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Washing machines

Whirlpool Cabrio WTW5500X[W]
Whirlpool-Cabrio WTW5500X[W]-Washing machine-image
Approximate retail price:
$700
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Summary: This Whirlpool Unconventional top-loader washing machine has
• 2011 Energy Star qualification
• Auto temp. control
• Auto detergent dispenser
• Auto fabric softener dispenser
• End of cycle signal
• Rotary dial
• Stainless-steel tub
• Manufacturer recommends low-sudsing detergent.
• Comes with a 1 year warranty.
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Community icon50 people have reviewed this model.
About - Whirlpool Cabrio WTW5500X[W]

The Whirlpool Cabrio WTW5500X[W] is part of the washing machine test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, top-loading washing machine models like the Cabrio WTW5500X[W] are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.


Washing performance:
This reflects the degree of color change to swatches of fabric that were included in an 8-pound and maximum capacity test load of mixed cotton items using the machines' most aggressive normal cycle. (We do not use special cycle or option buttons.)

Energy efficiency:
This score is based on the energy needed to heat the water for 8-pound and maximum loads using a warm wash and cold rinse. We consider both gas and electric water heaters, and include electricity needed to run the washer and energy needed for drying. Washers that extract more water are scored higher.

Water efficiency:
This score denotes how much water it took to wash our 8-pound load and each machine's maximum load. On models that didn't set the fill level automatically, we used the lowest fill setting that sufficed for the 8-pound load. We then calculated water used per pound of clothing.

Similar Models
The following models have the same ratings as Whirlpool Cabrio WTW5500X[W].
Features and specs may vary
Whirlpool Cabrio WTW5550X[W]
Price range:
$618.45 - $822.84
Price & shop
The Ratings applied to untested model Whirlpool Cabrio WTW5550X[W] come from our tests of model Whirlpool Cabrio WTW5500X[W], which in our judgment is enough alike in its performance, features, and specs that our test results apply to both.
About This Brand

As with Kenmore, Whirlpool has a number of lines: Whirlpool Duet HT, Whirlpool Duet Steam, Whirlpool Duet Sport HT, and Whirlpool Duet Sport. In the coming year, Whirlpool will be promoting and advancing the use of steam on more of its models across the line. Prices range from $800 to $1,600. Whirlpool washers are known for the wide range of model choices and the variety of features on those machines.

Read our Brand Reliability
Features & Specs - Whirlpool Cabrio WTW5500X[W]
info Energy star Yes
info Stainless-steel tub Yes
info Auto temp. control Yes
info Auto bleach dispenser No
More features and specs
User Reviews - Whirlpool Cabrio WTW5500X[W]
Consumer Reports User Reviews
Already own it? Write a review
By from
 
1.0
Died at the ripe old age of 14 months!
2/1/2012
Pros
Adjustable Settings
Clean Clothes Well
Energy Efficient
Large Capacity
Quiet
Spins Clothes Dry
Cons
Breaks Down
Best Uses
Anything washable
Comment:
We LOVED this machine! (Notice the past tense.) It washed, rinsed, and spun dry very well. We washed cat beds, comforters, delicate lingerie, sweaters, large tablecloths, and throw rugs, in addition to regular laundry for a family of 4, and it performed perfectly. We were careful not to overload, used the proper detergent, etc. At the age of 14 months, the main computer control board DIED. We had purchased an extended warranty for $35 at BrandSmart; it was still in effect. Without that, we would have been forced to pay at least $350 (part and labor) to replace the board. This is the procedure for warranty repair: we waited a few days for a repairman, a new board was ordered, when it arrived by mail we called the service department to be put on their schedule. When the repairman arrived he could not get the board to work. We all assumed it was a faulty part. Another was ordered. We waited for that to arrive and called the service center. This time the repairman discovered that the shipper had been sending the WRONG PART each time. So, we started all over again. At the moment we have TWO newly delivered control boards but the repairman cannot get here til Saturday. We have been without a machine for 30 days. This has been a MAJOR INCONVENIENCE. I will never buy another Whirlpool appliance. If something else goes wrong, I will be returning to CR to tell the rest of the story.
By from
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
 
1.0
Complete Failure in My Opinion
11/27/2011
Pros
Adjustable Settings
Spins Clothes Dry
Cons
Doesn't Clean Effectively
Long Cycle
Best Uses
Comment:
Let's be honest. A washing machine that fails to get all the clothes wet is not going to do a very good job getting the clothes clean. On the whites cycle, the clothes on top don't event get completely wet by the end of the wash cycle. It agitates well, but there is not enough water to rotate the whites through the water. They just sit there on top. Good thing I purchased the machine with the glass see-through lid, as I might have been fooled otherwise. This high efficiency machine may save on water, but if it isn't going to clean the clothes, it fails my test. I will be replacing my washer and will go back to the traditional type where I know my clothes wlll rotate through soapy water to get clean. This washer is a piece of junk. The high efficiency designation is merely a marketing ploy to make people feel good about the purchase. You may as well stick your dirty clothes in a damp box for an hour and claim you are saving the environment. They would come out just as clean and you would be using no water.
By from
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
 
1.0
I would not recommend this WTW5500X
9/6/2011
Pros
Energy Efficient
No Pros to brag about
Cons
Doesn't Clean Effectively
Long Cycle
Noisy
Shakes/Moves
Should issue a recall
Best Uses
No Best Uses
Comment:
They should issue a recall on this machine, it does NOT clean, even if you spot treat and wash, the same stain is there. Worse purchase I have ever made! I can not believe Whirlpool has not issued a recall, I have always purchased their appliances.
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