that have even lower running costs. Generally speaking, one of the best front load washers will offer better energy efficiency overall. You’ll also be able to stack one of those models if you’re short on space. 

The Whirlpool WTW5000DW has a maximum spin speed of 660 RPM. This is the slowest of all the models we’ve reviewed and may mean you’ll end up with soggy washing that takes longer to dry. 

Whirlpool WTW5000DW washer review

(Image credit: Home Depot)

The wash cycle selection is also very limited and there isn’t a steam function, which some users will find disappointing. There’s also not an option on this model to add your fabric softener and then leave the machine to it, as you have to manually add it in between cycles. You won’t be able to control this model from a smartphone, but that’s to be expected for its price. 

While the Quick Wash function is a nice addition, it’s a shame that this setting doesn’t accommodate a full wash rather than just a small load. Some users also found this machine to be fairly loud when it’s operating so this is worth keeping in mind. 

Whirlpool WTW5000DW: User reviews

The Whirlpool WTW5000DW has a huge 24,469 reviews and an average score of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Home Depot’s website. Users praise the Whirlpool WTW5000DW for its easy operation and one added that they found the clothes to be “very dry” once the cycle had finished. Others also commented on the capacity and said it was big enough to wash comforters and blankets with ease. Some reviews mention how impressed they were with how quietly this machine operates, with one adding: “It’s easy to use, super quiet and [I] love the deep, large wash abilities.” The variety of wash cycles was also a hit with users. 

Not all users loved the Whirlpool WTW5000DW though. Some criticize its sound levels suggesting it’s “too noisy”.  Others also report dry spots on their clothing, claiming that the machine hasn’t thoroughly cleaned all of their laundry. 

Some of the users also add that it “didn’t have a dispenser for the detergent and softener”. Adding to this point, another reviewer said: “There is no way to add fabric softener other than catching it at just the right time between cycles.”

Should you buy the Whirlpool WTW5000DW?

If you want a fancy washer with every feature you could possibly want, then the Whirlpool WTW5000DW isn’t for you. What this model does offer, however, is an efficient alternative to a traditional agitator washer. It uses an impeller that’s gentler on clothes, and also doesn’t need as much water to take care of your laundry. A Quick Wash setting will allow you to get through small loads of washing in just 28 minutes and there’s also a functionality to pre-treat stains so that you don’t have to do any manual scrubbing. 

What lets this washer down are design features such as the lack of softener dispenser, slower spin speeds, and noise levels it makes. While it is efficient, this Whirlpool washer isn’t Energy Star certified so you won’t be able to expect as low running costs as you would with those models. 

Generally though, the Whirlpool WTW5000DW is good value for money. It isn’t the fanciest washer out there, but it also isn’t priced as one. 

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Sophie Bird

Sophie is Home Editor at Top Ten Reviews. Starting off her career in print journalism, Sophie then moved to digital and now specializes in lifestyle, home interiors and social media. While she has scooped awards for her journalism, Sophie likes to whip up a storm in the kitchen when she's not writing.