GE GFWR2700HWW Washing Machine Review

At 47 inches high, this GE front-loader stands above the competition thanks to a built-in pedestal that lifts it about seven inches from the ground. It's part of GE's RightHeight system and allows users to load and unload their laundry without stooping. Similar, standalone pedestals can cost over $100.

This model feels like a less-daunting version of the GE GFWR4805FRR. It's cheaper, with simpler features, but doesn't sacrifice cleaning performance. The GFWR2700HWW also maintains many high-end extra like the Stain Removal Guide and Sanitize cycle.

To read our full review of this washer's matching dryer, the GE GFDR270EHWW , click here.

Design & Usability

The right tool for the RightHeight

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The GFWR2700HWW has a lot of buttons to manage a lot of features. And while we imagine many people will never touch any of them—save for Power and Start—control freaks will be able to to micromanage every aspect of the wash including soil level, temperature, spin speed, and extra features like the Stain Removal Guide (for tackling specific, common stains) and eWash (an eco-friendly, cold water option).

If you don't have any problems bending down, then the RightHeight feature has lost its purpose. But if you're the type of person who like to fold laundry on top of your machines, or want to avoid bending down seven extra inches every time you load the washer, this feature is great. One drawback: RightHeight-equipped machines can't be stacked.

Performance & Features

Features Make the Difference

The GE GFWR2700HWW's cleaning performance is on par with other washers in this price range. Like other high-end GE front-load models we've tested, the Whites cycle earned top marks, besting even the Power Clean cycle. Across all the cycles, this GE did a good job removing cocoa and blood stains. Against red wine and sweat, however, the results were just average. Altogether, the GFWR2700HWW earned a slightly above average cleaning score.

Aside from stain removal, we also expect washers to spin out some of the excess moisture left behind in clothes after a wash. The wetter laundry is when it comes out of the washer, the more work your dryer has to do. That means more waiting and more energy costs. In this test, the GFWR2700HWW performed well: test loads came out mostly dry.

But what really sets the GFWR2700HWW apart is its features. Ten cycles ranging from Sanitize to Active Wear will cover all your bases. There's also a Stain Guide, which adjusts the temperature and spin cycle to accommodate common stains like grass. If these are the features you're looking for, you'll come out ahead since most of these cost quite a bit more on other washers.

For in-depth performance information, please visit the Science Page.

Before You Buy

A good compromise between luxury and affordability

If you want a washer with all the trimmings, like a pedestal, Auto Dispense, and superior cleaning, you'll have to be willing to shell out at least a thousand dollars for the GE GFWR4805FRR, or buy a $199 pedestal for a model from another brand.

But if you want to cut costs, still want a washer that's easy to access, and don't mind giving up features like a Sanitize cycle and deep customization, the GE GFWR2700HWW is a good middle ground. It has a built-in pedestal, a Sanitize cycle, and a high level of cycle adjustment. With a street price around $900, it—quite literally—stands out from its competitors.

By the Numbers

Science is the bedrock of our review process. For washing machines, it's all about cleaning performance and efficiency, and the RightHeight has the right stuff.

Cleaning Performance

During our cleaning performance tests we use controlled, pre-stained cloth swatches. These swatches are coated in common household stains like sweat, dirt, and cocoa. Each stain strip is part of a controlled, eight-pound load of laundry, which is washed with a standard detergent. When the cycle is finished, we take the strips out and analyze them with a photospectrometer to determine exactly how much of each stain has been lifted.

When it came to stain removal, the Whites cycle earned the best scores, and did so in an hour and 34 minutes. It even outperformed the Power Clean cycle by 0.3%, even though Power Clean took an extra 20 minutes. The Normal cycle took an hour and 19 minutes, and was the third most powerful cycle we tested. It lagged behind the Whites cycle by 8%.

Efficiency

Efficiency tests take two factors into account: what goes in and what goes out. In terms of what goes in—water and electricity—the GFWR2700HWW is very efficient. Based on typical American electricity costs and use patterns, we estimate an annual operating cost of around $23.97. The average front loader usually runs around $30-plus.

What comes out is wet laundry. The more wet your laundry is, the harder your dryer will have to work, using more electricity. On average, this GE spun out 55% of excess water. Poor performers leave behind 75%, and anything that's at least near the 50% mark gets a thumbs-up from us.