Overview

The KitchenAid KAWS850L is the big brother of the KitchenAid KAWS750L. For the slightly higher price, you get more wash presets and extra features like the electronic temperature sensor. The KitchenAid KAWS850L is a mid-priced top load washing machine that is suitable for the average family. It is quiet in operation and has a porcelain coated washing basket - not as durable as stainless steel but a standard feature for washing machines in this price range.

 Quick Specs

Full Review

The KitchenAid KAWS850L is a top load washing machine with a 3.0 cu/ ft capacity. It is the ideal size for the average family and choice of three colors means it will blend in with any décor.

It uses slightly more electricity than other washing machines in its price range so if energy consumption your primary concern you would be better off looking at a frontloading machine. On the plus side, the KitchenAid KAWS850L has lots of features and does a very good job cleaning a variety of fabrics.

Delicate fabrics are washed with a slow agitation speed which protects woolens and other delicates from damage. This washing machine also has a self-cleaning lint filter which will extend the life span of the drain pump.

The KitchenAid KAWS850L washing machine has a variable speed spin system which starts at a slow spin speed and then steps up as the water content is reduced. This helps to eliminate wrinkles in the clothes.

The KitchenAid KAWS850L is operated with dial controls which are efficiently laid out and easy to use. It comes with a porcelain coated washing tub - not as durable as stainless steel, but KitchenAid offers a lifetime limited warranty on the washing tub against chipping and rusting.

The KitchenAid KAWS850L has several convenient features such as the timed bleach dispenser which disburse the Leach at the proper point in the cycle. It has a two year Parts and Labor warranty.

In Use

The KitchenAid KAWS850L offers a good selection of presets and has a capacity which is suitable for the average sized family. It has lots of nice features to eliminate the chores associated with washing day. For example, the variable speed spin cycle is designed to eliminate wrinkling. It does a pretty good job - our test run of cottons needed only a touch up with the iron. The self-cleaning lint filter is a great feature will reduce maintenance and extend the life of the machine by eliminating clogged pumps. On the negative side, the KitchenAid KAWS850L uses more electricity and water than front-loading washing machines, and the lack of a stainless steel drum could affect its lifespan, although the limited lifetime warranty on the washing drum should alleviate any worries on this count.

Washing Machines Review rating: 4.6