CR Downrating Front Loaders

[johnrk]

CR bias

I agree with 'panthera' about the shift in CR in the 80's. We saw it in the car magazines also. It was almost like once they started fooling more with colorful colors on the covers (and then later on the inside) the focus changed. The early CR magazines were such fun to read because they were so very serious! I can still remember as a kid, reading their testing of foods where they'd report how many insect parts and hairs were in each sample. They didn't waste a bunch of time on the car testing showing photos. They would tend to test models of different items that weren't necessarily the most expensive or fanciest, and often tested the 'economy' models.

By the 90's they were 'yuppified', testing and rating many things based on style and/or status. They still do. In the earlier decades anyone could go to CR and glean good information, regardless of their social demographic. These days? Definitely aimed at middle-middle class and upper, certainly college-educated and upper.

Perhaps it's allowed them to stay in business, but something was lost, too. With so much less 'word' content in each issue, as a prior posting said, I'll tend to flip through it at the grocery store, scan anything I want to see, and put it back.

And thanks to all here for your great comments!

 

[launderess]

Cannot tell you how many have complained

Not only about how skimpy CR's coverage in print magazine is now, but that even after paying for a subscription you are required to pony up *more* money for online access. Since large parts of the meat and potatoes of reviews are now online it is rather galling CR hits one up to pay for something many feel they should have gotten in the first place.

 

[ea56]

I gave up on CR at least 20 years ago. Like others have already stated there was a time many years ago, probably you have to do back at least 40 years ago, when CR really seemed to go in depth product evaluations that were more aimed towards people that were senislble and hoping to get good value. Now they seem to direct their skimpy, product biased reviews to the more affluent, not the more practical.

My sensible maiden aunt, code for Lesbian school teacher used to subscribe to CR, and reading them at her home in the late 50's and early 60's was my first exposure to CR. The reports and reviews were no nonsense and gave lots of info that was based on testing that they explained. I believe that the consumer had a better opportunity to make an informed decison on a prospective large purchase based upon CR reviews.

Then by the early 80's the quality and depth of CR reviews declined steadily. And their recommendations began to not make a lot of sense sometimes. Now, with the access to multiple reviews and manufacture websites there isn't much need for CR, and their biased opinions.

I'll do the research myself, and if I make a poor decision on a purchase, its on me.
Eddie[this post was last edited: 10/9/2017-19:30]

 

[lordkenmore]

I lost faith in Consumer Reports probably about 1990 when they compared two stereo receivers--a plain Sony, and a Sony ES (upscale Sony line)--and concluded the ES model wasn't worth it--or worse--because the measurements were the same. I felt that the comparison was hugely unfair because none of the geniuses at Consumer Reports apparently bothered giving a fair listening test.

 

 

[frigilux]

CR is one source of information available to us when making purchases. I maintain that their testing methods for appliances and cars have improved and become more, not less accurate, than even ten years ago. Name another US-based source that tests as many brands and models using standardized criteria.

I am one of the people who almost always checks in on CRs ratings when making purchases. So far, their track record for predicting the performance of products I've purchased has been remarkably accurate.

The GE double oven I bought brings water to a boil very quickly, has a superior self-cleaning cycle, and doesn't bake quite as evenly as the Frigidaire it replaced.

My Speed Queen washer uses a lot of water, is very good (but not excellent, as was the Maytag 8100 front-loader it replaced) at cleaning, has a shorter cycle time than most HE washers, and doesn't extract as much water as most HE machines (especially front-loaders).

The 2014 Ford Fusion I purchased handles well on the highway, has a fairly quiet interior, and is a bit tight for floor space in the driver's compartment. It shifts smoothly and has a rather old-school 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine that sounds raucous in pedal-to-the-metal situations. The voice-activated features ("Read text message"; "Call Steve") are frustratingly hit-or-miss.

Some of the purchases I've made (the Maytag 8100 pair, for instance) were at or near the top of CR's ratings.

Although a recently-acquired top-loading SQ washer was in the middle of the pack (the dryer further down the list, a rating I absolutely agree with) the set of criteria I had for this purchase did not emphasize water/energy consumption. I don't care for impeller / agipeller-based top-loaders, so SQ was the obvious choice for me. Everyone here knows I prefer HE front-loaders, but circumstances involving installation on an upstairs wooden floor where laundry room noise intrudes on the other three upper level apartments led me to a top-loader this time.

Naturally, my purchases also involve checking out the opinions of AW members. While opinions vary widely about particular brands even here, I certainly put more stock in the user reviews at this site than, say, the ones at Lowe's or Home Depot. On top of that, several people here actually service appliances for a living, so we are privy to insight/information not available to the average consumer.

Anyway, no one should expect CR to be the be-all and end-all of information about products. It's simply one of any number of resources you can consult when making purchases.

Having said all that, will I be washing all my loads in cold water? No. No I won't.

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

Too much narrowness in CR's mission is related to the ever-declining quality in today's product...

And the fact, that everyday goods are mainly 'cell phone-this' and 'computer-that', meaning that that along w/ cars and appliances, those are where laws of perfection greatly apply...

So while Consumer Reports wants to maintain themselves as a credible source, although quite a fall from being THE Credible Source, you have to realize there are a lot of other tools for researching and determining quality of an item you are planning to purchase by just going to sources on the Web... A few consumer guide type places have turned up online, which are more reliable, tested by an actual public and in most cases, Free...

Word of mouth goes farther than it used to, even some brick-and-mortar retailers that if there's knowledgable help even know, usually by the commerce of selling their product and making determinations on returns, repairs and customer complaints, while based on how much of that item sells...

-- Dave

 

[rolls_rapide]

I think our 'Which?' Magazine is in the same boat.

You only need to look at the old issues from the Sixties and Seventies, to find a wealth of information sadly lacking from today's versions.

One thing that has bugged me for yonks, is 'Which?' recommends an appliance, as 'best on test', etc.

The faithful readers then buy said machine(s). The machines's deficiencies are then revealed in all their glory - warts and all.

Why the hell didn't their 'tests' pick up on that at the time?

 

[yogitunes]

the best source for any machine, auto, or product....the 'Mechanic'....

the guy who works on these will give the best opinion, as he can tell you which has the most issues, which he sees less of, which are built better than the others....which will perform better than another....

even a Pharmacist will give you better input, and for the most part, more trusted information, than most doctors ever will.....

I always found it funny, ask any Maytag Repairman, he is anything but bored and lonely!...

 

[dermacie]

I have little respect for Consumer Reports. I always feel like they could easily be bought off by corporate America.

 

[fisherpaykel]

Color/less accuracy Less info in print

johnrk, Launderess et al, you are so right! I had the same thought re more colourful pages and less information, less logic and more agenda focus, ie cold water washing. And just where are the rinse efficiency tests? I want all the test results for all items tested in the print magazine to see it all in one place, and I can keep it for future reference, and yes why do I need to pay extra for online access. I don't know if still the case but in past online info was only archived for a set time period. To be fair, recently they mentioned possibility of cold only washes requiring some sort of maintenance-would be better if they had photos of an inner tub coated in stenching sticky grey biofilm when fed cold only and liquid only detergent and softener, but then that might hinder their pseudo-enviro agenda. Save a bit of water but replace your broken appliance in 3-5 years because it is more cost effective? All costs? Bunker C polluting ships bringing the lastest colour washers from China and South Korea. Fantastic!

 

[tomturbomatic]

But Martin, even then, mechanics and service people can harbor biases for products that let them overlook faults that would drive someone else to distraction.

 

[petek]

I highly doubt that they are being "bought". Just imagine legal nightmare that would ensue. Say cars for example.. how could any of the big manufacturers "buy" a good rating?  Look at the years and years Suzuki had them in court because of a bad rating which they eventually lost..CR was able to prove repeatedly to the court that their test was not biased by running the exact test over and over and getting the same result.   And with all of these company's owning each or part of each other off and on over the years,, they'd know.  Remember they're not for profit. they make a lot of money from donations and subscriptions  .   Lastly,,, you would think after what 80 years.. and the hundreds or thousands of people they've employed in that time that some of them were shall we say "disgruntled" as there are in every workplace.. If shenanigans had or were going on you can be damn well assured that it would come out, be leaked, by one of them.. And it hasn't.   

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

Okay, Suzuki & Rollovers, there's also the Ford Explorer and Firestone... Lawsuits ensuing there just as badly, and people needing help as numbers of injuries and deaths rose from each event...

Consumer ("You know who/what") Reports just as much got caught in the crossfires of--along the lines of 'reporters of the Clark Kent/Jimmy Olsen/Lois Lane-breed', only no Superman could save them, there...

-- Dave

 

[brucelucenta]

consumer reports

Consumer reports attempted to guide in the purchase of items they tested. They could not really test the longevity of many things that were new on the market, such as automatic washers. They did test them on how well they did their job though and were pretty accurate. That was small consolation when someone bought a Norge washer in the 50's because it was rated so highly and it broke down so frequently for instance. As far as front load washers, the early ones all rotated in only one direction and were small capacity in comparison to many top load machines. They were very good for sediment and lint disposal, but not that great at cleaning really grimy items. They were fairly poor at water extraction too. I also think that the early front load machines needed service more frequently too. It was not until much later, probably the late 80's or early 90's that front load machines changed drastically and had larger capacity, reversed rotation and spun water out far better that they were rated highly in consumer reports. Now they are the clear choice when buying a new machine because of the superior job they do with a minimum amount of water and energy.

 

[johnrk]

re 'frigilux'

Regarding online surveys and input on products--all those years that I was in health care, we knew that one characteristic would invariably factor in on feedback from the public and our patients: people are roughly ten times more likely to complain than commend. I could count on hearing from someone who was unhappy about some aspect of their experience much more often than someone who had a pleasant one. With Lowe's, HD, etc., I take that into account.

As a manager of people working with the public for a few decades, I'd recommend giving good feedback whenever you can, to take the trouble. I called the owner of my local appliance dealer a couple of weeks ago, after his employees did a fine job of installing my new SQ pair. If I need plumbing or a/c work, any of that type of service--if the guy coming does good work, is pleasant, etc., I call his employer or business and report it. Please just don't assume that they know this guy is doing a good job--let them know it.

 

[ea56]

John

I couldn't agree with you more! I too was a supervisor for the last 16 years I worked for the Human Service Dept. People always want to call and complain, but they will seldom give a commendation for good service. I have made it a point all my life to give credit where credit is due. When someone does a good job for me I always call the appropriate party and make sure that the worker gets recognition for a job well done. Having worked with the public all my working life I know how meaningful it is to hear something good about an employee or to be an employee commended for a job well done.

And as a supervisor I never let an opportunity go by to give praise. Its human nature to live up to recognition for good work, and conversely, to sink in performance if one believes that no one cares that they are doing a good job. People live up or down to how they are preceived.

For this reason I believe its always a good idea to take some negative reviews with a grain of salt.
Eddie[this post was last edited: 10/10/2017-15:56]

 

[gyrafoam]

If all I had to choose from was a 1953 Bendix Combo I would be just fine. Just need some Dash detergent or All.No problem.

 

[losangeles]

Cr Downrating Front Loaders

When I retired from the Naval Submarine Service I upgraded from a Lg capacity WP with the Super   Surgilator agitator.  I bought a 2006 WP Duet pair.  Rather invested.  It was the most expensive appliances in the house.  It has been and continues to be a great machine.  It has washed its way through two kids  in college, loads and loads of nursing uniforms, miles of sheets, towels, quilts jeans and even my grimy garden clothes and even the sheerest curtains and has not given me so much as a sneeze of trouble.  I have had one water valve replacement but it was still under warranty.  It is now 11 years old and still going strong. If I could have changed anything in the washer it would have been the tilted tub.  Washing a load of jeans or towels is a tangling nightmare.  I frequently have to pause before the final spin to detangle so the machine will balance and go into the final high speed spin.  And the 1200 RPM final spin. WOW, What a finale!  My mother-in-law had a Westinghouse slant front that was the same with tangling as my WP.  You would think that WP would have learned that tilted tubs were a mistake.  BTW what was the thinking behind the tilted tub.  Anyway, I did not consult CR before buying.  I relied mostly on word of mouth.  Again, is there a reliable source of information/ratings for washer coming on the market in 2018?  Thanks for listening.