Pros
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Good cleaning
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Built-in faucet
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Removable agitator
Cons
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Rougher on clothes with pole in place
About the Whirlpool WTW8127LC washing machine
The Whirlpool WTW8127LC has a large 5.2-cu.-ft. drum.
- Year released: 2021
- Dimensions: 27.25” x 27.88” x 43.5” (W x D x H)
- Number of Wash Cycles: 36
- Finishes: Chrome Shadow, White
- Capacity: 5.2 cu. ft. (agitator in) or 5.3 cu. ft. (agitator out)
- Special Wash Options: Remote Start, Load ‘N Go, Deep Water, Extra Rinse
- ADA compliant: No
- Energy Star rated: Yes
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Whirlpool app; allows for remote control
- Future compatibility: While likely, it depends on Whirlpool’s continued support for the specific connectivity stack used in this model.
- Years of expected life: 10 years
- Parts availability: Excellent
- Repairability: Eligible for on-site repair service during the warranty period
- Matching Dryer: Whirlpool WED8127LC
- User Manual: Whirlpool WED8127LC user manual](https://www.whirlpool.com/content/dam/global/documents/201910/owners-manual-w11197727-reva.pdf)
- Product page: Whirlpool WED8127LC washing machine
Folks who reminisce about the cleaning power of the Speed Queen washers of their youth will appreciate the robust agitation of this Whirlpool washer.
Whether you’re the type who wants to wash their clothes with a pole agitator—who gets their clothes super dirty and/or prefers a tough-on-fabric, let's-beat-it-up-to-get-it-clean wash, or you’re the type who prefers an impeller (a top-loading washer without an agitator pole) because you like a gentler wash and/or need more room for laundry to move around, the Whirlpool WED8127LC is for you because of its removable agitator pole.
Also, the “What to Wash / How to Wash” system, which breaks down cycle and temperature selections, making choosing the optimal settings for whatever you're washing super easy. It's also worth noting that this control panel has the biggest print we've ever seen on a washing machine, making it a good choice for aging eyes or people with visual impairments because it's so easy to read.
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
It’s two washers in one!
If you need more room or want a gentler wash cycle, you can remove the agitator.
As we mentioned, the big selling point of this unique top-load Whirlpool washer is that it’s two styles of washer in one.
Out of the box, the WTW8127LC is a pole agitator. However, if you squeeze the handle atop the agitator it pops right out of the drum, leaving behind an impeller system to wash your clothes.
Agitators are an older technology that tends to do better at dealing with heavy debris because they move water and laundry around a central pole creating friction. An agitator washer’s two downsides are that it’s much rougher on clothing, and that there is a pole sticking up in the middle of the drum that takes up space.
An impeller, on the other hand, is gentler on clothing. It cleans laundry by tossing clothes and water around the drum without the obstruction of a pole. There's also generally more room in a top-loader with impellers.
Again, we don't often see the needs of an agitator consumer and an impeller consumer meet, but here is one that we find most compelling: washing comforters, towels, and large loads of laundry. You need to make every spare cubic inch of space count. When you stuff a washer to its limits, items do not get as clean as they should.
It washes best as an agitator and decently as an impeller
Because of its two modes, the Whirlpool WTW8127LC is tough to judge and score when it comes to cleaning performance.
Overall, the WTW8127LC is one of the best pole-agitator washers that has ever graced our labs, and it’s the highest-scoring pole agitator top-loader we’ve tested to date. The agitator-in Regular/Heavy Duty cycle is impressive, removing 78% of our testing stains. The agitator-out Regular/Normal cycle did OK, removing 68% of our testing stains.
We also tested the Sanitize with Oxi cycle. It cleaned about as well as the Regular/Heavy Duty cycle, even though we added about 32 grams of OxiClean in addition to our testing detergent. In our experience, OxiClean is better as a pretreating method than as a laundry additive.
The Regular/Quick Wash combo was the weakest wash we tested, removing 62% of our testing stains. But, we can forgive that because it clocked in at a fast 28 minutes.
The built-in pretreating station offers stain solutions
The WTW8127LC comes with a specialized brush that has a detergent reservoir that helps you pretreat stubborn stains.
Whether it’s ink or wine, pretreating is the best way to deal with stubborn stains. Lucky for the clumsy among us, the WTW8127LC has built-in solutions, and having a utility sink right in your washer is both a space saver and really handy.
Its drum has a dual temperature faucet and a special scrubbing brush for spot treating before a wash cycle. The brush is the more interesting tool, as it features a reservoir you can pour detergent into that gets dispensed when you scrub.
The built-in faucet can dispense hot or cold water; here's it's measuring at 118°F.
When you’re done you can rinse with the built-in faucet. The faucet can be set to hot or cold. We suggest you keep it on cold most of the time. The hot setting draws straight from the hot tap, so it’s possible the water that comes out will be your boiler’s max temperature, which could lead to a scalding if you aren’t expecting it.
Its cycle selection system can cut down on confusion
The "What to Wash" system helps take the confusion out of doing laundry.
The “What to Wash / How to Wash” system might be more intuitive for those who don't already have mental shortcuts set up for what type of laundry requires which traditional cycle setting. It helps you narrow in on what you actually want your washer to do.
The "How to Wash" buttons modify base cycles to do laundry the way you want.
For example, let’s say you have a load of towels. Lots of washers have a towels cycle, but it takes a while and you’re in a hurry. On the WTW8127LC you can select Towels under “What to Wash” and Quick on the “How to Wash” side. This allows you to cut what is normally an hour-long affair down to 30 minutes.
Detergent auto-dispense
The other tricky step in doing laundry is detergent. Use too much laundry soap and you can actually make your clothes dirtier; use too little and your clothes just don’t smell or feel clean.
To fix this issue, Whirlpool included a Load ‘N Go dispenser that holds up to 20 loads’ worth of detergent. You just fill it up, and at the touch of a button, it releases the correct amount of detergent based on the weight of your laundry and the cycle selected.
What we don't like
It's not as gentle on clothes with the pole in place
We found that this machine cleans more gently when used as an impeller washer. When the agitator pole is in place the cleaning performance does tick up a bit, but so does the clothing wear.
If you're concerned about wear and tear on your garments, it's best to remove the pole. However, when you're looking for straight-up cleaning power, the agitator wins the day.
Energy efficiency for the Whirlpool WTW8127LC
When it comes to energy consumption, the Energy Guide for this model reports 260 kWh/year energy use, and its annual cost estimate (with an electric water heater) is ~$34/year.
Data and privacy
According to Whirlpool’s Smart Appliance Privacy Notice, when you connect a smart appliance, Whirlpool may collect:
- Appliance ID, model, and serial number.
- Usage status of the appliance: for example, what cycle it’s running, whether it’s on or off, error/fault codes.
- IP address of your home router.
- App usage data: when you access the Whirlpool app, what you download, what instructions you send to the washer.
- Possibly other information, which Whirlpool may de-identify or aggregate user data for analytical or improvement purposes.
How Whirlpool uses the data
- To operate and improve smart features: Whirlpool uses data to enable remote notifications (cycle complete, door open), remote control via the app, and to troubleshoot errors.
- Maintenance & Support: Error or fault codes transmitted from your washer can help Whirlpool (or a service tech) diagnose issues.
- Marketing & Analytics: Whirlpool may use aggregated data to analyze appliance usage trends or for marketing.
- Business / Legal Uses: Whirlpool may disclose personal or aggregated data in case of legal requirements, or in business transfers / acquisitions.
Whirlpool says it uses “reasonable organizational, technical, and administrative measures” to protect your data. If you’re concerned about data privacy, you can disconnect the appliance from your Wi-Fi, which stops data transmission. Deleting your Whirlpool app account or removing the appliance in the app should also halt data sharing.
Even if you deactivate your Whirlpool account, Whirlpool may still retain previously collected data in accordance with its privacy policy, and may share data with service providers, vendors, and business partners who help run their smart appliance services.
Smart features (remote start, cycle tracking) offer convenience, but come with trade-offs in data collection. Privacy risks are moderate and users can easily opt out if desired. Be sure to reset network settings before selling or disposal of the appliance.
Warranty and repair
Warranty
The Whirlpool WTW8127LC is covered by a one-year full warranty that covers parts and labor for defects in materials or workmanship. A Five-year limited warranty covers some parts, specifically the gearcase assembly (if defective).
This is the standard warranty for appliances, though some manufacturers will guarantee specific parts (such as the drum or motor) for up to ten years.
Extended warranty
Whirlpool offers additional one-, three-, and five-year warranty options for an added cost. According to Whirlpool, these protection plan benefits include:
- If we can't fix it, we replace it with a brand new one
- Breakdown Protection if your appliance stops working
- No out-of-pocket repair costs
- Serviced by our network of factory-certified technicians
- Factory certified parts
Parts and repair
Whirlpool washers within the warranty window are eligible for on-site repair services. However, if you're outside the warranty window and your washer breaks, don't despair. Obtaining replacement parts for Whirlpool washers, including the WTW8127LC model, is fairly easy. Best resources include eBay, replacement parts retailers, and Whirlpools’s laundry parts replacement page.
Accessories and add-ons to consider
The washer water siphon break provides an air gap in the drain to prevent the siphoning of dirty water back into the tub. A universal part, check to see if your model number is compatible.
This accessory will be needed if more than the standard distance exists between your washer and the drain. The hose is designed to be used with many major brands; check to see if your model number is compatible.
Should you buy the Whirlpool WTW8127LC?
Yes—If you want a washer with a pole agitator, this is the best we've tested so far
If you're in the market for a pole-agitating washing machine, the Whirlpool WTW8127LC is among the best we've tested. It features every innovation Whirlpool has ever dreamed up for its top-loading washing machines.
It also allows you the option to remove the pole and switch over to an impeller wash, in case you need to clean a comforter or lots of towels. We also love that it makes cycle selection less of a hassle.
If you’re not interested in a top-loader with the ability to remove the agitator pole, check out the Maytag MVW7230HW pole-agitator or the Maytag MVW7232HW impeller, which have similar feature sets to the WTW8127LC.
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Meet the tester
Jonathan Chan currently serves as the Lab Manager at Reviewed. If you clean with it, it's likely that Jon oversees its testing. Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company's efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. He thinks he's a pretty big deal. In the pursuit of data, he's plunged his hands into freezing cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. Jon demands you have a nice day.
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