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  • Introduction

  • Front

  • Controls

  • Drawer

  • Interior

  • Sides

  • Back

  • Electricity Use

  • Water Use

  • Cost Per Wash

  • Yearly Running Cost

  • Washing Speed

  • Washing Cycles

  • Customization

  • Additional Wash Options

  • Washing Options

  • Detergent Dispenser

  • Washer Door

  • Ease of Use

  • Controls

  • Comparison

  • Comparison

  • Comparison

  • Efficiency

  • Performance

  • Features

  • Introduction
  • Front
  • Controls
  • Drawer
  • Interior
  • Sides
  • Back
  • Electricity Use
  • Water Use
  • Cost Per Wash
  • Yearly Running Cost
  • Washing Speed
  • Washing Cycles
  • Customization
  • Additional Wash Options
  • Washing Options
  • Detergent Dispenser
  • Washer Door
  • Ease of Use
  • Controls
  • Comparison
  • Comparison
  • Comparison
  • Efficiency
  • Performance
  • Features

Introduction

Front

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Controls

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Drawer

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Interior

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The interior of the CDWT980VSS.

Sides

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Olympus SZ-31MR iHS side views

Back

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Electricity Use

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There's no internal water heater in this machine, so electricity isn't even a minor cost driver. Expect your yearly cost of plugging in this washer to be under $4.

Water Use

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Most top loading machines use a lot of water. This one will use a lot less water than that old pole agitator machine you're getting rid of, but front loaders have cycles that use half as much H2O. Water use ranges from 13 gallons for a Quick Wash to 43 gallons for a Bulky cycle that's sure to get even the thickest items soaking wet.

Cost Per Wash

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Individual washes range in cost from ten to thirty cents. That's cheaper than the laundromat, and probably cheaper than your old washer.

Yearly Running Cost

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Most top-loaders have an average annual cost of operation that's above $50. This one squeaks in just below that. Front loaders tend to run between $29 and $40, for comparison's sake.

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Washing Speed

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Washing Cycles

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The usual cycles are here, as are a bunch of others that take advantage of the {{product.name}}'s large drum to fill up with water. Bulky, Allergen and Towels all get large items thoroughly soaked, then spin them around at high speeds so they don't end up taking hours to dry. If you live with someone who has allergies or usually have to drag your big down alternative comforter to the laundromat, this washer may be right for you.

Customization

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Cycles can be customized for wash and rinse temperature, spin speed and soil level. There are five settings for wash/rinse temperature, and four each for spin speed and soil level. The level of customization is about average for a washer in this price bracket, and gives users the chance to further refine wash cycles.

Additional Wash Options

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In addition to the changes that can be made to a cycle, there are also some additional options that increase the intensity of a wash or make it more energy efficient.

Washing Options

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Detergent Dispenser

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Detergent, fabric softener and bleach are dispensed from funnels built into the washer's body and hidden under the lid. Whirlpool recommends high efficiency detergent.

Washer Door

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The glass door is easy to open and doesn't slam shut when you let go of it. It also triggers an LED light inside of the washer that illuminates the drum for 30 seconds. Since LEDs are small, cool and energy efficient, you shouldn't ever have to replace it.

The interior of the CDWT980VSS.

Ease of Use

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If you're not that tall, you may find it difficult to drag wet laundry out of the Cabrio's deep drum. In that case, look for a front loading machine. Otherwise, the Cabrio is extremely easy to use.

Controls

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When it comes to a control panel, the {{product.name}} is extremely similar to all other high-end top loaders that Whirlpool has made in recent years. This is a top-loader, so controls are on a panel above and behind the washer's lid. All control buttons are covered in a plastic membrane so you won't short them out if you touch them with wet hands.

Comparison

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From the same parent company and factory, the Maytag Bravos is a slightly more upscale line of washers -- the Buick Verano to Whirlpool's Chevy Cruze. However, this particular Bravos XL -- the MVWB750YW -- is an entry-level model that lacks some of the cool wash options that the higher-end Whirlpool has. They're both available for the same price now that the Whirlpool has gone on closeout, so why not pick the washer with more features? The only reason to get the Maytag would be because of its improved wash plate that doesn't "stall" loads, agitating out dirt and making sure that all clothes end up evenly clean.

Normal Stain Performance

Comparison

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Both of these washers sell for the same price. If you want a machine that's as foolproof as a convenience store microwave, the Fisher and Paykel is the better choice. It's got a row of buttons that correspond to all the available cycles, good wash performance and few other options. The Whirlpool lets you tweak every aspect of the wash, but with standard presets its results are just slightly below what the Fisher and Paykel offers. It's your call.

Normal Stain Performance

Comparison

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If you're already spending $900 on a top loader, why not spend $150 more and get the LG WT5101HV, one of the better top loading machines we've tested. It has an internal heater and a sanitizing cycle, plus better stain removal and even more customizable options than the Whirlpool Cabrio.

Normal Stain Performance

Efficiency

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The {{product.name}} is more efficient than most top loading machines we've tested, and should cost around $50 a year to operate. It's less efficient than many front-loaders, but definitely an improvement over your old pole-agitator machine.

Performance

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Stick to the Normal, Whites and Heavy Duty cycles and washing performance will be fine. Dirt removal is subpar, but this washer does do a good job getting out stains.

Features

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There's a plethora of options on board the {{product.name}}. None of them heat water up to a really high temperature, but they do offer plenty of control over water usage.

Meet the tester

Keith Barry

Keith Barry

Former Editor in Chief, Reviewed Home

@itskeithbarry

Keith was the Editor in Chief of Reviewed's appliance and automotive sites. His work has appeared in publications such as Wired, Car & Driver, and CityLab.

See all of Keith Barry's reviews

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