Whirlpool Washers: Top-Load and Front-Load Models
Whirlpool washers come in top-load models with agitators or impellers and 27-inch front-load models with steam options. Compare capacity, cycles and fit.
Whirlpool washers split into two families: top-load models you load from above, and front-load models that stack with a matching dryer. Within each family, the differences come down to capacity, wash options like sanitize and steam, and how much room the machine needs.
This guide compares six Whirlpool washers, three top-load and three front-load, using the details on each product page. If you are still deciding between the two styles, start with our guide to front-load vs top-load washers, or browse all Whirlpool washers.
- Top-load models in this guide range from 4.3 to 5.2 cu. ft.; front-load models range from 4.5 to 5.0 cu. ft.
- The WTW6157PW has the most capacity here at 5.2 cu. ft. and a 2-in-1 removable agitator.
- All three front-load models offer a steam option and a sanitize option.
- The WFW5720RW is the only washer here that lists a built-in water heater.
- The front-load models are 39" tall but 31 9/16" to 33 1/4" deep.
Our top picks at a glance
Compare them side by sideGlass Lid Pick: Whirlpool WTW4307SW Top-Load Washer
Whirlpool WTW4307SW 28 Inch Top Load Washer with 4.3 cu. ft. Capacity, 12 Wash Cycles, 2 in 1 Removable Agitator, Soft-Close Glass Lid, Lid Lock in White
The Whirlpool WTW4307SW is a full-size top-load washer with 4.3 cu. ft. of capacity, 12 wash cycles and a 2-in-1 removable agitator. It adds a soft-close glass lid with a lid lock and a sanitize option. It uses digital controls with knobs and has a stainless steel drum.
- Sanitize option
- Soft-close glass lid with lid lock
- 2-in-1 removable agitator
- No steam option
- Less capacity than the other top-load models here
Deep Water Pick: Whirlpool WTW5057LW Top-Load Washer
Whirlpool WTW5057LW 28 inch Top Load Washer with 4.7 cu. ft. Capacity, Deep Water Wash Option, 360 Wash Agitator Option, Presoak Option, in White
The Whirlpool WTW5057LW has 4.7 cu. ft. of capacity and 12 wash cycles. Its product page lists a Deep Water Wash option, a 360 Wash Agitator option and a Presoak option, so you can add water and soak time for heavier loads. It has a stainless steel drum and digital controls with knobs.
- Deep Water Wash option
- Presoak option
- 12 wash cycles
- No sanitize option
- No steam option
Capacity Pick: Whirlpool WTW6157PW Top-Load Washer
Whirlpool WTW6157PW 27 inch Top Load Washer with 5.2 cu. ft. Capacity, 2 in 1 Removable Agitator, Smooth Impeller Option, Extra Rinse Option (White)
The Whirlpool WTW6157PW has 5.2 cu. ft. of capacity, the most of the six washers in this guide. Its 2-in-1 removable agitator lets you wash with the agitator in place or take it out and use the smooth impeller option for bulky items. It has 10 wash cycles, an extra rinse option and simple knob controls.
- 5.2 cu. ft. of capacity
- 2-in-1 removable agitator
- Extra rinse option
- No sanitize option
- Fewer cycles than the other models here
Front-Load Pick: Whirlpool WFW4720RW Front-Load Washer
Whirlpool WFW4720RW 27 inch Front Load Washer with 4.5 cu. ft. Capacity, Quick Wash and Dry, Tumble Fresh Option, in White
The Whirlpool WFW4720RW is a 27" front-load washer with 4.5 cu. ft. of capacity and 12 wash cycles. Its product page lists a Quick Wash and Dry option and a Tumble Fresh option, along with steam and sanitize options. It has a stainless steel drum and digital controls with knobs.
- Quick Wash and Dry option
- Steam and sanitize options
- Tumble Fresh option
- No built-in water heater
- Needs more depth than the top-load models
Smart Pick: Whirlpool WFW5720RW Smart Front-Load Washer
Whirlpool WFW5720RW 27 inch Smart Front Load Washer with 4.5 cu. ft. Capacity, Stackable, AI Intelligent Wash, Voice Control, Antimicrobial Protection (White)
The Whirlpool WFW5720RW is a smart front-load washer with 4.5 cu. ft. of capacity. Its product page lists AI Intelligent Wash, voice control and antimicrobial protection, and it is the only washer in this guide with a built-in water heater. It also has steam and sanitize options and 12 wash cycles.
- Built-in water heater
- Voice control and AI Intelligent Wash
- Steam and sanitize options
- Same capacity as the WFW4720RW
Front-Load Capacity Pick: Whirlpool WFW6720RW Front-Load Washer
Whirlpool WFW6720RW 27 inch Front Load Washer with 5.0 cu. ft. Capacity, Voice Control, Quick Wash and Dry, AI Intelligent Wash (White)
The Whirlpool WFW6720RW has 5.0 cu. ft. of capacity, the most of the front-load models here. It lists voice control, Quick Wash and Dry and AI Intelligent Wash, plus steam and sanitize options. At 33 1/4" deep, it needs a little more room than the other two front-load models.
- 5.0 cu. ft. of capacity
- Quick Wash and Dry option
- Voice control
- Deeper than the other front-load models
- No built-in water heater
Whirlpool washer comparison
Glass Lid Top-Load | Deep Water Top-Load | 5.2 cu. ft. Top-Load | Front-Load | Smart Front-Load | 5.0 cu. ft. Front-Load | |
| Model | WTW4307SW | WTW5057LW | WTW6157PW | WFW4720RW | WFW5720RW | WFW6720RW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $578 | $698 | $848 | $728 | $778 | $878 |
| Type | Top Load | Top Load | Top Load | Front Load | Front Load | Front Load |
| Capacity | 4.3 cu. ft. | 4.7 cu. ft. | 5.2 cu. ft. | 4.5 cu. ft. | 4.5 cu. ft. | 5.0 cu. ft. |
| Width | 27 1/8" | 27 3/4" | 27 3/8" | 27" | 27" | 27" |
| Depth | 26 1/4" | 27" | 28" | 31 9/16" | 31 9/16" | 33 1/4" |
| Height | 42 5/8" | 41 1/2" | 42 3/4" | 39" | 39" | 39" |
| Wash Cycles | 12 | 12 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Sanitize | Sanitize option | Not included | Not included | Sanitize option | Sanitize option | Sanitize option |
| Steam | Not included | Not included | Not included | Steam option | Steam option | Steam option |
| Water Heater | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included | Built-in heater | Not included |
| View | View | View | View | View | View |
Top-load or front-load?
Top-load washers are easy to load without bending and fit where a dryer will sit beside them. The three top-load models here are about 26 to 28 inches deep and about 42 inches tall, with the lid opening upward.
Front-load washers are shorter and deeper. The three front-load models here are 39" tall and all offer steam and sanitize options. The WFW5720RW is listed as stackable, which helps in a laundry closet. For a single-unit option, see our guide to washer dryer combos.
Agitator, impeller or both?
The WTW4307SW and WTW6157PW use a 2-in-1 removable agitator, so you can keep the agitator for everyday loads or remove it for bulky items. The WTW5057LW lists a 360 Wash Agitator option and a Deep Water Wash option for loads that need more water.
What to measure first
Check the space before you compare features, especially for a stacked front-load pair or a top-load washer under a shelf.
- Width, depth and height of the space, plus room for hoses and the power cord behind the washer.
- Clearance above a top-load washer so the lid opens fully.
- Clearance in front of a front-load washer for the door to swing open.
- Doorways and stairs on the delivery path.
How to choose a Whirlpool washer
- 01
Pick a styleChoose top-load for easy loading or front-load if you want to stack a dryer.
- 02
Match capacity to your loadsChoose more capacity if you wash bedding, towels or large family loads.
- 03
Choose wash optionsDecide whether you need sanitize, steam, deep water or a built-in water heater.
- 04
Check the fitCompare the depth and height on the product page with your space.
- 05
Plan the dryerPick a matching dryer and confirm the pair fits your space side by side or stacked.
Our picks by budget
Compare Whirlpool top-load and front-load washers and check each model's dimensions before you order.
Shop Whirlpool washersFrequently Asked Questions
Which Whirlpool washer in this guide has the most capacity?
The WTW6157PW top-load washer lists 5.2 cu. ft. of capacity. Among the front-load models, the WFW6720RW lists 5.0 cu. ft.
Do Whirlpool front-load washers have a steam option?
Yes. The WFW4720RW, WFW5720RW and WFW6720RW all list a steam option and a sanitize option on their product pages.
Can I remove the agitator on a Whirlpool top-load washer?
The WTW4307SW and WTW6157PW have a 2-in-1 removable agitator, so you can wash with or without it.
Which Whirlpool washer has a built-in water heater?
The WFW5720RW is the only washer in this guide that lists a built-in water heater.
Can Whirlpool front-load washers be stacked?
The WFW5720RW product page lists it as stackable. For any stacked pair, check the matching dryer's product page for the stacking kit it needs.
