The Electrolux ELFW7537 and LG WM4500 are two worthwhile front load washers to consider.
Which is better?
It depends on what features are important to you. Your personal preference should guide you to any purchase, non-influencers or even me.
In this article you will read the pros and cons of both, so you can decide for yourself.
I’ve chosen comparably priced models from each manufacturer, the 4500 from LG and 7537 from Electrolux, but I’m referencing other models as well.
I like Electrolux washers. In fact I had their first set years ago.
But let’s look at both brands.
Table of Contents
Similarities
Both have more than enough cycles. LG is 14, Electrolux is 10. Both have tons of options as well. Both at 1300 RPM and it’s fast by industry standards, so clothes are almost dry out of the washer for less time in the dryer.
Both have steam to help lift tougher stains like grass, blood and wine. Both have cycles to remove allergens from the clothes.
Both have the tub cleaning cycles to wash in high heat to eliminate mold and mildew.
Differences
LG is larger at 5 cubic versus 4.5 for Electrolux. However Electrolux is deeper so that may or may not be an issue depending on your installation.
If you’re looking for shallower depth for stacking, LG and Electrolux are two of the best.
Electrolux has a 15 minute wash and dry for slightly oiled fabrics versus 30 minutes for LG.
Most the short washes involve less time so you wash less clothes. 50 minute wash can only wash a few items.
However LG has the TurboWash 360 with five high pressure sprays in front of the washer turning any cycle into 30 minutes.
Hard to believe, Electrolux and LG are the only washers and dryers with reversible doors, so the doors line up in every installation. LG’s washers do not reverse.
Instead of just tossing them in with fabrics, Electrolux dispenses theirs in the top in the dispenser.
Electrolux is the only full-size washer without smart functionality, while LG is amongst the leaders with their ThinQ app.
Presently you can turn the washer on / off automatically from the app on your phone. You can see how much time is remaining, so you don’t trudge to your basement and watch it for the last two minutes and 42 seconds of the cycle.
It will even send you a notification when the cycle is done. LG washer will even set the drying cycle.Yyou can also monitor the amount of soap left in the 15 load automatic dispenser.
When we sold Electrolux, smart boost was their best feature. LG has an automatic dispenser.
Let’s compare.
In smart boost, the unit holds the detergent at the bottom and mixes in with the water to achieve the best results. You have a watery soapy mix instead of soap in your clothes, and then water mixing it in later in the wash.
However automatic dispensers do pretty much the same thing by releasing the right amount of detergent at the right time in the wash. You also load up to 15 loads of detergent instead of reloading them every time.
Most importantly you cannot overfill with an automatic dispenser. Overfilling is a big problem because that soap stays in the machine and will cause a service problem later.
You only need a cap full of detergent for front load. Then again with an automatic dispenser you never have to figure it out.
Reliability
LG is the most reliable washer you can buy at an astounding 3.3% service in the first year versus 6.3% for washers as a category and 9.5% for appliances in general.
They manufacture more of the washer major components like motors than any other brand.
Electrolux was pretty good on the washer side. They had a chronic dryer problem a few years ago.
Either way you won’t understand who will be servicing either company before you buy.
Front loads are direct drive motors so the severity and expense of repair is high. Finding the right service is critical.
Conclusion
Both are good machines. Electrolux has good speed cycles, reversible door and the smart boost still works. They still have the only pod dispenser in front loads.
However LG has the turbo 360 and automatic dispenser and convenient wi-fi experience, along with the most reliable front load washer you can buy.
Both are good. Look at service in your area as a deciding factor.