Avanti STW30D0W Washer Review
Our verdict
The Avanti STW30D0W is a compact top-load washer with a stainless steel drum, 800 RPM spin, and six cycles at $639.99. It competes directly with the Amana NTW4516FW, which costs $51 less for a larger 3.5 cu ft drum, more cycles, and dramatically lower noise (44 dB vs 78 dB). The Avanti's stainless drum is a real advantage over the Amana's porcelain, but the noise level and capacity gap are significant. It is a defensible choice if drum material is your top priority, but on most other measures the Amana comes out ahead.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Small households or apartment renters who specifically want a compact top-loader with a stainless steel drum and moderate spin performance, and can tolerate noisier operation.
Skip if
Skip if noise is a concern in your space, you need more than 3.0 cu ft of capacity, or you are comparing purely on value per dollar since the Amana NTW4516FW outperforms it on most specs at a lower price.
- Capacity 3.0 cu ft
- Load type Top Load
- Installation Freestanding
- Cycles 6
- Spin speed 800 RPM
- Operation Fully Automatic
- Priced 47% above the category median ($434.99 across 24 tracked models)
- Cycles of 6 - lower than 81% of the 24 models we track
- Spin speed of 800 RPM - slower than 89% of the 24 models we track
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.1/5
4.1 average across 33 owner ratings
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Value for money2.1/5
$213 per cubic foot, above the category median
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Popularity2.1/5
33 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
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Storage space2.5/5
3.0 cu ft, compact for this category
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other portable and full-size washers and dryers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Specifications
- Capacity
- 3.0 cu ft
- Load type
- Top Load
- Installation
- Freestanding
- Cycles
- 6
- Spin speed
- 800 RPM
- Operation
- Fully Automatic
- Controls
- Push Button
- Drum
- Stainless Steel
- Noise
- 78.0 dB
- Color
- White
- Finish
- Glossy
- Dimensions
- 24.75 X 23.75 X 39.5 In
- Weight
- 100.0 lb
- Voltage
- 110 Volts
Overview
The Avanti STW30D0W is a fully automatic freestanding top-load washer with a 3.0 cu ft stainless steel drum. It measures 24.75 x 23.75 x 39.5 inches and weighs 100 pounds, making it compact relative to standard full-size washers. Six wash cycles and 800 RPM spin speed are middle-of-the-road figures for a machine in this price bracket. The 78 dB noise rating is the most notable drawback: at that level, the machine is clearly audible from an adjacent room and would be disruptive in open-plan apartments.
At $639.99, the Avanti is $51.99 more than the Amana NTW4516FW. The Amana offers 3.5 cu ft (versus 3.0 for the Avanti), eight cycles (versus six), 44 dB noise (versus 78), and earns a 4.3-star average from 78 reviews (versus the Avanti's 4.1 stars from 33). The Avanti's advantages are limited to its stainless steel drum over the Amana's porcelain, and its 800 RPM spin versus the Amana's 700 RPM, which modestly reduces post-cycle dampness.
Thirty-three reviews at 4.1 stars is a positive but limited dataset. Zero reported recent monthly purchases suggests the Avanti is not competing strongly in its current form against the Amana and other alternatives in this price tier.
Pros
- Stainless steel drum is more durable and resistant to chipping than porcelain alternatives
- 800 RPM spin speed extracts more water than the Amana's 700 RPM, reducing drying time
- Compact 24.75-inch width fits tighter laundry spaces than standard-size machines
- Six cycles cover normal, heavy, and delicate fabrics for everyday use
- Freestanding installation requires no permanent hookup beyond water and a standard outlet
Cons
- 78 dB operating noise is significantly louder than the Amana NTW4516FW's 44 dB
- 3.0 cu ft capacity is smaller than the Amana at a higher price
- Only 33 reviews limits confidence in long-term reliability assessment
- Six cycles is less variety than comparable machines at similar or lower prices
- Zero reported recent purchases suggests the market is choosing alternatives
Performance notes
A 3.0 cu ft drum handles small to medium loads comfortably: a week of clothes for one person, a set of twin-bed sheets, or a modest mix of items for two people. The stainless steel drum is the correct choice for a machine priced above $600: it resists rust, does not chip under contact with metal hardware, and maintains a cleaner interior surface than porcelain over extended use. The 800 RPM spin speed reduces post-cycle moisture meaningfully compared to 700 RPM, though the difference is most apparent with heavier fabrics like jeans and towels. Seventy-eight decibels is the figure that most limits this machine's appeal: at that level, operating the washer in the evening would be noticeable to anyone in an adjacent living space. The 100-pound body weight requires two people for installation but is otherwise a non-issue once positioned. Standard freestanding setup requires hose connections and a dedicated electrical circuit.
What buyers say
Thirty-three reviews at 4.1 stars suggests buyers who did choose the Avanti are generally satisfied, but the small sample and low current sales suggest most shoppers comparing this machine against the Amana NTW4516FW end up choosing the Amana. The rating gap (4.1 vs 4.3) is small, but it points in the same direction as the price, capacity, and noise comparisons, all of which favor the Amana for most buyers. The Avanti is not a bad machine, but it occupies a difficult position: priced higher than a stronger competitor with fewer compelling differentiators.
Similar portable and full-size washers and dryers to consider
Frequently asked questions
How loud is 78 dB in practical terms?
Seventy-eight decibels is roughly the volume of a vacuum cleaner or a busy restaurant. It is clearly audible from an adjacent room. For comparison, the Amana NTW4516FW operates at 44 dB, which is closer to library noise. In a small apartment where the washer is near living or sleeping areas, 78 dB will be noticeable during the wash and spin cycles.
Why choose the Avanti over the Amana NTW4516FW?
The Avanti has a stainless steel drum and 800 RPM spin, versus the Amana's porcelain drum and 700 RPM. If drum durability and slightly faster spin are worth the extra cost and reduced capacity to you, the Avanti is the choice. For most buyers comparing on overall value, the Amana's larger drum, lower noise, lower price, and higher review rating make it the more practical pick.
Is the Avanti STW30D0W stackable with a dryer?
No. Top-load washers are not designed for stacking. For a stackable laundry setup, you need a front-load washer. The Avanti STW30D0W would need to be placed side by side with any dryer you choose.