October 24th, 2025 | 11 min. read
Learn how to find the perfect laundry products with our Washer Buying Guide
Buying a front-load washer in 2025 isn’t as straightforward as it used to be.
Thirty years ago, your choices were simpler: Maytag if you wanted something dependable, Whirlpool if you wanted features, or Kenmore if you shopped at Sears.
Fast-forward to today, and the landscape looks very different. Maytag is gone. Whirlpool has faded. Samsung and LG now dominate the conversation.
And then there’s GE, once considered a safe but uninspired choice, now back in the mix with its Profile brand.
In this article, you’ll learn Profile’s best features in its newest machines.
You’ll see how they compare to Samsung and LG’s best models, including the combination washer-dryer.
And in the end, you’ll know whether Profile, Samsung, LG, or even GE is the right fit for your laundry.
Let’s get started.
📽️ Want the Short Video Version?
See how GE Profile stacks up on capacity, mold and odor control, smart dispensing, reversible doors, and app control, plus a quick comparison to LG and a real-world price recap.
How Do GE Profile’s Reliability and Prices Compare in 2025?
⚡Quick Answer: LG has the lowest repair rate at about 5%, GE Profile is ~7.4%, and Samsung is no longer sold here; Profile runs about $1,299–$1,549, the UltraFast Combo $2,299–$2,599, and reliability can outweigh a lower sticker price because GE maintains its own service network.
We tracked over 33,000 service calls in 2024; here’s how the brands performed.
Reliability (2024 Data)
- GE Profile front-load washer service rate: 3.2% (lowest among major brands).
- LG front-load washer service rate: 3.6% (good, but not as low as GE Profile).
- Samsung: we stopped selling in 2024.
Pricing
- Average washer price: around $1,000.
- GE Profile price range: $1,299–$1,549.
- GE UltraFast Combo: $2,299–$2,599.
Reliability is the hidden cost of buying appliances.
A washer that breaks more often costs more in service and downtime, even if the upfront price is lower.
However, of the major brands, only GE still has its own service department.
Who Is GE Profile, and How Did Haier’s 2016 Acquisition Shape the Brand?
⚡Quick answer: Profile started as GE’s upscale trim but has become a distinct line, adding larger-capacity washers and the UltraFast Combo that washes and dries in one machine.
About 30 years ago, GE created the Profile brand to separate its best appliances from the rest of the lineup. It wasn’t a new factory or a different engineering team.
It was a brand strategy: take higher-end finishes and features, put them under a new name, and call that line Profile.
For a long time, that’s what Profile was: GE’s best products, dressed up and marketed differently. That changed in 2016, when Haier bought GE.
Since then, Profile has evolved into a distinct product line, particularly in laundry.
Today’s Profile washers offer features you can’t get in GE’s baseline line, including larger units and the UltraFast Combo washer-dryer that washes and dries in a single machine.
It’s now a brand with unique features that make it worth considering on its own.
But GE is also worth a look, as you’ll see later in the article.
What Are the Key Features of GE Profile’s Front-Load Washers (PFW870 and PFW955)?
⚡Quick answer: Both offer 5.3–5.5 cu. ft. capacity, Microban plus UltraFresh fan drying, a 32-load Smart Dispenser, steam and allergen cycles, a reversible door, and Wi-Fi; the PFW955 adds Smart Wash/Rinse, a 20-minute Quick Wash, One-Step Wash & Dry for a single outfit, and adaptive controls.
The heart of the GE Profile laundry line is its front-load washers.
The PFW870 and PFW955 share many standout features, with the 955 adding a few extras for speed and control.
Shared Features
Both washers are built for larger families and heavier laundry needs.
At 5.3 and 5.5 cubic feet, they are among the largest front-load washers you can buy, big enough for bulky bedding or a king-sized comforter.
They also include GE’s two signature innovations for mold and detergent care:
Microban + UltraFresh System
The gasket, hoses, and dispenser are coated with Microban, and a built-in fan automatically dries moisture after each cycle.
That means less mold, less odor, and less leaving the door open.
Smart Dispenser
Holds detergent for up to 32 loads. Scan the barcode on your detergent, and the washer dispenses the right amount automatically, preventing overuse (the most common cause of front-load odor).
Other shared features include:
- 12 cycles and 9 options, including steam and allergen cycles.
- Reversible door to open in the direction that works best for your space.
- Wi-Fi connectivity to monitor and adjust loads remotely.
PFW955: What You Get When You Upgrade
The PFW955 is the more advanced model.
It includes everything above, plus:
- Smart Wash and Smart Rinse: The washer senses soil levels and detergent residue, then adjusts cycle time and rinses automatically.
- One-Step Wash & Dry: Wash and spin-dry a single outfit overnight. It is not for full loads, but it is handy when you need clothes ready in the morning.
- 20-minute Quick Wash: A speed cycle for lightly soiled loads.
- Adaptive controls: The machine learns your favorite settings and remembers them for next time.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the PFW870 if you want the key Profile features (mold prevention, Smart Dispenser, large capacity) at a lower price.
Step up to the PFW955 if you want the smartest controls, quick wash cycles, and the ability to wash and dry a single outfit overnight.
Is the GE Profile UltraFast Combo Washer-Dryer Right for You Instead?
⚡Quick answer: It is ideal for spaces without venting or 240V power and for set-and-forget convenience, but cycles are longer and diligent lint maintenance is required, so larger families may prefer separate units.
Two years ago, GE did something no other major brand had pulled off: it engineered the first large-capacity combo washer and dryer with a ventless heat pump system.
For the first time, you could place a full-size laundry unit almost anywhere (no venting required, just a standard 120V plug).
That means you can set up laundry in a Boston condo, a Cape Cod cottage, or a Nantucket guest house without cutting a hole for a dryer vent.
It also means no more transferring clothes from washer to dryer. Start a load before bed or before work, and come back to clothes that are clean and dry.
Since then, Samsung and LG have introduced their own versions (and we’ve written detailed comparisons), but GE, through its Profile brand, created this category.
I try to avoid the word “revolutionary” in appliances, but it fits here.
Pros
✔️Convenience: No transfer, no vent, set-and-forget laundry.
✔️Ventless heat pump drying: flexible install and more efficient than vented dryers.
✔️120V plug: a godsend for anyone without 240V power.
✔️Large 4.8 cu. ft. capacity: bigger than most combo units.
Cons
❌Longer cycles: about twice as long as a separate washer and dryer.
❌Lint management: you must be diligent about cleaning filters; skip it and you risk seizing the machine.
❌Large families beware: heavy bedding or daily high-volume laundry will push the limits of this unit.
Who It’s Best For
- Condo owners with limited space and only 120V power.
- Vacation homes where venting is difficult.
- Small households or busy professionals who value convenience over speed.
👉 The Combo isn’t for everyone, but it’s one of the biggest innovations in laundry in decades, and GE Profile started it.
Confused about front-load vs. combo washers? Download our free Washer & Dryer BuyingGuide. Over 1 million homeowners have trusted it to get laundry right the first time.
GE Profile Washers vs. Competitors: Which Brand Is Best for You?
GE Profile washers are loaded with features. How do they compare with LG and Samsung front-load models?
Next, we’ll stack them side by side, measure them against a surprising competitor, and flag any issues to consider.
How Does GE Profile Compare to LG Front-Load Washers?
⚡Quick Answer: LG is slightly more reliable and faster on full loads but costs more; GE Profile wins on mold prevention, dispenser capacity, and service support at lower prices.
LG has been the benchmark for front-load laundry for years, while GE Profile has become its closest competitor since Haier’s purchase of GE in 2016.
Both brands now offer extra-large washers in the 5.2–5.5 cubic foot range, but they approach laundry a little differently.
Capacity
GE Profile’s PFW870 (5.3 cu. ft.) and PFW955 (5.5 cu. ft.) match up well against LG’s WM8900HBA (5.2 cu. ft.) and LG’s premium SIGNATURE WM9500HKA (5.8 cu. ft.).
All four can handle bulky bedding, though LG’s SIGNATURE has a slight edge in raw size.
Mold & Odor Prevention
This is where Profile shines. Every GE Profile washer uses Microban coatings on the gasket, dispenser, and hoses, plus an UltraFresh fan that automatically dries the drum.
LG doesn’t have that system, so you’ll need to leave the door open and run periodic tub-clean cycles.
Detergent Dispensers
GE Profile’s Smart Dispenser holds detergent for 32 loads and can scan barcodes for accurate dosing. LG’s auto-dispense works well but tops out around 18 loads.
Wash Speed
It depends on the load. GE Profile’s PFW955 has a 20-minute Quick Wash for lightly soiled items.
LG’s TurboWash 360 uses high-pressure jets to shorten any cycle to about 30 minutes, even for full loads.
If you want the fastest small cycle, GE Profile wins. If you want every load faster, LG has the edge.
Smart Features
Both use sensors and AI. GE Profile leans into rinse quality with Smart Rinse (sensing leftover detergent) and adaptive controls that learn your habits.
LG’s AI DD adjusts cycles based on fabric softness and weight.
Price
This is where GE Profile is more competitive. The PFW870 runs around $1,299–$1,399, while the feature-rich PFW955 is $1,499–$1,549.
Comparable LG models are $1,799–$1,899.
Reliability & Service
GE Profile leads the industry with a 3.2% service rate. LG Profile is slightly higher at 3.6%.
But GE Profile has another advantage: better service support. GE maintains a larger service department.
Here in Greater Boston, Cape Cod, and Southern NH, Yale Appliance services what we sell, but most dealers don’t.
So while you may have fewer issues with LG, Profile repairs tend to be faster and smoother.
Verdict
If you want a low repair risk and consistently fast cycles, LG is still a safe bet.
If mold prevention, smarter detergent dispensing, and stronger service support matter more at a lower price, GE Profile is the better fit.
How Does GE Profile Compare to Samsung Front-Load Washers?
⚡Quick Answer: Samsung is cheaper and fast, but its smaller AutoDose and lack of a service network make support harder; GE Profile costs more but offers better mold control, more precise dosing, and stronger service coverage.
Samsung has been one of the top-selling washer brands in the U.S. for the past decade.
On paper, its features look impressive, and its pricing is aggressive. But when you compare Samsung to GE Profile, there are important differences.
Capacity
Samsung’s largest single-drum washers top out at 5.3 cu. ft., a close match to GE Profile’s 5.3–5.5 cu. ft. lineup.
Samsung also offers the FlexWash WV55M9600 with a combined 5.5 cu. ft. (a 4.5 cu. ft. main drum plus a 1.0 cu. ft. mini washer on top), but it has never been popular.
The larger 6.0 cu. ft. version was discontinued a few years ago.
Mold & Odor Prevention
Samsung coats its gaskets with a treated surface designed to reduce bacteria and mildew.
But without a fan, water can still pool in the gasket after a cycle.
GE Profile’s UltraFresh Vent System with Microban actively dries the drum, preventing mold before it starts.
Detergent Dispensers
This is a big difference. Samsung AutoDose holds enough detergent for about 16 loads (roughly a month if you do four loads a week) and uses sensors to adjust dosing based on weight and soil level.
GE Profile’s Smart Dispenser holds detergent for 32 loads (double Samsung’s capacity) and can scan detergent barcodes for precise dosing.
Wash Speed
Samsung’s Super Speed Wash can shorten cycles to about 30 minutes, which is great for larger loads.
GE Profile’s PFW955 has a 20-minute Quick Wash that is faster, but limited to smaller, lightly soiled loads.
Smart Features
Samsung emphasizes SmartThings integration and app controls, while GE Profile focuses on adaptive wash, Smart Rinse, and reversible doors, features you notice in daily use.
Price
Samsung undercuts most competitors. Its 5.3 cu. ft. front-load models usually sell for $1,099–$1,199, making them less expensive than GE Profile or LG.
The FlexWash is higher, around $1,699–$1,899.
Service & Support
Unlike GE and now LG, Samsung has no service infrastructure of its own.
If you buy Samsung, you are essentially on your own for repairs. GE Profile is supported by GE’s national service network.
In Greater Boston, Cape Cod, and Southern New Hampshire, Yale services what we sell, with GE covering the wider region as well.
Verdict
Samsung is appealing on price and speed, but its smaller AutoDose dispenser and lack of service support make it a riskier buy.
GE Profile costs more but offers stronger mold prevention, a more advanced dispenser, and real service support, which often matters more than any spec sheet.
How Does GE Profile Compare to GE Front-Load Washers?
⚡Quick Answer: GE’s GFW655 is shallower and costs less, making it easier to fit in tight spaces; Profile is deeper but adds capacity and smarter features—choose based on depth constraints and desired options.
It’s easy to forget that Profile’s biggest competitor isn’t always LG or Samsung; it’s GE itself.
Both GE and GE Profile share the same DNA and many of the same best features, but there are important differences.
Mold & Odor Prevention
Both lines use Microban-treated gaskets, hoses, and dispensers, along with the UltraFresh Vent System that runs a fan to dry out moisture after a cycle.
Whether you buy a GE or a Profile, you’re getting one of the best mold-prevention systems in the industry.
Detergent Dispensers
Both GE and Profile have auto-dispensing.
But Profile’s Smart Dispenser is more advanced; it holds detergent for up to 32 loads and can scan barcodes for precise dosing.
The standard GE dispenser is simpler but still larger than most competitors.
Capacity & Size
- GE GFW655: 5.0 cu. ft. capacity, 32 inches deep.
- GE Profile PFW870: 5.3 cu. ft., 34 inches deep.
- GE Profile PFW955: 5.5 cu. ft., 34 inches deep.
GE is shallower, which makes it a better fit in older Boston brownstones or Cape laundry closets where every inch matters.
GE Profile offers more space, but that depth can be a dealbreaker.
Cycles & Smart Features
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Profile adds:
- Smart Wash and Smart Rinse (PFW955)
- One-Step Wash & Dry for a single outfit
- Adaptive controls that learn your favorite settings
- 20-minute Quick Wash
The standard GE washers don’t include these extras but still cover the essentials: multiple cycles, steam, allergen, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Price
- GE GFW655: around $1,099
- GE Profile PFW870: around $1,299–$1,399
- GE Profile PFW955: around $1,499–$1,549
Verdict
If you want a reliable washer with strong mold prevention at a good price—and depth is an issue—the GE GFW655 is a smart buy.
If you want larger capacity, smarter dispensing, and advanced cycles, GE Profile is worth the premium.
Should You Buy GE Profile in 2025?
⚡Quick Answer: Profile is a strong choice if you want capacity and features in one machine; consider LG for top reliability and speed, Samsung for lowest price, or GE’s standard line for a shallower fit at a lower cost.
GE Profile is a really good machine if you’re a large family or anyone who needs the extra capacity.
It has just about every feature you’d want in a modern washer: advanced mold protection, a 20-minute quick wash, adaptive cycles, one-step wash and dry, and one of the smartest detergent dispensers on the market.
In short, if it’s been added to a washer in the last five years, Profile has it.
That said, you do have good choices:
- Samsung will give you a 5.3 cu. ft. washer for a little less money.
- LG is a bit more reliable and still the industry benchmark for speed.
- GE's own front-load washers offer many of the same mold-fighting features for a couple hundred dollars less, with a shallower depth that fits older laundry closets better.
Bottom line
Profile is a strong alternative in 2025, especially if you want capacity and features in one machine.
But depending on your space, budget, and reliability priorities, Samsung, LG, or even GE’s standard line may be the better fit.
See GE, LG, and Samsung side by side in our showrooms in Boston, Framingham, Hanover, Hyannis, Nantucket, or Norton.
Our specialists track 33,000+ service calls every year. We’ll help you get the right washer the first time, and we back it with our own service team.
Additional Resources
Click the link to download our free Washer & Dryer Buying Guide. We all know someone who’s been talked into buying the wrong washer—don’t let that happen to you. Over 1 million people have found the right answers in a Yale Guide.
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