LG WashTower Tested: Is It Worth The Hype?

For years, I’ve envisioned a modern, space-saving laundry solution, specifically a new stackable washer-dryer combination. My anticipation reached its peak when I received the exciting opportunity to rigorously review the LG WashTower. As a diligent researcher, I had already spent considerable time exploring the best washer-dryer sets on the market, noting how certain models consistently appeared at the top of various expert and consumer recommendation lists. The LG WashTower, in particular, repeatedly garnered high praise across multiple sources, a testament to its innovative design and performance. Furthermore, LG itself is frequently cited as one of the most reliable washer-dryer brands, which further solidified my confidence in this highly anticipated review.

The growing popularity of stackable washer-dryer units isn’t just a trend; it’s a practical evolution in home appliance design. Dennis Godynuk, owner and lead technician at Comfort Appliance Repair in Tennessee, highlights the numerous benefits these compact systems offer. “Stackables are champions of space efficiency—they can comfortably fit into a narrow closet or a snug laundry nook, transforming previously underutilized areas,” he explains. “I’ve witnessed countless small homes gain valuable square footage for additional storage once they transitioned to a stacked laundry setup. Beyond space, the convenience factor is undeniable: you seamlessly move clothes from the washer directly into the dryer, which is either just above or below, streamlining your laundry routine.” This integrated design is a significant advantage for busy households and those with limited living spaces, making daily chores less cumbersome.

Curious to see how this highly-rated appliance performed in real-world conditions? Here’s an in-depth look at how the LG WashTower truly stacks up against the competition and my expectations.

Introducing the LG WashTower: Revolutionizing Your Laundry Routine

The LG WashTower isn’t just another appliance; it’s a meticulously engineered, large-capacity, stackable laundry center designed to streamline your washing and drying experience. Its standout feature is a centralized, intuitive control panel positioned between the washer and dryer, making it exceptionally easy to reach and operate without bending or stretching. Unlike traditional setups with separate, often complex controls, the WashTower simplifies cycle selection. The sleek LED touchscreen display allows for instant start and stop functionality, eliminating the need for bulky knobs or an array of confusing buttons. For enhanced convenience, the WashTower boasts smart connectivity through the LG ThinQ app, enabling you to select, start, and stop cycles remotely from your smartphone.

Safety is paramount with smart home appliances, which is why the remote start feature of the WashTower requires initial activation directly from the appliance’s control panel. However, this doesn’t restrict all remote functionalities; you can still pre-select and schedule cycles from your phone, sending them to the machine to be initiated with a single touch when you are physically present. This is particularly useful for planning ahead. Additionally, the ability to schedule delayed starts is a game-changer for preventing common laundry dilemmas, such as wet clothes sitting too long in the washer and developing mildew. Imagine leaving for work, scheduling a wash cycle to finish just as you’re due home, and returning to a load of freshly laundered clothes ready for the dryer—it’s convenience redefined.

One of the most compelling aspects of the LG WashTower is its impressive ultra-large capacity. The washer offers a generous 4.5 cubic feet, while the dryer provides an expansive 7.4 cubic feet, empowering you to tackle substantial loads, including bulky bedding, multiple towels, and even washable rugs, with ease. A key design advantage is the absence of an agitator in the washing machine. This feature not only creates more usable space within the tub but also ensures that delicate items, quilts, and other washables won’t get tangled, stretched, or snagged during the wash cycle, preserving their quality and extending their lifespan. In terms of physical dimensions, the tower measures a compact 27 inches wide, stands nearly 75 inches tall, and is approximately 31 inches deep. It’s crucial to allow about four inches of clearance from the wall for proper hosing and cords. When both doors are fully open, the depth extends from roughly 31 to 55 inches, which is important to consider for optimal placement in your laundry area.

Beyond its fundamental design and capacity, the LG WashTower integrates several other remarkable features that elevate the laundry experience, including advanced AI technology and sophisticated cycle settings that cater to virtually every fabric and cleaning need.

Dennis Godynuk further commends the WashTower’s holistic approach: “LG’s WashTower truly excels in convenience because it’s an all-in-one unit. You load the washer, start the cycle, and once it’s complete, you simply open the dryer located directly below and transfer your clothes. This seamless flow eliminates unnecessary steps and saves time,” he states. “Additionally, LG emphasizes the WashTower’s water efficiency, which is a significant benefit for reducing utility bills and contributing to environmental sustainability, aligning with modern eco-conscious living.”

When considering the longevity and sustained performance of any major appliance, routine maintenance is key. Dennis advises homeowners to consistently keep up with simple maintenance tasks to maximize the lifespan of their LG WashTower. “We’ve performed service on several of these units, addressing common issues like replacing gaskets, water valves, and performing thorough lint trap cleanings,” he shares. “Like any appliance, they can experience occasional malfunctions. However, diligent regular maintenance—such as clearing the dryer lint filter after every load, periodically checking the washer filter, and ensuring the pump area remains clean—is crucial for ensuring smooth, efficient operation and preventing premature wear and tear.”

LG WashTower Product Features: A Deep Dive into Innovation

When investing in a high-tech appliance, it’s wise to assess which features genuinely enhance your daily life and which might be superfluous. Dennis Godynuk encourages consumers to carefully evaluate the necessity of every “bell and whistle.” “While advanced controls and smart features offer exciting possibilities, they can sometimes introduce more potential points of failure. In certain cases, a simpler, more mechanically robust model might offer greater long-term durability,” he cautions. However, if you’re drawn to cutting-edge technology and desire a machine with a touch more sophistication, Dennis strongly recommends opting for a reputable brand like LG, known for its extensive network of reliable local service technicians. “A machine that is designed for easy serviceability, allowing a technician to unstack and repair it efficiently, will undoubtedly save you time, hassle, and potential repair costs in the long run,” he adds. Below, we explore the comprehensive details of the LG WashTower’s impressive array of features.

Ultra-Large Capacity: Laundry for the Whole Family

As previously highlighted, both the washer and dryer components of the LG WashTower are engineered with exceptionally generous load capacities, making them ideal for families or individuals with extensive laundry needs. The 7.4-cubic-foot dryer can effortlessly accommodate almost any item, from bulky bedding and multiple sets of beach towels to washable area rugs and even large quantities of everyday clothes. While the washer is slightly more compact, its 4.5 cubic feet still qualifies as large capacity. A significant advantage here is the absence of a central agitator in the washer, which creates an unobstructed drum interior. This design allows king-size comforters and other large, delicate items to fit easily and tumble freely, ensuring a thorough yet gentle clean without tangling. I’ve personally washed various items, including a washable runner from my kitchen, experiencing zero issues with balance or cleaning performance. This unique combination of space-saving stacked design and generous tub/drum size truly sets the WashTower apart, eliminating the compromise often associated with compact laundry solutions.

Built-In AI Technology and Smart Control: The Future of Laundry

At the heart of the LG WashTower’s intelligent design is its revolutionary built-in AI technology. This sophisticated system goes beyond basic load sensing; it intelligently analyzes various factors such as load size, fabric materials, and even the detected dirt level to automatically select the optimal wash and dry settings for each individual cycle. This means the WashTower intuitively adjusts water temperature, spin speed, and drying time, taking the guesswork out of laundry care and ensuring meticulous results while protecting your garments. The smart pairing feature further enhances this automation, allowing the dryer cycle to seamlessly sync with the washer’s settings, predicting the ideal drying conditions based on the preceding wash. Furthermore, for all modes other than timed drying, the dryer incorporates an advanced sensor that automatically shuts off when it detects that clothes are perfectly dry, preventing over-drying and saving energy.

The LG ThinQ app extends the WashTower’s intelligence, offering a plethora of additional smart features designed for modern living. This includes detailed energy monitoring, providing insights into your usage to help you save on utility bills. The app also offers proactive tub cleaning recommendations, smart diagnoses for troubleshooting minor issues, and robust routine scheduling options that integrate seamlessly into your busy lifestyle. It even keeps a record of recently used cycles, making it easy to repeat your favorites. Crucially, the ThinQ app provides access to a vast array of specialized cycle settings that wouldn’t fit on the physical control panel. This eliminates the need to guess which settings are best for challenging items like delicate beachwear or stubborn sweat stains, providing expert-level care at your fingertips.

Advanced Wash and Dry Settings: Tailored Fabric Care

The central control panel of the LG WashTower, strategically located between the washer and dryer, offers a comprehensive yet intuitive interface. It features six standard pre-set cycles for each machine, accessible via sleek touch buttons. For the washer, you can easily select from essential cycles such as normal, heavy-duty, speed wash, bedding, delicates, and downloaded (app-exclusive) cycles. This panel also allows for precise adjustments to water temperature, spin speed, and soil level. Additional dedicated buttons provide options for steam cleaning, adding an extra rinse, pre-wash, turbo wash, or activating the tub cleaning function. Similarly, the dryer’s control panel offers selections for temperature, desired dryness level, and dry time. Further specialized buttons cater to steam cleaning, static reduction, wrinkle care, and an energy-saving mode, offering granular control over your drying process.

Beyond these panel controls, the LG ThinQ app unlocks an even wider spectrum of advanced settings for both machines, providing unparalleled customization. More sophisticated options for the washer include:

• An “Allergiene” cycle specifically engineered to help reduce common household allergens on clothes, providing relief for allergy sufferers.
• Dedicated hand-wash settings meticulously designed for delicate woolen items and other fabrics requiring extra gentle care.
• An innovative overnight wash cycle, which employs a unique rolling motion to significantly minimize noise and prevent wrinkles, making it perfect for late-night laundry.
• A powerful sweat stain cycle, formulated to effectively target and remove tough sweat stains and associated odors from activewear and frequently used garments.

The sheer breadth of auto-cycle options available exclusively through the app truly impressed me, demonstrating LG’s commitment to comprehensive fabric care. Furthermore, the app’s dryer cycle settings include specialized options for denim, a deodorization function, bacteria removal for enhanced hygiene, an easy ironing setting (which strategically leaves clothes slightly damp for effortless pressing), air drying for heat-sensitive items, advanced static reduction, and a host of other intelligent choices, ensuring optimal care for every item in your wardrobe.

Steam Settings: Enhanced Hygiene and Wrinkle Removal

Steam settings have become highly sought-after features in modern laundry appliances, particularly by new parents seeking to sanitize baby clothes and by individuals whose professions or hobbies result in exceptionally dirty garments. The integrated steam kit for the LG WashTower enables both SteamFresh cleaning in the washer and TurboSteam in the dryer. In the washing machine, the powerful steam function penetrates fabrics to help sanitize clothes and textiles, effectively reducing germs and allergens. In the dryer, the TurboSteam feature works wonders to quickly de-wrinkle clothing, often eliminating the need for tedious ironing and saving valuable time.

During my testing, I found the SteamFresh feature invaluable for sanitizing machine-washable baby fabrics, providing peace of mind for my infant’s clothing. The TurboSteam feature in the dryer proved equally effective at refreshing garments and knocking out stubborn wrinkles. While the dryer’s standard cycles already do a commendable job of minimizing wrinkles, the TurboSteam function definitely provides an added boost, leaving clothes looking crisp and ready to wear with minimal effort.

Premium Looks: Style Meets Functionality

From an aesthetic standpoint, the LG WashTower is an undeniable showstopper. Its sophisticated design, featuring real tempered glass doors and an ultra-shiny finish, exudes a premium feel that enhances any laundry space. I personally selected the incredibly sleek black steel color, which offers a modern, sophisticated look. However, LG provides a range of stylish options to complement diverse home decors, including classic white, a distinctive hunter green, and a vibrant red. For those requiring even greater capacity, LG also offers a larger WashTower model with a 5-cubic-foot tub, available in elegant white, black steel, and a lighter gray steel finish.

Beyond the exterior, thoughtful details like the interior drum and tub lights contribute significantly to both functionality and elegance. These lights illuminate the machine’s interior, providing enhanced visibility during nighttime laundry sessions and adding a touch of luxurious ambiance to the overall user experience.

How We Tested the LG WashTower: A Year of Real-World Use

Our journey with the LG WashTower began with its purchase from Best Buy, a retailer that offered convenient delivery and installation services for an additional fee of $160. This service was intended to ensure the WashTower was set up correctly with all necessary components: a vent kit, power cord, appropriate hosing, and the steam dryer kit. However, our delivery experience, while swift, was not entirely without its challenges.

While the delivery team was punctual and efficiently maneuvered the unit into my laundry area, they were unable to complete the hookup due to visible rust on my existing water connections. They explained that connecting a new appliance with evidence of prior leakage posed a liability risk, a policy I understood and respected. Consequently, I had to undertake the final connection of the unit myself.

Unfortunately, a couple of other issues during delivery were less justifiable. Firstly, the delivery team inadvertently dented the very top of the unit by running it into the front doorframe. While they made an attempt to smooth it out by applying pressure, which surprisingly worked to some extent, the imperfection was not entirely resolved. Secondly, the steam kit—an extra-cost component essential for enabling the steam functions in both the washer and dryer—was not included in the delivery. This omission meant I couldn’t utilize the advertised steam features immediately.

Disclaimer: It’s important to note that individual delivery experiences can vary significantly, not only from store to store but also from one delivery team to another. Your personal experience with Best Buy, or any retailer, might be flawless, or it might present similar challenges. Therefore, I highly recommend two key actions upon delivery: 1) meticulously verify that all parts and services you’ve paid for are included and correctly installed, and 2) do not hesitate to speak up immediately if the delivery team causes any damage to your new machine. (In my case, I chose not to pursue a replacement for the minor dent, as I ultimately decided it was barely noticeable and the effort of replacing the entire unit wasn’t worth it, especially with a pile of dirty baby onesies awaiting their first wash.)

Regarding the missing steam dryer installation kit, I contacted Best Buy, who, to my surprise, stated they could not send the kit separately without replacing the entire unit. As a result, I ended up purchasing the kit a second time through other means. To help you avoid this frustration, always double-check that all components, especially optional accessories, are present and accounted for during the initial delivery!

For an additional fee of $60, Best Buy offers a service to haul away or relocate your old washer and dryer to another room. I chose to remove my previous stackable unit myself and did not utilize this service. However, if you’re planning to keep your old appliances for a secondary laundry station or simply wish to dispose of them responsibly, this service could prove incredibly valuable for convenience and peace of mind.

Beyond the initial delivery woes, the actual testing of the LG WashTower’s performance has been overwhelmingly positive. I particularly appreciate the generous capacities of both the washer’s tub and the dryer’s drum, which handle large loads effortlessly. The convenience of the remote control setting via the ThinQ app has proven indispensable, allowing me to manage laundry from anywhere. The extensive range of cycle options truly caters to all my washing and drying needs, from heavy-duty items to delicate garments. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in cleaning performance; the washer consistently gets my clothes noticeably cleaner than my previous, much older washing machine, which lacked any advanced cycle settings. Furthermore, the dryer’s versatility, with its delicate, air-dry, and high-heat functions, makes it suitable for all fabric types, ensuring optimal care and preventing damage.

However, no product is perfect, and the LG WashTower, despite its many strengths, does come with a few minor drawbacks. The primary issue I encountered relates to the dryer’s drying sensor. On most pre-set drying cycles, when the sensor is enabled, clothes frequently emerge slightly damp rather than fully dry. The workaround, thankfully, is straightforward: I consistently use the timed dry function when I desire thoroughly dry (and yes, sometimes hot, crispy dry) laundry. This allows me to manually set the exact drying duration needed.

Additionally, while the LG ThinQ app offers remarkable convenience, I’m not entirely enamored with all its functionalities. The remote start feature for the WashTower is excellent, and receiving notifications when laundry cycles are complete is incredibly helpful. However, a notable limitation is that while there are numerous pre-set cycles within the app, specific settings such as water temperature, spin speed, or soil level cannot be individually adjusted within those pre-programmed options. Furthermore, I’ve found that some key functions, including enabling steam cleaning and drying, prewash, cold wash, and turbo wash, do not seem to be accessible directly from the app, which limits its full remote control potential.

Finally, I’ve observed a few even more minor imperfections. The lighting on the centralized control panel, while sleek, isn’t always perfectly precise, occasionally making it a bit challenging to discern which specific buttons are illuminated. On one isolated occasion, I noticed a small leak from the dryer seal, with water droplets appearing at the bottom of the dryer door – the cause remains unclear, but it was a fleeting issue. Another recurring minor annoyance is that hair frequently accumulates around the lint trap in the dryer, not within the trap itself as one might expect, but wrapped around the metal components surrounding it, making it somewhat difficult to remove thoroughly.

One-Year Update: Durability and Long-Term Performance

Having owned and utilized the LG WashTower daily for approximately a year now, I can confidently attest to its enduring performance and durability, with very few ongoing issues. This robust appliance successfully survived the rigors of being transported in the back of a moving truck, and two people were able to lift it with relative ease into our new family home during our relocation last year. Remarkably, it still looks as pristine and stylish as it did on day one, a testament to its premium build quality.

Upon moving, our new home required a four-prong dryer outlet adapter, a change from the three-prong one we had been using. This necessary switch was both affordable and straightforward to execute. However, as a word of caution, my partner experienced a minor electric shock during the process. Therefore, I strongly recommend turning off the electricity to your laundry area via your main electrical panel before attempting any adapter changes or electrical connections, just to be safe.

Aside from my initial observations regarding the overly sensitive drying sensor and some minor limitations within the ThinQ app, I haven’t encountered any significant new problems with the machine over the past year. It has consistently proven to be incredibly durable, with the sole exception of a few very minor, almost imperceptible scratches on the inside of the dryer’s glass door. These are purely cosmetic flaws that do not impact functionality in any way, and indeed, they are so faint that I couldn’t even capture them in a photograph.

One additional point I’ve noticed after a year of daily use is that the washer’s tub can become unbalanced fairly often if you attempt to wash only a single item. Occasionally, I’ve tried to wash one or two urgent items on a 15-minute speed cycle for quick cleaning. If these items absorb a significant amount of water, the tub may struggle to complete its spin cycle. In such instances, you’ll either need to manually wring out the items and finish the process or rebalance the tub by adding more weight to the load. While this issue can be annoying, it is generally avoidable by ensuring appropriately sized loads.

What Other Reviewers Say About the LG WashTower

While my personal experience with the LG WashTower has been largely positive from a product performance perspective, it’s essential to consider the broader feedback landscape. Almost all the negative reviews I encountered during my research consistently highlighted issues with LG’s customer service. Many reviewers cited frustratingly long wait times when seeking assistance, and some even went as far as to describe customer support as “nonexistent” when significant problems arose with their appliances. While I personally experienced some significant challenges with Best Buy’s customer service team during delivery, I am fortunate to report that I have not yet had to engage directly with LG’s customer support in the many months I’ve owned and used the WashTower. Therefore, I cannot offer a firsthand account of the quality of LG’s customer support. However, it is noteworthy that LG frequently suggests customers reach out via private messages on social media platforms for support, indicating a potential preference for digital communication channels.

LG WashTower vs. Individual LG Units: A Comprehensive Comparison

When considering a new laundry setup, prospective buyers often weigh the benefits of an integrated unit like the LG WashTower against purchasing separate, individual washer and dryer units. Let’s compare the LG WashTower with comparable individual models, such as the LG Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Front Load Washer and its matching Dryer. All three options leverage the convenience of the LG ThinQ app and boast impressively large capacities, with the washer tubs at 4.5 cubic feet and dryer drums at 7.4 cubic feet. They also share premium design elements like tempered glass doors and maintain nearly identical high customer satisfaction ratings, underscoring LG’s consistent quality across its product lines.

However, subtle differences emerge. The control panel interface varies; individual units typically feature a combination of traditional control knobs alongside touch buttons, offering a familiar tactile experience. In contrast, the LG WashTower opts for a streamlined, purely touch-button interface, contributing to its minimalist and futuristic aesthetic. All models are energy-certified, indicating their efficiency. Interestingly, the individual units appear to offer a slightly wider array of wash and dry settings compared to the WashTower, providing a marginal edge in customization for those who prioritize the absolute maximum number of specialized cycles.

From a personal perspective, as a small family with an infant, I find that the WashTower provides all the essential wash and dry settings we require, proving more than adequate for our diverse laundry needs. One notable feature present in the product descriptions of the individual machines, but seemingly absent from the WashTower, is a specific claim of low-decibel, quiet operation. This might be a significant consideration for those who desire minimal noise, perhaps to avoid waking a sleeping baby or simply to maintain a quieter home environment. However, based on my extensive usage, I do not find the WashTower to be excessively noisy; its operation is generally smooth and unobtrusive.

Ultimately, the decision between the LG WashTower and separate LG Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Washer and Dryer units largely hinges on your spatial considerations and aesthetic preferences. The distinct advantage of the WashTower is its integrated, stacked design, which significantly reduces the required floor space. This compactness frees up valuable room in the laundry area for other functional elements, such as shelving, cabinetry, or even additional storage solutions, optimizing your home’s layout. Conversely, individual units offer flexibility in placement (side-by-side or stacked), potentially simplifying future repairs if one unit malfunctions and needs separate access.

To aid in making an informed decision, LG offers a highly useful “compare products” feature on its website. This tool allows you to meticulously shop and compare all LG washer and dryer models side-by-side, providing a comprehensive breakdown of each appliance’s specifications and features. You can also toggle a “differences only” view to quickly pinpoint the distinct characteristics between your chosen products, ensuring you select the perfect laundry solution for your household.

Final Verdict: The LG WashTower’s Enduring Appeal

After extensive testing and a full year of daily use, my enthusiasm for the LG WashTower remains strong. Its sleek design effortlessly integrates into my home, while its space-saving, stackable configuration has liberated valuable floor space in my laundry room, allowing for the addition of much-needed shelving and cabinets. This compact footprint also significantly improves the walkability and overall flow of the laundry area, transforming it from a cramped space to an organized and efficient zone. The seamless integration with the LG ThinQ app has been a particular highlight, enabling me to effortlessly program laundry cycles and establish convenient routines from anywhere.

The remote start function, in particular, has proven incredibly helpful, eliminating the worry of leaving wet clothes to sit in the washer for too long. Whether delaying a cycle’s start or initiating it remotely, this feature offers unmatched flexibility for busy schedules. The washer consistently delivers exceptional cleaning performance, leaving my clothes noticeably fresher. The dryer, especially when utilized with the timed-dry setting, functions effectively, ensuring garments are thoroughly dry. While I do wish for greater adjustability of specific settings within the app’s pre-programmed cycles and a more consistently accurate dryer sensor, these minor hiccups are easily overshadowed by the WashTower’s overall efficiency, sophisticated appearance, and advanced features such as its powerful steam cleaning capabilities. For anyone in the market for a high-performance, aesthetically pleasing, and remarkably efficient stacked washer/dryer unit, the LG WashTower stands as an unrivaled choice, offering a premium laundry experience that truly elevates the daily chore.

Where to Buy the LG WashTower

The LG WashTower is a popular and readily available appliance. You can purchase this innovative laundry center at major retailers such as Walmart, directly from LG’s official website, The Home Depot, and Lowe’s, with prices typically ranging around $2,800. It’s advisable to check current prices and promotions from these retailers to secure the best deal.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the LG WashTower

What are the primary advantages of owning the LG WashTower?

The LG WashTower offers a multitude of compelling benefits designed to modernize your laundry routine. Its most significant advantages include an exceptionally compact footprint, which saves valuable floor space in your home, and remarkably fast and efficient washing and drying cycles that streamline the chore. Furthermore, its advanced smart capabilities, powered by the LG ThinQ app, allow you to remotely control your machine, initiating or pausing cycles from virtually anywhere, offering unparalleled convenience and flexibility.

Can I effectively wash a king-size comforter in the LG WashTower?

Yes, absolutely! Based on my personal experience, I routinely wash my king-size comforter in the LG WashTower’s washer without any issues. While the suitability can depend slightly on the specific thickness and bulkiness of your bedding, a 4.5 cubic foot washer, like the one in the WashTower, is generally more than capable of accommodating most king-size comforters or quilts, ensuring a thorough and gentle clean thanks to its agitator-free design.

Why You Can Trust Our Expert Reviews

At Family Handyman, our unwavering commitment is to provide you with honest, comprehensive, and genuinely helpful product reviews. Our team of seasoned editors and dedicated product testers brings years of expertise to the table, having personally evaluated dozens of home appliances directly within their own living environments. We understand that you, as a consumer, rarely have the opportunity to “try before you buy” with major appliances. Therefore, we meticulously conduct real-life testing to ensure that our recommendations empower you to make truly informed shopping decisions. We prioritize full transparency in every product review, openly sharing both the strengths and weaknesses of each item. You can rest assured that we will never recommend a product that does not meet or, more often, exceed our rigorous expectations for performance, durability, and overall value. Your trust is our highest priority.