If you are in the market for a new washer, you are probably trying to learn about every style and option available to you. One option worth exploring is a steam cycle washer - and you can find more features to consider in our washing machine buying guide, too. These cutting-edge washing machines feature a steam cycle in addition to traditional water cycles.
Steam in a washer provides improved stain removal and can help eliminate odors and prevent wrinkles. It works similarly to a garment steamer. Steam powerfully penetrates the fabrics, and the heat can help sanitize items as well. If you love cleaning with steam, there are also steam dryer models so you can purchase a steam-cleaning pair.
You Should Consider a Steam Cycle Washer If...
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You want to sanitize your fabrics - ideal for households with children
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You want to reduce allergens such as dust mites and pet dander
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You want to reduce wrinkles before you transfer clothes to the dryer or air-dry
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You want to fight stains without using rough wash actions that could prematurely wear out more delicate fabrics
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Your budget allows for a mid- to high-end washer model (pricing for steam cycle washers starts at around $899)
Different washing machines offer different types of steam cycles and options - they may release the steam early on in the cycle to help detergents and prewash additives penetrate fabrics, during the cycle to soften the clothes and improve the detergent's dissolving process, or at the cycle's end to sanitize or reduce wrinkles. They may also incorporate additional wash actions, soak time, or higher water temperatures, which may extend the time of the cycle.
Steam cycle washers have been around for long enough that this technology is no longer "new" to the market, so choosing a steam cycle washer doesn't mean you're taking on the extra risk of an untested technology.
Here are a few examples of what different brands have to offer in steam cycle washers:
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Samsung: Samsung releases steam from the bottom of the washer in their Steam Wash cycle rather than misting it down from above. Their steam cycle is an add-on option that is also incorporated into the sanitize and allergen cycles.
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Whirlpool: Whirlpool's Steam Clean option comes in during the wash cycle to boost stain removal.
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Maytag: Maytag's Steam For Stains option comes in after the wash but before the rinse. It combines extra soak time and higher water temperatures to tackle tough stains.
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Electrolux: Perfect Steam from Electrolux also rises from the bottom of the washer, like Samsung's system, and can assist with deep cleaning and stain removal as an option. It is also incorporated into their sanitization cycles.
Let's take a look at two of the best selling top load and front load washers that feature steam cycle washer technology from Whirlpool and Electrolux!
Whirlpool Cabrio Top Load Washer with Steam
If you are interested in a top loading washer with a steam option, the Whirlpool WTW8500DW is one to consider. At $1,199, it prices above some entry level models but has the feature package to back it up. It is also Energy Star rated and features an extra-large 5.3 cubic foot capacity tub. Adaptive Wash technology with Active Bloom wash action uses advanced wash actions customized to what's being washed. Active Spray technology sprays clothes with a mixture of water and detergent at the beginning of the cycle to virtually eliminate the need to pretreat. Inside you'll find a stainless steel wash tub and an impeller, powered by a direct drive motor.
Whirlpool's intuitive touch controls make choosing the right custom cycle easy: choose "What to Wash" and then choose "How to Wash." But what about that steam technology? Whirlpool lets you add "Steam Clean" as a wash option to boost stain-fighting power. It adds additional soak and wash time to the cycle as well to target tough stains and heavy soils.
As you can see, this washer is a great choice if you want to totally customize your wash to each load. Plus, the Quiet Wash Ultra noise reduction system makes it a great choice for laundry rooms near living areas. Whirlpool also offers this machine in premium graphite gray or cranberry red at $1,299.
Cycles & Options
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What to Wash: Mixed, Casuals, Whites, Delicates, Bulky/Sheets
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How to Wash: Normal, Quick, Cold, Deep Water, ColorLast
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5 Options: Presoak, Extra Rinse, Delay Wash, Steam Clean, Oxi/Additives
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5 Wash Temperatures
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4 Soil Levels
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3 Spin Speeds
Click here to read over 1,800 real customer reviews of this product!
Electrolux Front Load Washer with Steam
Electrolux offers a best-selling line of front load washers that were updated in 2018. The Electrolux EFLS527UIW 4.3 cubic foot front load washer comes with a range of great cycles and options plus an Adaptive Dispenser designed to accept detergent pods as well as liquid or powder detergents.
This richly featured model includes nine cycles, including an 18-minute Fast Wash option. Electrolux's Perfect Steam option boosts stain-fighting power with steam that rises from the bottom of the washer to thoroughly penetrate fabrics. You'll also have the Stain Treat II option designed to target set-in stains. The Sanitize water temperature option handles bacteria and allergens for those times when you really want to "erase" what happened to a garment! Use Extended Refresh if you can't quickly switch clothes from the washer to the dryer: the washer will rinse and spin your clothes periodically to keep them fresh.
Electrolux's Platinum Star Limited Warranty really "shines" with one year of labor and three years on parts. The standard 27" platform and reversible door makes installation convenient no matter where your laundry area is. This model is available in white at $999 or Titanium for $1,099.
Cycles & Options:
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9 Cycles: Heavy Duty, Whitest Whites, Normal, Delicates, Rinse & Spin, Clean Washer, Fast Wash (18 minutes), Activewear, Colors
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9 Options: Extra Rinse, Wrinkle Release, Delay Time, Control Lock, Perfect Steam, StainTreat II, Extended Refresh, PODS
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5 Wash Temperatures (including Sanitize)
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5 Soil Levels
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5 Spin Speeds
Click here to read over 530 real customer reviews of this product!
Thanks for reading this blog about steam cycle washer technology. Both of the models we compared above have hundreds of customer reviews, so be sure to check them out on our website! We hope it was helpful and informative. We've also written about steam cycle dryers.
Steam cycle washers are available from a variety of brands in addition to LG, including Whirlpool, Electrolux, GE Appliances, and Samsung. You can find washers with steam cycles starting at around $900 in both top and front load models, including compact washers.
Please leave us a comment below - We'd love to hear from you!
Editor's Note: This blog was originally written in February of 2017 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy as of the publication date noted above.
