The Difference Between the Whirlpool WTW6200SW and WTW6200VW

Introduction and Cost

• The Whirlpool WTW6200SW was introduced in 2006 and the WTW6200VW was introduced in 2008. Note this difference in the model number. The S denotes 2006 and the V denotes 2008, making the WTW6200VW the newer version of the WTW6200 model. When the WTW6200 models were still available, the WTW6200VW – being the newer of the two machines -- was slightly higher in price than the WTW6200SW model.

Controls

• The controls on both washers are mounted on the top rear of the washer’s cabinet. The WTW6200SW uses a combination of knobs and digital controls on the control panel to select the wash cycle, water level and other load options. The WTW6200VW has all digital controls in a touch-pad user interface.

Pre-Soak

• The pre-soak feature in the WTW6200SW is for use on heavily soiled or stained clothes. Pre-soaking allows extra time to loosen the soil or stain before the wash cycle begins. Using pre-soak adds 14 minutes to the total wash time. The WTW6200VW does not have the pre-soak option.

Water Heater

• The water heating component in the WTW6200SW heats the water to maintain the temperature during the wash cycle; the WTW6200VW does not have a water heater. Instead, it uses Care Control Temperature Management to electronically sense and maintain the temperature of the wash and rinse water. The water is not as hot as the water in the WTW6200SW, but the laundry detergents available now work just as efficiently in cooler water.

Energy Star Compliance

• Introduced in 1992, Energy Star is a voluntary program to identify energy-efficient appliances and equipment. Energy Star announced the first Energy-Star labeled clothes washers in July of 1997. The WTW6200SW is not energy rated, whereas the WTW6200VW is. The WTW6200VW uses almost half the water and energy for each load compared to conventional top-loading washers, saving over 13 gallons of water in an average-sized load.