LG WM6700HBA Front-load Washing Machine Review

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About the LG WM6700HBA front-load washing machine

• Year released: 2023
• Dimensions: 39" x 27" x 33.25" (H x W x D)
• Number of Wash Cycles: 25
• Finishes: Black Steel
• Capacity: 5.0 cu. ft.
• Cycles: Normal, AI Wash, Bedding, Delicates, Towels, Quick Wash, Heavy Duty, Allergiene, Perm. Press, Tub Clean, Bright Whites, Sanitary, Rinse+Spin, Spin Only, Hand/Wool, Active Wear, Swimwear, Kids Wear, Jeans, Dresses, Color Care, Sweat Stains, Small Load, Large Load, X Large Load
• Cycle options: TurboWash, Steam, Fresh Care, Pre-wash, Remote Start, Delay Wash, Wi-Fi, Add Item, Extra Rinse, Control Lock, Drum Light, ColdWash, Spin Only, Detergent Level, Softener Level, Signal, Cycle List Edit, Cycle Optimization, Softener Tank Use
• Special features: TurboWash 360°
• ADA compliant: No
• Energy Star rated: Yes
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Smart Pairing, AI Wash, LG ThinQ app support
• Future compatibility: While likely, it depends on LG’s continued support for the specific connectivity stack used in this model. OTA updates may be available through the ThinQ UP platform.
• Years of expected life: 10 years
• Parts availability: Good
• Repairability: Eligible for on-site repair service during the warranty period
• Matching dryer: LG DLEX6700B (electric), LG DLGX6701B (gas); includes Smart Pairing functionality
• User manual: LG WM6700HBA front-load washing machine manual
• Product page: LG WM6700HBA front-load washing machine

The LG WM6700HBA features a sharp-looking modern design. Its finish is incredibly glossy, which makes the whole machine pop, especially against the deep blue window into its wash drum. It's also a bit shallower than you might expect: While some washers can be up to 36 inches in depth, the WM6700HBA is a closet-depth washer, meaning its just-over-33-inch depth should fit inside most closets. This is sure to be a boon for anyone looking to maximize their living space.

The drum itself is the NeveRust stainless steel tub, which is backed by LG's lifetime warranty. So even though it may rust at some point, LG will cover the cost of its replacement.

On the face of the machine you'll find a digital control dial front and center, with a display off to the right. To the left of the dial is a drawer housing the detergent tray.

One other thing to note is that this model is compatible with LG's SideKick Pedestal Washer, which is a separate purchase but allows you to get another 1-cubic-foot of capacity for wash cycles.

How we test washing machines

We tested over 12,000 appliances in our labs, so we’re professionals when it comes to testing washing machines. Each washer is put through challenges that focus on stain removal, fabric wear, and energy efficiency, and we use this gathered data to inform our reviews.

In addition to those evaluations, we also use the machines just like you do at home to test out usability, features, and functions.

What we like

A large drum and fast cycles make this washer excellent for large families

If you have a large family with a high turnover rate of laundry and a high soil-level on clothes, you stand to gain the most from what the LG WM6700HBA has to offer.

For starters, this LG washer has a massive 5-cubic-foot drum, which is more than enough space for the laundry needs of a big family.

On top of that, this mega-capacity smart washer's cycles are blazingly fast, thanks to its TurboWash 360° system. Its Normal cycle is able to finish in just 30 minutes with good cleaning power, compared to other models that take an hour or more. If you're really pressed for time, the Quick Wash will finish in an impressive 15 minutes.

Completing the trifecta of large family features is the ezDispense automatic dispenser, which can hold up to 18 washes’ worth of detergent and fabric softener. Automatic dispensers like these are great for reducing some of the overhead of doing laundry, and they can ensure the proper amounts are being used each time.

The ezDispense system will also let you know when one of its reservoirs is running low or empty, so you don't have to worry about unexpectedly running out. It also makes sure to add just the right amount of detergent or softener, which can help make doing laundry an easier task for your kids when chores come into play.

It has solid stain-scrubbing power

You won't be disappointed by the LG WM6700HBA's cleaning quality, even if it won't blow your socks off. Across its wash cycles, this LG washing machine cleans on par with the average front-load washer, and finds itself slightly ahead of the average top-loader.

During testing in our labs, the LG’s Normal cycle had a strong showing despite how fast its cycle is. Quick Wash performed the same.

If you really need high-performance, the Heavy Duty cycle will oblige, and it is about 10% more effective than the Normal cycle at getting laundry looking fresh and new.

The washer can communicate with the dryer for a more energy efficient, better overall performance

The LG WM6700HBA features Smart Pairing with its companion dryer, the LG DLEX6700B . What this means is the two can talk to each other, so once you've input a wash cycle for a load of laundry, your washer can let the dryer know which cycle it should use. All you need to do is make sure both are registered via LG's ThinQ app, which is a quick and easy setup.

This mode can be helpful for maximizing efficiency. While the product overall is Energy Star certified—it was even rated one of the Most Efficient of 2022—telling your dryer what to expect can help cut down on cycle times and reduce overall energy expenditure.

Overall, letting your washer and dryer talk to each other can help save water, energy, and money.

What we don’t like

It can be rough on clothes

One area where the LG WM6700HBA lags behind other washers is gentleness.

Typically, a front-loader's tumble wash method of scrubbing out stains puts less stress on your fabric's fibers than a top-loader's back-and-forth agitation motions, but the WM6700HBA bucks this trend.

The WM6700HBA's Normal cycle adds about 25% more wear-and-tear damage than the average washer, which is about 15% rougher than the average top-loader. That means if you were expecting to own a shirt for four years before it started to get threadbare, you'll start to notice those changes within three years. This represents a significant shortening of the lifespan of your wardrobe.

Switching to the Delicates cycle will result in a gentler clean, but not by much. Compared to the WM6700HBA's Normal cycle, the Delicates cycle creates about 17% less wear and tear damage, but it's still almost twice as rough as the average washer.

The control panel can be difficult to read for taller people

If you've ever been on the outer edge of a couch and realized your view of the TV was dimmer than the view from dead center, you have an intuitive understanding of viewing angles. Most screens are optimized to be viewed from a narrow set of angles, and sitting outside that view will result in a dimmer image, sometimes to the point where you can't see anything.

In the case of the LG WM6700HBA, its own display points dead ahead, as opposed to being tilted upwards, which is the typical way such displays are implemented. This means that the taller you are, the further you'll be outside the display's ideal viewing angle.

I'm about 6 feet tall and the display is difficult for me to read while standing; I needed to stoop to read everything. One of our testers, who's about half a foot shorter than me, had a similar experience.

While this does make it more difficult to eyeball your settings quickly, it's a minor issue overall. It's just an odd choice on a machine that's otherwise so well-designed.

If the controls do end up bugging you, this smart washer has built-in intelligence in the form of LG’s ThinQ app, which allows for remote control operation.

The AI Wash cycle doesn't offer much benefit

In addition to testing the same four main cycles we test on every washer, we also tested the LG WM6700HBA's AI Wash cycle to see how it compares to the washer's more traditional cycles.

AI is one of those terms that seems to keep losing meaning over time, so to recap for this LG, its AI wash mode is supposed to determine what fabrics are being washed and how soiled those fabrics are, then choose optimal settings for dealing with those factors.

In general, we weren't impressed.

In terms of stain-fighting power and gentleness, the AI Wash had nearly identical results when compared to the machine's Normal cycle. While these results are fine on their face, the AI Wash took nearly twice as long to finish than a Normal cycle, making it about half as efficient.

The AI Wash cycle also wasn't any more gentle when compared to the Normal cycle and its spin cycle got out about as much water.

New features rarely come to major appliances. Huge, industry-changing innovations—like adding a third rack to a dishwasher—are notable standouts amongst dozens of one-off gimmicks that fail to inspire purchases. We're not sure where future iterations of this AI Wash technology will land. There’s a chance LG can push meaningful updates to the machine that will improve the results, but based on our testing, this current implementation does not add much value.

Carbon footprint for the LG WM6700HBA

According to its EnergyGuide label, the LG WM6700HBA uses 105 kWh/year, and has an IWF (Integrated Water Factor) of 3.0 gal/cu ft. According to Energy Star, IWF is “a measure of water efficiency in gallons of water consumed per cubic foot of capacity. The lower the IWF, the more water efficient the clothes washer.”

These numbers make it an extremely energy-efficient washer, which earned it a Most Efficient rating. Because this is a high-efficiency front-loader, its energy usage is well below many older washers, which helps reduce the operational cost and the carbon footprint over its lifetime.

Data and privacy

The WM6700HBA is part of LG’s “Built-In Intelligence” washer line. Because it is ThinQ-enabled, it may collect usage data, cycle status, error codes, and diagnostics.

What LG / ThinQ collects and its usage concerns

According to LG’s privacy policy, its services may collect: user account info, device ID, IP address, and usage / software version data.

Through ThinQ, LG may also process performance, usage statistics, and possibly Wi-Fi device identifiers.

LG’s own policy says it may retain user data, share it with service providers, and aggregate it for analytics. According to a Common Sense Privacy analysis, the LG ThinQ app is rated “Warning” for potential data sharing concerns, including third-party marketing and tracking.

Security and privacy mitigations

LG’s broader ThinQ platform (as of 2024) includes LG Shield, which is designed to encrypt data and secure user information. Users can limit data sharing by controlling app permissions or opting out of parts of connected features; but completely disconnecting may disable smart functionality.

Warranty and repairs

Warranty

LG's warranty offers an industry-standard 1-year warranty that covers parts and service. On top of that, LG will replace stainless steel tub parts for up to three years and parts for the direct drive motor are covered for up to 10 years.

Given that most manufacturers only offer a single year of coverage, we're happy to see LG goes above and beyond in ensuring the quality of their products' most key components.

Extended warranty options

The MyLG Ownership Program is an annual subscription that includes benefits such as extended warranty (2 years), free installation and haul away, and 20% discount on select parts and accessories.

For an additional cost, LG offers 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year additional protection plans through Premium Care by Asurion, which extend protection after the manufacturer's limited warranty ends. The product page says there are no service fees or deductibles, and coverage includes failures due to power surge.

Authorized technicians address issues, and if your product cannot be repaired, it will be replaced or you'll be reimbursed for the price of the product.

Repairs

There is good parts support for the WM6700HBA from multiple large appliance-parts vendors, suggesting that common repairs are quite feasible.

Parts such as valves, dampers, and belts are relatively inexpensive and widely available. LG’s own support page for this model includes access to service parts and downloadable manuals, and parts retailers have a wide range of OEM replacement parts for this model.

Because of the ThinQ / AI design, diagnosing control panel or electronic issues may require a technician or special tools. While parts for mechanical components are well-supported, long-term availability for smart / electronic modules (e.g., boards, UI) may decline with newer model generations.

Some user reviews mention mold build-up in the door gasket, which may require replacement. Vigilant maintenance is required to avoid having to replace the gasket.

Accessories and add-ons to consider

What owners are saying

There are not a ton of user reviews for the LG WM6700HBA, but going off of what's been available, this LG washer has an average of 4.5 stars out of 5 across major retailers.

Users love this washer's looks, its automatic detergent and softener dispenser, and its large capacity.

Those who left negative reviews all seem to have received lemons and their subsequent customer service experience was poor.

Should you buy the LG WM6700HBA?

Yes—If you value fast cycles above everything else it is worth the investment

The LG WM6700HBA is best viewed as a great way to churn through a large laundry backlog quickly. Its 5-cubic-foot drum provides a ton of room, and it has the ability to close out a Normal cycle in just half an hour. Its large detergent reservoir further cuts down on overhead.

The LG WM6700HBA's cleaning capabilities are solid, though many other washers in this price range will offer additional stain-fighting oomph.

The WM6700HBA's controls are responsive, easy to use, and provide some excellent cycle customization options, but taller users will need to bump up its brightness to see the screen without stooping. Fortunately, even if you really don't like the onboard controls, you can remote control everything via LG's companion app, LG ThinQ.

Whether or not the LG WM6700HBA will be a good value for you depends largely on what you're looking for. We do think it's a good value for those with large families.

If you care more about maximizing stain-fighting power, though, other washers can offer you a better value. We recommend the Electrolux ELFW7637AT, our top-rated washer, which erases stains like a champ and has a 15-minute Fast Wash to help it keep up with the WM6700HBA's Quick Wash.