15 washer and dryer features to look for in 2025

Top washing machine features

There are many types of washing machines: top-load models with an agitator or impeller, front-load washing machines and all-in-one combination washers and dryers just to name a few. However, washing machines differ in several ways. Read more to learn about other important features like energy efficiency, specialized wash cycles, smart connectivity and built-in faucets.

1. Removable agitators

Washing machine agitators are the tall spindles in the center of the wash basket that move back and forth and “agitate” the clothing to clean it. They differ from their counterparts, impellers, which are low-profile cones or discs that cause clothes to rub against each other as they spin.

However, with a Whirlpool^® 2 in 1 Removable Agitator, you don’t have to choose between these two styles. Washers with this feature let you easily remove the agitator when you need to wash a bulky load, then add it back in when you’re ready, so you can customize your laundry load to fit your family’s unique needs.

2. Smart connectivity

Smart washers can connect to the internet, which allows you to control your washer through an app and receive tips on how to maintain and use your appliances. Certain smart washers even allow you to schedule cycles to start, control the washer with voice commands and track your cycles as they run. Select smart washers from Whirlpool brand also let you download cycles for special items right in the machine’s app—then offer guidance on the best dryer cycle to use—or send maintenance alerts so you know when something needs attention.

3. Sensor wash

Certain washing machines are equipped with sensors to help determine the right cycle combinations, temperatures and cycle times for your laundry. These sensors can help remove some of the guesswork when it comes to choosing laundry settings.

Whirlpool^® Washers with Adaptive Wash Technology with Active Bloom^™ Wash Action sense the size of each load and then adapt water levels and wash actions based on the type of load being washed, for optimal cleaning.

4. Sanitize cycle

Some washers include a cycle to sanitize your clothing. This is helpful for washing items like bedding, exercise clothes or bath towels, which might carry extra bacteria. Select Whirlpool^® Washers use extra-hot water to eliminate 99.9% of household bacteria¹.

5. Auto-dispense detergent

Skip steps and save time by adding a bulk load of detergent to your washer and let the machine do the rest. Whirlpool^® Load and Go^™ Dispensers automatically sense your laundry load size and add the right amount of detergent, so you don’t need to add it each time you start a new load. These dispensers are designed to store enough detergent for 20-40 loads of laundry,² depending on the model.

6. Extensive wash cycles and options

There are several wash cycles and options to customize your laundry needs. Select models include options to delay the start of laundry, presoak, or wash specific types of items like swimwear, activewear or sleeping bags.

7. Fan feature

Some front-load washers have a setting that continues to tumble clothes and circulate air periodically after your wash cycle finishes. It gives you more time and flexibility around removing your clothing and may make it possible to dry light items without running them through the dryer.

The FanFresh^® cycle is available on select Whirlpool^® Washers, including the new Whirlpool^® 5.0 cu. ft. Smart Front Load Washer, to help keep your family’s laundry fresh. Once the wash cycle ends, a built-in fan activates to tumble clothes for up to 12 hours, so you can finish your laundry when you’re ready. You can also run it between cycles to help dry out the washer drum.

The new 4.5 cu. ft. Smart Front Load ENERGY STAR^® Certified Washer with FreshFlow^™ Vent System also offers a trio of freshness features with The FreshFlow™ Vent System. It's the first fan-powered system with antimicrobial protection designed to help keep your clothes and washer fresh.

8. Antimicrobial rubber door seal

An innovative antimicrobial rubber door seal is designed to help maintain a fresh, clean environment in your front-load machine. It can also help prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria and mold.

9. Self-cleaning cycle

A self-clean cycle on your washer can help keep the tub clean. Certain models will remind you when to run this cycle.

You can add affresh^® cleaner tablets to your washer during the self-cleaning cycle for a more thorough clean and to help prevent buildup and residue.³

10. Pretreat Station

With a Pretreat Station, you can soak, wash and pretreat stains as you load clothes into your washer. Some washers with a Pretreat Station include a built-in faucet and pretreat brush that allow you to take care of your laundry all in one spot.

Select Whirlpool^® Washers include Pretreat Stations to help remove stains without requiring you to move to a separate sink. In addition, the Automatic Presoak option allows you to select how long you would like to soak your clothing before automatically starting a wash cycle.

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Best dryer features

Like washers, dryers also have settings and features across all models for a hard-working and less stressful laundry process. Learn more about these features and how they can streamline your family’s laundry needs.

1. Smart connectivity

Smart dryers function similarly to smart washers, allowing you to control your appliances through an app and manage laundry day from your phone. This can include custom cycles for specific fabrics, voice command features and more.

2. Moisture sensors

Sensors are built into select dryers to measure moisture and temperature levels and automatically stop the cycle once your load is dry.

Select Whirlpool^® Dryers are equipped with AccuDry^™ sensors to avoid overdrying your clothes and help take the guesswork out of finding the right drying time.

3. Steam dry option

Many dryers are now equipped with a steam dry option to help smooth out wrinkles, reduce static and keep clothes smelling fresh. This option works best with fabrics prone to wrinkling, or when you aren’t available to unload clothing right away.

4. Extensive settings

Dryers come with a variety of different settings to suit your needs. For example, some dryers have energy efficient cycles that use lower heat and longer drying times to save power or Quick Dry cycles for when you’re in a rush. There is also a wide assortment of settings for delicates, bulkier loads or items that need to be air dried.

5. Wrinkle prevention

Wrinkles can form if your clothes sit in the dryer for a long period of time after finishing a cycle. The Wrinkle Shield^™ option, found on select models like this one from Whirlpool brand, continues to tumble, rearrange and fluff the clothes for up to 150 minutes after the end of the cycle to help stop wrinkles from forming. There is also an additional Wrinkle Prevent With Steam setting on select models which quickly steams the laundry and helps to smooth out any wrinkles.

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How do you choose a washer and dryer?

When choosing a washer and dryer, consider your household's needs, space and budget. Key features to look for include capacity, energy efficiency, specialized cycles, smart connectivity and noise reduction. Evaluate options like front-load vs. top-load, steam functions and sensor technology to find the best fit for your laundry habits.

Busy families might benefit from high-capacity machines with removable agitators and auto-dispensing detergent, while those with limited space could opt for stackable or all-in-one units. Look for energy-efficient ENERGY STAR^® certified models with sensor technology to help conserve natural resources and save money on your utility bills. Smart features provide convenience through remote control and cycle suggestions, while special functions like steam cleaning and pretreat stations can help you get the job done. Although premium models tend to offer more features, there are still many options at various price points. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select a set that streamlines laundry day and complements your lifestyle.

Explore Whirlpool^® Washer and Dryer sets

Advanced washer and dryer features and settings can help you spend less time in the laundry room and more time with your loved ones. On select dryer models, the AccuDry^™ sensors can measure the temperature and moisture level to prevent overdrying and automatically stop the cycle when the load is dry.

Some washers are equipped with Pretreat Stations to treat stains right at your machine. These are just some of the wide variety of settings and features Whirlpool brand offers to help meet your family’s laundry needs.