GE Appliances is one of the largest appliance brands in the US and was founded over 100 years ago. Their innovations include inventing the over-the-range microwave in 1978 and the first "smart" dishwasher that used sensors to gauge how dirty your dishes were in 1995. They may not be the first brand people think of when they need washers and dryers, but GE has a small but solid selection of top load and front load washers and dryers.
If you're considering a new GE top load washing machine for 2020, you might be interested to know about GE's model revamp that took place last spring. There are two reasons why this knowledge is valuable: if you want to save money, you may be able to snatch the older model for a lower price; and if you want to avoid discontinued models to ensure you can easily find replacement parts or get the latest and greatest features, you may prefer the newer model. Let's dig into what GE is changing about its top load washer lineup!
GE offers a mix of high efficiency top load washers and agitator top load washers. In 2019, they introduced a new lower-priced impeller washer and updated two of their agitator washers. Going into 2020, they have adjusted the lineups to offer more fully featured agitator and impeller washer options. The updated models offer larger tub capacities and some changes to the control setup, while higher-end models now include Wi-Fi connectivity, built-in faucets for prewashing, and more. Popular features like deep fill options and the ability to open the lid during the cycle to add garments are still available on the new models.
Table of Contents
Note: If you click any of the product links below and end up at a 404 error page, that means the model in question has been discontinued.
Quick Overview
There are four agitator washers - a basic model retailing at $698, a mid-range model retailing at $798, and a fully featured model at $898 (and another fully featured model that is now discontinued)
There are three impeller models - a basic model retailing at $798 and more fully featured models (that are now discontinued)
The more expensive models include features like Wi-Fi connectivity, built-in water faucets for stain pretreating, and Smart Dispense technology that can hold up to 75 ounces of detergent and automatically dispense it for each wash
Capacities range from 4.6 cubic feet to 5.2 cubic feet
GE has been releasing new models with updated features while maintaining certain price points, making them a great choice for a top load washer under $1,000
The GE Agitator Washer Lineup
The Budget Agitator Washer
Last year, GE transitioned the GTW330ASKWW agitator washer, retailing at $629, to the GE GTW335ASNWW, which retails at $698. The capacity has increased from 3.8 cubic feet to 4.2 cubic feet, but the exterior dimensions aren't changing - both models measure 27" wide by 27" deep by 44" tall.
The main differences are in the controls: instead of listing Load Size, they have a Water Level dial along with a Precise Fill option for automatic load size sensing and filling. They mean the same thing, but they most likely changed it to make it clearer to consumers that you can decide how much water the washer dispenses for a cycle. Precise Fill will save the most water by letting the washing machine take over, but this washer is a good option for people who want to control the water level. The new control layout also emphasizes the Deep Rinse option, which uses extra water in the rinse that is ideal for distributing fabric softener evenly throughout the clothes.
For those curious about energy efficiency, the Energy Guide for both models is very similar with an estimated yearly energy cost of $22 when used with an electric water heater. Keep in mind that energy cost does not include the cost of water usage.
Pictured below: the controls for the old vs new model.
GE GTW335 Features:
11 Cycles: Colors - Light, Normal/Medium, DeepClean; Whites - Light, Medium, Heavy; Delicates; Casuals; Speed Wash; Drain & Spin; Bulky Items
3 Options: 6 temperature options, 5 load size/water level options, Deep Rinse option
Heavy-duty single-action agitator
Stainless steel wash basket
700 RPM max spin speed
Dispensers for bleach and fabric softener
The Next Step Up Agitator Washer
Next up: the GTW460ASJWW, which retailed at $729, is being replaced by the GE GTW465ASNWW priced at $798. The capacity is increasing from 4.2 cubic feet to 4.5 cubic feet while remaining within the 27" by 27" footprint and 44" tall to the top of the backguard. This is the next step up from the 335 model above, and they expand on the base model with a few extra features and options reflecting changes in washing machine technology. For example, the agitator is a dual-action agitator. According to GE, the dual-action agitator has a top and bottom half that operate independently. The top portion moves in one direction to move clothes down towards the agitator base. The base portion moves in both directions to provide the mechanical cleaning action. GE says that the dual-action agitator provides better circulation and turnover of the clothes than their single-action agitator.
The controls have been changed on the new model to reflect that the "Load Size" dial is actually for selecting the water level. The Water Level dial and Deep Fill options have been highlighted on the new model as well to draw your attention!
As far as energy efficiency goes, the new model uses less energy, bringing the estimated kWh usage from 284 down to 210 (saving you about 25% on electricity if you have an electric water heater).
GTW465 Features:
14 Cycles: Same as the 335 model (Colors - Light, Normal/Medium, DeepClean; Whites - Light, Medium, Heavy; Delicates; Casuals; Speed Wash; Drain & Spin; Bulky Items), plus Towels/Sheets, Jeans, and Active Wear
6 Options: Auto Soak (Off, 15 Min, 30 Min, 1 Hr, 2 Hr), 2nd Rinse, Extra Spin, 2nd Rinse + Extra Spin, Deep Rinse (use when adding fabric softener), Deep Rinse + 2nd Rinse
700 RPM max spin speed
Dual-action agitator
The Top-of-the-Line Agitator Models
Lastly, the Energy Star rated agitator model GTW485ASJWS was discontinued last year. GE offered dual-action agitator models GTW685BSLWS (4.5 cubic foot capacity, available in white at $849 or diamond gray at $949), and GTW755CSMWS (4.9 cubic foot capacity, available in white at $949 or diamond gray at $1,049) through most of 2019.
The new models available from late 2019 into 2020 are the GE GTW725BSNWS, retailing at around $898, and the GE GTW845CSNWS (that has been discontinued), retailed at around $949. These models have updated control panels and new dispenser technology.
The GE GTW725 model has 4.6 cubic feet of capacity and comes with a new Tide PODS dispense system - designed to pierce the detergent pack and activate the detergent before the wash begins for increased cleaning power. The cycles include a Sanitize + Oxi cycle, Quick Wash, Active Wear, and more. The set of cycles and options are unchanged from the previous GTW685 model. The control panel has been updated, but features like the stain removal guide and a plethora of soak/rinse options remain the same.
GTW725 Features:
12 Cycles: Colors/Normal, Delicates, Whites, Jeans, Active Wear, Towels/Sheets, Bulky/Comforter, Quick Wash, Sanitize with Oxi, Drain & Spin, Deep Clean, Casuals
8 Options: Auto Soak, Deep Fill, Deep Rinse (select when using fabric softener), Delay Wash, Extra Rinse, Stain Removal Guide, Warm Rinse, My Cycle
Soft-close glass lid
Tide PODS Dispense
800 RPM max spin speed
Time remaining digital display with touch controls and a cycle selection dial
A 10-year parts warranty on the motor
Energy Star rated - uses less water and less energy
The GE GTW845CSNWS was an even more richly featured agitator model. Not much has changed between this model and its discontinued predecessor, the GTW755. It has Smart Dispense technology that can hold enough detergent for up to 48 loads, Wi-Fi connectivity so you can check on your laundry remotely, and more! The cycles and options are the same as the GTW725 model above.
GTW845 Features:
10 Cycles: Colors/Normal, Delicates, Whites, Jeans, Active Wear, Towels/Sheets, Bulky/Comforter, Quick Wash, Sanitize with Oxi, Drain & Spin
9 Options: Auto Soak, Deep Fill, Deep Rinse (select when using fabric softener), Delay Wash, Extra Rinse, My Cycle, Warm Rinse, Smart Dispense, Power Pre-Wash
SmartDispense technology similar to Whirlpool Load & Go - add up to 75 ounces of detergent at once and the washer will automatically dispense the right amount for each load!
Wi-Fi connectivity so you can control and monitor your laundry from anywhere with a smart device
Soft-close glass lid
Built-in faucet inside of the washer for pre-washing that dispenses water and detergent
800 RPM max spin speed
A 10-year parts warranty on the motor
GE GTW845CSNWS - $949
The GE Impeller Washer Lineup
The Budget GE Impeller Model
A new low-priced Energy Star rated impeller model GTW500ASNWS is joining the lineup. It has a solid lid rather than the glass lid featured on the more expensive impeller models in the lineup and retails at $798. GE's impeller models are highly rated based on customer reviews, so it will be interesting to see how the new kid on the block performs! The impeller models are all Energy Star rated, so they will use 25-30% less water and energy than comparable washers that are not Energy Star rated.
The new GE GTW500ASNWS at $798 features a solid lid rather than a glass lid and offers 4.6 cubic feet of capacity. It comes with a Stain PreTreat option dial selection, 13 wash cycles, and dial options for water temperature, soil level, and rinses. Use the wash cycles and let the washer handle things, or choose the specific temperatures and soil levels if you prefer to control every step of the process. GE calls their impeller an "efficient infuser" for some reason, so don't let that term confuse you when you're out shopping.
This model is a nicely featured washer that's Energy Star rated while still giving you the ability to add extra water when you need it.
GTW500 Features:
13 Cycles: Colors/Normal, Dark Colors, Casuals, Delicates, Cold Wash, Active Wear, Speed Wash, Drain & Spin, Jeans, DeepClean, Bulky Items, Towels/Sheets, Whites
7 Options: Deep Fill, Auto Soak, 2nd Rinse, Extra Spin, 2nd Rinse + Extra Spin, Deep Rinse (select when adding fabric softener), Stain Pretreat
Stainless steel wash basket
800 RPM max spin speed
Adaptive fill - Deep Fill and extra rinse/deep rinse are still available, but you can't set the water level like with the agitator models
The Top-of-the-Line Impeller Models
An impeller model retailing at $949, the GTW680BSJWS, has been discontinued, as has the GE GTW750CSLWS (5.0 cubic feet, available in white at $949 or diamond gray at $1,049). Now you'll find the GE GTW720BSNWS that has been discontinued as well just recently, retailed at $849. It has a 4.8 cubic foot capacity.
You'll find a digital time remaining readout, Tide PODS dispense technology, and a stain removal guide. The PODS dispenser uses a system of jets and sprays to break down the detergent pod and activate the detergent, so it activates faster and cleans more effectively. The stain removal guide helps you tackle five common household stains (grass, dirt, blood, wine, and tomato).
Compared to the lower-tier washer, this model has a nicer control panel that includes touch button controls and a time remaining display. This model also has a soft-close glass lid. QuietWash with Dynamic Balancing Technology makes this washer a good choice for laundry rooms near living areas.
GTW720 Features:
12 Cycles: Colors/Normal, Casuals, Delicates, Active Wear, Cold Wash, Speed Wash, Drain & Spin, Sanitize with Oxi, Jeans, Bulky Items, Towels/Sheets, Whites
8 Options: Deep Fill, Warm Rinse, Auto Soak, Deep Rinse (select when adding fabric softener), Delay Wash, Extra Rinse, My Cycle, Stain Removal Guide
800 RPM max spin speed
Tide PODS dispense technology
Stain removal guide
GE GTW720BSNWS - $849
Last but not least is the GE GTW840CSNWS-- that has been discontinued just recently, but if you're interested, you can take a look more of its features to see the difference of each unit. It is a 5.2 cubic foot capacity washer with built-in Wi-Fi, Smart Dispense, a water station, and a Power Prewash option for handling heavily soiled items. It has a soft-close glass lid and smooth touch controls with an estimated time remaining display.
Use the Wi-Fi connectivity to check on the status of a cycle or receive a notification when it's finished! Smart Dispense incorporates a detergent reservoir into the machine that can hold up to 75 ounces of detergent. The washer will automatically dispense the right amount of detergent for each wash and can hold up to 48 loads' worth! The Power PreWash option is another useful feature: this option adds detergent, agitates the fabrics, soaks them, and then drains the tub before starting the main wash cycle. The built-in water station helps you prewash soiled items inside the tub, too.
GE GTW840 Features:
10 Cycles: Colors/Normal, Delicates, Whites, Jeans, Active Wear, Towels/Sheets, Bulky/Comforter, Sanitize with Oxi, Quick Wash, Drain & Spin
8 Options: Power PreWash, My Cycle, Warm Rinse, Deep Rinse, Extra Rinse, Delay Wash, Auto Soak, Smart Dispense
Wi-Fi connectivity
Built-in water faucet for pretreating
800 RPM max spin speed
Smart Dispense
GE GTW840CSNWS - $949
That sums up what's changing and what's staying the same in GE's top load washer lineup for 2020. It can be difficult to keep up with these changes so we hope that having it all in one place will be helpful. Check out our reviews of the best top load washers of the year for more products to compare, or our list of the largest agitator washers of the year if you want a traditional top load model!
What do you think about these changes? Do you like GE laundry products? Leave us a comment below - We'd love to hear from you!
Editor's Note: This blog was originally written in April of 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy as of the publication date noted above.