Washer With a Removable Agitator? Is This GOOD? WTW5057LW Review

Top-load washing machines have offered two styles of washing systems - with or without agitator based on your needs. But now, Whirlpool offers a removable agitator that can let you adapt the washing machine to your needs. Is it a good idea, or just a useless gimmick? In this video, we run the washing machine, talk a LOT about the agitator and plate system, and what we found when we took the system apart and explored the system.

Timeline:

00:00 - Intro
00:49 - Features of the Washing Machine
01:09 - Removal Agitator System - Concerns & Comparisons
03:08 - Wash Plate System - Concerns & Design Flaws
04:09 - Washing Machine Test (Quick), Settings & Results
07:26 - Teardown Analysis of Unit
09:01 - Post Teardown / Wash Analysis - Does it WORK WELL?
11:01 - Concerns with Washer & Whirlpool Designs
12:16 - Should You Get an Extended Warranty?
13:12 - Matching Dryer Mini-Review the WED5050LW
14:26 - Conclusion - Is it the Best of Both Worlds?

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[nicholassims]

I bought this washer 19 months ago and it’s been serviced twice, once for wire harness, & just a week ago, the motor, & capacitor…So now it would cost more to fix it, then what it costs…I ordered a Speed Queen TC5 a week ago, & it should be getting delivered in the next two weeks. We’re going to keep the Whirlpool dryer that we matched with this Whirlpool washer. Great informative video.

[jeffreyhickman]

I like 👍 the old school 🏫 Whirlpool and Kenmore washing machines from the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s. The have a FULL SIZE agitator, and a LARGE CAPACITY tub 🛀. Even the motor is three quarters of one ☝️ horsepower. These Whirlpool’s and Kenmore’s have a VERY GENTLE wash 🧽 cycle 🔁. These old school 🏫 washing machines were BUILT TO LAST!! They last 🆙 to 30 years in the average household, and they were built to be serviced!! They were really HEAVY DUTY!! Any new washer and dryer set of today, you’re lucky 🍀 to see 5 years, or, “as long as federation.” Your friend, Jeff.

[congruentthree]

Have had this unit for about 4 years. It has started periodicly started "grinding" during the heavy agitating. Ive taken the wash plate off, and it looks okay. I may have to replace the gear box. But so far its been a really good unit for a family of 2.

[karolegi]

I was undecided about returning this washer. I hear you, Maytag Man, and I hear you, owners of this machine. My washer lid will not lock, thus the machine does not work. I've had this machine for 4 days and I haven't been able to use it. I'm waiting for the service guy. When I researched for a fix, I learned a few more problems with this machine. The lid lock is a common problem, it either won't unlock, or it won't lock at all. Another common problem, is the the control panel fails. None of the reset or lock control suggestions worked. I'm very capable of following directions, so I know that the problem is not the fault of this consumer. I can see the many threads getting caught up in that impeller when I wash the cleaning rags. I suspect water will constantly be sitting in that impeller, thus stinking and molding. I leave the lid open on my washer when it's not in use, to dry it out, as recommended by the experts.
Thanks for the video, and the owner experiences. This machine is going back!

[HeyItsJonSchwartz]

Ben, I totally don't need this much appliance information in my life, but your videos are awesome (quality, info, subtle humor, geeky references) so you have me coming back time and time again. LLAP

[stephengloster]

I've been selling appliances for 12 years. Love your videos. Keep up the Amazing Work - Thanks

[bradreese]

I have a brand new whirlpool with removable agitator. I just watched my cloths get washed and I saw the same cloths sitting on top not moving towards the agitator

[curtisbrown]

I wish I would have seen this video 2 weeks ago then I wouldn't have bought this washer one week ago.

[thomasreid]

Last Friday I went to this with the 2 peice agitator customer Complaint was tearing clothes when I got there I found that a bed sheet had been somehow pulled under the wash plate and twisted up and torn, after I removed it and tested it with some towels it seemed to work fine, customer stated that thin materials get torn with top peice removed

[petepete]

I have had my Whirlpool removeable agitator washer for 3 months and it is the best, most versatile and quietest washer I have ever owned in 50 years. The water level never comes even close to the top of the agitator. It has the most effective spin cycle I have ever seen, to the point where some light fabrics actually come out almost dry. This saves a ton of time and money on dryer use. It has a manual faucet that allows you to pause a cycle to pre hand - wash items in the washer, or add extra water (cold only) to a cycle. I washed a full size wown comforter in this machine with excellent results, and even the quick wash will clean most normal laundry loads adequately.

[biga]

Got mine on order going to leave a review as well! Best for the budget I see!

[Scootymcbooty]

I bought the washer and dryer combo shown here at 10:53 (5.2cu ft)when they first came out. It’s more or less the same experience. Doesn’t seem like it’s doing much when you stand there staring into it, but it sure does a damn good job at washing. I regularly fill it full of nasty, dirty, stinky work clothes and rags and so far no issues and no complaints other than the cost. The removable agitator seemed like it might be a gimmick but it sure is nice to wash your whole bed spread in one load and your work week laundry in the next. If you’re on the fence about getting a removable agitator washer, just go get it. It’s great.

[adriancrowe]

I deeply appreciate this video and the STNG cameo. Very nicely done. Thanks for the input on this machine ❤️👍

[heroknaderi]

I enjoyed the video. I came across one of these at my local homedepot store and said oh very cool. I think this unit allows people to see agitaror vs no agitator etc. in my opinion i find it good enough as log as i get the extended warranty. Keep the vids Coning i love appliance videos.😎

[jenniepirnie]

I sell these units. This is good information for me to give to customers! We watched a video at work that showed the unit being hoised by hooking to the agitator (no movie tricks). That was impressive. It gets a good lock when the agitator is engaged. My coworker and I had the same reservations about gunk getting caught in the spring mechanism. I wonder if a pipe cleaner inserted into the holes would clean it....

[hunter]

I was so confused by the subtitles until i checked the language. Thanks for the laugh

[PsychicPhilosopher]

Thank you so very much for this review. I was seriously considering this product, but I had some reservations about it. I bought a used Whirlpool washing machine in 2009 from a local appliance store that’s no longer in business. I bought this Whirlpool for $250. That included tax and delivery and set up. I’ve never had a single problem with it until a couple of days ago.

I definitely got my $250 worth, so I wanted to look at Whirlpool first as a replacement. I like this concept of the best of both worlds, but you raised legitimate issues that I would not have even thought about. I appreciate you so very much.

The one thing you didn’t mention was the noise level. Between reviews on several box store websites and including some of the comments here, apparently this is a really noisy machine. My previous Whirlpool was also noisy, but if I’m going to buy a new one I would like to have a quieter machine. So a comment on the noise level good or bad would have been appreciated. But other than that, this review has helped me so very much make a decision, and I’ve decided to look at LG. Thank you again!

[lolz-fc]

I just got this washer today, so far it at least washes better than the Kenmore elite I had.

[ojdtmhq]

I appreciate the information provided. My wife and I purchased the 4.6 Whirlpool equivalent yesterday. We are replacing an eight year old Maytag that has the glass door but a plastic bottom. I will likley take your advice as there is an optional five year extended warranty. She would like the glass door but won't use the agitator. To get the glass door we have to purchase the 2 in 1 at approx $100.00 more. My concern are the holes in the wash plate when the agitator is removed. We are seniors and the two of us use it. I appreciate your guidance looks like we will go with the plainer unit with traditional metal door.

[fjhycph]

My Maytag commercial residential washer is not working properly during the spin cycle. A service repairman locked the level legs in place, as the legs were not locked in place when installed; which may have caused damage to parts of the washer. I have had three service calls for the washer in a short time, which is not normal. A relative talked about Whirlpool washing machines being good. I appreciate your helpful video about what features and brands are best with the repairs. I did not know Maytag sold their company to Whirlpool in 2006. I now know to avoid Maytag for other brands Whirlpool or Amana.