can someone explain the differences between Whirlpool...

14 years ago

Duet vs Duet Sport vs Duet HT? I'm researching washers and dryers and came across Whirlpool Duet 9400 at Costco but see that it's the Duet Sport. THen further search also shows there's HT.

Can someone dumb this down for me? Thanks!

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Comments (10)

regus_patoff
14 years ago
The Duet Sport is smaller and made in Mexico.

The Duet HT has a built-in water heater booster (used on some wash cycles)
oregpsnow
14 years ago
The Duet Sport has no heater and may be slightly smaller than the HT model - I can't keep up with the changes. I have had the Duet Sport 8500 (now called the 8400 I think) for 3 years now. Very happy with the set - no problems. The washer has a heater and gets really hot if you need it, but I don't usually cook my clothes. The washer is a tiny bit smaller than the "regular" Duet but often much cheaper - depends on the day. Plenty big enough for most families. They do fit in a smaller space if that is an issue. Mine are stacked in a laundry closet that originally had an old laundry center in it.

I am not sure why regus continues to point out they are made in Mexico.
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sfjeff
14 years ago
For many years, the original Whirlpool Duet front loaders were made in Germany. This was considered by many an advantage.
regus_patoff
14 years ago
> I am not sure why regus continues to point out they are made in Mexico.

Whirlpool Duet Sport Service Manual
then click on 8178588.pdf (24 MB download)

check the 6th page

MODEL & SERIAL NUMBER DESIGNATIONS

further down where it notes:

SERIAL NUMBER

DIVISION RESPONSIBILITY
Horizontal Washer Facility,
Monterrey, MX
dadoes
14 years ago
I don't think anyone is disputing that the Sport is assembled in Mexico, they're wondering why it's relevant to functional differences between the two lines. Perhaps further explanation is in order.

Also, IIRC, the Duet/HT has the drum set at a slight tilt (30Â°?), while the Duet Sport is true horizontal. Yes? No?
oregpsnow
14 years ago
The drum on my Duet Sport HT is horizontal. I have had no tangling issues like some have seen with the Duet.
regus_patoff
14 years ago
> I don't think anyone is disputing that the Sport is assembled in Mexico, they're wondering why it's relevant to functional differences between the two lines. Perhaps further explanation is in order.

the Duet is made in Germany
the Sport is made in Mexico

Whirlpool decision probably due to the cheaper labor costs.

I would imagine the Germany's quality would be better than the Mexico's quality control.
Maybe I'm wrong
rockmanor
14 years ago
The OP asked about the differences between the models. Regus Patoff cited the Country of Origin as one difference. I think it's a valid point and one that I consider when making a purchase decision. I wish that Country of Origin information was required for all products.
mysteryclock
14 years ago
I can understand (but not necessarily like) why they might want to produce in Mexico for lower labor costs, but Germany? Those costs have got to be higher than manufacturing in the US when you factor in all the shipping.

Does Whirlpool make any FLs here in the US? Now you have me curious....
suburbanmd
14 years ago
Am I correct in assuming that Mexico is just the final assembly point, and the machines are designed elsewhere, with many imported parts? If so, do you think that assembly errors cause a significant number of washing machine problems? Sure, they'd be responsible for the "duh" problems, like a loose hose clamp in the machine causing a flood. But what about the ones like twisted clothes, or inadequate rinsing, where the service technician can't do anything, and says "working as designed"? Those sound more like design problems than assembly problems. Breakdowns because of seal or bearing failure, or circuit board failure, could be bad design, or could be due to improperly specified or badly sourced components. The final assembly point is irrelevant for problems with those causes.