Pros
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Large capacity drum
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Fast cycle times
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Smart features
Cons
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Average cleaning power
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Expensive
The WM4500HBA has an interesting design from the get-go, with its unique, rounded-edge square door. The front-facing control panel contains both a traditional cycle selection dial and a touchpad for entering in options. The top-left corner of the machine is where you'll find its dispenser drawer, which accepts both detergent and fabric softener.
About the LG WM4500HBA front-load washing machine
Aside from its square door, the WM4500HBA features traditional washer features, like a cycle selection dial and touchpad.
- Dimensions: 39" x 27" x 33 1/4"(H x W x D)
- Capacity: 5.0 cu. ft.
- Finishes: Black steel
- Cycles: Normal, Heavy Duty, Bedding, Sanitary, Allergiene, Bright White, Tub Clean, Delicates, Perm. Press, Sportswear, Towels, Speed Wash, Rinse+Spin, Downloaded
- Cycle options: TurboWash, Steam, Fresh Care, Pre-wash, Remote Start, Delay Wash, Wi-Fi, Add Item, Extra Rinse, Control Lock, Drum Light, ColdWash, Spin Only, Detergent Level, Softener Level, Signal
- Matching dryer: LG DLEX4500B
- User manual: LG WM4500HBA front-load washing machine manual
What we like about the LG WM4500HBA
It has a large capacity and excels at handling tons of laundry
The WM4500HBA’s massive drum is 24 inches deep, which might make reaching that last item in the back a bit of a stretch.
If you have a larger family or have found previous washers just not up to the task in the capacity department, the WM4500HBA is here to help.
While washing machine capacities seem to be on the rise recently, they still tend to cap out between 4.0 cu. ft. and 4.5 cu. ft. in volume, according to our lab manager. The WM4500HBA’s 5-cubic-foot drum is monstrous by comparison. To put this into context, a basketball is about 0.25 cu. ft., and you are getting about twice that much in extra space over the average washer.
The WM4500HBA doesn’t just rest at having a large-capacity drum, however: Its dispenser can also hold up to 18 loads worth of detergent and fabric softener, which it can automatically dispense for you. Not only is that a large reservoir in general, but a dispenser that accepts both softener and detergent is very rare. Besides, properly dosing detergent is key for getting clean laundry.
If “large capacity” is on your ideal washer checklist, the WM4500HBA is well-suited to handle all your high-throughput laundry needs.
It boasts astoundingly fast cycle times
This machine can absolutely churn through its cleaning cycles. We clocked its Normal cycle at 34 minutes, significantly faster than the average washer’s time of almost 54 minutes. Its Speed Wash cycle was appropriately named, as it finished in 15 minutes flat, whereas other washers took over 31 minutes to complete their quick cycles.
The one small qualm we had about the cycle times we observed was the Turbo Wash 360 feature claims to deliver clean laundry in under 30 minutes. It arrived late, at 34 minutes.
This issue aside, between its large capacity the WM4500HBA’s fast cycle times, this machine excels at doing laundry fast.
Smart features allow for additional ease of use and peace of mind
The internal reservoirs can hold up to 18 washes each of detergent and fabric softener.
The WM4500HBA features LG’s smart platform, Thinq. Each smart platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, and LG’s main focus is spotting and addressing problems before they get worse, thanks to its Proactive Care system. This system basically lets your washer check in with LG every so often to ensure everything is functioning properly, and to spot any issues as soon as they arise, presumably before repairs get too pricey.
On top of Proactive Care, you’ll find the typical smart platform features available, such as remote control and start, the ability to download new cycles, and our favorite, getting notifications when cycles are finished. Nobody likes waking up in the morning to the realization they need to iron last night’s laundry before heading out for the day.
What we don’t like about the LG WM4500HBA
It offers an average cleaning performance
The LG WM4500HBA delivered an average cleaning performance. Its Normal cycle was able to scrub out 68.04% of our test stains, compared to the average washer’s 71.8%. This result is with the WM4500HBA’s Turbo Wash 360 feature enabled, which claims to deliver “a complete clean in under 30 minutes” and seems aimed at helping users power through larger loads of laundry.
Other cycles hovered around average as well. Its Heavy cycle cleaned 0.1% better than average, clearing away 77.10% of the grime. Its Speed Wash cycle erased 65.26% of the gunk, which was 2.84% shy of average. The WM4500HBA put up its best numbers on the Delicates cycle, which scoured out 70.23% of the test stains, 3.13% more than average.
The issue here isn’t that the LG WM4500HBA won’t get your clothes clean—it will do just fine at that. However, at its price point, you want a better-than-average clean, and when one of the special features that undoubtedly hikes up its price is meant to boost cleaning efficacy—a la the Turbo Wash 360—you’re just not getting a great value for your money.
What owners are saying
Owners tend to like their WM4500HBA, awarding it an average 4.5 out of 5 stars across major retailers. The most common point of praise is its huge capacity, though owners also enjoy its easy-to-use dispensers and quiet operation. The most common complaints we found are from individuals who appear to have received lemons, or who were disappointed in the machine’s cleaning capabilities.
Warranty
The LG WM4500HBA features a 1-year warranty that covers parts and labor, with extensions for the motor (covered up to 10 years) and drum (lifetime guarantee). We love extended warranties like this that cover the parts most vital to your appliance’s operation. You can rest assured that your investment in the WM4500HBA is long-term.
Should you buy the LG WM4500HBA?
Yes—if you’re in the market for a large-capacity washer
While we weren’t super impressed with the WM4500HBA’s ability to scrub out stubborn stains, that’s also not what this machine seems to be engineered for. It wants to help you get through mountains of laundry, quickly, easily, and efficiently. And, it does so.
Is it true you can get better stain-fighting power elsewhere, especially at this price point? Definitely. But you’d be hard-pressed to find a machine that can churn through lightly-soiled laundry with such ease. We especially love its dual-purpose dispensers that help streamline the process even more.
That being said, it’s difficult to get around the elephant-sized price tag in the room. If you don’t think you’ll get much use out of the WM4500HBA’s smart features, or don’t necessarily need to work through mountains of laundry, the WM4500HBA is not the best value for you.
In these cases, we recommend checking out the Electrolux EFLS627UTT, which is the best washer we’ve tested to date and is available at a similar price point. It’s not as big, but it packs significantly more punch when it comes to cleaning power.
Meet the testers
Mark Brezinski works on the Home Team, reviewing refrigerators, minifridges, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, air purifiers, and fans.
Jonathan Chan currently serves as the Lab Manager at Reviewed. If you clean with it, it's likely that Jon oversees its testing. Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company's efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. He thinks he's a pretty big deal. In the pursuit of data, he's plunged his hands into freezing cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. Jon demands you have a nice day.
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