A lackluster warranty and energy efficiency score makes the GE GFW450SSMWW an underdog among the best front load washers, but this large capacity front load washer still has some good things to offer. It has a quick cycle for when you are in a hurry and steam cleaning power for breaking up tough stains.
GE GFW450SSMWW: Features
- Ten cycle options
- Sanitize cycle
- Tumble care function
The GE GFW450SSMWW is a stylish front-load washer. It’s got a large, circular door with chrome accents and a digital display for easy use - a great mid-price option for a generously sized washing machine.
There’s ten cycle options on offer including activewear, sanitize and a rinse and spin option which only takes 37 minutes - ideal for lightly soiled items. The GE GFW450SSMWW also has a steam function, perfect for penetrating deep into fabric fibers and tackling tough stains. If this wasn’t enough, there’s also an inbuilt stain remover guide which lets you select the type of stain you’re tackling, from grass to coffee, which will adjust your settings accordingly to make sure your washer does the job first time round.
This is a fast washer at 1300RPM spin speed. This means it can drain excess water quick and minimize dry times. To help reduce bacteria, the GE GFW450SSMWW also comes with an internal water heater which can increase wash temperature and tackle bacteria and germs. This aids the sanitize cycle, which claims to remove 99.9% of bacteria.
A smart feature that helps the GE GFW450SSMWW stand out is its tumble care function. We’re not always able to take our clothes out of the dryer right away, but it’s not good for freshness to leave them sitting. This front-load washer periodically tumbles your garments to keep them fresh when you’re unable to move them.
A complaint we saw crop up a few times about the GE GFW450SSMWW is that the buttons on the control panel wear off with use, meaning some users are left going off memory or photographs of the panel to pick the right setting.
GE GFW450SSMWW: Capacity & Dimensions
- 4.5 cu. ft.
- Stackable with a gas and electric dryer
It’s all well and good finding a front-load washer with the right features for you, but if there’s a specific space it needs to fit into you need to measure in advance and make sure you’re looking at models with the right dimensions. The GE GFW450SSMWW is 40-inches tall, with a width of 27-inches and a depth of 33.5-inches. That’s a few inches smaller than the LG WM9000HVA, but keep in mind that the GE GFW450SSMWW has a smaller capacity at 4.5 cubic foot.
4.5 cu. ft. is an average size for a front-load washer. It will handle large loads from a big family without any trouble. It’s also stackable with the GE GFD45ESSMWW dryer, which comes in both gas and electric models.
GE GFW450SSMWW: Price
- A mid-price model
- Around $900 at full price
The GE GFW450SSMWW is around $900 at full price, making this a mid-price model. We think the price on offer is appropriate given how many functions the GE GFW450SSMWW offers, as well as its steam functions and stylish design. If you’re willing to forego the steam and number of functions, the Samsung WF42H5000AW will shave a few hundred dollars off your price tag (and we think it’s still a great option).
GE GFW450SSMWW: Efficiency & Warranty
- Energy Star compliant
- Poor warranty
This front-load washer is Energy Star compliant which means it will use less energy, saving you money in the long-run with estimated annual running costs of $14. The GE GFW450SSMWW is also ADA compliant, meaning it’s an accessible front-load washer for people with disabilities.
The GE GFW450SSMWW is let down by its warranty, which only covers parts and labor for a year. Front-load washers are meant to last, which is why many companies such as Samsung and LG offer warranties of up to ten years on certain parts, even on models lower in price than the GE GFW450SSMWW. The best warranty we've seen is for the Maytag MHW5630HW.
Should you buy the GE GFW450SSMWW?
This is a good front-load washer with a bunch of innovative features such as fresh tumble functions and sanitize settings. If it wasn't for the poor warranty, we'd be big fans.
