New Whirlpool washer simplifies setting cycles

While LG and Samsung battle it out for the washers with the largest capacity, Whirlpool is challenging its overseas competition on another front: Ease of use. The company is also one of several we've seen at CES 2015 to integrate products with the Nest thermostat, for better or worse.

Typical washing machines have you select options such as desired cycle, load size, soil level, wash/rinse temperatures, and more. The Whirlpool Cabrio WTW8700EC top-load washer, expected to sell for about $1,300, groups its wash settings into two simple considerations on its touchscreen display: What to Wash and How to Wash. From there, claims the manufacturer, sensors determine the needs of the load and adjust water temperature, levels, and more. A matching dryer, the electric Whirlpool Cabrio WED8700EC and gas Whirlpool Cabrio WGD8700EC, both about $1,300 each, will also be available.

The washer's Nest thermostat integration, however, comes on a number of new Whirlpool washers, including the already available Whirlpool Duet WFL98HEBU front-load washer and its matching electric dryer, the Whirlpool Duet WEL98HEBU, $1,500 each. With all three washers, the Nest device signals to the washer that nobody is home. The washer subsequently can tumble finished clothes in fresh air, perhaps drying small loads. Until the Nest says you're back home, the dryer can tumble clothes after a cycle is over to keep them from getting wrinkled.

If you participate in Nest Rush Hour Rewards, you can also have your Nest thermostat set the appliances to run only when energy rates or demand—as determined by your local utility—are lowest. Of course, most of us want our clothes clean when we need them. Having your Nest delay a washer or dryer cycle's cycle until late in the evening might not be welcome in a busy household with lots of dirty laundry.

As with many new washers, Whirlpool's accompanying app lets you download new cycles as needed. And should you need service, a diagnostic tool helps you resolve the issue—without a service call if possible.

The Whirlpool Cabrio WTW8700EC is expected to be available in April; we've already tested the front-load Whirlpool Duet WFL98HEBU and its matching Whirlpool Duet WEL98HEBU dryer. If  you're replacing your washer and dryer now, see the results of our tests of the best matching washers and dryers, and check out our free buying guides for washers and dryers. Then check our Ratings of 135 top- and front-load washers and more than 275 dryers.

—Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter)