You've been holding off on buying that Jade Green washing machine, haven't you?
Well, the new GE Profile washers are here, and they're packed with smart features you'll want to know about.
But do you really need all those bells and whistles?
And how does GE Profile stack up against its main rival and market leader, LG?
In this article, we'll break down the features for you. Stick around until the end, where we’ll pit GE Profile against LG—and even throw in another popular brand for good measure.
Let's get started.
GE has always been the perpetual number three company in the industry since I started in 1986.
Maytag had their dependability story and offered more expensive, simple, yet solid machines.
That story ended in 2000 when a design flaw in their famed Neptune washers killed the company.
Whirlpool was the most popular and packed with features. They also produced the Kenmore brand, which was the single most popular appliance.
Now, both brands are almost irrelevant—Sears has just 13 stores, down from 3,500 at their peak.
I remember GE introducing their new washer around 2000 with a larger capacity.
However, GE was never truly interested in selling appliances after their refrigerator compressor failures in 1988.
They were more focused on selling that business, which they finally did in 2016.
Haier bought the company and immediately improved the product, as you can see.
They added the GE Profile name to their washers, incorporating their best features.
Now, GE has climbed to the number two spot, right behind LG—who we'll compare them to later in this article.
GE is currently updating its lineup.
The PFW955SPW, PFW870SPVRS, and PFW870SSVWW are replacing the GFW850 and the PFW950, bringing along some added features.
Here’s a look at the best features of both sets so you don't have to dig through all the charts.
Capacity
The PFW955 is GE Profile's largest washer at 5.5 cubic feet, while the PFW870 is still spacious at 5.3 cubic feet.
For comparison, most front-load washers fall between 4.5 and 5 cubic feet.
For context, my mom's old Maytag had a usable capacity of about 2.5 cubic feet, so with these machines, you'll be able to fit anything—even that bulky comforter.
Just make sure to measure your space carefully.
These machines are deeper at 34 inches, plus you’ll need room for the vent.
Mold, Mildew, and Odor Control
Where GE Profile excels is in mold, mildew, and odor control.
They've coated the gasket, dispenser, and hoses with mold-resistant Microban surfaces.
Plus, their UltraFresh OdorBlock fan kicks in to target and dry any residual moisture before mold has a chance to form.
Both washers also feature a sensor that automatically activates whenever moisture is detected.
Automatic Dispensing
Both models come with a Smart Dispenser.
You should seriously consider an auto dispenser on your next washer, regardless of the brand.
GE's dispenser is one of the largest, holding enough detergent for 32 loads, so you won’t need to keep refilling it.
An auto dispenser also prevents you from adding too much detergent, which is a common issue with front-load washers since they only require a small amount.
Most people tend to add a ton of detergent like they would with a top loader, but those extra suds can stick around in the machine, leading to odor, mildew, and potential service problems down the road.
Both machines feature GE Profile's Smart Dispenser, which automatically releases the right amount of detergent at just the right time.
You simply scan the QR code on your detergent, and the machine dispenses the correct amount based on its formulation.
So, in theory, your clothes should come out cleaner.
Cycles and Options
You're looking at an impressive range of controls with 12 cycles and nine options, including a steam cycle to power out stains and an Allergene cycle that kills 99% of bacteria.
You'll also have control over wash and rinse speeds, as well as temperatures.
Remember: Your mom only had three temperature settings and two speeds.
Reversible Door
I won't say a reversible door is the best feature, but it does give you more flexibility in your laundry room.
It's much easier than awkwardly transferring your clothes to the dryer around a fixed door.
However, only GE and Electrolux offer this feature.
One-Step Wash and Dry
You also get the one-step wash and dry option, so you can leave your outfit in the GE Profile washer overnight and have it clean and dry by morning.
Just a heads-up: This isn't the same as a combo washer-dryer handling a full load. These GE Profile washers can only wash and spin-dry a single outfit.
The PFW955 offers a one-step wash and dry feature, along with additional options like a 20-minute quick wash.
It also includes the Smart Wash and Smart Rinse features, which use sensors to measure soil levels and detergent residue.
The washer can then readjust itself to optimize the wash cycle.
Smart Rinse
If Smart Rinse detects detergent residue on your clothes, it automatically adds another rinse cycle.
In a nutshell, the PFW955 is smarter and offers the extra features mentioned above.
Adaptive Cycles
You'll also benefit from more adaptive controls, so the machine remembers your favorite settings.
Both of GE Profile’s washers are packed with features, but how do they compare to LG?
We’ll explore that comparison next, and then reveal how GE Profile measures up against a surprising competitor—along with any potential issues you should keep in mind.
Reliability
LG is one of the most reliable washers you can buy, with only 5% of units requiring service, based on the 37,000+ service calls our department completed last year.
GE is still good at 7.4%.
AI vs. Adaptive Control
LG has its AI DD, which calculates the wash settings based on the weight and soil level of the clothes.
The GE Profile washer's AI sensors seem similar, as both are based on soil levels.
But it’s worth testing the GE Profile when it becomes available.
LG Turbo360
LG features Turbo360, which shortens any wash to 30 minutes using five high-pressure jets that saturate the clothes from different angles.
Dispensers
Profile, however, has a much larger dispenser with a 32-load capacity compared to LG’s 18 loads.
Profile also features an adaptive dispenser with a scan-to-dispense function.
Mold Prevention
LG lacks the mold prevention capabilities of the GE Profile, so you’ll need to keep the door open and dry the gasket.
LG does offer a high-heat tub clean cycle to eliminate mold.
On the other hand, GE Profile's washers feature mold-resistant surfaces and a sensor that automatically dries any moisture.
Prices
When comparing LG and GE Profile, you’ll also need to consider the promotions available at any given time.
Prices can vary by hundreds of dollars.
Service availability also varies significantly by region, so make sure to check what’s available in your area before deciding on either brand.
GE Profile's biggest competitor is actually its own brand, GE.
The GE front load washer GFW655SSVWW isn’t as large, with a capacity of 5 cubic feet, which might be a good thing since it’s less deep at 32 inches.
It still includes Microban surfaces and an OdorBlock fan to reduce mold, along with a 32-load dispenser.
However, it lacks features like scanning, adaptive controls, Smart Dispense, and the Smart Rinse capabilities you’ve somehow lived without all these years.
The GFW655SSVWW is also $200-$300 cheaper.
What it doesn’t have are the sensors to detect moisture, the advanced Smart Dispense, Smart Wash and Rinse, and a few extra cycles, most notably the wash and dry cycle.
The main issue with the GE Profile washer is the price, ranging from $1,299 to $1,549.
The average purchase price of a washer is around $1,000, and you can find a good basic front-load washer for as low as $699.
GE Profile washers are probably the most advanced front load washers in the industry.
They come with impressive capacity and a wealth of features. However, greater capacity means extra depth, and more features often come with a higher price tag.
What do you think?
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