From Shelby:
Hi,
I am looking at purchasing the LG WM0642H(W) front loader. They got a great rating on CR, but obviously you can find anything from people's reviews, both good and bad. The one thing I hear is that it is hard to get them serviced. Do you know anything about these, whether it be positive or negative feedback? Maybe it is too early to tell with this model?
thank you,
shelby
Shelby,
I am familiar with this washer, and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a good, basic washer without a bunch of bells and whistles. Relatively speaking of course, since this washer offers a lot of bling when compared to less expensive models.
The reason I like this washer is it offers a lot of bang for the buck. LG lists the MSRP at $949. I am seeing it online for as little as $809. If you go with this model you will get tremendous capacity, great washing, and an internal water heater. I am a huge advocate for the internal water heaters. You also get all the benefits of the LG warranty. (I am going to address manufacturer warranties in a new post within the next day or so.)
In regards to the service aspect, yes, LG can be difficult at times. It depends on a number of factors. I would encourage you to follow this link and check to see how many servicers are in your area. (Click on the "service centers" button at the top center of the page.) Pick up the phone and call any servicers that pop up and ask them a few questions. You want to find out their experience with LG, whether they are familiar with the machines, and what their experience has been with parts availability.
If you are satisfied with the answers, then don't be afraid to pull the trigger.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
~Brad
Note: Shelby mentioned that the LG WM0642HW was rated well by Consumer Reports. It was rated very well, #2 overall, in fact. It scored identical across the board to the much more expensive LG SteamWasher, and even scored better in the "gentleness" category.
More information on this washer can be found at Epinions.com.
Also, here is a link to a sell sheet from LG detailing the various features of the machine.
Finally, here is a link to the WM0642HW on Amazon.
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I've had this LG-WM0642HW washer for two years now. When it was new it just would not clean full loads well. They should of advertised it as a SLOW-WICK water washer.Full loads would only become saturated towards the end of the wash segment. It was also made without the Forced Water Recirculation Spray Nozzle because LG did a (quiet) design change and didn't bother to change the model number nor let consumers know that what was displayed on the WM0642HW the showrooms "would not" be installed on the new units delivered. NO FORCED WATER RECIRCULATION SPRAY SYSTEM!Don't be fooled about the heater either. It works only on ONE cycle.The SUPER- LONG -SANITARY -CYCLE- ONLY! It does not regulate(boost) water temperature in other cycles period!After almost a year of it doing this dry wick water rub wash, i was about to get rid of it and i read on a forum that there was a set screw on the water level switch under the top lid.If you turned it clockwise alittle the washer would fill to a higher level.I have mine adjusted to fill to the bottom of the door rubber seal.What a HUGE difference that adjustment made to it's ability to clean rapidly with shorter cycle times and rinse well. That wick water wash method it was using before almost resulted in that washer being donated.I called LG numerous times over the water level and how to adjust it? They were of no help. Nothing could be done they said.All along there was a small adjustment set screw under the machine top on the water level sensor that i or a repair technician could turn slightly to raise the water level.LG pretended they knew of no such thing.That 5 or so gallons more water in the cylinder has resulted in me keeping the machine because it's cleaning the laundry.The factory pre-set was too low.Yes it conserves water at that setting, but your laundry is marginally clean.That doesn't help me any if the laundry is still dirty and i've wasted an hour or so.I've not had to rewash a single load since i raised that water level to fill up to the door seal edge.NOT ONE!I can live with it now, and it's given me no other trouble. It just needed a few more gallons of water to work with.
This model was one of the very first front load washers that LG offered to the market. Its still pretty pricey when compared to some of their newer models, and unless you really need the controls on the back like an old school top loader, according to this LG WM0642HW review you're probably better off going after a differet front load washer. For a cheaper alternative that seems like a real winner, check out this LG WM2010CW review. If the capacity of the WM0642HW appeals to you, check out this LG WM2301HW review, which costs about the same, has a slightly larger capacity, and is much newer, so probably a better all around alternative for the same price. If you're willing to spend about an additional $100 or so, you could read up on this LG WM2501HWA review and potentially find yourself with a new steam cleaning front load washer.
Just a word of advice, the WM0642HW was discontinued a few months ago. LG not no longer offers a front load washer with the controls on the back of the top. They're all the stackable type with thier controls on the front above the door. Looks like the best thing going right now as far as value for the money might be the LG WM2140CW.
1) Is this really one of the first front load washers that LG offered? I don't understand this. When I bought mine in 2008, front loading washers were out for years before then.
2) Many have complained and said there isn't enough water to clean their clothes, and the factory preset water screw is set too low. After searching the net I found the solution.
YES YOU CAN RAISE THE WATER LEVEL ! Raise the top of the washer lid by removing the 4 dispenser screws. Push side of dispenser tabs to drop dispenser down off from lid. Using an opener or flat item, insert into lid front edge to depress inward the metal top hold down clip. Do the left side first then the right side. Raise the lid.You'll see the water level sensor switch on the inner cabinet upper right side. You will see a set screw for a phillips screwdriver. Slowly turn that screw CLOCKWISE about a quarter turn. With washer cylinder emply,and holding detergent dispenser assembly upright so it won't spill water into inner cabinet area, start the washer.You will see the water level rise to a higher set point than just to the edge of the gray cylinder baffels.I have set mine to fill to the edge of the rubber door seal. I wouldn't go any higher than that. I see no need for the water level going over onto the glass window area.Ever since i raised the water level so my clothing tumbles in water instead of wicking up water as before and only becomming fully saturated nearing the end of the wash segment. The new adjustment has ended all of the complaints i had earlier about this washer not cleaning or rinsing well. My laundry is clean the first time around and all my washer needed was a few more gallons of water to work with. LG themselves were of NO help when i called dozens of times before .They just gave me the run around and never a straight answer about the water level except nothing could be done, it was based on laundry load weight, too bad so sad. That was TOTALLY UNTRUE! I found out how to adjust it by another owner of the LG WM0642HW posting this info on how to raise the water level, and how to go about doing it.I've not had to do a single rewash since turning that water level switch higher.