Washing Machines Reviews

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Washing Machines Reviews Reviewed
Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Washing Machines Ratings Comments on Reviews
1. Consumer Reports >> Details/Subscribe	Washing Machine Ratings Editors of Consumer Reports Updated June 2007		Consumer Reports includes washers in its continual-testing program, meaning that new washers are constantly evaluated and added to the ratings chart. That makes Consumer Reports the best resource we find for testing washers; no one else even comes close. In this report, editors implement more true-to-life testing, resulting in even more accurate scoring. Because of recent government mandated energy-efficiency laws, many top-loading washers do not get clothing as clean as they did when they were allowed to use more water.

Washing Machines Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Washing Machines Ratings Comments on Reviews

2. Choice.com.au >> Details/Subscribe	Washing Machines Editors of Choice.com.au Aug. 2007		This is the website for the Australian Consumers' Association, the Australian equivalent of Consumer Reports. Editors test 31 washing machines – both top-loaders and front-loaders. Choice used more stringent test criteria than Which? Online, below, with ratings for dirt removal, gentleness, water efficiency, noise reduction, running costs and more. Models include several brands available in the U.S., such as LG, Fisher & Paykel and Whirlpool, but the model numbers don't correspond, so this report is of limited usefulness to U.S. consumers.
3. Which.co.uk >> Details/Subscribe	Washing Machines Editors of Which.co.uk Aug. 2007		Which? is the British consumer magazine similar to Consumer Reports. For this report, editors test 87 washing machines for running cost, stain removal, noise and ease of use. All tested models also get detailed reviews. But this report doesn't cover things like gentleness or cycle time, and since the magazine is based in England, it includes mainly brands not available in the U.S.

Washing Machines Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Washing Machines Ratings Comments on Reviews

4. Good Housekeeping.com >> Details/Subscribe	Winning Washers Editors of Good Housekeeping Nov. 2005		Since new government efficiency laws have been established, this older review from Good Housekeeping is nearly useless except for its evaluation of washers not affected by the new laws (mainly front-loaders). While Good Housekeeping used to be a good source for reviews of white goods, it can no longer keep up with Consumer Reports.
5. J.D. Power & Associates	2006 Major Home Appliance Study Editors of J.D. Power and Associates Nov. 2006		In a survey of close to 13,000 consumers, LG washers were rated the highest in customer satisfaction. The washers were rated in several categories including price, performance (such as noise level and energy efficiency), style and warranty. Kenmore Elite, GE Profile Harmony and Bosch follow in order of customer satisfaction. This study doesn't try to rate individual washing machines; rather, it tries to reach a general consensus about overall brand satisfaction.
6. ENERGYSTAR.gov	Clothes Washers Editors of Energy Star As of Sept. 2007		Energy Star is a joint program of the EPA and the Dept. of Energy that is designed to help Americans save money and energy. This comprehensive series of articles does not review washers, but it does list the Energy Star qualified washing machines. A buyer's guide is included. For each listed model, there is the Modified Energy Factor (MEF) which measures the amount of energy a machines uses. Many Bosch models greatly exceed the federal standard while several Frigidaire washing machines under perform. This is a good site to check out how your washer rates, but unless your only concern is efficiency, this article won't help you choose a specific washer.
7. Consortium for Energy Efficiency	Residential Clothes Washers Editors of Consortium for Energy Efficiency July 2007		The Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) is a nonprofit organization that promotes energy efficient practices and products. CEE's standards for efficient washers are slightly higher than those of Energy Star, so it's interesting to cross reference washing machines here. No specific washers are rated on any aspect other than efficiency.
8. Sensible Home >> Details/Subscribe	Front Loading Clothes Washers James Dulley 2006		James Dulley is an engineer who regularly writes on appliances and other household products. He recommends front-loading washers over top-loaders because the former saves water and energy even though they are more expensive. In this report he discusses models from several manufactures including Bosch, GE, Kenmore, Maytag and Frigidaire. Each evaluation discusses spin speed, water consumption, pre-programmed cycles and features among other useful information. The Kenmore HE3T is one of the most efficient washers with a high spin speed and low water consumption. This article predates new efficiency laws.
9. American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy	Most Energy-Efficient Appliances 2005 Editors of ACEEE Sept. 2005		Although the ACEEE's washing machine guide will be updated in the fall of 2007, the 2005 guide still contains some useful information. Ratings are based on a modified energy factor (MEF) point system that awards higher numbers to washing machines that save more water, and thus also save more energy. It succinctly explains why top-loading washers consume more water and energy, and why front-loading horizontal-axis washers and a new generation of redesigned top-loading washers are more efficient. The savings resulting from using a front-loader can be over $100 per year. The Whirlpool LHW0050P and Eurotech EWF272EL are listed as the most efficient overall on this chart.
10. Consumer Guide.com	Washers Editors of ConsumerGuide.com As of Oct. 2007		Consumer Guide recommends 21 front-load and 14 top-load washing machines. Although Best Buy washers are given a performance rating, there is no evidence that any of these models were actually tested or even seen in person. A large number of Best Buys are listed, but without any supporting data or testing, we have no idea why these machines were chosen instead of others.
11. ThatHome Site.com	Laundry Room Contributors to That Home Site As of Oct. 2007		That Home Site is a great place to spend some time if you're interested in one of the latest high-efficiency washing machines. Several current threads are about front-loaders on the second floor and the accompanying shaking of the house. Another thread discusses the reasons one would buy a top-loading high-efficiency machine. There is no ratings system, and discussion threads aren't limited to washing machines; there are general laundry posts, as well.
12. The Charlotte Observer >> Details/Subscribe	On shaky ground Cristina Bolling Aug. 25, 2007		This article discusses the growing popularity of front-loading washers, which are more efficient in saving water and energy than top loading machines. Almost 31% of new washers shipped are now front-loaders. Since these machines can spin at 1000-rpm (revolutions per minute) or more, some owners say the vibrations can rattle the entire house. This article suggests alternatives and remedies for this issue. A few washing machines are mentioned, but not tested or evaluated in any other way.
13. Good Housekeeping.com >> Details/Subscribe	Luxury Appliances for Less Editors of Good Housekeeping Aug. 2006		A few large appliances are recommended in this short article. The "winning washer" is the GE WBVH6240FWW, a front-loading machine with a control panel lock and an exercise clothes setting. This model also features a large tub for items like comforters and blankets. No testing details are provided.
14. Epinions	Washing Machines Contributors to Epinions As of Oct. 2007		Epinions is worth a visit once you've narrowed down your choice to a few washing machines. Unless you have specific models in mind, the number of reviewed products can be overwhelming. Many washers receive only one or two comments.
15. The Wall Street Journal >> Details/Subscribe	A New Spin on Washers Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan Jan. 11, 2006		Technically, this is not a review of washers. Instead, the author discusses how the newest washing machines will be cleaning-driven vs. style-driven. Frigidaire Affinity washers automatically determine the appropriate water level and temperature for loads of laundry. LG Electronics SteamWashers use steam and/or water to penetrate better than water. Kenmore Elite Oasis washers have a cycle designed to automatically remove stains with no pre-treating required. There are no ratings here, and no testing, but the article makes for an interesting read.
16. Toolbase.org	Horizontal-Axis (Front-Loading) Clothes Washer Editors of Toolbase.org Nov. 2006		Like the Wall Street Journal article above, Toolbase.org does not include any washer reviews. It does, however, explain the mechanism by which horizontal-axis (front-loading) washing machines work. It also outlines the energy and water savings offered by front-loading machines. Additional interesting information includes a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy in which one small Kansas town's residents used front-loading washing machines and experienced a 56 percent energy savings when compared to top-loading machines.