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At a Glance
If you are looking for a front-load washer, you may be considering GE or LG. Both are great machines.
Even better, both are available, which is the deciding factor for many shopping decisions these days.
However, they are both different. One is not better than the other. LG and GE differ by features, size, and reliability.
In this article, you will discover all the best features of their most popular washers. Then we will compare them. By the end, you will be able to determine which machine is right for you.
GE Front-Load Washers
Haier now owns GE after years of being GE Appliances. Haier is based in China and is appliance only. GE manufactures their washers in China, with the dryers being produced in the US.
Haier has invested more in GE in the last four years than GE did in my previous 30 years. Their biggest improvement was GE's laundry. The new GE smart front-load washers have tons of unique features within the industry.
GE was the first with mold protection built into the machine and with smart functionality. I am not an early adopter of smart technology. Yet, laundry is an exception.
The GFW650SSNWW and GFW850SSNWW are GE's best machines.
GE Front-Load Washer GFW650SSNWW - $1,149
GE Front-Load Washer GFW850SSNWW - $1,249
Best GE Front Load Washer Features
Several of GE's best features address the most common front-load washer problems: Mold, mildew, odor issues, and stagnant water in the gasket.
Microban: GE did this by integrating Microban antimicrobial surfaces to their gaskets, detergent dispensers, steam ports, and hoses in the back. Additionally, GE increased the number of draining ports from three to five in the current models.
OdorBlock: The "OdorBlock" fan kicks on after the wash has been swapped over the dryer, so you can shut the door and allow it to dry itself out.
Overnight Cycle: The 850 models have an overnight wash & dry cycle (utilizing the no-heat fan) that is meant for a couple of pieces of clothing.
Automatic Detergent Dispenser: You can load up to 50 ounces or 32 loads of detergent in the automatic dispenser. Auto dispensers release the right amount of detergent at the right time for better cleaning.
You also eliminate the risk of overfilling your machine with detergent. This is a crucial benefit because using too much detergent could slowly become a service issue.
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi makes sense for laundry. You can see the time remaining and receive a text alert when your cycle is done. You can start your washer from your office and have it ready when you return home. It will also tell you how much detergent is left in your automatic dispenser.
As I mentioned earlier, GE is at the forefront of Wi-Fi and smart functionality with their SmartHQ App. They are testing their new service program now where the machine will diagnose its problems and send a service technician with the right part to fix them.
Differences Between GE Washers
The difference between the 650 and 850 is the overnight cycle. You have a slightly bigger five vs. 4.8 cubic feet as well. The 850 washer sets the proper drying cycle as well.
GE Drawbacks
GE front-load washers are slightly larger at 28" wide than the industry standard 27" width. GE's control panel is angled up a bit more than the LG. When stacked, it could be difficult for people to reach the controls.
Depth is deeper than the LG, which could be a problem if you are stacking in a closet. Lastly, GE does not have a short cycle like LG's most popular front-load washer.
Read More: Should You Buy GE Smart Front Load Laundry?
Short on time? Get our free Washing Machine Buying Guide
LG Front-Load Washers
LG was the creator of the front-load washer design. Before LG, you had the Maytag Neptune with the backguard. They are a laundry first company. That was their original focus.
LG consistently manufactured the most innovative washers like the WashTower last year. The WashTower revolutionized stackable laundry by placing the controls in the middle rather than the top in a beautiful machine.
LG washers are mostly made in Tennessee, while the dryers are made in Korea. Their most popular washers are the WM3400, WM4000, and WM4500.
LG Front-Load Washer WM3400CW - $949
LG Front-Load Washer WM4000HWA - $1,149
LG Front-Load Washer WM4500HBA - $1,649
Best LG Front Load Washer Features
Some of LG's best features include its size, cycles, reliability, and smart connectivity.
Size: LG's front-load washer depth is 30.25 inches. In a tight closet, size matters. LG is almost 1.5 inches less than a Samsung front-load washer without the addition of a pedestal.
TurboWash: LG features their Turbowash or five high-pressure hoses in the front to shorten any cycle to 30 minutes. Most brands have a short cycle for small loads only.
Reliability: LG's reliability is stellar at only 3.3% vs. 9.5% for the average appliances in the first year.
Wi-Fi: Like GE, you can control the washer remotely plus receive text alerts through the LG ThinQ app. They will soon be a beta testing service as well.
Differences Between LG Front-Load Washers
The WM3400 is their basic machine yet has all the main cycles you probably use. With the WM4000, you have more cycles, including TurboWash and Wi-Fi.
The WM4500 is larger at five cubic and has an automatic dispenser. The WM4000 and WM4500 have their AI (Artificial Intelligence) DD, which measures the weight and the softness of the clothes and sets the right cycle.
LG Front-Load Washer Drawbacks
LG has no mold control. However, I do not see mold as a problem in my machine. The best thing you can do to prevent mold is dry the gasket and leave the door open. Yet, with LG, you do have the high-temperature tub clean cycle.
It does not have a reversible door, so the doors will not line up when stacked or in certain applications side-by-side. GE has an overnight cycle so that you can wash and dry a small load at night.
Read More: Best LG Front-Load Washers
GE vs. LG Smart Front-Load Washers
| GE GFW650SSNWW | GE GFW850SSNWW | LG WM3400CW | LG WM4000HWA | LG WM4500HBA | |
| Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth) | 28" W, 39.75" H, 32" D | 28" W, 39 3/4" H, 34" D | 27" W, 39" H, 30.25" D | 27 W, 39 H, 30.25 D | 27 W, 39 H, 33.25 D |
| Capacity | 4.8 Cu. Ft. | 5.0 Cu. Ft. | 4.5 Cu. Ft. | 4.5 Cu. Ft. | 5.0 Cu. Ft. |
| Reversible Door | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| ADA Compliant | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Spin Speed | 1300 RPM | 1300 RPM | 1300 RPM | 1300 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Smart Connectivity | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Detergent Dispenser | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Number of Cycles | 12 Cycles, 9 Options | 12 Cycles, 10 Options | 8 Cycles, 6 Options | 12 Cycles, 13 Options | 14 Cycles, 16 Options |
| Steam Cycle | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Sanitize Cycle | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Allergy Cycle | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
What They Have in Common:
As I said, both are great machines with good feature sets. Let us look at what they have in common.
1300 RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) Spin Speed: The average speed is 1000-1200. Both GE and LG will extract more water due to the faster spin.
Steam: Steam loosens tough stains like grass or wine to have your clothes stain free in one wash.
Cycles: It is hard to believe our parents only used three cycles, two speeds, and three temperatures, but you have plenty on either machine along with either brand.
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi and smart functionality make sense for laundry. Both brands are also at the forefront of Smart functionality with Smart HQ and LGs ThinQ app.
Learn More: Free Smart Appliance Buying Guide
How They Differ:
Size: GE is 5.0 cubic while LG is 4.5 cubic feet for capacity. Additionally, GE is larger in depth as well. It depends on your laundry room or closet, but LG is 30.25 inches versus GE at 34 inches.
TurboWash: I do not know why more companies do not copy this design. The high pressure enables a shorter wash time for a full load.
Auto Dispenser: GE has a larger dispenser at 32 loads versus 18 on the LG WM4500. Most new features can be gimmicky, but a dispenser is convenient. It will save you service calls in the future.
Mold Control: GE eliminated any guesswork with their antimicrobial Microban surfaces and the OdorBlock fan. With LG, you must dry the surfaces, leave the door open, and use the TubClean cycle.
Reversible Door: Again, it depends on where you are placing your machines. But a reversible door allows you to transfer your clothes from the washer to the dryer easily.
Reliability: LG is incredible, but GE has better support when there are issues. LG has been improving since the early days. They now operate their service.
The following service rates are based on a minimum of 300 front-load washers sold per brand and a total sample of over 3000 from December 2020 to October 2021.
Most Reliable Front-Load Washers from December 2020 to October 2021
| Service Ratio | |
| LG | 3.3% |
| Samsung | 4.9% |
| GE Appliances | 8.0% |
| Whirlpool | 9.5% |
| Maytag | 15.0% |
| Grand Total | 6.3% |
As a note, people buy more expensive machines in GE and less featured ones in LG, which plays into the reliability numbers. More featured machines typically need more service as well as customer education.
Read More: Most Reliable Front-Load Washers
Key Takeaways
Both GE and LG front-load washers should be considered for your home with good cycles and features. Your second choice is still a great pick in times of scarce availability.
GE has the better dispenser and the better anti-mold features. Their repair services and support are the best in the industry. This is especially important when buying from a dealer without service.
LG is the most reliable front-load washer brand for 2022. Their TurboWash will allow you to wash a load quickly as well, plus they are the shallowest machines on the market.
Overall, it depends on what is available in your area. Service is an issue for every brand, so you may want to start there. Still, both machines are rightfully considered the two best on the market today.
Additional Resources
Download our Yale Washer Buying Guide with all the features, terms, and brands of laundry. Over 1 million people have already found answers in a Yale guide.
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Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.