I've had my Intuitive ECO and SmartLoad for a month now. The dryer I've already mentioned, didn't get any responses. :-( Thought I'd throw out some details on the washer.
Maybe I'm easy to please, but I find it to be "smart" and versatile.
The automatic fabric sensing is quite impressive. After settling on a water level, it uses a different agitation stroke to check the fabric. There's an extra little 'push' at the end of the stroke that's part-and-parcel of the fabric sensing. If the fabric is light-weight, that results in a slight "jerk" of the agitator, as if it's slipping a tooth on a gear (which of course it can't do because there are no gears). The greater the "slippage" the lighter the fabric, and gentler agitation results. Thus far I've seen it come up with at least 12 different agitation patterns, as reported by the display. Mild Wash, Mild+ Wash, Easy, Light, Medium, Active, Active+, Firm, Firm+, Strong, etc.
I've found that how clothing is loaded can have an effect on what agitation is selected. For example, wrapping sheets around the agitator gives more 'drag' during sensing and results in a stronger agitation, compared to dropping them in with less wrapping. I suppose that's similar to loading patterns on vintage Frigidaires causing more or less tangling.
The separate Handwash setting is VERY gentle.
Per conversion of the °C temps stated in the NZ-version user guide, target wash temperatures are --
Cold = tap cold
Cold+ = controlled to ~68°F (the US user guide says above 60°F/20°C)
Warm/Cold = ~95°F (confirmed measured flowing in)
Warm = ~104°F (I've measured 115°F flowing in, but results in about 105°F in the wash basket)
Warm/Hot = ~122°F (measured 125°F flowing in)
Hot = 140°F depending on the water heater setting
Further, there is an option to adjust the temps by +/- 6°F in 2°F increments. Thus Warm/Cold has a potential range of 89°F to 101°F.
The graphics on the display are cute and entertaining. Power-on welcomes the user with a smiley-face that has blinking eyes!
The EcoActive detergent spray seems quite effective.
A complaint with the GWL11 EcoSmart is inability to get a full-fill hot wash without going through additional programming. The IWL12 has a separate option to select a "Traditional" deep wash at the selected temperature.
The LifeCycle selections provide various programmed combinations of EcoActive and deep wash temperatures, prewash and/or soak, extra rinses, and agitation speed or water level in some cases. I tried the Family/Allergy selection on sheets -- Hot EcoActive, Warm/Hot deep wash, medium/high soil level, and longer rinses. Temperature, wash time, and any other available parameter can be adjusted after making the specific LifeCycle selection, but they can't be saved as a permanent change to it.
The Creasables option appears to increase water usage by one level higher than what would ordinarily be used. After the EcoActive phase, settling on an initial water level and fabric sensing, it seems to always then fill one level higher before continuing on with the deep wash. Agitation action is also gentler.
I do have to say that the SmartDrive motor operational sounds are much different than my GWL08. It has a sort of squeeky/rubbery sound when agitating, that I must admit could be irritating to someone sensitive to it, depending on the accoustics of the installation location.
Maybe I'm easy to please, but I find it to be "smart" and versatile.
The automatic fabric sensing is quite impressive. After settling on a water level, it uses a different agitation stroke to check the fabric. There's an extra little 'push' at the end of the stroke that's part-and-parcel of the fabric sensing. If the fabric is light-weight, that results in a slight "jerk" of the agitator, as if it's slipping a tooth on a gear (which of course it can't do because there are no gears). The greater the "slippage" the lighter the fabric, and gentler agitation results. Thus far I've seen it come up with at least 12 different agitation patterns, as reported by the display. Mild Wash, Mild+ Wash, Easy, Light, Medium, Active, Active+, Firm, Firm+, Strong, etc.
I've found that how clothing is loaded can have an effect on what agitation is selected. For example, wrapping sheets around the agitator gives more 'drag' during sensing and results in a stronger agitation, compared to dropping them in with less wrapping. I suppose that's similar to loading patterns on vintage Frigidaires causing more or less tangling.
The separate Handwash setting is VERY gentle.
Per conversion of the °C temps stated in the NZ-version user guide, target wash temperatures are --
Cold = tap cold
Cold+ = controlled to ~68°F (the US user guide says above 60°F/20°C)
Warm/Cold = ~95°F (confirmed measured flowing in)
Warm = ~104°F (I've measured 115°F flowing in, but results in about 105°F in the wash basket)
Warm/Hot = ~122°F (measured 125°F flowing in)
Hot = 140°F depending on the water heater setting
Further, there is an option to adjust the temps by +/- 6°F in 2°F increments. Thus Warm/Cold has a potential range of 89°F to 101°F.
The graphics on the display are cute and entertaining. Power-on welcomes the user with a smiley-face that has blinking eyes!
The EcoActive detergent spray seems quite effective.
A complaint with the GWL11 EcoSmart is inability to get a full-fill hot wash without going through additional programming. The IWL12 has a separate option to select a "Traditional" deep wash at the selected temperature.
The LifeCycle selections provide various programmed combinations of EcoActive and deep wash temperatures, prewash and/or soak, extra rinses, and agitation speed or water level in some cases. I tried the Family/Allergy selection on sheets -- Hot EcoActive, Warm/Hot deep wash, medium/high soil level, and longer rinses. Temperature, wash time, and any other available parameter can be adjusted after making the specific LifeCycle selection, but they can't be saved as a permanent change to it.
The Creasables option appears to increase water usage by one level higher than what would ordinarily be used. After the EcoActive phase, settling on an initial water level and fabric sensing, it seems to always then fill one level higher before continuing on with the deep wash. Agitation action is also gentler.
I do have to say that the SmartDrive motor operational sounds are much different than my GWL08. It has a sort of squeeky/rubbery sound when agitating, that I must admit could be irritating to someone sensitive to it, depending on the accoustics of the installation location.
