Big vs Small: Newer GE TL Wash Performance

[washerdude]

We pretty much all know of the newer GE top loaders with the agitator. I came across two videos of these newer GE's performing. One of them is the bigger 4.2cf top load and the other is the lower end 3.8cf. I must say, the wash performance on the 3.8cf...is hell impressive. I really can't argue with it at all. It seems to be more aggressive than the SQ's. That being said though, the 4.2cf model seems to have much weaker agitation...

3.8 model (The agitator design is neat)

4.2 model

 

[ken]

My sister got a new GE W/D pair about two months ago. Washer is model GTW460ASJ5WW like above. The agitation is like shown in the video. Its definitely different than the old GE TL but it seems to move and wash the clothes well. I haven't heard any complaints from her or her daughter. But then its not like they're washing really dirty or greasy work clothes. And they're good about not overloading.

At least with this new GE you can set it for a full fill and a full deep rinse. But the default is just a spray rinse. I did tell her when she first got the pair she wasn't setting the water level high enough. She replied the clothes were wet so it must be enough water. I thought I said it once I'm not going to say it again and I haven't.

 

[combo52]

New GE Top Load Washers

Did anyone notice that there was no clothing in the demonstrations ?

 

Most washers are impressive without 6-10 pairs of adult sized blue jeans in them, LOL.

 

[tolivac]

It has the agitator with the "bumpilators" on the base.And yes,no clothes-did not want to sit thru the whole thing-don't need to see filling or spinning.Think I will try to stick with washers that have REAL agitators in them.

 

[joeypete]

These videos were very cool to see! The channel owner did say he didn't want to put garments in them because they are brand new and will be sold to customers. He does disclose the videos though. However he said he may buy some new clothes to wash in them. It's still great to see them in action, even if empty.

 

[mrb627]

Hotpoint

Has no deep rinse functionality. Just a single spray rinse and done.

Malcolm

 

[logixx]

The smaller tub has GE's Heavy Duty agi, which is also used in the cheapest GE top loader. It has one extra fin on the bottom.

Yet, the more traditional agi seems to turn over clothes very well also.

http://https//youtu.be/zefC2Urc2VU

 

[joeypete]

Hotpoint

Malcolm...the Hotpoint in the video does not have a deep rinse, but they do have a higher model that does. It's essentially the same as the BOL GE.

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[tolivac]

What a weird agitator---the high nubs on the base and the strange paddles and auger on the post.And it looks like one piece.

 

[brucelucenta]

Interesting...but only if you are stuck on top loaders. Front loading machines are really the best now for washing and rinsing completely and uniformly with no lint or sediment. There is just no comparison at all.

 

[hilovane]

But, WOW! The way the tubs index on these machines...is the agitator moving the tub, or vice versa?

Thanks; but I'll take my SQ over these any day!

 

[alr2903]

If your home consists of 2 office worker and kids with casual play wear.  I honestly think you could get by with either one of them.  Probably too early to figure out their useful life?

Thanks Washerdude for taking the time to record and post these video's.  A

 

[volsboy1]

I have been saving for a new Speed Queen but as always my T.V. decided to go a the fritz , so I am having to go much cheaper.

I looked at a Amana Top loaded-er and the Hotpoint Top-loader .. I was shocked to see the Amana reminds me of the Maytag with the skinny agitator .I can't seem to find a video of it washing though,well with the lid open I guess I should say.

I don't know as much about these new ones than the old ones.

I don't want to spend over 400 bucks though any suggestions?

 

[johnb300m]

Dang, these GEs are tempting.
They have great cycles.
Good performance ratings. Neat features.

But jeez, I just don't trust them.
Look how flimsy they seem.
That agitator thrashes all over on spin?
Notoriously loud gear-set?
Rumors of the cabinets being spot-welded shut, for bottom access only?
Who knows if a bearing replacement is even possible.....

Thoughts?

 

[joeypete]

Hmmmmm....

I like pizza.

 

[murando531]

Surprisingly, the video of the larger machine with the true dual action thrashed in the spin the least of all the other machines I've seen. But yes, otherwise it looks like the upper half of the agitator is about to fly off in these machines. And that cheese grater looking paddle setup on the lower end machine just looks awful. I'm not seeing how that is going to allow rollover or improve cleaning at all.

I still don't understand why GE threw out the HydroWave design. It was quiet, simple, and definitely seemed to have more flexibility as far as programming agitation behaviors and sensing. This new design is a crude ripoff of Whirlpool's VMW machines.

This video is typical of many user videos of the same washer. The agitator definitely looks as loose here as it feels in store.

 

[foraloysius]

Oh goodness, the water level is OKish, but why on earth does it take so long to fill up? There is really no reason why it shouldn't fill up as fast as an old fashioned toploader.

 

[joeypete]

In all seriousness (ah hem), I think overall these machines are very decent. I was torn between those and the WP variants...and obviously the DD variant that I did end up buying. I was very close to buying the impeller version of the GE's...and toyed with the idea of replacing the impeller with one of their agitators to see how it did, with the waterfall recirculating water. Thought it would be pretty cool! I looked at the parts diagram and they are all the same basic platform.

I understand what John is talking about with the agitator though...but I haven't heard anything about them flying off? haha. Honestly the Hydrowave agitator would do similar too. I'm not sure why they changed to the new platform either Andrew...the Hydrowave was incredibly quiet and if you purchased the high end electronic model, it did indeed have various degrees of agitation and the like. It looks like a very versatile machine.

I'd be interested to see the "Heavy Duty" agitator (one piece) handle clothes...it did a great job of agitating the water at least! haha

 

[vacerator]

JohnB300,

The noise is similar to a Whirlpool VMW. I bet the design is also. Bearings are replaced from the tub, and bottom. Same for pressure sensor, mode selctor, pump, motor, and gear case. Encoder, control module, dispenser and mix valve from the back and inside the console.