Whirlpool WFW5720RW Reviews & Ratings by Customers and Consumer Reports

Designed for households that want front-load cleaning performance without stepping into oversized, commercial-style machines, the Whirlpool WFW5720RW is a smart, ENERGY STAR® qualified washer built around practical fabric care and day-to-day convenience. It’s best suited to families, active couples, and anyone who values efficient washing with modern odor-control features—especially in tighter laundry rooms where a stackable footprint matters. Capacity is a key strength here. While it’s commonly listed as 4.5 cu. ft. in U.S. DOE terms, the IEC capacity used in Canada is 5.2 cu. ft., which better reflects real-world usable volume for bulky items like bedding and mixed family loads. That extra room helps reduce load count over the week, while front-load mechanics typically deliver strong soil removal with less water than traditional top-load designs. Where the Whirlpool WFW5720RW stands out is its FreshFlow™ Vent System and Fan Fresh® functionality. In practical terms, these features are aimed at the most common front-load complaint—residual moisture and odor around the door boot. By improving airflow after the cycle, the machine is more forgiving if you can’t immediately unload laundry, which is a meaningful quality-of-life upgrade for busy homes. Performance and usability are well judged. The inverter-driven direct drive motor supports smooth speed changes and generally quieter operation than older belt-driven designs, and the stainless-steel drum is a durability plus. Cycle coverage is comprehensive for mainstream needs, including Sanitize, Quick Wash, Bedding, and a dedicated Clean Washer cycle. Wi‑Fi connectivity adds remote monitoring and specialty/app-based cycles for users who will actually use them, without making the core controls feel overly complicated. Limitations are typical for this class. The dispenser system is straightforward rather than premium, and buyers who prefer highly automated dosing or extensive manual fine-tuning may find the option set more “focused” than expansive. As with any front-load washer, best results depend on routine care—periodic cleaning cycles and reasonable detergent use. Verdict: This model is an excellent fit for households wanting efficient, fabric-friendly washing with above-average odor management and smart features that don’t overwhelm. Those prioritizing advanced auto-dispense systems or ultra-specialized cycle customization may want to consider alternatives.