On its face, Whirlpool Corp.'s newest washing machine, with its modern muted veneer, looks nicer than its old ones. And for $100 more, it should be. But behind the scenes, the century-old U.S.

Whirlpools are formed by the combination of strong currents, narrow channels, and rapidly changing underwater topography. Dangerous whirlpools are rare and require currents of 10 knots or more. Small, ...