Consumer Reports March '06

[DADoES]

Whirlcool, I recall those pics from the first time you provided the link. Very kewl set, would love to see them. The only thing I find a little irritating about the electronic control machines is the lack of a fully-variable water level as is possible with a mechanical control. My F&P's are the same, five discrete levels.

 

[hoover1060]

Pete

Number 1 and 2 are versions of the Kenmore Profressive with direct drive.
The Hoover came in 3rd if I remember right

 

[whirlcool]

The only reason I reposted the link is that Sactoteddybear asked for it. I remember posting the link previously.
The default water level on these machines is "High", one step below "Super". We always used to wash clothes on High, no matter how big/small the load. Over the past 3 months or so we have been setting the water level lower, just to the point where we get good rollover. Since we have been doing that we have noticed that our clothes and especially our towels have been wearing more and even some of the edge bindings on our towels are separating from the towels. So back to the high water setting again. Clothing shredder!
When you look at the control panel, you'll notice it states "High Efficiency" on it. One of the advertising points was that this washer only uses 29 gallons of water for a load vs the 40 or more for other washers at the time. This is kinda funny as now the new high efficiency front loaders use much, much less than this!

 

[whirlcool]

Whoops!

I meant to say "Energy Efficient" instead of High Efficiency in my previous post. There IS a difference!

 

[DADoES]

It also says "Gentle Wash System." Does agitation shift from high to low toward the end of the wash period, or stay at the same speed throughout? Two speed motor, or three? I'm figuring 3-speed, but could be wrong. My 1991 KitchenAid has a 3-speed motor.

Interesting that water usage was touted as part of the energy efficient aspect. 29 gallons for a full wash/rinse? Not counting for spray rinses, that's only 14.5 gals per fill. Must not be based on the Super water level!