GE UltraFresh Front Load Washers: GFW550SSNWW vs GFW850SPNRS

Posted on May 10th, 2021

GE Appliances is back at it again with a new solution to those pesky odors coming from your washer with the first and only UltraFresh Vent System with OdorBlock. Now you can shut the door on laundry odors with the UltraFresh vent system which periodically rotates the basket to pull fresh air into the washer to eliminate excess moisture. Key areas of the washer are treated with Microban antimicrobial technology to prevent odor-causing bacteria growth. GE Appliances includes this technology in a few different models, including the GE 4.8 Cubic Feet Smart Front Load Washer (GFW550SSNWW) and the GE 5.0 Cubic Feet Smart Front Load Washer (GFW850SPNRS). These two washers may seem very similar from outward appearances but there are a few differences when it comes to functionality and size. Here we review both the similarities and differences between these two excellent GE washers.

What's The Same?
As mentioned above, both washers feature the UltraFresh Vent System with OdorBlock to reduce and prevent odor-causing bacteria. The Microban® antimicrobial technology is built into components including the gasket, dispenser, and draining system to deliver protection every load. They both have Built-In WiFi compatible with Amazon Alex, IFTTT, Sonos, and The Google Assistant so you can start, stop, and monitor your laundry from anywhere and receive real-time notifications and updates. The both have Dynamic balancing Technology (dBT™) that senses and rebalances uneven loads during the spin cycle for a quieter washer, and have the ability to be stacked. They both feature very similar washer cycles and options, including the Time Saver washer option, bleach, detergent and fabric softener timed flow through, capacitive touch controls, Delay Wash, Auto-Load Sensing, PerfecTemp Deluxe, and 5 soil level options. But here is where the differences begin...

What's Different?
While these washers do look very similar in appearance and even features, there is a noticeable price difference with the 4.8 cubic feet washer coming in a couple hundred dollars less than the 5.0 cubic feet washer. It is still a fantastic washer with everything you need for a Maytag clean, including 10 wash cycles with a Sanitize with Oxi cycle and a More Water option for fabrics that need a deeper soak. The 4.8 is just a tad smaller when it comes to capacity but that is because it is True32 closet depth so it can fit into a standard closet with ease. The 5.0 features 12 wash cycles, featuring ActiveWear, Power Clean cycles, and Sanitize + Allergen. It also has a 1 Step Wash + Dry setting so you can actually wash and dry a small load in your washer, eliminating the need to transfer clothes to the dryer. It also has the Smart Dispense dispenser which is an intelligent dispenser that holds up to 32 loads of detergent and automatically dispenses the right amount each time. It also has a internal heater and Power Steam that safely penetrates deep into fabric fibers to loosen stains. The basket has LED lighting so you can better see the fabrics in your washer. Unlike the 4.8, the 5.0 comes in a third finish option; Sapphire blue.

Shop these models below.