I happened across this video, thought it was interesting and thought you may be interested also. 4:23 minutes.
Consumer Reports video on how they test washers
- Thread starter revvinkevin
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The major problem with Consumer Reports isn't their testing methods, it's their bizarre and often inexplicable choices of which models to include in their ratings. E.g. I've never seen a Speed Queen top loader included in any of their washer reviews, even though they're the best TL's made today.
I've mentioned it before--
the brands and models tested by CR are chosen on market share.
Lawrence/Maytagbear
the brands and models tested by CR are chosen on market share.
Lawrence/Maytagbear
dj-gabriele
Well-known member
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- Jun 24, 2007
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Interesting view! But those front loaders are extremely underloaded!
CR tests machines with an 8-pound load, and then once again with a maximum-capacity load.
An 8-pound load (which is the average load size in the USA) is a small load in the new large-tub front-loaders.
An 8-pound load (which is the average load size in the USA) is a small load in the new large-tub front-loaders.
Oh for the days of Jetcone Agitators
and ABC Centric action! Now there were real toploaders that scared the dirt out of the clothes!
I hate those stupid dual action twisty do nothing agitators! How cheap and flimsy~
Its like using a clock motor to do the laundry.
Bendix 20 minute cycle clean clean clean!
And away goes Atomic Dirt down the drain!
and ABC Centric action! Now there were real toploaders that scared the dirt out of the clothes!
I hate those stupid dual action twisty do nothing agitators! How cheap and flimsy~
Its like using a clock motor to do the laundry.
Bendix 20 minute cycle clean clean clean!
And away goes Atomic Dirt down the drain!
Wow... I think I just found my dream job!!! Of course, pretty much everything would receive a rating of "very poor" from me besides the Miele and Asko machines..... lol
Thanks!
Thanks for posting the link to that video. It really helps to explain how CR does its testing. The shots of wash action were nice as well.
It also confirms something I suspected for a long time: that its method of testing for gentleness is flawed. They use what looks like maybe a square foot of coarse fabric with hole punched in it, and then measure how many threads can be pulled free of the holes after washing.
The problem with this method is that it disregards the potentially much greater forces exerted on large pieces of laundry, such as sheets, blankets, comforters, etc. In some washers, such large pieces can't move out of the way of the agitator, especially if the washer is filled to the max. This is typically a problem with traditional top loaders, which can tend to rip and tear at sheets, especially the fitted kind. A front loader, by design, will be more gentle with such large items - even those front loaders that are down-rated in gentleness in CR's testing.
But I think their washing performance and spin efficiency testing methods were good, and probably something one can rely upon in their ratings.
Thanks for posting the link to that video. It really helps to explain how CR does its testing. The shots of wash action were nice as well.
It also confirms something I suspected for a long time: that its method of testing for gentleness is flawed. They use what looks like maybe a square foot of coarse fabric with hole punched in it, and then measure how many threads can be pulled free of the holes after washing.
The problem with this method is that it disregards the potentially much greater forces exerted on large pieces of laundry, such as sheets, blankets, comforters, etc. In some washers, such large pieces can't move out of the way of the agitator, especially if the washer is filled to the max. This is typically a problem with traditional top loaders, which can tend to rip and tear at sheets, especially the fitted kind. A front loader, by design, will be more gentle with such large items - even those front loaders that are down-rated in gentleness in CR's testing.
But I think their washing performance and spin efficiency testing methods were good, and probably something one can rely upon in their ratings.
jerrod6
Well-known member
CR performs many tests, but it would be nice if they tested how well each washer and each brand of detergent rinsed.
ronhic
Well-known member
Choice
I really enjoyed watching this....and it is interesting to note the difference in gentleness testing between consumer agencies.
The Australian Consumers Association attaches embroidery fabric to swatches (it frays easily) and then measures the amount that is left unfrayed. The also measure rinse effectiveness and I hate say it, but front load machines are no longer the best performers...damn it....
However, I do feel that their testing methods are flawed slightly.
- They test in cold water and penalise machines that can't do a true cold wash (the majority of Australians wash in cold water - yuck)
- They test at capacity on the normal cycle yet surveys have found that the the majority of us only wash 4kg (9 lb)at a time yet don't test this.
- Many owners of front load machines use the quick or short washes...especially with smaller loads...yet they have not tested these....
I can understand the requirement to wash at capacity, especially as our water efficiency scheme tests at capacity, but if consumers don't wash like this wouldn't it be better to at least do some tests that are representative of what we actually do?
I really enjoyed watching this....and it is interesting to note the difference in gentleness testing between consumer agencies.
The Australian Consumers Association attaches embroidery fabric to swatches (it frays easily) and then measures the amount that is left unfrayed. The also measure rinse effectiveness and I hate say it, but front load machines are no longer the best performers...damn it....
However, I do feel that their testing methods are flawed slightly.
- They test in cold water and penalise machines that can't do a true cold wash (the majority of Australians wash in cold water - yuck)
- They test at capacity on the normal cycle yet surveys have found that the the majority of us only wash 4kg (9 lb)at a time yet don't test this.
- Many owners of front load machines use the quick or short washes...especially with smaller loads...yet they have not tested these....
I can understand the requirement to wash at capacity, especially as our water efficiency scheme tests at capacity, but if consumers don't wash like this wouldn't it be better to at least do some tests that are representative of what we actually do?
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