If you are in the market for a front-loading washing machine that can handle large loads and will provide years of reliable service, the LG model WM8100HVA seems to check every box. Does this popular washing machine live up to its marketing hype, or are there better alternatives? You can rely on us to get to the bottom of things.
Buying a washing machine is a major purchase that you will not make very often, so you will need relevant and accurate information to make an informed choice. Our LG model WM8100HVA review will cover all of this machine’s features and specifications, and it will also let you know what consumers who have purchased it are saying. Want to skip the details? Just click here to see the summary of the LG TurboWash 360.
LG WM8100HVA 5.2-Cu. Ft. TurboWash Washer w/ Steam Review
Description and Specifications
The TurboWash 360 is a large-capacity front-loading washing machine that is designed to handle the laundry demands of large families. It is made out of stainless steel and features 14 laundry settings. The LG TurboWash 360’s 5.2-cubic-foot capacity is large enough to handle a king-sized comforter and a complete set of bedding in the same load, and its steam-cleaning feature all but eliminates dirt, wrinkles and odors.
This feature-packed washing machine is available in white and gray, and it won’t cause your electricity bills to soar because it is extremely energy efficient. It can clean a standard load of laundry 30 minutes faster than traditional machines, and its electronic control panel makes choosing the right cycle easy.
Load Type
The LG TurboWash 360 is a front-loading machine with a door that swings to the left. The tubs in most front-loading washing machines have laundry tubs that are mounted flush, but LG has tilted the tub slightly downward on the WM8100HVA. This makes loading laundry a bit easier, and it also prevents clothes from falling out during loading.
When you do load this machine, feel free to cram as much laundry in as you can. You won’t have to worry about clothes coming out still dirty because the TurboWash 360 has been designed to thoroughly clean as many pieces of clothing as the tub can handle. If the door closes and locks, you are good to go.
High-Efficiency vs. Traditional
The LG 5.2-cubic-foot mega-capacity washer with TurboWash technology is a high-efficiency machine. This means that it uses less water, detergent and electricity than traditional washing machines to clean laundry. Washing machines are tested extensively before they are put on sale, and their manufacturers can only apply the HE symbol if they meet strict criteria. This symbol can often be found next to the ENERGY STAR compliance shield.
HE washing machines are able to clean clothes with less water because they use a gentle tumbling action rather than harsh agitation to remove dirt and grime. LG takes this up a notch by offering consumers the following six different wash motions.
- Rolling motion: This is the motion to choose to gently clean even the toughest stains.
- Stepping motion: Use this motion to get creases out of shirts and other garments.
- Scrub motion: This motion is designed to remove worn-in dirt and stains.
- Tumble motion: The LG’s tumble motion is designed for heavy fabrics like denim.
- Filtration motion: This is the motion you will use to clean duvets and other dense fabrics.
- Swing motion: Use this motion to make sure that your delicate garments emerge unharmed.
HE washing machines tend to be a little bit more expensive than traditional models, but consumers can usually make their money back and more in energy savings. You will have to purchase high-efficiency laundry detergent if you buy this LG washing machine as standard detergent will produce too many suds. Just look for the same HE symbol on detergent containers that you see on the machine.
HE washing machines usually require more care because they do not flush out soap and residue as effectively. You won’t have to worry about this with LG HE washing machines as the company has addressed this problem with several innovative rinsing features. These features include an atomizing spray above the washer door that douses laundry with clean water during the rinse cycle.
Capacity, Dimensions, and Weight
The LG TurboWash 360’s most notable feature is its huge 5.2-cubic-foot capacity, which is currently the largest available. This is enough room to handle even the largest loads, and it can easily accommodate a king-sized bedding set, including the duvet.
You may think that only a very large washing machine could offer this kind of capacity, but the engineers at LG have managed to fit the TurboWash 360’s laundry tub inside a relatively compact machine. It is 29-inches wide, 40 3/4-inches high and 32 14/16-inches deep, which is no bigger than most of its competitors. The LG weighs 225 pounds, which is pretty much what you would expect from a machine like this. If you want to take a look at the full specifications sheet, you can see it here.
Controls and Panel Features
The LG’s control panel has been designed to make it easy to get the most out of the technology that the machine offers. An LED display clearly shows the settings that have been chosen, and a handy dial makes choosing the appropriate cycle a lot less frustrating than pushing and holding buttons. The dial also features lights that tell you what cycle you have selected at a glance. The cycles you can choose from are:
- Cotton/Normal
- Heavy Duty
- Bulky/Large
- Bright Whites
- Sanitary
- Jumbo Wash
- Tub Clean
- Small Load
- Speed Wash
- Delicates
- Hand Wash/Wool
- Permanent Press
- Towels
- Allergiene
The machine has a touch screen next to the cycle selector dial that is used to choose from 11 options, including cold wash, delay wash and turbo wash, and it also has a button that activates the machine’s steam-cleaning system.
Installation and Maintenance
The TurboWash 360’s standard dimensions allow it to fit into just about any space that can accommodate a standard front-loading washing machine. It also has a stackable design that could save you even more space. However, you will need to purchase a stacking kit if you want to take advantage of this feature.
Installing and hooking up this LG washing machine is a simple job that anybody with even rudimentary DIY skills should be able to complete in less than half an hour, but installation services are available for those who would prefer to have a professional complete this task. If you do decide to hook the machine up yourself, just bear in mind that it weighs more than 200 pounds. You should also take this opportunity to replace your fill hoses. Once the machine is plugged in and hooked up, it should be ready to use with no further tweaks or adjustments needed.
LG makes routine maintenance chores less of a hassle by placing a small door on the front of the machine that makes accessing the filter a snap. You should clean the filter every few weeks by holding it under a running tap. This convenient door also provides access to a rubber tube that you can use after you complete your wash to drain out any remaining water. Doing this prevents the mildew smell that plagues some other HE washing machines.
Annual Energy Consumption and Voltage
The TurboWash 360 has an Integrated Modified Energy Factor of 2.92. This IMEF rating helped the machine to earn the coveted ENERGY STAR Most Efficient classification in 2018 and 2019. You will need a 120-volt outlet to connect the machine, and it will use about 120 kilowatt-hours of energy each year on average. That will cost you about $14 each year if you have an electric water heater and approximately $10 each year if your water is heated with natural gas.
You should remember that these figures are based on averages, and they could be higher or lower in your area depending on how much you pay for electricity and how often you use your washing machine. If you want to squeeze the maximum energy savings possible from the LG, you should take advantage of its large capacity to cut down your number of laundry loads. You can also use the machine’s cold-wash function to reduce costs even further. If you want to see the LG’s U.S. Government Energy Guide, you can download it here.
Certifications and Warranty
The WM8100HVA is backed by a one-year parts and labor warranty. That warranty is extended to three years for the drum and 10 years for the direct drive motor. If you want even more protection, Amazon, Home Depot and Best Buy all offer extended warranties.
In addition to its ENERGY STAR and IMEF ratings that we have already covered, the LG TurboWash 360 is also certified asthma- and allergy-friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. It earned this rating because its unique features are extremely effective at removing allergens like dust, pollen and dander from your home.
Additional Features
What really sets the WM8100HVA apart from its competitors is its host of unique features. These features include:
- TurboWash technology: This feature allows the machine to wash even large loads about 20 minutes faster than other machines without sacrificing cleaning performance.
- Cold wash system: The TurboWash 360 can get even tough stains out using only cold water thanks to its wash technology that penetrates deeply into fabrics.
- Allergiene cycle: This cycle uses the heat of steam to remove allergens, and it is the reason why the machine earned its AFFA certification.
- Drum nozzles: The LG features two nozzles on the rim of the tub that use a recirculating pump to spray laundry with water and detergent to make sure that every part of your load is cleaned.
- Atomizing rinse spray: This is another nozzle on the rim of the tub that sprays laundry during the rinse cycle to remove every last trace of soap.
- TrueBalance anti-vibration system: This innovative feature makes the LG almost silent even during spin cycles. The loudest noise you are likely to hear will be the sound of the machine filling up with water.
- Direct drive motor: Most washing machines are powered with motors that use belts or pulleys, but the LG TurboWash 360 has a direct drive motor that extends its service life and allows the machine to offer six wash motions.
- Sense clean system: This system automatically sets the water level and wash time based on the size and weight of the load to optimize cleaning and minimize energy consumption.
- SmartThinQ: This technology allows you to operate your LG washing machine remotely using a Wi-Fi device, and it also provides you with reminders when maintenance is required.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 5.2-Cu. Ft. |
| Dimensions | 29” x 40.75” x 33” |
| Weight | 225 lbs. |
| Annual Energy Consumption | 120kWh |
| Voltage | 120V |
| Stackable | Stackable |
| Steam Function | Steam |
| Wash Cycles | Cotton/Normal, Heavy Duty, Bulky/Large, Bright Whites, Sanitary, Allergiene, Tub Clean, Jumbo Wash, Towels, Permanent Press, Hand Wash/Wool, Delicates, Speed Wash, Small Load |
| Rinse Cycles | 2 |
| Wash Speeds | 5 |
| Wash Temperatures | 5 |
| Smart Home Enabled | Yes |
| Special Features | TurboWash360 Technology, Allergiene Cycle, Sanitary Cycle, ColdWash Option, SenseClean System |
| Certifications | ENERGY STAR, UL-listed |
| Warranty | 1-year (Parts and Labor), 10-years (Motor), Lifetime (Drum) |
Price
The WM8100HVA has an MSRP of $1,649, which makes it more expensive than many similar models. However, LG usually offers steep discounts and allows consumers to pay over time with Klarna. If you check the LG website and retailers like Amazon or Home Depot, you will probably be able to pick up a TurboWash 360 for about $1,199. This makes the LG washing machine a pretty good value, considering that it is packed with features and technology that few of its competitors can match.
What Are Consumers Saying About the LG WM8100HVA?
After thoroughly evaluating the LG WM8100HVA, Consumer Reports gave the innovative washing machine a rating of 82, which was enough to earn a recommendation from the nonprofit consumer organization. The researchers gave the WM8100HVA a rating of five out of five for water efficiency and ratings of four out of five for performance, reliability and efficiency.
Consumers also seem to be pretty happy with the LG. Most reviewers are quite surprised by how quiet the machine is when it is running, and several praise its stylish and contemporary appearance. Some consumers say that LG did not respond promptly to maintenance issues, but most appear to have had no problems using the machine. One reviewer was not happy with the LG WM8100HVA’s warranty, which is surprising because it is more comprehensive than the warranties on most competing models.
Pros
- Extremely quiet
- Very energy efficient
- Washes clothes quickly
- Easy to maintain
- Simple to use controls
Cons
- More expensive than some competitors
- LG customer support is sometimes slow
- Drain hose difficult to use with large hands
Additional Resources
Is the LG WM8100HVA for You?
The LG TurboWash 360 is a durable and reliable high-efficiency front-loading washing machine that is packed with useful features and innovative technology. Its 5.2-cubic-foot capacity can handle just about any load, but it takes up no more space than a standard washing machine.
If you do a lot of laundry and want to save time, this LG could be a good choice for you because of its TurboWash technology. However, you may want to keep looking if you are working on a tight budget or don’t think you will use some of the LG’s features.
LG WM8100HVA 5.2-Cu. Ft. TurboWash Washer w/ Steam
LG WM8100HVA 5.2-Cu. Ft. TurboWash Washer w/ Steam
Matching Companion Models
LG DLEX8100V / DLGX8101V 9.0-Cu. Ft. Stackable Dryer w/ TrueSteam
LG DLEX8100V Electric 9.0-Cu. Ft. Stackable Dryer w/ TrueSteam
LG DLGX8101V Gas 9.0-Cu. Ft. Stackable Dryer w/ TrueSteam
LG DLEX8100V / DLGX8101V Description and Specifications
This dryer’s TrueSteam technology removes odors and reduces wrinkles to the point where ironing is usually not necessary. It makes a great companion model to the TurboWash 360 because it has a 9-cubic-foot capacity that can handle all of the laundry the washer can clean. You won’t have to worry about wrinkles if you forget to empty this mega dryer because it automatically tumbles your clothes periodically even after it has completed the drying cycle.
These dryers are 29-inches wide, 40 3/4-inches high and 32 14/16-inches deep, and they weigh 225 pounds. They are CSA listed, backed by a one-year warranty and offer 14 drying options including normal, permanent press, heavy-duty and delicates. If you want to learn more about the DLEX8100V, you can check the product pages on Amazon, Home Depot or Best Buy. For more details about the DLGX8101V, visit Amazon, Home Depot or Best Buy.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 9.0-Cu. Ft. |
| Dimensions | 29″ x 40.8″ x 32.1″ |
| Weight | 157.7 lbs. |
| Annual Energy Consumption | N/A |
| Voltage | 240V |
| Stackable | Stackable |
| Drying Cycles | Cotton/Normal, Perm Press, Towels, Delicates, Heavy Duty, SteamFresh, SteamSanitary, Anti-Bacterial, Jumbo Dry, Wool, Super Dry, SpotClean, Speed Dry, Air Dry |
| Drying Temperatures | 5 |
| Vent Type | Vented (Electric), Ventless (Gas) |
| Smart Home Enabled | No |
| Special Features | Adjustable End-of-Cycle Signal, Damp Alert, Delay Start, Door Window, Interior Light |
| Certifications | CSA Listed |
| Warranty | 1-year parts & labor |
Why the LG DLEX8100V / DLGX8101V Is Great
These dryers are great because they were designed to work perfectly with the TurboWash 360. Their intelligent control panels are extremely easy to use, and their ReduceStatic feature makes sure that you won’t get any shocks when you unload them. A FlowSense indicator will let you know exactly when you need to clean out the ducts, and a series of sensors measures moisture levels to deliver just the right amount of drying.
Pros
- Fast drying
- Near silent operation
- Spotclean system removes stains
- TrueSteam technology removes odors and wrinkles
- Very energy efficient
- Stackable
Cons
- A bit pricier than similar models
- Stacking kit purchased separately
- THINQ Smart features can be baffling at first
LG DLEX8100V Electric 9.0-Cu. Ft. Stackable Dryer w/ TrueSteam
LG DLEX8100V Electric 9.0-Cu. Ft. Stackable Dryer w/ TrueSteam
LG DLEX8100V Electric 9.0-Cu. Ft. Stackable Dryer w/ TrueSteam
LG DLGX8101V Gas 9.0-Cu. Ft. Stackable Dryer w/ TrueSteam
LG DLGX8101V Gas 9.0-Cu. Ft. Stackable Dryer w/ TrueSteam
LG DLGX8101V Gas 9.0-Cu. Ft. Stackable Dryer w/ TrueSteam
Washer Tips
To get the most out of a high-efficiency washing machine, you will have to learn how to use all of its features. Click on the user’s manual link in the additional resources section to learn all you need to know, and then visit our Washer Tips page for even more useful information.
Why Choose LG?
LG is a South Korean multinational corporation that is still managed by its founder’s family. Founded in 1947, LG originally operated in the plastics industry, but it now has a diverse portfolio of products and services that includes chemicals, telecommunications and power generation in addition to consumer appliances and electronics.
LG television sets, cellphones and home appliances have earned a reputation for reliability and durability, and they often offer consumers technology that cannot be found anywhere else. This could explain why LG products consistently earn high marks from industry experts like Consumer Reports.
If you are looking for a new washing machine that boasts the latest features and will last for years, an LG product could be a good choice. The company’s offerings range from sidekick models designed to handle small loads to mega-capacity machines, and all of them are backed by comprehensive warranties. If you would like to learn more about LG and its products, you can visit the company’s store pages at the trusted retailers below.
Check Out More LG Content On WashersDryers360
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FAQs
Want to know more about this ingenious LG washing machine? Here are the answers to a few of our most frequently asked questions.
The LG TurboWash 360 has a host of advanced features, but it is surprisingly easy to use. It has a selector dial to choose the appropriate cycle and a touchscreen with eight buttons to program its other functions. Once you get the hang of it, you will be able to input all of the settings in just a couple of seconds.
Washing machine filters should be cleaned every couple of weeks. The LG makes this chore very easy because all you have to do to get at the filter is open a small door on the front of the machine. Then, just pull the filter out and hold it under some running water.
This really depends on how much you use it, but you should get years of reliable service from an LG. The direct drive motor is the heart of this machine, and it is backed by a 10-year warranty.
The LG TurboWash 360 is a high-efficiency machine, which means you should use detergent that has the HE symbol on its packaging. Regular cleaning products will produce too many suds.
This is where the TurboWash 360 really shines. It has technology to reduce vibrations and a direct drive motor that is almost silent. If you buy one, you will probably find yourself checking it to make sure that it’s actually on.
This is a problem with many HE machines but not the LG. This is because the machine has a nozzle that sprays laundry with water during the rinse cycle to get rid of any remaining traces of soap.
