Washing Machines

Top-loading washing machines

Despite the current brouhaha around standard top-loaders and the new energy efficiency requirements, about 65% of washers sold are still traditional top loaders. Top-loading washers are a little easier to load and unload. They're also generally less expensive than front-loaders, since they don't require the extra seals and gaskets. Top-loaders generally have less capacity than front-loading washing machines. In addition to regular, agitator-based conventional top-loading washers, a number of high-efficiency top-loaders are on the market as well. These high-efficiency top-loaders have a better washing performance, use less water and the high spin speed reduces drying time. Such models include the Whirlpool Cabrio and the nearly identical Kenmore Elite Oasis lines (Whirlpool makes all of these models).

The Kenmore Elite Oasis Canyon Capacity 27092 (*est. $1,100) has 4.5-cubic-feet of drum space, one of the largest top-loading washers on the market. It replaces the vertical agitator found in most conventional top-loading machines with a wash plate that moves clothing around the washtub. Owner reports describe the wash plate as creating a sort of vortex: clothes rotate up the middle of the washer and down again near the sides while they are showered with water and detergent. Consumers posting to review sites seem pleased with its large capacity and easy-to-use controls.

However, this washing machine still receives complaints from owners posting comments to the Sears.com website. Some owners say they just can't tell if this washer gets clothing appreciably cleaner than less expensive washing machines. We read about some owners' trouble with the control panel and persistent error messages, as well as a smattering of reliability complaints similar to those we find for all washers. While owners say the huge capacity is a definite plus, many are not convinced that they're getting as much value out of this machine over other models that cost less.

Because the Kenmore Elite Oasis Canyon Capacity has a 1,050-rpm spin cycle, it does extract a lot of water from clothing. When clothes contain less water as they enter the dryer, less energy is required to dry them. We did read some concerns from owners that the spin cycle is actually too good – that clothing can be twisted and wrinkled. The Kenmore Elite Oasis Canyon is Energy Star compliant. A few reviewers report the Elite Oasis is quiet-running. The Canyon Capacity washer has a tempered glass lid, but you can also find this washer with a regular lid – the Kenmore Elite Oasis Canyon Capacity 27072 (*est. $1,000). Another variation is the Kenmore Elite Oasis Canyon Capacity 27082 (*est. $1,100) which is available in both black and blue, in addition to the standard white.

Whirlpool makes the Kenmore Oasis washers as well as the nearly identical top-loading Whirlpool Cabrio (*est. $700 to $1,000) ; differences are small. While the Kenmore has a hand-wash cycle, Whirlpool has a cycle for wool, for example. Both feature a 1,050-rpm spin cycle and 4.5-cubic- foot capacity. The Cabrio comes in white, black and "gold metallic on biscuit."

Be aware that one similar-sounding washer, the Kenmore Elite Oasis King Size 27032 (*est. $800) is different from the Elite Oasis Canyon Capacity. This less expensive washer has a 3.8-cubic-foot capacity and use a regular agitator instead of the wash plate. It is also less energy efficient than the Oasis Canyon models that use wash plates.

The GE Profile Harmony King Size Washer (*est. $1,000) has a 4-cubic-foot capacity. Like the Kenmore Elite Oasis Canyon Capacity and the Whirlpool Cabrio washers, this machine ditches a traditional agitator. Instead, the GE Profile Harmony uses a rotating basket that pushes clothing through the water. It has a time-release detergent dispensing system. The HydroWash system uses as little as 17 gallons of water for a small load and an average of 24 gallons for a medium-sized load. The Profile Harmony has a glass lid, presumably a trend in some new high-end top-loaders. One interesting feature worth mentioning is that the GE Profile Harmony communicates electronically with the matching Harmony dryer, which then presets dry cycles. While unique, reviews say this feature isn't particularly useful. However, in testing, the Profile Harmony doesn't wring quite as much water out of clothes as the Kenmore Elite Oasis Canyon Capacity. And, like other high-efficiency washers, it requires a high-efficiency detergent for peak performance.

Although these new-technology top-loaders earn good professional reviews, owner satisfaction is mixed. If $1,000 is more than you want to spend on a washing machine, there are other options.

Fisher & Paykel, a New Zealand based company enjoying a lot of success in the U.S., has moved its manufacturing operations from New Zealand to Ohio. While most washers carry a one-year warranty, Fisher & Paykel covers its washers for two years. This is wise, since data shows Fisher & Paykel's top-loaders to be more repair-prone than other brands.

Fisher & Paykel's Intuitive Eco IWL16 (*est. $800) is one of the most energy-efficient washers on the market. Tests also reveal it is gentler on clothing than even pricier models. Along with a 1,000-rpm spin cycle and a 3.7-cubic-foot capacity, the Intuitive Eco has a water-saving mode and 13 specialty cycles. Unlike many high-efficiency washers, the Fisher & Paykel uses regular detergent instead of special low-sudsing HE detergent, which can be hard to find and pricey. Along with the high-speed spin, there are two other spin settings. Some owners say the high-speed spin can result in too many wrinkles, so you might want to save the high-speed spin for heavy items like towels and jeans.

Although the Fisher & Paykel Ecosmart GWL15 (*est. $600) doesn't have as many bells and whistles, it does offer a 3.7-cubic-foot stainless-steel tub. It has fewer specialty controls and no water-saver model. An automatic wash-level feature ensures that no more water than necessary is used. The Ecosmart GWL15 also has three spin cycle speeds, including 3000-, 670- and 1,000-rpm. We didn't see this model included in tests, but the similar Fisher & Paykel IWL16 performs well.

Although professional reviews say that some traditional basic top-loaders don't clean as well as they used to, some still do better than others. The GE WWSE5240GWW (*est. $450) is a good washer that performs a bit better than similar-priced models in reviews and owners seem generally satisfied. Typical of all washing machines, however, we do still read reports about repairs. This standard washer has a 3.2-cubic-foot capacity, radio control dials and a range of the usual cycles and options. It also includes an automatic load balancer; this is a feature that manufacturers have begun eliminating on their least expensive lines.

Washers costing less than $400 or so don't perform as well in tests. One possible exception is the Estate ETW4400S (*est. $350), which cleans about as well as washers in the $400 to $450 price range. However, the Estate washing machine has no load balancer; many owners say washing machines with no load balancers can shake horribly and make a huge amount of noise when they get unbalanced.

Front-loading washing machines

New types of high-efficiency front-loaders and top-loading washing machines now account for about 30 percent of new purchases, according to Consumer Reports. These machines eschew the traditional top-loader's vertical agitator in favor of horizontal tubs that tumble clothes or wash plates that bounce clothes in the water. High-efficiency washing machines use less water and energy than traditional top-loaders and they can be gentler on clothes. The bad news is that high-efficiency (or HE) washers cost more and they are trying to shake off a spotty track record with respect to reliability.

Experts generally agree that front-loading washing machines (also called horizontal-axis washing machines) are better than top-loaders. Front-loaders use a dryer-like action to tumble clothes in and out of water and detergent, while conventional top-loaders circulate clothes with some type of agitator. Because gravity is used to tumble the laundry, front-loaders are gentler on clothes and cause less tangling than top loading machines. In addition, their fast spin speeds remove more water from clothing, thereby reducing drying time and resulting in further energy savings. Because of the design, you can't soak clothes and you have to use special low-sudsing "HE" or high-efficiency detergents.

Although all experts say front loading washing machines are more efficient and do a better job cleaning clothing than top loaders, front loaders haven't been the most reliable. Partly because they represent relatively new technology for the consumer market, they have a learning curve. Because of their design, they require more daily attention. For example, we've ready many reports that front loaders can develop a mildew smell caused by the water that can remain standing in the gasket and other washer parts after a cycle. Users say that owners can wipe away water after cycles. There's actually now a product on the market to address this problem. Affresh washer cleaner tablets (*est. $7 for three tablets), developed by Whirlpool, are supposed to combat mildew and odors in high-efficiency washers. However, owners posting to online forums say that dishwasher detergent also works well. Others suggest leaving the washer door cracked open after loads, so any remaining water can evaporate.

Several new front-loading machines are hitting the market, including the Samsung SilverCare, There are seven SilverCare models (*est. $1,200 to $1400); all have a 3.8-cubic-foot capacity but their features are slightly different. These energy-efficient models have two small silver bars that scrape together to release tiny silver particles that kill bacteria and sanitize clothing. Samsung says that the silver bars should last ten years, or 3,000 cycles, before needing replacement at a cost of $50 to $75. The resulting silver ions are injected during the wash cycle. Samsung says this process removes or kills 99.9 percent of odor-causing bacteria and is highly energy efficient because it can sanitize clothing without using hot water. The Samsung SilverCare washer has not been reviewed often, but one early evaluation reports the machine performs very well overall and does actually keep laundered clothes smelling fresher for a longer period. Consumers rave about the SilverCare, writing that it does an excellent cleaning job and is a very quiet machine. Even so, there are few studies that measure the impacts of silver on user health and the environment. Some expert reviewers are wondering what happens to the silver particles. The EPA is now investigating this.

Another innovative front-loading washing machine, the LG TROMM SteamWasher (*est. $1,600) , has received good reviews, though it is also expensive. This model offers a 4-cubic-foot capacity and features plenty of automated features, including automatic temperature control, an automatic detergent dispenser and a touch screen display. For those who love convenience gadgetry, the LG TROMM SteamWasher can be integrated with a home network to display its progress on your computer. Unlike most high-efficiency machines, it has an internal water heater and two optional steam settings: a cycle to moisten clothing for easier ironing or to steam clothes to aid in deep-cleaning/sanitizing. In early reviews, the LG TROMM SteamWasher is among the best at getting water out of clothes; it has spin speeds up to 1,320-rpm. The LG TROMM SteamWasher hasn't been on the market long enough to establish a reliability track record, but the J.D. Power's major appliance study showed that LG washing machines in general have the highest customer satisfaction rating of all brands.

We find one review that says the LG TROMM SteamWasher front-loading machine cleans very well compared to the competition, and consumer review sites continue to rank it as a favorite, but a few consumer complaints are beginning to emerge on a grassroots level. These complaints report water that may not drain completely from the front window seal; other owners suggest that the problem stems from overloading the machine.

The front-loading Kenmore Elite HE5t King Size Capacity Plus 47081 washer (*est. $1,300)has a 4.0-cubic-foot capacity. Reviews say the HE5t has great water extraction with its 1,300-rpm spin cycle, so clothes take less time to dry. Its 12 cycles include delicates, silk, wool, a "whitest-white" cycle that includes the automatic addition of bleach, an express cycle and a sanitary setting, which heats water to 160 degrees. That's hot enough to kill dust mites in bedding. The Kenmore HE5t washer does all this while keeping energy consumption low. The Kenmore Elite HE5t also scores points for low noise level. Owners like that it comes in some interesting designer colors. One downside is that the HE5t's typical wash cycle is unusually long -- about 100 minutes -- which can be rough on clothes.

The Kenmore Elite HE5t King Size Capacity Plus 47081 and the Whirlpool Duet are nearly identical (Whirlpool makes both). There are only small differences in wattage, spin cycles and overall aesthetics. Whirlpool's version of the HE5t, the Duet WFW9400S (*est. $1,200) , has similar features and is available in black and gray in addition to white. The more basic Whirlpool Duet WFW9200S washer costs around $1,100 and comes only in white-on-white.

The Whirlpool Duet WFW9400S washing machine has a 4.0-cubic-foot capacity and stainless-steel washtub. There are 14 cycles and five wash/rinse temperatures, along with electronic controls, a bleach dispenser and a porcelain lid. The typical wash cycle takes about 65 minutes -- shorter than the wash cycle on the Kenmore Elite HE5t. The Duet, like most washers, has a one-year warranty. Although the Whirlpool Duet does well in some professional reviews, we read a lot of complaints about mildew smells, indicating there could be a problem with water being left behind in the washer.

There are some less expensive front-loaders on the market as well. The front-loading LG WM0642HW (*est. $850) washes well. One reason for the smaller price tag is its smallish door and window. The LG WM0642HW features a 3.83-cubic-foot capacity, automatic temperature control, an automatic detergent dispenser, a stainless-steel tub and touch controls. It has a one-year warranty, plus two years on the control panel and seven years on the motor. The similar LG WM2016C (*est. $780) costs a bit less, but is slightly smaller, with a smaller window.

Another option is the Frigidaire GLTF2940F (*est. $650) , which isn't much more expensive than some nicer top-loaders. The Frigidaire is noticeably a bit less stylish than more expensive front-loading washers, with a smaller door and less stainless-steel trim. The Frigidaire washer still has all the essential cycles, including several wash cycles and temperature settings along with a 3.5-cubic-foot capacity. In reviews, the Frigidaire cleans as well as pricier front-loaders. It is efficient with both energy and water, and the standard wash cycle is 55 minutes -- much shorter than some. Comments at Epinions are mixed; some say it does a great job, but others say that water collects in the bellows (the rubber door seal) and, if not removed, the built-up water starts to smell. While the Frigidaire is inexpensive for a front-loader, owners may have to wipe away collected water after running a wash load. Some owners suggest just leaving the door open for remaining water to evaporate. We also read comments that this model is noisy.

We're interested in what owners think about the new front-loading Frigidaire Affinity ATF7000FS (*est. $1,000) . It doesn't have a horizontal-axis agitator, but uses a plate to move clothes through the water. It also has a built-in water heater to sanitize laundry. In tests, it has a mediocre washing performance but it does very well in saving water and energy. It still misses the mark when it comes to style and early consumer buzz at GardenWeb.com's Laundry Forum is doubtful; consumers there believe they may find better performing models for a lower price, yet are excited about the Affinity's improvements, such as the on-board heater.

The Maytag Epic (*est. $1,100) seems off to a good start. It performs about as well as the Kenmore HE5t and Whirlpool Duet in testing. Reviewers at Epinions give Epic models a very good rating overall. Most praise the quiet operation and others like the large capacity or the many cycles. The only major complaints were from two reviews who said that their washers didn't work, which may indicate a defective machine rather than a problem with the model. Given Maytag's trouble with the Neptune front-loader (discussed below), we'll be interested to see some reliability data for the Epic washer.

We found good professional reviews for washing machines in the Bosch Nexxt series, and consumer-led reviews report the Nexxt models run quietly, even during the spin cycles. The Bosch Nexxt 500 series (*est. $1,100) isn't as large as the Kenmore Elite Oasis Canyon Capacity -- it has a 4.0-cubic-foot capacity --, but it offers a quiet performance and high-efficiency extras. This model is Energy Star rated and has an onboard water heater that heats water up to 155 degrees Fahrenheit, while a digital temperature sensor continually monitors the temperature. It's all part of the Sensotronic II Plus system, which senses load size, water level and temperature needs. The Bosch Nexxt 300 Series (*est. $1,000) is very similar to the 500 series but is slightly smaller at 3.81-cubic-foot capacity.

For the last several years, we've covered the ongoing troubles involving the front-loading Maytag Neptune (*est. $700) and Kenmore/Whirlpool Calypso top-loaders (*est. $750). In September 2004, Maytag issued a settlement in response to several class-action lawsuits. Owners were having mechanical and electronic problems, and some complained of problems with water drainage and mold. Maytag says the water problems regarding the older Neptune front-loading washers were related to their design and they've since redesigned the parts cited in the lawsuit. However, according to surveys of a large number of owners, Maytag's front-loaders continue to be the most repair-prone washers on the market.

We keep hearing that Maytag is finally throwing in the towel on the Neptune washer, though it is still available. Maytag's newest front-loading model, called Epic, incorporates lessons learned from the Neptune problems.

A note about detergents

You'll find lengthy discussions in appliance forums about detergents for high-efficiency front-loaders and high-efficiency top-loaders. These special soaps don't get as sudsy as regular detergents and owners (as well as manufacturers) say it is essential to use them in your high-efficiency washer. While it might be tempting to use cheaper generic detergents in your expensive new high-efficiency washing machine, experts say you should spring for the special laundry soap. Some users report suds are left in the machine even after the rinse cycle if they do not use an HE detergent.

Important Features: Washing machines

The following is what experts say about choosing a washer:

• Always buy the largest washer that your space and budget allow. Single people and couples will find large models adequate; an average-size household will want to go for an extra-large and larger families should look for a super-capacity (usually about two inches deeper than smaller washers).

• Electronic touch-pad controls look sleek, but reviews say they're more delicate than knobs and dials and more expensive to repair. However, nearly all high-end machines have electronic controls, since there are computer chips in their control panels. If you are looking at a low-end machine, it's probably better to go with a knob.

• A stainless-steel tub is preferable to porcelain, because it won't rust or chip. All high-end machines and most front-loaders have stainless-steel baskets. Experts say stainless-steel washtubs are also able to withstand higher spin speeds. Many high-efficiency models have stainless-steel washtubs.

• Get automatic temperature controls, which automatically select the right water temperature for each selected cycle. Also more common are automatic water-level controls, so you don't have to guess how much water is needed for your load.

Other features you might want to consider include an automatic softener/bleach dispenser, delayed timer or extra cycles, but experts say these quickly add to the price, so you shouldn't purchase more than you're likely to use. A load balancer used to be standard, but some inexpensive machines are no longer including this.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (With Retailer Links)	Details from Amazon.com
3	Kenmore Elite Oasis (*est. $800 to $1,100)	-
3	Whirlpool Cabrio (*est. $700 to $1,000)	details
2	Kenmore Elite HE5t (*est. $1,200)	-
2	LG TROMM SteamWasher (*est. $1,600)	details
2	GE Profile Harmony (*est. $1,000)	-
1 each	Kenmore HE4t, Kenmore HE3t, Whirlpool Duet GHW9400S, Maytag Epic MFW9700SQ , Amana NAV8800, GE WBVH6240FWW , Whirlpool LHW0050P , Eurotech EWF272EL, Bosch Nexxt

We find the best, most recent reviews dedicated to high-efficiency front-loading and top-loading washing machines. The LG TROMM SteamWasher and Kenmore Elite HE5t washers are front-loaders, which reflects reviewer opinion that front-loading washers clean better and are more efficient than top-loading washers. The Whirlpool Cabrio and Kenmore Elite Oasis are top-loading washers, but they use a different agitation technology than conventional top-loaders.

We didn't find any reviewer that says traditional-top loading washing machines clean better than high-efficiency washers. However, owners do not seem to mind and we find similar owner ratings for washers costing less than half the price of some fancy models. This may indicate that performance differences discovered in professional reviews may be less noticeable to owners. For ConsumerSearch Fast Answers, we select a conventional top-loader that earns better scores than others, coupled with a good owner-satisfaction record.

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