I’m a big fan of front-load washing machines and don’t mind bending over to load and unload laundry. Also, front-loading washers are more energy-efficient since they use less water. I prefer not to have an agitator since it’s rougher on laundered items.
I’ve had front-load models for decades. Since 2016, I’ve purchased a white LG front washing machine at a scratch-and-dent sale (the dents were imperceptible from a distance, and the machines looked like a matching pair). However, since this appliance was eight years old, I jumped at the chance to test the newer LG WM4000HBA 4.5 Cu. Ft. Smart Front Load Washer.
I tested the washer for several months, trying the various features and cycles. So, how would it compare to the best front-load washers? Read on to find out.
Terri is a freelance writer living in Birmingham, AL. She has tested hundreds of products, including kitchen appliances, vacuums, bedding, furniture, luggage, and tech gear. Terri has bylines at Architectural Digest, Forbes, Popular Science, CNN Underscored, NBC News Select, The Daily Beast, USA Today, US News & World Report, Tech Radar, Homes & Gardens, and Tom's Guide. Follow her adventures @Territoryone.
Terri tested the LG WM4000HBA 4.5 Cu. Ft. Smart Front Load Washer for several months, evaluating design, performance, user-friendliness, and maintenance. She was allowed to keep the set for ongoing use.
LG WM4000HBA: Key Specs
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Row 0 - Cell 1 |
| Capacity | 4.5 cubic feet |
| Spin Speed | 1300 revolutions per minute |
| Wash Programs | Normal, Perm. Press, Heavy Duty, Delicates, Towels, Speed Wash, Bedding, Tub Clean, Bright Whites, Sanitary, Allergiene, Downloaded |
| Noise Level | 53.6-63.2 dB |
| Vibration Control? | Yes |
| Smart Features? | Yes |
| Energy Star? | Yes |
LG WM4000HBA: Price & Availability
The LG WM4000HBA 4.5 Cu. Ft. Smart Front Load Washer is available to buy from LG for 1,249/Sale $849 – but out of stock, Walmart for $1,033, Amazon for $1,199/Sale $1,000, and on the AJ Madison website for $1,319, on sale for $845. You can also buy it as a set with the LG DLEX4000B 7.4 Cu. Ft. Smart Electric Dryer from AJ Madison for a list price of $2,638.
LG WM4000HBA: Setup
AJ Madison coordinated the delivery and installation of the washing machine to my home – and asked if I wanted my older washer/dryer set hauled away. (I declined that offer and had those appliances picked up by someone who needed another set.) The service by the AJ Madison team was exemplary.
Since the old washer and dryer had already been removed, it did not take them long to install the new appliance. Installation is an additional $85 for the washing machine and $110 for the dryer). Some people may feel comfortable installing the appliances themselves, but that’s not something I would do myself. The installation option is selected (or declined) at checkout, and this information is passed along to the delivery team and the delivery information.
I could not download the app because my laundry closet is in a Wi-Fi dead spot. However, it’s doubtful that I would have used these features anyway since it’s just as easy to use the touch controls. Also, my brother is a retired fire chief, and he’s drilled it into my thinking that I shouldn’t be that far away from appliances while they’re operating.
LG WM4000HBA: Design
Trust me, the photos don’t do justice to the LG WM4000HBA 4.5 Cu. Ft. Smart Front Load Washer. It’s a simply stunning appliance. All of my previous laundry appliances have been white, which is not a big deal since they’ve always been in a laundry room or closet, hidden from view.
However, the beautiful Black Steel color looks so sleek and modern that I was in the habit of routinely opening the doors to show the set to everyone who came to my home the first month or so. The tempered glass door contributes to the stylish look, and the tempered glass isn’t just pretty; it also resists scratches and shock. And since I store two of my self-standing, stainless steel cordless stick vacuums in the laundry closet, everything also matches perfectly. However, you can also get the washing machine in white, if that’s your preference.
The design is also stackable. In addition, you can purchase pedestals to make them taller if bending over is problematic. I had a large laundry room in my previous home, so the laundry machines faced each other. However, I have a laundry closet in this home, so space is at a premium. Fortunately, the machines fit quite well in the side-by-side configuration (with just a little space to slide the vacuums between them).
You’ll notice that I have a drip pan under the washing machine. That’s because over a decade ago, when I moved, the mover did not tightly reattach the washer hoses, and they started leaking, damaging my floors. So now, every washing machine has a matching drip pan.
The washing machine has dials, buttons, and a digital display panel. It’s easy to view the controls and make selections. Since it’s a smart machine, downloading the LG ThinQ app allows you to start the appliances remotely, view power consumption, see how much time is left, be notified when a cycle is complete, and diagnose appliance issues.
The detergent tray is housed in a sturdy pull-out drawer.
LG WM4000HBA: Performance
I tested the washer for several months, using various cycles and settings. Within these cycles are options for steam, pre-wash, and delay wash, as well as the ability to adjust the temperature, spin speed, and soil level settings, select cold wash, and choose an extra rinse.
I tested almost all of the cycles, depending on what I was washing – and they all worked as expected. However, my favorite was the Speed Wash cycle, which only takes 15 minutes. Note that this cycle works best with a small amount of clothes.
The Downloaded option downloads a new specialized cycle (which LG may occasionally release).
A comforter or duvet is too large to put in the washing machine; it fits, but the fit is so tight that there wouldn’t be enough room for the detergent and water to move freely.
I tested a washing machine with grape jelly, Worcestershire sauce, grape drink, and coffee stains on an old washcloth. I tossed the cloth in the washing machine, with about a quarter-size amount of my regular Seventh Generation liquid laundry detergent and about a quarter cup of vinegar. After going through the washing machine and dryer, you can barely see the remnants of the coffee stain. However, the other stains were effectively removed.
The washing machine has a light, normal, and heavy soil level and five temperature settings, ranging from tap cold to extra hot. I selected the normal soil level and the warm temperature setting for the first test. When I repeated the test, I chose the heavy soil level and the hot temperature setting. The results were the same, and I was pleased that the washing machine could clean quite well even without using hot water (which I try to avoid when possible since it wastes energy).
The spin cycle also works quite well. A load of laundry weighed 6.3 pounds before I put it in the washing machine and 8.5 pounds when I took it out.
Drainage is excellent, and I’ve never had water left over in the drain after a cycle. The drain cycle is also quiet and doesn’t appear to take as long as the spin cycle (honestly, I don’t know since I can’t hear the draining process).
The washing machine's noise level is approximately 53.6 dB, which is about the sound of moderate rainfall. It’s around 63.2 dB on the spin cycle, comparable to a refrigerator.
The cycle time is around an hour when using most regular washing cycles (like normal and bedding). Remember that the time shown on the display panel is an estimate. Based on the size of the load and the water temperature, the time may change. That’s one reason I like to use the 15-minute Speed Wash cycle. Since this cycle is not designed for large loads (and I usually don’t wait until I have large loads), I can wash and dry laundry in under an hour. Loading and unloading the machine is quick and easy.
Regarding maintenance, after each laundry day, I wipe down the washing machine's glass door and rubber door seal and then leave the door open for several hours to ensure the drum interior has the opportunity to dry out. Once a month, I run the Tub Clean cycle to remove any residue and prevent odors from forming. I also clean the dispenser drawer once or twice a month.
Would I buy the LG WM4000HBA again?
| Attribute | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | straightforward, especially with professional assistance; design allows for flexible configurations, such as stacking or using pedestals | 8/10 |
| Washing Performance | variety of cycles; Speed Wash cycle particularly impressive for quick loads; effectively removes most stains | 9/10 |
| Rinsing Efficiency | options for extra rinses; ability to adjust rinse settings based on load type | 8/10 |
| Spin Cycle | powerful, extracting a significant amount of water and reducing drying time | 9/10 |
| Maintenance | straightforward, with regular tasks such as wiping down the door and seal, running a Tub Clean cycle, and cleaning the dispenser drawer | 8/10 |
Buy it if . . .
Don’t buy it if . . .
How does the LG WM4000HBA compare?
My former washing machine was an LG front-load washer. Since I purchased them eight years ago, I’m unsure if those models are still being sold. Neither had as many features as the LG WM4000HBA 4.5 Cu. Ft. Smart Front Load Washer.
These were features that I didn’t know I wanted or needed. The set that I had worked wonderfully to clean and dry clothes—and I think I paid $1000 for it at the time. However, I do like the variety offered by the new appliance.
Another option is the Samsung Front Load Washer and Dryer Set, which includes a 4.5 cu. ft. front-load washing machine with vibration reduction technology and self-cleaning features. It also includes a 7.5 cu. ft. electric dryer with sensor dry and ten preset drying cycles. The combination set retails for $1,798 but is on sale for $1,298. It’s available in white, and the generous interior will fit large, bulky items.
If you prefer an all-in-one combo, the LG 5.0 cu. ft Mega Capacity Smart Smart Load All-in-One Ventless Washer/Dryer Combo gives you two appliances in one. It’s expensive at $2,999/on sale for $2,499, but an all-in-one appliance is invaluable if space is a premium. It also has specialized programs for dresses, jeans, swimwear, activewear, and more.
The Maytag MVW230HC 5.2 cu. ft. Smart Top Load Washer has a larger drum than the LG, which may make it easier to wash comforters and other large items. It also does a good job of removing various types of stains, ranging from grass to mud to mustard. Like the LG, it’s a smart washer and can be monitored via the app on your smartphone. In addition, the Maytag, priced at $798, is also considerably cheaper than the LG.
How I tested the LG WM4000HBA
I tested the LG WM4000HBA 4.5 Cu. For several months, Ft. Smart Front Load Washer tried the various settings and features. I washed clothes, towels, blankets, and throws. I gauged design, performance, user-friendliness, and maintenance.
