Whirlpool technologies: 6th Sense, FreshCare+, MaxiSpace and the rest, explained
Whirlpool gives a name to each of its innovations, and the product sheets are full of them. Here is what each technology really changes, appliance by appliance, which models in our range benefit from it, and a glossary to help you find your way.
- 6th Sense : sensors that set the programme on their own
- FreshCare+ : fresh laundry for up to 6 h after the cycle
- MaxiSpace and PowerClean for washing up
- A glossary Whirlpool names translated into plain English
Why Whirlpool talks so much about technology
Whirlpool gives a name to each of its functions: 6th Sense, FreshCare+, MaxiSpace, PowerClean, NaturalDry... It's handy for spotting them on a product sheet, but you end up no longer knowing what matters. Our rule: look at what the feature changes in everyday life, and check that it is actually on the exact model. Many of these technologies only exist on certain models.
Since 2024, the brand has been made in Europe by Beko Europe, under licence. The two brands are coming closer together: the app HomeWhiz is now shared. But Whirlpool keeps its own technologies, and above all its 6th Sense, found in almost every family.
6th Sense: the brand's common thread
The 6th Sense (6TH SENSE in English) refers to sensors that measure what is happening inside the appliance, and a programme that adapts accordingly. What the sensors measure varies by appliance:
- Washing machine : the load of laundry. A half load uses less water and energy than a full load, without any adjustment on your part.
- Tumble dryer : the moisture in the laundry, to stop drying at the right moment.
- Dishwasher : how dirty the water is. Lightly soiled dishes are washed for less time, very dirty ones at a higher temperature.
- Oven : the temperature and progress of cooking. With 6th Sense recipes, you choose the dish and the oven does the rest.
- Hood : the amount of smoke, to adjust the extraction speed, as on the AKR759/1IX.
- Fridge : the temperature, to quickly return to cold after the door has been opened.
The benefit is real day to day: fewer settings to adjust, and energy use that follows how you actually use the appliance.
Washing and drying
FreshCare+
This is Whirlpool's big idea for people who start a machine before leaving home. If the laundry stays in the drum, the machine tumbles it from time to time and releases steam, for up to 6 hours after the cycle ends. The laundry doesn't pick up a musty smell and creases less. It doesn't work with the Delicates and Duvet programmes. Almost all our Whirlpool washing machines have it, such as the FFBR10489BSVFR.
SteamRefresh and SteamHygiene
SteamRefresh is a steam cycle of about twenty minutes to refresh an item worn once, without washing it. SteamHygiene releases steam at 70 or 80 °C at the end of the cycle: Whirlpool claims up to 99.9% of common bacteria removed, according to a test by Allergy UK.
PrecisionDry and IronTouch
On tumble dryers, PrecisionDry measures humidity and temperature to stop drying at the right moment. IronTouch adds a burst of steam that reduces creases. Check the product sheet to see whether your model has them.
AdaptiveWash, AdaptiveDry and AutoDose
These are the brand's new features for 2026. With AdaptiveWash and AdaptiveDry, you rate the result of each cycle in the app, and the appliance adjusts the next ones to your tastes. AutoDose doses the detergent itself from a tank. These models are not yet in our range.
The dishwasher
MaxiSpace
A tub 10% larger than a standard Whirlpool dishwasher, depending on the brand. On the bottom rack, you can fit plates up to 32 cm in diameter. At Nimestore: the W7FHS31S freestanding (15 place settings) and the W8IHT40T fully integrated.
PowerClean and PowerClean Pro
Powerful jets at the back of the lower rack, for saucepans and ovenware. Whirlpool claims 60% more powerful jets on the Pro version, without pre-rinsing. It's found on the WRIC3C34PE; the standard PowerClean is on the WFC3C42P or the W8IHT40T.
NaturalDry
At the end of the cycle, the door opens slightly on its own to let the steam out. Dishes dry better, especially plastics, without heating any further.
SpaceClean and FlexiSpace
SpaceClean is a third rack with its own jets, where you can place bowls and glasses up to 13 cm tall. FlexiSpace, found on the W2FHD624, refers to adjustable racks.
Cooling
- NoFrost and Total NoFrost : cold air circulates thanks to a fan, and moisture condenses on a hidden evaporator that defrosts automatically. No more frost in the freezer. Our upright freezer WHFF6403W4E is NoFrost.
- FreshBox : drawers with adjustable temperature or humidity. Whirlpool claims a precision of plus or minus 1 °C for meat and fish.
- ZenInverter : a variable-speed compressor, which is quieter. On the large integrated fridge-freezer Space400, Whirlpool claims 32 dBA.
- AI AdaptiveCool : introduced in 2026, it adapts the compressor to your habits, using up to 20% less energy depending on the brand.
Cooking
- Cook4 : cook several dishes at the same time in the oven, without mixing smells. Found on the WOI68PT1SXAF and WOI4S8PM1SWAF.
- Pyrolysis (PyrolyticClean): the oven cleans itself at very high temperature. SmartClean or hydrolysis: gentle steam cleaning.
- HeatControl : on the W Collection hobs, you select a temperature rather than a power level.
- FlexiCook : two induction zones that are combined for a large pan.
- Power management : the total power of the hob is limited (2.5 to 7.2 kW) for an older installation.
- CleanProtect and MattProtect : treated glass that cleans with water alone or resists scratches three times better, according to Whirlpool.
HomeWhiz, the app
Recent Whirlpool appliances are controlled with HomeWhiz, the original Beko app, now shared by the brands of Beko Europe. You can start a cycle remotely, track its progress and get an alert at the end of the programme. The product sheets for our tumble dryers CWD84MWBSFR and CWD93MWWSFR mention connectivity. For older models, check app compatibility with us before buying.
The Whirlpool glossary explained
| Whirlpool name | In plain terms | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| 6th Sense | Sensors that adapt the programme | Fewer settings, adjusted consumption |
| FreshCare+ | Tumbling and steam up to 6 h after the cycle | Forgotten laundry stays fresh |
| SteamRefresh | Steam cycle of about 20 minutes | Refresh without washing |
| SteamHygiene | Steam at 70-80 °C at the end of the cycle | Baby clothes, allergies |
| PrecisionDry | Tumble dryer moisture sensors | Avoid over-drying |
| IronTouch | Steam jet during drying | Less ironing |
| AdaptiveWash / AdaptiveDry | Cycles that learn from your feedback in the app | Tailored results |
| AutoDose | Automatic detergent dosing | No more manual dosing |
| MaxiSpace | Tub 10% larger, 32 cm plates | Large plates, dishes |
| PowerClean Pro | Rear jets 60% more powerful | Pans without pre-rinsing |
| NaturalDry | Door that opens slightly at the end of the cycle | Better drying |
| SpaceClean | 3rd rack with jets | Bowls and glasses |
| Total NoFrost | Fan cooling, automatic defrosting | No more frost ever |
| FreshBox | Adjustable-temperature drawer | Meat, fish, vegetables |
| ZenInverter | Variable-speed compressor | Quiet |
| Cook4 | Several dishes at once | Full meals |
| HeatControl | Hob set in degrees | Precise cooking |
| Power management | Hob power limitation | Older installation |
| HomeWhiz | Shared Beko and Whirlpool app | Remote control |
Don't choose an appliance based on the number of logos on the product sheet. Ask yourself which feature you'll really use. For a busy family, FreshCare+ on the washing machine and MaxiSpace on the dishwasher are the two Whirlpool technologies that make a real difference day to day.
To see these technologies on the models, read our pages washing, dishwasher, refrigeration and cooking Whirlpool.
Whirlpool models with these technologies
Washing Machine WHIRLPOOL FFBR10489BSVFR€799.00
Washing Machine WHIRLPOOL FFD11489SVFR€649.00
Tumble dryer WHIRLPOOL CWD84MWBSFR€699.00
Dishwasher WHIRLPOOL WFC3C42P€599.00
Dishwasher WHIRLPOOL W7FHS31S€699.00
Built-in dishwasher WHIRLPOOL WRIC3C34PE€869.00
WHIRLPOOL built-in dishwasher W8IHT40T€1,199.00
Whirlpool WHFF6403W4E Upright Freezer€899.00
Built-in oven WHIRLPOOL WOI68PT1SXAF€1,049.00
Built-in oven WHIRLPOOL WOI4S8PM1SWAF€949.00
Cooker hood WHIRLPOOL AKR759/1IX€659.00The features mentioned come from Whirlpool's official product sheets and pages. The Nimestore product page is the reference for the exact model and today's price; Nimesclub members often pay less.
Frequently asked questions
What does 6th Sense mean at Whirlpool?
These are sensors that measure load, soil level, humidity or temperature, depending on the appliance, and adjust the programme by themselves. Fewer settings, and consumption that follows how you use it.
What is MaxiSpace?
A dishwasher tub 10% larger than a standard Whirlpool model, depending on the brand, which takes plates up to 32 cm on the bottom rack.
What is NaturalDry?
At the end of the cycle, the dishwasher door opens slightly on its own to let the steam out. Dishes dry better without using more energy.
Which app do you need for connected Whirlpool appliances?
HomeWhiz, the app shared by Beko Europe's brands. It lets you start and monitor a cycle remotely on compatible models.
Come and see the appliances in person
At our Temploux shop, we open the doors and compare drums and finishes. Or ask our expert sales adviser online, right now.
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