Ask the Experts: Why won't my washer fill to the top?

At Reviewed, our team of expert reviewers has a wealth of knowledge that you can lean on. If you have a question about electronics, appliances, or virtually anything else you can buy, send an email to [email protected]. We can’t answer your etiquette questions or help you find love, but we can make you a more educated consumer.

This week, we’ve got a bunch of questions about washing machines. We’re here to cut through the spin and get you some fresh, clean answers.

Why won’t my washer fill to the top?

Lou bought the GE GTW485ASJWS washer—a machine our reviewers highly recommended—but has some reservations.

“I am hoping the reviewer can help me. Although I have tried every which way (holding down the Deep Fill button until it beeps, or incrementally hitting the Deep Fill button), unlike what is described in this review, I can NOT get the tub to fill up to more than half-way with water.”

Lou, we reached out to GE to find out what was going on. Unlike many high efficiency washers, the new GE GTW485ASJWS has a unique feature called Deep Fill that lets users fill it up with a lot of water, like older washing machines used to do. Whether that’s necessary is a question for another column—we’re here to make sure you got what you paid for.

Here's what GE told us:

First, make sure you have not selected Precise Fill, which automatically chooses the level of water a cycle needs. To test your washer, set the cycle to Colors Normal, then select the Tap Cold temperature selection.

Press the Deep Fill button once before starting the cycle to add 3 gallons of water at a time to the wash load. Holding the Deep Fill button for 3 seconds will sound a different tone, and fill the washer with 26 gallons of water over the course of about 8 minutes. When filled, GE says the fill line for the '485 should be 12.5"—any higher, and water would splash out of the machine.

If none of those work, you may have an issue with your water pressure, fill hoses, or washer. Contact the retailer where you purchased it or GE directly at 1-800-432-2737 for service.

Washing machine advice for a growing family

Deanna’s washer is having issues, so she asked us what she should replace it with.

“I was sold on the Samsung 9100AG, but keep waffling between it and the LG WM9500HVA. What would you recommend for a family of three (two adults and a stain-prone 1-year-old boy)? Should we try to wait a few months for the newer models?“

Spring is when cleaning happens, and it’s also when appliance manufacturers debut new laundry machines. You can expect to see some new models from LG, Samsung (including AddWash machines), and Electrolux.

We’ve always liked LG front-load laundry, and other review organizations tend to agree. If you’re looking for a big washer and don’t want to spent $1,700 for the LG WM9500HVA, check out its predecessor, the LG WM8000HVA. It’s still on sale in stores and has a 5.2-cu.-ft. capacity.

Additionally, the new Electrolux models are hitting stores now, and are actually less expensive than their predecessors. The range-topping EFLS617SIW, for instance, sells for just under $900.

If it's features you want, check out our always-updated picks for the best large-capacity washers. Lots of them may have the time-savers that make your life a little easier.