GE GTW720BSNWS washer review

If you’re looking for a washer that has a higher initial investment, but lower running costs in the long term, then the GE GTW720BSNWS is well worth considering. This is one of the best top load washers (opens in new tab) for energy efficiency and proudly displays its Energy Star Certification. This means savings on running costs, particularly if you have a gas water heater, but it’s also an affordable choice if you’re powered by electricity.   

Along with its energy efficiency ratings, this washer offers a choice of 12 wash cycles, including rinse options, a deep fill option to add more water to your wash, and a sanitize option. This uses a higher water temperature and longer cycle to kill off higher levels of germs and bacteria, ideal if you have health concerns. If you have soiled laundry, your washer will also select the most appropriate wash cycle for your type of stain, which you can look up using their stain guide. 

The GE GTW720BSNWS comes in stylish white or grey, works quietly using an impeller to spin the laundry around, and has soft close hinges for convenience. The capacity is a decent 4.8 cubic feet, which could fit a king-size comforter or a standard family load. Larger households or those with heavier, more frequent laundry loads could consider a front load washer or a bigger capacity top load model.  

Our review below looks in more detail at the GE GTW720BSNWS Washer, its pros and cons and what users feel about it after purchasing and using this product. All the essential information is included to help you decide if this is the washer for you. 

GE GTW720BSNWS: How big is it?

• Length: 27-inches
• Width: 27-inches  
• Height: 46-inches 

The GE GTW720BSNWS has a 4.8 cubic feet capacity which means you should be able to wash a king-size comforter (opens in new tab) in it. For large households, we’d recommend opting for something with a bigger capacity such as the Maytag Bravos XL MVWB835DW (opens in new tab) which has a 5.3 cubic feet capacity. If you need something bigger still, one of the best front load washers will be worth taking a look at as these are typically more spacious. 

Before you buy any new washer, though, make sure you measure up where the machine will be positioned and check you’ve got the right plumbing in place. 

GE GTW720BSNWS: How easy is it to install?

The GE GTW720BSNWS will need installing by a professional if you haven’t got any existing pipework, however, if you’re thinking of replacing your existing machine with this GE model, you can install it yourself. 

You’ll need to leave an inch or so around the machine to allow for any movement when the washer is in a spin cycle, and you’ll need to ensure the machine will be positioned on a flat, hard surface. As this is a top-loading model, you’ll need to account for the height of the machine when the lid is open, so it’s best to avoid positioning it beneath any shelving. 

GTW720BSNWS: What’s good about it?

The GE GTW720BSNWS is designed to be simple to use, but with plenty of options to customize your wash cycles. Multiple rinse options allow you to ensure that fabric softener and other additives get washed away, while the Deep Fill option allows you to choose to add more water to your wash. If you’d prefer not to have to think too much about wash cycle options, this washer has you covered too. Even those that are somewhat stain-prone don’t need to understand complex settings, a stain guide allows you to choose from a set of common stains and the machine will choose the best wash settings for you.

It’s also pretty stylish for a washing machine. Along with thoughtful touches, like soft close hinges and the machine turning on when you lift the lid, the design makes this model a great addition to the home.

This machine is a good choice when it comes to efficiency and it also works quietly, which is always welcomed. The impeller will be gentler on clothes too. If you’re in a hurry, you can make use of the quick wash setting and a sanitize setting will kill 99.9% of bacteria from your laundry. 

GE GTW720BSNWS: What’s not so good about it?

This washing machine has lots of settings but one of the most basic functions of a washer is to spin clothes at the end of the cycle to rid the load of excess water. The maximum spin speed on the GE GTW720BSNWS is 800 RPM, which while isn’t the worst we’ve seen, could be better. 

The washer drum on this model is made of stainless steel which can be much harsher on clothes than a porcelain washer drum. The coating on a steel tub can also rust fairly quickly. 

GE GTW720BSNWS: How efficient is it?

If efficiency is high on your priority list when searching for a new washer, then this model is a great option for you. As we mentioned above, the GE GTW720BSNWS is an Energy Star certified washer so you can expect running costs of around $11 a year if you have a gas water heater, and $20 a year if you have an electric water heater. While a machine with this accreditation will often cost more up front, you’ll be able to expect lower running costs in the long run. 

Another reason why the GE GTW720BSNWS is a good option for efficiency is that it uses an impeller to spin the clothes around in the water. This type of machine doesn’t require as much water as a model with an agitator, plus agitators are much more brutal on your clothing and can cause damage. 

GE GTW720BSNWS: User reviews

The GE GTW720BSNWS scores an average of 4.4 out of five stars on Home Depot’s website. Users praise the number of features to choose from. Lots of reviews comment on how spacious this washer is and others add that their clothes came out really clean. Some users state that this machine uses only the necessary amount of water for each cycle, which helps to reduce water usage.  

This GE model is definitely popular with over 4,000 reviews on Home Depot’s website alone but some user reviews detract a star or two from their rating of the washer because of issues with the drum rusting. One reviewer wrote, “already has rust spots inside the drum of the washing machine.” Other users also had issues with balancing the load, with one person stating: “It gets clothes clean, but I spent entirely too much time balancing the loads.” 

Should you buy the GE GTW720BSNWS?

This GE model is popular among real-life users who have praised the spacious drum, and really clean clothes at the end of each wash. It also scores points for energy efficiency but also adapting water usage to each cycle to avoid waste. It will also be gentler on your clothes, using an impeller rather than an agitator for a smoother wash cycle. 

If you’re looking for a washer with a range of modern smart features and app control then this isn’t the washer for you. While not the worst we’ve seen the slower spin speed might also be an issue. That being said, this is an easy to use washer offering a range of wash cycles to suit most family needs.

If this product isn't for you

If the GE GTW720BSNWS Washer isn’t the product for you, we have some other suggestions that might suit your needs. 

If you’re looking for a slightly larger capacity washer, that also has a faster spin speed at 950rpm, then the LG Smart Top Load Washer WT7300CW (opens in new tab) might be the machine for you. It has a capacity of 5.0 cubic feet, is Wi-Fi and Amazon Alexa compatible so you can keep a check on your wash cycle, and is energy star certified for lower energy costs.  

For small households with limited laundry needs, and a limited budget, then the Amana NTW4516FW Top Load Washer (opens in new tab) could be for you. It’s rated as one of our best budget options because it’s fairly cheap to run, cleans efficiently, and includes a clean-washer cycle to rid your machine of soap scum and bacteria. 

The Samsung WA45T3400AV (opens in new tab) also has a hygienic self-clean cycle, but with a capacity of 4.5 cubic feet is our suggestion for an energy-certified family washer. It has a pre-treat station for stains, and a good choice of washing cycles to cover all your needs. Users have praised its capacity for coping with comforters and bedding in product reviews.