LG WT7900HBA Washer Review

If you're looking for a new washer, front-loaders are better overall, but there are still reasons why you might prefer a top-loader. They're a bit easier on your back, since you don't need to bend down to load them, they typically have simpler controls, and they're generally cheaper than front-loaders. If those aspects brought you to research the LG WT7900HBA, you'll notice right away that last point doesn't seem to hold true.

Another thing you're sure to notice: all the fanfare around its cleaning methodology, called TurboWash3D. This system combines a jet spray with a tub and motor that can rotate independently, creating multiple unique water flows. In practice, we found all this technology didn’t necessarily translate into significantly cleaner laundry: In all cycles we tested, we found cleaning efficacy was on the low side of average when compared to other washers. Where the WT7900HBA makes up for this is with an incredibly fast Normal cycle time—just 30 minutes—which makes its average cleaning ability seem more impressive.

The LG WT7900HBA also has a pretty extensive feature set. We liked that it has steam cleaning options, a slow-close lid, and a smart phone app that enables features like remote start and stop.

About the LG WT7900HBA top-load washer

• Dimensions: 27" x 44.5" x 28.38" (W x H x D)
• Capacity: 5.5 cu. ft.
• Finish: Black steel
• 14 cycles: Normal, Heavy Duty, Bedding, Deep Wash, Sanitary, Allergiene, Bright Whites, Pre Wash+ Normal, Delicates, Permanent Press, Towels, Speed Wash, Waterproof, Downloaded
• Cycle options: Five settings each for temperature, spin speed, and soil level; Steam; Soak; Extra Rinse; Add Garments; Delay Wash; Control Lock; Water Plus; ColdWash; Rinse+Spin; Spin Only; StainCare; Tub Clean; Signal; Remote Start; WiFi
• Matching dryer: LG DLEX7900BE

What we like

The Normal cycle is twice as fast as the competition

We clocked the LG WT7900HBA’s Normal cycle at exactly 30 minutes, which is significantly faster than the average time of 54 minutes we see with other washing machines. While the cleaning performance of the Normal cycle was slightly below average—nothing you’d likely notice unless you have more heavily soiled items—the speed at which it was able to achieve those results actually points to a fairly efficient washing process. With a time like this, you could run two wash cycles in the time it takes other washers to complete one.

Its soft-close lid is pleasant to use

If you’re tired of accidentally slamming the lid shut on your top-loader, the LG WT7900HBA might be for you. The WT7900HBA’s SlamProof lid will slowly lower itself until it gently comes to rest in its closed state.

Steam cleaning features add a touch of luxury

If you’ve never had a washer with steam features, you’ve been missing out. Steam serves a dual purpose: It helps to sanitize the clothes as well as de-wrinkle them. If you hate ironing or have kids and pets, it’s probably worth investing in a washer/dryer combo equipped with steam.

SmartThinQ app lets you control the machine remotely

The free SmartThinQ app helps provide the LG WT7900HBA with quite a bit of additional functionality. You can select cycles, start or stop the wash remotely, and get a notification when a cycle is complete. You can even set it up to work with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. While there are likely few reasons you'd need to remotely start or stop your washer, we’re glad the functionality exists. And it is nice to be able to get a notification on your phone when a cycle is complete.

The LG WT7900HBA also benefits from LG's ProActive Care program, which uses AI to diagnose and troubleshoot problems as they arise. The machine uses your WiFi to send LG usage diagnostics and when the appliance indicate a problem, you get a notification via email or the app on what the issue is and how to fix it.

What we don’t like

Cleaning capabilities fell short

While it wasn't far off from average, we did note that the LG WT7900HBA's cleaning performance was subpar on every cycle we tested. Compared to average performance numbers, the Normal cycle got laundry about 5% less clean, the Heavy Duty fell about 10% under, the Quick Dry cycle was down by 7%, and the Delicates cycle fell shy by 9%. Within the context of the Normal cycle finishing in about half the time we typically see, those numbers make more sense. In all other cases, though, it's just subpar performance.

Control dial feels a bit loose

It's a minor detail, but using the control dial detracted from the overall user experience. When spinning the dial, it felt a bit loose, and didn’t have particularly strong clicks as it moved from one position to the next. Further, the cycle selection seemed to lag behind the dial somewhat, resulting in situations where you turn the dial four clicks but the cycle selection only advances by two. You have to turn the dial slowly to make sure that the machine is able to keep up.

What owners are saying

This washer is still fairly new, so there aren’t many user reviews currently available. Most are less than a year old, so there isn’t much out there on how well the LG WT7900HBA performs over time.

Based on the currently available reviews, the WT7900HBA has a solidly good rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 on average, across major retailers. Owners most frequently praise its capacity, quiet operation, cleaning efficacy, and ease of use. The negative reviews are pretty few and far between.

Warranty

LG offers a one-year warranty for parts and labor. This is essentially the bare minimum warranty offered in the appliance industry. We’ve seen significantly more robust warranties—some cover specific parts for up to five or 10 years.

Should you buy the LG WT7900HBA washer?

Yes—If you have a large family and need a top-loader

The LG WT7900HBA excels in its class—as a top-load washing machine and as one large enough for a family. However, it gets a little trickier to recommend it to a wider audience, because, as a top-loader, it simply doesn’t perform as well as most front-loaders available on the market today.

Its 5.5-cubic-foot drum is gigantic and by far its most appealing quality. If you need a higher-bandwidth washer, the LG WT7900HBA can definitely accommodate. This is one of the major selling points of this washer, so if a higher capacity isn't one of your major deciding factors it's possible this model isn't the best one for you.

We also like this LG's steam features, which can help loosen up difficult stains before a wash and sanitize especially dirty laundry.

The problem—as is often the case—is price. While we like this LG overall, the GE Profile PTW900BPTRS offers better cleaning and the same great steam features, all for a lower price. If you're interested in the LG we highly recommend checking out the GE as well.

If you don’t mind switching to a front-loader, then for about the same price you can buy the excellent Electrolux ELFW7637AT, which is currently our top-rated washing machine of any type.

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