Another new Frigidiare washer model now released on website

[passatdoc]

A fifth new Frigidaire model, 4011, has appeared on the Frigidaire website, see link below. Manual not yet online. I found it while prowling on the Universal Appliance (LA retailer) website:

http://www.universal-akb.com/fafw4011lw.html

and it's on sale for only $579.

Based on the "compare" feature of the Frigidaire website, it appears to be the most basic of the (currently) five new models. Formerly, the 4071 appeared to be the most basic (4.0, no heater) of the new models. 4011 appears to be identical except for a slower max spin speed of 1100 rather than 1200 rpm.

Otherwise, it stacks, is the same dimensions, offers the same wash temp and wash-rinse temp choices, and has a reversible door.

Also, it appears that neither 4011 nor 4071 have a pre-wash feature, because the dispenser does not appear to have a separate prewash section and one of the available cycles is "Stain Clean": the washer pauses during wash cycle and soaks for c.15 minutes as a "pseudo soak" equivalent (my understanding was that Soak or Prewash was best done in cold water; with Stain Clean, it may have to happen with Hot or Warm water).

Loading…

www.frigidaire.com

 

[logixx]

I hope Electrolux will incorperate some of the features of these Frigidaires into that new Electrolux-branded washer - like that Stain Pre-Treat option.

BTW: the dryer's manuals are now online, too. There is an option called Line Dry, which is a sensor-controlled drying cycle with cold air.

 

[frigilux]

Line dry? Wow, I wonder how many hours the dryer would have to run to dry a load of bath towels on that cycle? I know, I know....that's probably not what the cycle was intended for.

 

[appnut]

Line dry

Manual says heat is radically reduced or eliminated, depending upon the cycle selected.

 

[passatdoc]

Wow, I think that would take a long time, unless load isn't absorbent, or had extended spin at high RPM.

What I liked so far about the dryers is that they seem reasonably priced. The links I posted were from Universal Appliance and Kitchen, an aggressive LA discounter. They have only one location but deliver free within the greater LA area. I don't know what market share they have, remember some consumers want to kick the tires and may not want to drive to their showroom if it's an hour away (they charge for delivery to my area, so I've never used them). Universal seems to get the new models before anyone else, and then aggressively discounts the older models in their inventory to clear them out.

If their prices reflect what consumers will pay nationwide (this is not assured), it looks like one could have a pair of mid-range machines for about $1400-1500 total.....vs $1100 for the lowest end Electrolux with a dryer costing about $1000. A low end pair appears to be had for about $1200.

If they come from the same factory, share the same basic features, and it's a matter of bells and whistles, I'd go with Frigidaire (unless Electrolux doesn't use aluminum in the spider...). Most people don't need the 4.7 cu ft capacity of Electrolux, they are buying for the fit/finish/features. For most consumers, the 4.0-4.4 range of the new Frigidaires is sufficient.

 

[jetcone]

I thought they all used

Aluminum spiders now?? Did I miss something

That new model looks like it comes in the Elux cabinet no?

 

[passatdoc]

not sure re: Electrolux

Others here have posted that Miele uses steel spiders. Not sure about Electrolux.

What bothers me about aluminum spiders is that when they fail, the owner can't repair it at modest cost. Usually the spider AND the basket must be replaced, so with labor (we're talking average consumer here, not automaticwasher.org enthusiast-hobbyist) the repair can run $400-500....at which point it may be cheaper to just buy a new Frigidaire washer. With a $1100-1500 Electrolux, a repair might be cost effective. But I hate the idea of tossing out a perfectly good washer (motor, controls, basket, exterior all intact, just a broken spider) because the company won't sell a replacement spider. I'd gladly pay a $50-100 surcharge on a washer to get a stainless steel spider that will last. But then that would hurt their sales. Long term, however, stories about washers failing in five year HURT their reputation. I think if someone gets ten years out of an appliance, they view additional time beyond that point as a bonus. But five years of service is something most would consider unacceptable (except maybe on water heaters).

 

[jetcone]

Yes I agree

most people if they get 10 years they are happy, me, I am miffed my 53 year old motor is acting up on my 58 Duomatic , I mean REALLY, where IS the quality these days??

 

[surgilator_68]

The spider on a Speed Queen is replaceable as a separate part, just as the tub, bearings and seals.

Line Dry: It doesn't mention the fact that the dryer will run for two, three or more hours depending on the load size. Sucking out all the heated or cooled air from your house at the same time. Maybe one would come out even?

 

[jetcone]

Love my Speed Queen Spider

signed

Customer #59!

 

[surgilator_68]

Customer Service is extremely happy that you love your SQ spider. Now what about the rest of the machine? Still having sudsing issues?

 

[frigilux]

Line Dry Cycle: Not to mention how hard on fabrics it is to tumble for 2 or more hours!

 

[passatdoc]

Jetcone: I hear you. My aunt in upstate NY recently had to replace her 1960s Maytag washer, which was beyond repair. Second time it broke in 40+ years. The poor quality, or at least repairability, has turned appliances into disposable items, not good for landfills or the environment.

Even twenty years ago, I had an issue with a new GE gas range that was builder-supplied in my new home. The igniter stopped working on the right hand burners, evidently the machine was past warranty (one year, I think) and the replacement parts were over $250, not counting labor. WTF? I don't mind paying for a repair, but a $350 bill was not much less than the cost of a new range at that time. If the part was $50, and the repair another $50, that would be reasonable.

The grates on my Frigidaire gas range, which are porcelain coated iron, cost $100 EACH if they have to be replaced. I had two which began to chip prior to the expiration of the three year basic warranty, so I made sure to replace them while they were still covered. Since that time, no chipping, so I hope I just had two lemons and the rest will hold up. The grates are dishwasher safe per Frigidaire, but at the time they chipped, I was not aware of this fact and had never placed them in a DW, I only hand washed them. So the chipping can't be blamed on a DW. I do use a DW now and it keeps the grates sparkling clean...a big advantage over the cast iron grates found on commercial style ranges.

 

[logixx]

Not to mention how hard on fabrics it is to tumble for 2 or more hours!

Which would be the regular time for a full load to dry in a condenser dryer... *sigh*

 

[aaronfitzy]

Well....

I've switched to powder Tide HE and really limit using bleach in my new Duet. I'm hoping this will extend the life of my spider arm.

Something that did catch my eye on that website was the "Stay Fresh" door seal....anybody know how that works?

Aaron

 

[surgilator_68]

The door seal is supposed to have Microban or something like it to prevent the microorganisms from growing.

 

[passatdoc]

I just leave the door ajar when not using the machine, and wipe the seal dry after the last load of the day. No mold problems in 4 1/2 years, and my washer is in a garage that gets hot in summer.