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Competition from LG

I dont think LGs comptetion is a bad thing, I think that comptetition and government regulations have led to some creative products like the Maytag Neptune TL.

US top loaders have been all the same for years, esp with the Dual Action agitator. You lift the lid and they all look the same inside.
 
Even though we see FL machines in stores, they're still a very small segment of the market---about 10%, I believe. While traditional agitator-based TL machines have just about reached their maximum water/energy efficiency (unless the shower rinse replaces the deep rinse), the new HE Maytag, GE, and KM/Whirlpool top-loaders will ensure that format doesn't go the way of the dinosaur.

Having said all that, I went FL in 1986 and have never looked back. No interest in a TL of any kind. I love the FL format, especially now that machines can be set on pedestals, which raise the opening to waist height for easier loading.
 
paper clothes and washer bases

I hope we don't have paper clothes either-SAVE the TREES!
On the FL washers-couldn't the machines be built with taller cabinets to elevate the drum opening higher up off the ground so you don't need to buy the almost $200 base for the dryer and washer?Would be a savings of $400.That may even make the machines more appealing to budget minded buyers.also for the TL formats-what about the sudsaver?I would consider it if that was still available. Used SS machines are as rare as hens teeth here.I would be willing to put in the Sudsaver tub for it.I would like to see one work as well.
 
LG Front Loaders

Not only do I like the design the best but the way it works and the mechanism is totaly unique!The higher end models have a recirculating jet spray from the top of the inner seal that sprays down onto the revolving load of clothes during the wash and rinse programs.The motor is direct drive and has no belts,no pullies,and no gears.Because it is a d.c.motor,it is extremly quiet and I am not sure of the decibles but they must be among the lowest in any washing machine.It has a protective sump that catches anything that is left in pockets ie,change,buttons,pins...,etc.None of the other horizontal axis washers have that.The arms are perferated and have rollers jets on them to help keep clothes from tangeling.The price is more reasonable and the warranty is more reasonable than most others.I have seen maybe 3 or 4 of these in returns as oposed to dozens of the Frigemores,Maytags,Whirlpools and Kenmore HE3/HE4Ts.
 
Hi Austin - At the present time, the newest top-loading washer I have in use is the late 60's Westinghouse which I do use quite a bit. I do have a late 80's Kitchen Aid electronic control washer that I've "tricked out" with a newer, slower stroke tranny and larger base agitator but I don't have it hooked up right now.

I picked up the stuff I need to stack the Duets to make room for the Maytag combo's triumphant entrance into the laundry room soon, with a little bit of luck. I'd thought about selling the Duets to make more room, but this stacking option is a much better idea - I would really miss them a lot, it's one of the best cleaning washers I've ever used.
 
WP vs LG

I like WP, too, but the only way they are going to beat LG is to come out with FL models that are cheaper than Duets. The price HAS come down, but still not enough to really compete with the LG's. Seems like when you go to shop for FL machines, there's a big gap between cheapies like Frigemores and the Duet/Hettie type machines. The LG's seem to fit right between the two.
 
WP vs LG

Because of their plasticity as oposed to metalic making of body parts,I see a lot of the "KitchMorePools" HE3/HE4 machines in the shop with trim parts falling off.The trim arond the control panels,the door trim.Also, the boot has a tendancy to catch small pieces like socks and undees.If too much or the wrong type of detergent is used,it makes a mess by billowing out the back and leaving a trail of suds on the floor.The Lgs have "fuzzy Logic"and can sense when there are too much suds and will drain the water then refill to acommadate the load.I have also seen the pumps fail from coins,pins and other pieces left in pockets.Not the LG's,They have a safety sump trap below that catches materials like that as well as lint.I really think not only for the price but the design and engineering of these machines,they are ,so far,the best front loaders out.I also believe that not to far into the future,we will see them(LG)re-introduce the combos in 220V as well as gas models.Just look at all the models they have to choose!They're even making a smaller capacity (3.2cu.ft)set to compete with the FriGEMores!
 
It's very sad going to Best Buy and seeing these sparkling, sturdy LG's, and then going down the next isle and seeing the plastic, flimsy Neptunes and Duets. WP and Maytag have their work cut out for them if they want to compete...

-ph
 
LG FL at Best Buy doorway

Went to BB today to get my copy of the Star Wars movies -and that black LG pair was still by the front door. They look very elegant.People just walk by them-I did stop breifly to look.Yes-I agree they are certainly trying to get into the US market.They do look like better quality than the Neptunes.If I were to get into the FL market(The LG's are the nicest loooking!)they would get my consideration.Just need LOTS of space....Do the LG machines need 220V(for the washer) I was assuming the dryer would run off 220V.I was wondering if the LG washer needed a 220V 15A outlet.
 
Cointraps and fuzzy logic

I'm surprised that more US FL dont have cointraps. I cant think of a FL in Australia that doesnt have a coin trap at the front should something slip through that shouldnt. I'm pretty sure all the European machines are the same.

The Whirlpool FL in AU and most european FL have some logic that can detect an oversuds situation and correct it. Again I'm surprised that this isnt a feature on US FL.

I've put regular soap in my Aunts 7yo Kleenmaid FL just to see what would happen. It filled with copious bubbles, and then ran tumbling slowly and draining and filling at the same time. Within 3 or 4 minutes the bubbles were down to a reasonable level.

Maybe its just that the US FL are much newer than the ones the rest of the world has and thus not evolved, but surely more than the LG must have some sort of Cointrap and Fuzzy Logic system.
 
cointraps and fuzzy logig

Unfortunately,most Americans have no clue as to what "fuzzy logic" means nor do they even care.In my experiences selling most people (more like converting them)onto the front loaders,I notice almost everytime they have no clue what brand washer or dryer they currently own.All they know is they drive a Lexus,their motorhome is a Winnebago,Their watches are Rolex,and their fabric softner dispenser has this gross gummy stuff all,over it and their clothes somehow keep getting these black spots all over them.Gee,I wonder what causes that????Manufacturers here see this and take advantage of the ignorance of the average consumers and use that as a means of production cost reduction.A perfect example is to look at a 1970's electric or gas range about middle of the line and see the features...ie,automatic and manual outlets to plug other appliances into,a full width flurescent light,and an automatic oven that can shut itself off at the set time and compare it to a current middle of the line range that has no extra features like that not even a panel light or an automatic oven.Believe me,the foreign manufacturers are way ahead of us in appliances but it is our own fault not theirs.
 
Today's (9/22) Wall Street Journal has an article about LG (Lucky Goldstar) entering the upscale major appliance market.They are trying to shed the image of cheap import microwaves etc; though they still mfg them. Like every other company, they are trying to fatten the profit margin with premium prices on appliances. Gee, I wonder where they get the cheap labor?
 
SUD Cycle

The Duet has a suds detection cycle. It happens at the start of the spin. If there is enough resistance to the tub spinning, it may trigger a sud release program that adds cool water and just lets the load rest for a few minutes. Then it pumps out and tries to spin again.

MRB
 
Premium Prices on LG

I would find it horrifying to pay a premium price, for something that in the past has never lasted long term.

They seem to be a little bit like the Korean Cars, they either do or should come with long warranties, because after 5 years, (And expiration of the Warranty) if you're lucky it'll still start, but it could be blowing some smoke and have a little trouble pulling up.

The technology might be good, and it might look great, but usually the build quality just isnt quite up to it. But in the world of disposable appliances perhaps that doesnt matter any more.
 
Premium price

I didn't look at the price on the LG pair at the BB near me.It seems most of the FL machine are premium priced.And folks pay the price for the premium price throwaway machines.It seems with products such as those made in the Asian countries-you can get premium quality or low quality.Just depends how well the maker is supervised by the quality control dept.Sounds like the LG units are pretty-but the Bosch may be better.The Bosch are built just down the street from me.Too-would be nice if the merchants could demonstrate the machines for you.Next time I am at BB will compare the prices of the Bosch and the LG.
 
LG price

When I went looking at new machines, it seemed that LG machines between the expensive Duets/HET's and Neptunes the cheaper Frigemores andothers of that ilk.
 
This time checked the prices on the LG pair.Washer was $1200,dryer was $899. Bases were $169Ea.If you bought the set with bases-about $2400. Too much for me-for that I'll use what I have or even take my clothes to a cleaner.Not worth it for its pretty face.I wonder what the "service Life" of these machines are.
 

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