Product review (5 stars): OEM Type Replacement for Whirlpool Products
I purchased this water inlet valve for my Kenmore washer when I experienced water temperature control issues. Several forums and repair sites noted this item or the temperature selector switch could be the culprit. The water inlet valve was the cheaper of the two, so that's where I started. Go figure. The washer is 12 years old, and even if it didn't fix my problem, a new inlet valve couldn't hurt. Did it fix my problem? Nope. However, that's not a knock on this part. This part was a direct replacement and super easy to install. It functions just like the old valve, so there are no operational issues.

This is the second Robert Shaw item I've purchased, the first being a refrigerator water inlet valve, and both items were far cheaper than the Whirlpool OEM part. Now, price shouldn't be the lone drive in decisions, but it is a factor, so I will say this part looked exactly like the old part. And by exactly I mean down to the fittings, moldings, clips, glues, etc. used. Time will be the determining factor regarding reliability, but I can't imagine this kind of part being any different than the OEM. I suspect the primary failure mode in a part like this are the solenoids that control the hot and cold valve openings. Other than that, it's a rather simple part.