Best Buy Ratings and Reviews

Best Buy Ratings and Reviews

Customer Reviews for Whirlpool Duet 3.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Ultra Capacity Washer - White

Whirlpool Duet 3.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Ultra Capacity Washer - White

Model: WFW9550WW
SKU: 9549287
UPC: 883049176840
Wash up to 18 pairs of jeans in up to 17 minutes, and keep them fresh and wrinkle free, thanks to this washer's TumbleFresh option that intermittently tumbles after the cycle completes to reduce the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Average Customer Rating:
2.15 out of 5
2.2
 out of 
5
(20 Reviews) 20
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Snapshot 20 reviews
5 stars
3
4 stars
2
3 stars
0
2 stars
5
1 star
10
25% of customers would recommend this product to a friend 
(
5 out of 20
)
Customer Questions & Answers:
3 Questions | 3 Answers
Customer Reviews for Whirlpool Duet 3.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Ultra Capacity Washer - White
Review 1 for Whirlpool Duet 3.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Ultra Capacity Washer - White

So far so good. Wife loves all the features.

Customer Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Posted by: PackerBill
from Illinois
on 05/14/2012
Value for Price
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Quality
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Features
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Performance
4.0 out of 5
4.0
What's great about it: Quiet. Lots of room for blanket. Uses less water than top loader.
What's not so great: Nothing so far....
I am very pleased with purchase. First front loader I have ever purchased. Water bill actually went down. Love all the features especially the delay feature which allows for wash cycle during the night.
This product is or has... A great water saver, All the cycles I need, Energy efficient, Big enough capacity for a comforter, A steam cycle, Doesn't vibrate my house, Great at getting tough stains out, Quiet, Easy to use controls
About me... Looking for energy savings, Budget Conscious, Always get the deal
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Review 2 for Whirlpool Duet 3.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Ultra Capacity Washer - White

Avoid this washer completely!

Customer Rating
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Posted by: rcman56
from Troutdale, OR
on 05/06/2012
Value for Price
2.0 out of 5
2.0
Quality
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Features
2.0 out of 5
2.0
Performance
1.0 out of 5
1.0
What's great about it: It's size is nice
What's not so great: Lacks features that would give you more flexibility like a dedicated "spin" cycle
I would avoid buying this washer completely. We've had it about one year and it sounds so loud when it spins it sounds like it's falling apart. I think the bearings are going bad or something. I've read other similar entries regarding this model. It also lacks features we had on our older washer like "spin dry" which we miss very much. I will be doing my research first if we have to replace this piece of junk so I don't (hopefully) end up with another poorly designed unit.
This product is or has... A great water saver, Energy efficient, Easy to use controls
About me... Looking for energy savings, Budget Conscious
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Review 3 for Whirlpool Duet 3.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Ultra Capacity Washer - White

This washer is AMAZING!!!!!!

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Washerwoman123
from California
on 04/05/2012
What's great about it: EVERYTHING!!!!!
I love my new steam washer. I wash clothes all the time. It is so efficcient - uses a small amount of water compared to my old washer and is so quiet!!!!! it is next to my kitchen and I don't have all the balance problems and noise I had before. My clothes are so clean and the spin is so much better that the dryer doesn't need to be used as long either!!!!!
This product is or has... A great water saver, All the cycles I need, Energy efficient, Big enough capacity for a comforter, A steam cycle, Doesn't vibrate my house, Great at getting tough stains out, Quiet, Easy to use controls
About me... Looking for energy savings, Parent of kids, Design conscious, washaholic!!!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Review 4 for Whirlpool Duet 3.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Ultra Capacity Washer - White

Bad Bearings - 12 months old - STAY AWAY

Customer Rating
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Posted by: Anonymous
from norwalk, CT
on 01/03/2012
Value for Price
2.0 out of 5
2.0
Quality
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Features
3.0 out of 5
3.0
Performance
1.0 out of 5
1.0
All the reviews about bearing-failure are 100% true. My washer is 12 months old and sounds like a jet engine during the spin cycle. Repair being made this week under warranty but it seems that this problem is especially common with Whirlpool Duets. I can't speak to the design of the bearings, housing, etc., but it seems like everyone has the same problem and, while I tend to chalk-up some negative reviews on any product as simply whining or brand-bashing, don't ignore any of these reviews. Stay away from this product. Should be recalled ... it's that bad.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+6points
6out of 6found this review helpful.
Review 5 for Whirlpool Duet 3.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Ultra Capacity Washer - White

Junk- lasted 2 years

Customer Rating
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Posted by: WTTH
from Chicago, IL
on 09/12/2011
What's great about it: runs fine for 12 months- then nothing
This unit worked just fine for 12 months, then the warranty ran out, and so did the quality. The machine made a clunking noise that became progressively louder during the spin cycle. The machine sounded like it was off its axis or that bearings were shot. Grey metal shavings appeared under the machine. The sound was deafening after about 24 months and it finally went off the axis and stopped working entirely. I chatted with their online "instant chat" which I had to wait in queue for 10 minutes. They told me to call customer service. Another 10 minutes on hold and got an empathetic voice who offered no solutions or help. Don't let someone talk you into a whrilpool. They are not the same quality as other brands.
This product is or has... does not last
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+3points
3out of 3found this review helpful.
Review 6 for Whirlpool Duet 3.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Ultra Capacity Washer - White

Don't waste your money

Customer Rating
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Posted by: Leemomof4
from Indiana
on 07/23/2011
Value for Price
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Quality
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Features
3.0 out of 5
3.0
Performance
1.0 out of 5
1.0
What's great about it: it is easy to use
What's not so great: It doesn't last!
I bought this machine in March of 2008 and did not buy the extended warranty(shame on me). When the machine was 18mo old the bearings went out of the drum. I contacted Whirlpool and they agreed to give me the parts($700 worth) and I pay for shipping($75) and labor($200). Here we are 18 months later and the bearings are going out again! I am now looking at brands that whirlpool does not own(they own Maytag, Amana, and several others). It says it will wash 18pair of jeans - bull! I have never put that many in there it would be too full and too much wear & tear on the drum. My old top load with an agitator held more than this machine!
This product is or has... Easy to use controls
About me... Parent of kids
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+5points
6out of 7found this review helpful.
Review 7 for Whirlpool Duet 3.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Ultra Capacity Washer - White

disapointed in whirlpool

Customer Rating
2.0 out of 5
2.0
Posted by: missgg
from piffard,ny
on 06/18/2011
Value for Price
2.0 out of 5
2.0
Quality
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Features
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Performance
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: did a good job cleaning cloths
What's not so great: short live for price
my washer was 2.5 yrs old. The washing results were wonderful. The mother board died. It cost almost as much to repair as to purchase new. I had my old washer 15 yrs with only minor repairs that we were able to do ourselves. I am very unhappy with whirlpool. Very expensive for poor quality.
This product is or has... A great water saver, All the cycles I need, Energy efficient, Big enough capacity for a comforter
About me... Teenage kids, Budget Concious, Green Consumer, Parent of kids
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
Review 8 for Whirlpool Duet 3.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Ultra Capacity Washer - White

Spend more for a longer lasting machine

Customer Rating
2.0 out of 5
2.0
Posted by: pacman306
from Rio Rancho, NM
on 03/24/2011
Value for Price
2.0 out of 5
2.0
Quality
3.0 out of 5
3.0
Features
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Performance
4.0 out of 5
4.0
What's great about it: clothes are cleaned well
What's not so great: short service life
My wife and I have had this machine since we moved into our home 2.5 years ago. As in other reviews the machine has started to make a loud banging noise that reminds me of an unbalanced top loading washing machine that I grew up with. It shakes and bounces as it spins. This issue has only been happening for about 2 months and has continued to become more pronounced as time goes on. I am sure that it is coming to end of its life. This washer does get the clothes clean and worked well for a little over 2 years. I would suggest spending a little more on a better machine that will last longer.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+3points
5out of 7found this review helpful.
Review 9 for Whirlpool Duet 3.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Ultra Capacity Washer - White

SEVEN YEARS AND STILL RUNNING BUT

Customer Rating
2.0 out of 5
2.0
Posted by: FLYBOY1320
from FLATHEAD LAKE, MONTANA
on 03/17/2011
Value for Price
3.0 out of 5
3.0
Quality
2.0 out of 5
2.0
Features
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Performance
4.0 out of 5
4.0
What's great about it: mine washes great and never smells
What's not so great: expensive when computerized brain goes
My former spouse and I each bought the duet washer with dryer 7 to 8 years ago. Her's has worked perfectly ever since.
Mine is a bit noisy.
I found that the design of the plastic integrated handle to open front is weak. After breaking original, getting a warranty one, it broke so now out of warranty I bought one and strengthened it on concealed side with perma oxy epoxy stick material before use. That solved it! I had not abused opening and closing but both "defective" handles cracked in same two areas.
I would have given unit much higher marks, but about 2 yrs ago no matter what water temp setting is.....the fill is always total hot. I did what local repair guy suggested....it wasn't the pre-hose feed valves, nor plugged screen....I replaced the electro valves at some expense and also a bad temp sensor on bottom and cleaned the water exhaust filter.... but that did not solve it.....apparently it is the computer motherboard.... so for 2 yrs I add some cold water manually to some washes. Eventually I will have to replace the unit, dryer is fine. WP not helpful.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+1point
3out of 5found this review helpful.
Review 10 for Whirlpool Duet 3.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Ultra Capacity Washer - White

Will only last 1 to 3 years - Truly junk!

Customer Rating
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Posted by: mmvv
from MN
on 03/14/2011
Value for Price
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Quality
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Features
3.0 out of 5
3.0
Performance
2.0 out of 5
2.0
What's great about it: Does a great job of washing for 2 years.
What's not so great: Very short life, becomes very noisy before failing
These Whirlpool Duet front load washers are based on a defective design. There is a bearing for the shaft at the back of the tub, this bearing and seal are then connected to the pulley that is driven by the motor. The tub bearing will wear out prematurely causing repair charges to exceed 70% the cost of new. The bearing failure will initially be indicated by the machine becoming louder over time and vibrating more along with becoming very noisy, just prior to locking up as the drum tilts within the bearing and then scraps against the side of the container. I strongly recommend you NOT buy from this manufacturer as they disclaim knowledge of this product defect, but information on this issue is widely available on the internet. This is planned obsolescence at it's best. Even with an extended warranty, why would you pay for extended warranty and then subject your self to the hassle of dealing with a service call?
Whirlpool product and customer service are clearly junk in my experience. Do your research, stay away from Whirlpool.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
 
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
 
 
Whirlpool 3.5 Cu. Ft. 10-Cycle Washer - White
3.8 out of 5(30)
 
 
 
 
 
+6points
8out of 10found this review helpful.
Review 11 for Whirlpool Duet 3.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Ultra Capacity Washer - White

Great Product, skeptical of other reviews

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Trisha1977
from Tennessee
on 02/03/2011
Value for Price
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Features
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Performance
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: Simple and easy to use and its a Whirlpool!
What's not so great: I purchased white, wish I had gotten silver :(
I purchased this in June 2010 and was telling my sister how great this unit is. She looked it up on Bestbuy.com and told me about all of the negative comments. I was suprised so I looked for myself. Low and behold, there are gleeming errors. First of all, this product has only been on the market for a year released in january of 2010. 2nd, it is a belt drive machine, and being a former repair tech, I know there are no bearings in this machine like some have stated, but rather a belt drive motor which is much easier to replace if something were to go wrong. I have loved the water and energy efficiency of this machine, and the quietness is unbelievable. I have all Whirlpool brand products and they have served me well (My other Kitchen appliances are 12 years old). The steam feature on the washer has also saved me hours of time as I have 2 kids at home. Hopefully this helps, have a great day!
I would recommend this to a friend!
+28points
40out of 52found this review helpful.
Review 12 for Whirlpool Duet 3.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Ultra Capacity Washer - White

More bearing problems

Customer Rating
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Posted by: TickedoffinKC
from Kansas City
on 12/11/2010
What's not so great: Not Reliable, Noisy
I don’t usually post in these kind of things but I'm ticked off at Whirlpool. Like the others who have posted here, After only two years, the bearing in our duet wore out, becoming extremely loud during the spin cycle, allowing the basket to wobble wich eventually destroyed it. And you cannot simply replace the bearing without replacing the entire expensive back half of the tub. Our repairs total more that the machine is worth.
Do not buy a Whirlpool Front Loader!!! There is a' reason why they don’t warranty their major parts for longer than a year like they used to. And, if you already have one and it is at all louder than it used to be, beware it is on its way out.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+4points
8out of 12found this review helpful.
Review 13 for Whirlpool Duet 3.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Ultra Capacity Washer - White

Whirlpool is a bad brand

Customer Rating
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Posted by: UGA12312
from NJ
on 12/10/2010
Value for Price
2.0 out of 5
2.0
Quality
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Features
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Performance
1.0 out of 5
1.0
I owned a set of Whirlpool Duet washer and dryer for 7 years now and have had numerous problems. With the washer, the gasket went bad once and then the bearing broke. Stay away.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
-1point
8out of 17found this review helpful.
Review 14 for Whirlpool Duet 3.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Ultra Capacity Washer - White

Expensive repair, bought new one instead

Customer Rating
2.0 out of 5
2.0
Posted by: ladyjane2
from Luxemburg, WI.
on 11/24/2010
Value for Price
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Quality
2.0 out of 5
2.0
Features
2.0 out of 5
2.0
Performance
1.0 out of 5
1.0
What's great about it: Got the clothes clean
What's not so great: Constant repairs and loud
I bought the Whirlpool Duet 7 years ago and already had to trash it. The bearings went on it and wrecked the basket they are in... total cost of repairs without labor: $750!! We just bought a new Samsung as it was recommended by the internet......I had nothing but problems with the Duet washer for all 7 years. One service call after another.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+2points
11out of 20found this review helpful.
Review 15 for Whirlpool Duet 3.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Ultra Capacity Washer - White

Great machine -- improved over older model

Customer Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Posted by: KellyMS
from Grand Rapids, MI
on 10/28/2010
Value for Price
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Quality
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Features
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Performance
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: extra settings really work, not just gimmicky
What's not so great: sometimes the estimated time to complete a load differs from the actual time taken to complete a load
Doing laundry for an active family of 5 means my washer is in constant use. VERY impressed with the "active wear" setting for my husband's sweaty, stinky work out/tennis clothes -- don't have to add baking soda or other additives and don't have to soak them before washing with this feature. "Bulky" setting for blankets is great as well.
No complaints, but when adding the settings for a load, sometimes the estimated time to complete differs from the actual time taken to wash. Discrepancy between cleaning sensor and estimated time?
I would recommend this to a friend!
+8points
11out of 14found this review helpful.
Review 16 for Whirlpool Duet 3.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Ultra Capacity Washer - White

Machine doesn't hold up very well to daily usage.

Customer Rating
2.0 out of 5
2.0
Posted by: Flutter161
from Plaquemine, louisiana
on 10/14/2010
Value for Price
2.0 out of 5
2.0
Quality
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Features
3.0 out of 5
3.0
Performance
2.0 out of 5
2.0
What's great about it: Energy efficient
What's not so great: Durability is nill, customer services are little or no help. Repairs are very costly, and start soon after purchase.
I have a two year old duet washer and have been seldom happy with it. Now the tub is broken and will cost over $500.00 to repair. That is over half of what I paid for it new. Whirlpool is no help-"this is a rare problem that is not covered under the warranty". they said it's a balance issue, but no one can tell me what created the problem. Now they just turn their heads, and leave me with a $900.00 piece of junk! Whirlpool--- you need to take of your people a little better. Do they believe money grows on trees?
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+5points
10out of 15found this review helpful.
Review 17 for Whirlpool Duet 3.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Ultra Capacity Washer - White

terrible WHIRLPOOL custormer service-bad product

Customer Rating
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Posted by: HPERK
from BURNS TN
on 06/30/2010
What's great about it: BAD PRODUCT!!
What's not so great: UNRELIABLE -TERRIBLE WHIRLPOOL CUSTOMER SERVICE
AT 8 MONTHS THE SUD SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED ON THE DUET WASER.THAT TOOK 3 WEEKS TO GET PARTS FOR. THE BEARINGS , BELTS, AND SUD SENSSOR WENT BAD AT 18 MONTHS. A&E(THE SERVICE COMPANY WHIRLPOOL USES) ORDERED PARTS AND CAME TO FIX IT FOUR WEEKS AFTER CALLING . A&E REPAIR MAN SAID WHIRLPOOL WARRANTY COMPANY DENIED OUR CLAIM AND REFUSED TO LET THEM FIX THE MACHINE DUE TO REPAIR COST! I CALLED WHIRLPOOL WARRANTY AND WAS TOLD SOMEONE WOULD CALL IN 3-5 DAYS TO SETTLE WITH US. WHIRLPOOL ABSOLUTLY DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS. THEY BLAMED THE SERVICE COMPANY THEY RECOMMENED (A&E) FOR THE DELAYS!!! WHIRLPOOL NEEDS TO OFFER A REPLACMENT MACHINE SO A FAMILY CAN WASH THEIR CLOTHES WHILE WAITING ON THIS JUNK TO BE REPAIRED AND TAKE CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. IF YOU BUY A WHIRLPOOL DUET(READ THE REVIEWS AS THEY ARE NOT GOOD) BUY A BACK-UP TOP LOADER AND ALL THE WARRANTY YOU CAN AFFORD AS YOU WILL NEED IT. EXPECT POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM THE WARRANTY PEOPLE AS THEY ARE CLUELESS. I WILL NOT PURCHASE WHIRLPOOL PRODUCTS IN THE FUTURE. SHAME ON YOU WHIRLPOOL RECALL THIS JUNK !
CEO OF WHIRLPOOL NEEDS TO WAKE UP!!
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+19points
26out of 33found this review helpful.
Review 18 for Whirlpool Duet 3.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Ultra Capacity Washer - White

Total loss

Customer Rating
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Posted by: TexasTeacher
from North Texas
on 06/06/2010
Value for Price
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Quality
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Features
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Performance
1.0 out of 5
1.0
What's great about it: Nothing comes to mind
What's not so great: Short life expectancy
Bought this washer just over 2 years ago and the bearings went out. Estimated cost to repair was $630! The bearings are attached to the tub and cannot be replaced separaretly. In order to correct the problem with the bearings, we were going to have to also replace the tub and other parts attached to it. The repairman told us that is very common with front-load washing machines and suggested that we go back to a top-load washer. That's exactly what we did. Bought a new, top loading washer for the cost of the estimated repair to the Whirlpool Duet. The Duet had to be trashed because cost of repair exceeded the recoverable value of the washer.
I am very disappointed that Whirlpool built a washer that cannot be repaired within reason and that there was no recall for this product.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+16points
20out of 24found this review helpful.
Review 19 for Whirlpool Duet 3.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Ultra Capacity Washer - White

Great so far!

Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: MrsFever
from Maxwell, IA
on 03/09/2010
Value for Price
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Quality
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Features
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Performance
5.0 out of 5
5.0
What's great about it: Many washing options, and uses LESS WATER.
What's not so great: Was very spendy, compared to a normal washer.
So far, it has been great. I am hoping that it lasts a long time, and I will update if it has problems down the road.
Compared to my 16yr old machine, this is much faster, and uses so much less water. Can't wait to see next months water bill.
The options for a quick wash, heavy & bulky, and even sanitary wash are just great. Extra large capacity is nice too, and it will even let you know if you can add another piece of clothing before it starts.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+12points
14out of 16found this review helpful.
Review 20 for Whirlpool Duet 3.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Ultra Capacity Washer - White

Water does not drain from washer tub

Customer Rating
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Posted by: Vespa
from Plymouth, MA
on 01/03/2010
Value for Price
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Quality
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Features
1.0 out of 5
1.0
Performance
1.0 out of 5
1.0
What's great about it: Front loading
What's not so great: Soaking wet clothes at end of cycle
My Duet washer has sporadically failed to drain the water from the tub, leaving the clothes soaking wet when the cycle ends. This originally happened on the "delicate" and "hand wash" cycles, but has recently spread to the "normal" cycle. When the water does not drain, the "drain and spin "and "rinse and spin" cycles will not drain the tub either. THIS LEAVES NO WAY TO DRAIN THE WASH AT ALL.. NUMEROUS service calls have been of NO avail! ! Now I have a washer that often fails to properly operate on FIVE cycles. The washer,as it is. is not reliable enough to use. It's time to replace this almost-new machine.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+8points
13out of 18found this review helpful.