A Guide to GE Washing Machine 2021

The Indian market is fortunate enough to have several large branded washing machine manufacturers. These include GE washing machines, which are made with utmost precision and the latest technologies. GE is an American multinational company, which has a long list of washing machines for its Indian customers. The company has managed to grab a considerable portion of the Indian market with its high-class products and exceptional customer care. Features commonly found in a GE washing machine include multiple washing modes for different types of fabrics, several washing settings, LED displays, and much more. 

Top tips to help you find the best washer and dryer

You love your washer and dryer—but one day you’ll need new laundry appliances. What should you focus on when you shop? We’ve got answers.

WASHERS

Front-load vs. Top-load

Comfort, capacity, and space are the biggest considerations with top-load and front-load designs.

• Comfort: Front-load machines may require more bending and reaching.
• Inner workings: Front-loading washers use a tumbling method versus an agitator; this may require less water but have a longer wash cycle.
• Capacity: Front-loaders offer drums with a capacity ranging from 4 to 5 cubic feet. Top-load capacity is reduced by the agitator. Any increased drum size and capacity equal a bigger machine.
• Size: Traditional washers (and dryers) are 27 to 28 inches wide and 30 to 35 inches deep; height can vary. Plan for 6 inches of space between the machine and the wall and 1 inch between machines.

Pro tip: Before shopping, measure the doors and stairwells in your home to be sure a new machine will fit.

Term to Know: High Efficiency (HE)

While all front-load washing machines are high-efficiency (HE), some top-load machines—the ones without agitators—is HE models. Overall, most HE washers:

• Use about half the water
• Have larger capacities
• Spin faster
• May remove more water and cut drying time
• Have a longer wash cycle (they’re designed to tumble-clean your clothes and rely on less water in the process)

The Extras

Manufacturers are adding lots of innovative features to laundry appliances. Here are a few:

• Automatic dispensers that add detergent, bleach, and fabric softener at the appropriate time; some machines hold months’ worth of detergent. 
• An extra rinse cycle to help get rid of pet hair, stubborn messes, and detergent residue.
• A stainless-steel tube to withstand higher spin speeds, which extract more water and cut drying time.
• A built-in sink or multiple washer tubs to help pre-treat stains and wash small loads of delicates.
• Mobile apps and voice control via digital personal assistants.

DRYERS

All dryers are front-loaders. A dryer’s large drum capacity provides space for wet laundry to expand as it dries. Traditional dryers (and washers) are 27 to 28 inches wide and 30 to 35 inches deep. Newer machines, with higher capacities, maybe larger.

Pro tip: Plan for 6 inches of space between the machine and the wall and 1 inch between machines.

Gas vs. Electric

No matter the energy source, performance tends to be similar; however, electric dryers remain the most popular.

• An electric dryer requires a 240-volt outlet.
• A gas dryer needs a 120-volt outlet and a gas hookup.

Term to Know: High Efficiency (HE)

Today’s dryers keep drying times to a minimum (saving energy and preserving fabrics) by relying on moisture sensors instead of thermostats—thus the term high-efficiency. A moisture sensor detects how wet the laundry is and adjusts drying time accordingly. If you frequently dry smaller loads, the clothes may not touch the sensor frequently enough, so you may need additional drying time. (You can help prevent this by using a timed-dry cycle for small loads.)

SPACE SAVERS

Not every household needs a washing machine that holds more than a dozen full-size bath towels. Compact washers:

• Typically offer a 2.3 cubic feet capacity (and can fit about 6 bath towels)
• Are generally 24 inches wide, between 33 and 34 inches tall, and 24 to 29 inches deep
• Usually stack with the dryer on top (stacking parts may cost extra)

STACKABILITY

If stacking is your jam—because of limited square footage or preference—compact machines are not your only option. Full-size front-load washing machines have doors and control panels on the front, and many have optional stacking kits so you can install a dryer on top.

What Is GE?

The GE Appliances 5.0-Cubic-Foot GFW850S Front-Load Washer places second in our rating of the Best Washing Machines of 2021. Pair it with its companion dryer, the 7.8-Cubic-Foot Smart GFD85ES Electric Dryer, which ties for No. 3 in our rating of the Best Dryers of 2021. As a set, these machines take the No. 2 slots in both our Best Matching Washer and Dryer Sets of 2021 and Best Stackable Washers and Dryers of 2021 rankings.

In addition to washers and dryers, GE offers a wide range of kitchen appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, ranges and ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, and air conditioners. Founded in 1907 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Haier Group acquired GE Appliances in 2016.

GE Appliances are made in the U.S., with many of the parts domestically sourced.

What’s new in GE washer and dryer products?

Front-load washers are gentle on clothes and are energy and water-efficient. The latest GE features make them more user-friendly, too.

1. UltraFresh with Odorblock

As we mentioned above, the downside of front-load washers is that mold and mildew can build up in the door gasket and make it smell musty. It’s a pain to prevent and fix, considering that you have to remember to leave the door and detergent drawer ajar, wipe down the gasket with bleach and self-clean the drum continuously. After more than two years of research, GE introduced washers with its UltraFresh vent system. Problem solved.

How does UltraFresh prevent a stinky gasket? Per GE, three components work together to do the job:

• Drain: The system drains extra water after the wash cycle to help keep the washer fresh. To do that as effectively as possible, GE developed a wider gasket to drain this leftover water, which helps to limit bacteria growth.
• Dry: A unique airflow system right on the door helps to eliminate any excess moisture inside the washer, so you don’t have to leave the door open after each cycle.
• Defend: GE partnered with Microban, a global leader in odor-control technologies (used in everything from yoga leggings to cleaning sprays), to create a new type of washer gasket, pump, and dispenser. These parts are equipped with Microban technology to help prevent odor-causing bacteria from growing.

2. SmartDispense

GE also introduced a detergent auto-dispensing feature that makes laundry faster, more convenient, and less messy to do. Select models now come with SmartDispense, which holds 50 ounces of detergent (enough for about 32 loads) and automatically dispenses the correct amount based on the load weight and clothing material. Since the washer always uses just enough, you never waste any detergent or use too much or too little to get your clothes clean.

3. 1 Step Wash + Dry

We’ve all had the experience of realizing at bedtime that we need an outfit ready for the next day, be it a baseball uniform or a work polo. This combination wash-and-dry feature, available on some GE washers, lets you launder very small loads (under two pounds) in your washer from start to finish, all without applying any heat. It works by pulling air from the vent into the front of the drum; a fan then circulates the air to dry the load.

4. Washer Link

This is a smart connectivity feature that lets your washer communicate with your dryer. This feature allows your dryer to know exactly how long to dry your clothes and which setting to use based on the wash cycle. That way, your clothes will never spend too much or too little time in the dryer. It’s better for their fabric and your energy bill.

5. New Colors

GE also has a new color option, Sapphire Blue, which adds a pop of color to your laundry room. Satin Nickel is another, more understated choice.

6. Dynamic Balancing Technology

To help with the usual loud washer vibration, GE has added sensors that gauge whether the load is balanced before increasing the spin speed.

7. Reversible Doors

In terms of space savings, GE introduced reversible doors for both the washer and dryer. Now you can save even more space in your laundry room with doors that open inward.

8. Wifi Connectivity

GE has expanded on its connectivity options with Wifi enabled washer and dryer models that can be connected and controlled via your smartphone.

What makes a good washer and dryer?

When purchasing a new washer and dryer set, there are six factors and features you want to consider:

1. Cleaning and Drying Performance

GE laundry machines have many unique settings and features to boost their cleaning and drying performance. You’ll especially appreciate these.

• Steam in the Washer and Dryer

Steam is a popular washer feature for a good reason: It penetrates clothing fibers better than water and detergent alone to release stains, odors, and ground-in dirt because while being gentler on your clothes. Some GE washers come with the steam option—be sure to look for it.

In the dryer, steam helps to remove both odors and wrinkles from your clothing. GE dryers have a special Steam Dewrinkle setting that allows you to freshen up articles of clothing without having to break out the iron. This is especially nice for things you’ve worn once or twice but aren’t ready to throw in the hamper just yet.

• Special Stain Removal Features

Ever desperately googled how to get red wine out of your blouse? GE now offers a Stain Removal Guide that tells you exactly how to modify any wash cycle to focus on specific stains like red wine, dirt, and grass. Some GE washer models also let you pretreat clothes before they go into the wash in a built-in Water Station. It dispenses water mixed with detergent (or just water) at your desired temperature and allows you to work out stubborn stains before the wash cycle begins.

• Detergent SmartDispense

As we mentioned above, this new GE feature lets you fill-up the Smart Dispenser with enough detergent for up to 32 loads, so you don’t have to heft and pour the big jug of detergent every time.

This system also regulates detergent usage and automatically dispenses the exact amount of detergent every wash cycle. There is enough to get your clothes clean, but not so much that any gets left behind to leave a film on the fabric or in your washer drum.

• A Rich Set of Cyles and Options

Do you ever forget that your clothes are in the washer, only to come home to musty, damp laundry? If you have GE’s Tumble Care, it’ll never happen again. This feature automatically tumbles your laundry in the washer periodically for up to eight hours, ensuring that your clothes stay fresh in the washer even after the cycle is done until you take them out.

Sanitize is another useful option available on some GE dryers that extends the heating cycle time to kill certain types of bacteria, and is certified by NSF International. Some GE washers also have an internal water heater that raises the water temperature to kill bacteria, too.

And for when you’re short on time, GE washers have custom settings to help get your clothes clean in a pinch. You can use the Quick Wash setting to get lightly soiled items done fast, or the Time Saver setting to handle a full load of clothing in just 37 minutes.

2. Energy Efficiency

Want to save some money on your electric and gas bills? GE washers and dryers can do just that. GE models are Energy Star qualified, which means that your units exceed the minimum standards set by the government to conserve natural resources and cut your energy use.

To save water, GE top load washers have a custom setting called Deep Fill that allows you to determine just how much water you want to use in your wash cycle.

3. Top Load vs Front Load Selection

Choosing a front load or top load washer is one of the most common debates when people buy a washer. GE makes both the top load as well as front load washers. The company has innovative features for both.

Front-load washers tend to be favored since they are gentler on your clothes and more efficient. Most front loaders can be stacked atop a matching dryer—an ideal space saver for smaller homes or setups. But there are cons: Front-load machines are expensive, and loading and unloading may require you to bend down if you don’t buy a pedestal to go underneath each unit.

Top load washers are less expensive and more traditional, but they use more energy. But the debate doesn’t end there.

• Agitator vs. High Efficiency (HE) Top Load Washing Machines

Within the category of top loaders, there are agitator and HE machines. Agitator top load washers have a familiar technology, in which a central post rubs against clothes to remove and rinse away dirt. HE machines utilize an impeller that spins and rotates to rub clothes against each other to get them clean. Typically, agitator machines have shorter cycle times, use more water, and can be tough on fabric. HE machines are the more expensive of the two, but they’re more efficient in terms of water and energy use and gentler on fabric. The higher spin rates on HE machines equate to shorter drying times, which means more time and energy savings for you.

4. Noise and Vibration

In general, top load washers are noisier than front load washers.

GE front load washers are capable of spinning at 1250 to 1400 RPM. Surely metal spinning that fast would make a lot of noise, right? Well, not as much as you would think. GE has standard adjustable legs and a vibration control system embedded into every front load washer.

Uncontrolled vibration is an issue for stackable washers and dryers because the dryer is placed on top, but as we mentioned above, GE introduced Dynamic Balancing Technology to help sense balanced loads before accelerating the spin speeds. As a result, a GE stackable washer and dryer should vibrate less and make less noise.

5. Configuration, Ergonomics & Size – Apartment Size to Jumbo

Washing machines come in different sizes (height, width, and depth), so it’s critical to measure your space before you do anything else.

With GE, you can find a compact front-loading washer with a depth of 25-26 inches, a width of 23 inches, and a height of 33 inches. Larger full-sized washers have around 33-34-inch depth, 27-28-inch width, and 39-inch height without a pedestal. If you do require a pedestal, then you’ll need to make sure you have space to allow for at least 47-inch height on a front-loading machine. As you can see there is quite a bit of difference among the sizes, so determining your space first will make things a whole lot simpler when you’re browsing the available options.

More and more households are opting for space-saving appliances, and you can achieve this in your laundry by using stackable washers and dryers. If this sounds like something you’d like to do, make sure to choose stackable models. Stackable washers are always front-loading machines due to the fact that washers are placed underneath a dryer since they are heavier and have more vibration and longer cycles. 

Apartment-size washers and dryers are best suited for homes with little or no space for conventional-sized appliances. The stackable configuration of compact washer and dryers, make it a great option when space is limited. Check out some details you need to consider when choosing the best compact washer and dryer.

6. Connectivity

These days everyone has a smartphone. So why not have a smart washer and dryer? GE has introduced the GE Laundry app that is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This app lets you control both your washer and dryer from anywhere.

Need to know how much time is left in your wash cycle? The GE Laundry app monitors your cycle status and reports how much time is left. Forget to start the dryer before heading to work? On select models, you can start it remotely.

GE Washer Dryer Combo

In addition to standard and apartment size stacking and side-by-side washing machines and dryers, GE also makes what you might call a washer dryer combo. The term combo can be a bit of a catchall: You might be looking for a single unit that washes and dries or a one-piece laundry center with a washer on the bottom and a dryer stacked on top. Luckily, GE makes both.

For clarity’s sake, we’ll call the former a washer dryer combo. GE’s single 24-inch unit washes and dries, and can be installed anywhere you have a standard 120-volt outlet. It doesn’t dry the way a standard electric or gas dryer does, by venting moist air to the outside. It’s nonvented, which is ideal for people who can’t vent to the exterior of their apartment building or home. But it also doesn’t dry the way European nonvented heat-pump dryers do, either. It’s a condensing dryer, which means that it uses cool water condensation rather than air-to-air condensation to dry your items. Practically speaking, that means long cycle times—up to three hours. Bulky items like towels may never get fully dry.

7 Best GE Washer and Dryer Models for 2021

We understand that it is overwhelming to choose the best washer and dryer set for your home among hundreds of choices. These are our top 7 GE models:

1. Best for Budget GE Washer: GTW335ASNWW

The GTW335ASNWW makes our list at the best budget buy with an MSRP of only $629. With 11 different wash cycles to accommodate every laundry load and 6 water temperatures to choose from, this washer lets you wash clothes your way. This model also features a heavy-duty agitator that helps to more deeply clean clothes. The deep clean cycle on this model cleans even the toughest stains with 67 percent more cleaning power than the most commonly used cycle (colors, normal cycle).

Features:

Style	Top load
Number of Cycles	11
Wash Mechanism	Single action agitator
Wash/Rinse Temperatures	6
Capacity	4.2 cu. ft.
Dimensions	27 in x 44 in x 27 in
Color	White

2. Best GE Top Load Washer, HE: GTW840CPNDG

The GTW840CPNDG model makes our list as the best top load and is in the same family as the discontinued GTW810SSJWS and GTW860SSJWS. This model is equipped with SmartDispense technology that holds up to 48 loads of detergent and automatically dispenses just the right amount for each load.

The GTW840CPNDG has an integrated Water Station that allows you to pretreat your clothes before the wash cycle. This washer also is Wifi enabled.

Features:

Style	Top load
Number of Cycles	10+ water station
Wash Mechanism	Infusor (HE without agitator)
Wash/Rinse Temperatures	6 + automatic temperature control
Capacity	5.2 cu. ft.
Dimensions	27 in x 48 in x 27 in
Color	Diamond Grey, White.

3. Best GE Top Load with Agitator: GTW465ASNWW

Though smaller than our best top load washer, the GTW465ASNWW combines a lower price with multiple user-centric features. This model features the dual-action agitator, which can reverse rotation to give clothes a more thorough clean. The GTW465ASNWW also has a spin speed of 700 RPM that helps to remove excess water and cut down on drying time. Another interesting feature of this model is the PreciseFill, which takes the guesswork out of choosing the right water level.

Features:

Style	Top load
Number of Cycles	14
Wash Mechanism	Dual-action agitator
Wash/Rinse Temperatures	6
Capacity	4.5 cu. ft.
Dimensions	27 in x 44 in x 27 in
Color	White.

4. Best Budget GE Front Load Washer: GFW550SSNWW UltraFresh

The compact GFW550SSNWW makes our list the most innovative due to its stunning feature lineup. This model features the UltraFresh Vent System with OdorBlock that helps prevent the growth of any odor-causing bacteria. This model also has built-in Wifi, so you can use the GE Laundry app to start, stop, and monitor your loads. The app can even send you real-time updates. In terms of energy efficiency, this model is Energy Star qualified, meaning it will save you resources and money.

One thing to note is that this washer, along with its matching dryer, does not feature steam technology.

Features:

Style	Front-load
Number of Cycles	10
Capacity	4.8 cu. ft.
Dimensions	28 in x 32in x 39-¾ in
Color	White, Diamond Gray.

5. Best Steam Front Load: GFW650SPNSN UltraFresh

The GFW650SPNSN makes our list as the best front load style washer. This washer introduced the Satin Nickel color, and though it does bring the price up, it looks stunning in any laundry room. This model is packed with features, including the UltraFresh Vent System with OdorBlock (like the GFW550SSNWW). This model also includes SmartDispense technology to automatically release the exact amount of detergent each cycle, and store up to 32 loads of detergent. It’s also quiet, thanks to Dynamic Balancing Technology that senses and rebalances uneven loads during the spin cycle for quiet operation.

Unlike the GFW550SSNWW, the GFW650SPNSN uses steam technology (a.k.a. Power steam) for a deeper clean.

Features:

Style	Front-load
Number of Cycles	12
Wash/Rinse Temperatures	5
Capacity	4.8 cu. ft.
Dimensions	28 in x 39-3/4 in x 32 in
Color	Satin Nickel, White.

6. Best Overall GE Washer: GFW850SPNRS UltraFresh, Large Capacity

The most stylish on our list is the GE GFW850SPNRS, which includes three stunning color options: Sapphire Blue, Diamond Gray, and White. It is also the largest GE washer on our list, with a whopping capacity of 5.0 cu. ft; allowing you more room for every load.

This model is packed with features such as the UltraFresh vent system with OdorBlock and SmartDispense technology. Something that sets this model apart is the 1 Step Wash + Dry feature. It allows you to wash and dry smaller loads all in your washer, so you don’t have to ever transfer the load to the dryer.

Features:

Style	Front-load
Number of Cycles	12
Wash/Rinse Temperatures	5
Capacity	5.0 cu. ft.
Dimensions	28 in x 39-3/4 in x 34 in
Color	Sapphire Blue, Diamond Gray, White

7. Best GE Washer Dryer Combo: GUD27ESSMWW

Consider the GE GUD27ESSMWW as an ideal small-space washer and dryer combo. It may have a smaller capacity than most standalone washers, but it boasts a full array of wash cycles and auto load sensing technology. If you don’t have space for a full-size, separate washer and dryer—for instance, in an apartment, condo, or multipurpose utility room—it will allow you to wash at your convenience. Note the shallow depth: It may be just right for your closet. Compared with other compact units, many of which are nonvented, it also incorporates a traditional electric or gas vented dryer.

Conclusion

GE offers the best of both worlds when it comes to washers and driers: sleek functional designs and high-tech features. GE’s entire new line of washers with the UltraFresh vent system on the door and SmartDispense technology proved to be a solid release. The UltraFresh front load washing machines make life easier and get rid of any annoying washer odors. If you’re looking for a reliable washer and dryer with all of the features you love, be sure to check out GE.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long do GE washing machines last?

An average washing machine lasts about five to seven years. GE is considered to be one of the most reliable brands on the market. With proper installation, level floors, and ideal water hardness conditions, you should be able to get up to 10 years of use out of a GE washer.

• Is a GE washer reliable?

GE is considered one of the most reliable brands among its peers. The company backs each product with a one-year warranty that covers both parts and labor. In addition, GE has by far the most comprehensive service network in every corner of the U.S. market.

• Are GE washers energy efficient?

Yes. GE washers were at the forefront of the energy efficiency movement in the appliance industry. As a result, GE washers and dryers use 64 percent less water and save 75 percent more energy—which can add up to nearly $500 in energy savings throughout the appliance’s lifetime. GE approaches energy efficiency in the following manner:

• Larger capacity: You can wash more clothes in a given load.
• Load-sensing water fill: GE washers detect the size of the load in the washer and release just enough water to get everything clean. If you have a small load to do, fine. A GE washer will know not to fill up the tub.
• Longer agitation strokes: GE top load washers turn clothes over more efficiently for better cleaning.
• Dryer moisture sensors: There’s no need to guess how long to dry your clothes. A GE dryer will sense the moisture level and stop when your clothes are ready.