When comparing LG WM3997HWA vs Kenmore Elite 31633, the Slant community recommends Kenmore Elite 31633 for most people. In the question“What are the best washing machines?” Kenmore Elite 31633 is ranked 2nd while LG WM3997HWA is ranked 6th. The most important reason people chose Kenmore Elite 31633 is:
This washing machine has a 6.2 cubic ft drum, which is very large and should make laundry day easier even for very large households that produces lots of dirty laundry. It is one of the largest washing machines available in the market, taking the equivalent of almost two front-loading washer loads in a single cycle. Despite the larger volume, it’s Accela Soak technology ensures cycles don’t take longer than an hour.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Steam cycles for deep cleaning
Like many advanced LG washing machines, this unit has cycles that use steam to deep clean the laundry, destroy germs and eliminate unwanted odors.
Pro Drying and washing options for every need
This is one of the most complete washer/dryer units available today. While other similar appliances only include the basic washing and drying settings, this unit offers many options. It has 14 different washer cycles and lets you control the temperature and soil level. When it comes to drying, it has various cycles and allows you to set the temperature and drying level: this way, you can safely dry a variety of materials.
Pro You can leave it working over night without any concern
Since this machine can both automatically wash and dry your clothes without your intervention, you can leave it to do full laundry cycles while you sleep. You won't even be disturbed by the sound of the machine running since it has special sensors that detect vibration and, based on their readings, slows down the drum to allow the load to settle out if needed. Also, sound signals are automatically disabled, so you won’t get woken up unexpectedly.
Pro Washes large loads quickly
This washing machine has a 6.2 cubic ft drum, which is very large and should make laundry day easier even for very large households that produces lots of dirty laundry. It is one of the largest washing machines available in the market, taking the equivalent of almost two front-loading washer loads in a single cycle. Despite the larger volume, it’s Accela Soak technology ensures cycles don’t take longer than an hour.
Pro Removes deep stains with steam treatment
You can add steam treatment to the cycles to help get rid of very stubborn stains. You can also add a sanitization cycle to kill odor-causing bacteria.
Pro You can get the most out of your washing cycles with varied customization options
This machine allows you to change the temperature, soil level, and spin speed. Each can be set to five different levels, adding a lot of flexibility to cycles. It is also possible to add steam treatment, an additional rinse cycle and other options.
Pro It saves you time with fast washing cycles
The washer does all of the cycles in under one hour. If you have lots of laundry, the increased capacity and short washing times will save you a lot of time.
Pro It can clean itself
The washer has a self-cleaning cycle that prevents mold and unwanted smells from building up in the washer.
Pro Sears offers a reasonable protection plan
Kenmore appliances are only sold at Sears. The store offers extended protection plans for 3 or 5 years, which are reasonably priced.
Pro Impeller-style agitator that doesn’t twist clothes
This machine doesn’t twist your clothes since it has an impeller-style agitator instead of a traditional agitator. This agitator also has the additional advantage of taking up less drum space.
Pro The door won’t slam
The lid has a soft-close feature, so it won’t slam into the machine.
Pro Easy-to-understand controls
The panel’s controls are intuitive and easy to understand.
Pro Two color options to choose from
This washer comes in either a classic white color or, for extra $80, a metallic gray finish.
Cons
Con Cannot be filled to full capacity if clothes are to be dried completely
The clothes will not dry completely if the drum is filled to the brim. To get the best results, it should be filled approximately 2/3 of the capacity, allowing clothes to tumble freely.
Con A complete cycle takes a long time
Like with most combo units, it takes a long time to finish a complete cycle from dirty laundry to ready-to-wear clothes. It can take as long as 4 hours for just one load, as it adjusts the time automatically based on how filled the machine is. On the other hand, you don’t need to transfer the wet laundry from the washer to a dryer.
Con No extended warranty
There is no extended warranty for the tub or motor: only the standard one year warranty.
Con No smart app available
This washing machine does not have a smart app to control and monitor the appliance using a mobile device.
Con Slow maximum spin speed
The maximum speed for the drum is 950 RPM, much slower than modern front-loading machines. Slower speed means more excess water left in the laundry and more work for the dryer.
Con No specialized stain treatment cycles
While it has a steam-assisted cycle to fight against tough stains, this machine has no specialized cycles for stains that require special treatment, like blood stains.
Con The LEDs are a little dim
The LED status lights are small and dim, making it hard to see into the machine.
Con Easy to accidentally press something you didn’t intend to
It’s easy to accidentally activate controls, given that the touch screen control panel is very sensitive.
Con May be difficult to unload for shorter people
Those who aren’t very tall may have trouble reaching the very bottom of the drum without assistance because of its size and depth.
Con It's very large
30 inches wide and 43 inches tall, this washer is considerably larger than most other washing machines. You’ll have to double check if it will fit in your laundry room, or if it will even fit through your doorways.
