painted steel cabinet top on duet ht wfw9400s

17 years ago

Hi there,

New to the forum.

I Have been researching the purchase of our new washer and I require a little information.

My questions are regarding the new Whirlpool wfw9400s washing machine. Here in Canada there are three color choices available. White, White with Sapphire blue trim, and diamond dust. The diamond dust model, unlike the others, has a painted steel cabinet top. The others feature a porcelain cabinet top. On top of that, the diamond dust model is more expensive than the others. What advantage is there to having the porcelain top vs. painted steel? Does anyone know why the diamond dust model doesn't have the porcelain top available? Are there any feature differances to warrant the extra charge?

thank you...sb

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Comments (5)

washer_man
17 years ago
Porcelain is lot harder than any paint finish so it's going to be a lot more durable. Over time a painted top is going to get scratched and dull. I'm guessing here, but I'll wager that porcelain is only available comercially in a limited range of colors, and maybe "Diamond Dust" is only avaliable as a painted finish.
sb-laund
Original Author
17 years ago
Thank you for the reply

We chose to purchase the wfw9400s in white because of the porcelain top feature. Not sure what Whirlpool is up to in regards to the marketting of the machines. It seems as though all their advertising is geared to the diamond dust colour. Not sure if this feature is an exclusion for just the Canadian consumer. It is something to consider when purchasing the machines in the U.S.. Do all colours available have a porcelain top or at the very least baked paint on steel? I would have had no issues in paying the extra dollars knowing that the price increase was solely based on the colour choice. It is evident in all washing machines on the market today that colour equates to a price difference. It may be that Whirlpool was unable to satisfactorily apply the paint on the porcelain.

Thank you again.
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sb-laund
Original Author
17 years ago
Well, we were told that we would be able to take delivery of our new washer (duet wfw9400s) in May. The store hadn't received any display models yet, so I purchased them sight unseen. When I went into the store to place my order, the sales person was surprised by the information regarding the porcelain top. They have been selling the machines with the idea that all the duets have a porcelain top. No exceptions.

I hope that the research I did do is correct and the model/color I chose does have a porcelain top. Maybe a Whirlpool rep can write into the forum and comment on the availability of the porcelain top on these new duets. Whirlpool site does not include cabinet top info at all.
jakvis
17 years ago
A true porcelain coating is actually glass fused to the surface of the metal. It is very slick and durable.
Most painted surfaces are enamel which is also very durable but can scratch but not easily. A regular painted surface like you find on the sides of machines is not as durable as the first 2 and can scratch easily.
sb-laund
Original Author
17 years ago
Spoke with someone from Whirlpool who knew his stuff and did confirm that the diamond dust is indeed a painted top.

As mentioned I purchased these sight unseen, so has anyone had experience with the new duets (wfw9400)? Does anyone out there know if Whirlpool's steam dryer will be compatible to this 9400 washer or is a new washer been introduced just for the dryer? I believe it is "using the water line from the washer" so the dryer could be compatible to any washer?

When looking into purchasing our washer it came down to two models, the duet or the epic. DH liked the Epic and we both wondered if the Epic would be more durable than the new duets. Are the interior parts(motor etc) better quality than what is now in the newer duets? Any thoughts?

Thank you.

painted steel cabinet top on duet ht wfw9400s

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painted steel cabinet top on duet ht wfw9400s

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