Duet FL vs. Kitchenaid FL (Has Anyone tried the Kitchenaid?)

[frontloadfan]

I have done my homework on these two units, reading information from both Whirlpool and Kitchenaid on their front loaders. What I would love to receive would be feedback from anyone who has used these machines. On another laundry website, I have read several comments about the Duet (mostly favorable), but to date I have yet to read anything from someone who actually owns/or has used the Kitchenaid FL. I have read Consumer Reports. They rate the Duet #1. They rate the Kitchenaid much lower, but also give it high marks in areas like being quiet.

Any case, if anyone can provide first hand experience with either of these machines, please provide your input. I plan on making the final decision between these two machines this Monday.

 

[Brent-Aucoin]

Hi there,
I would say to go with either the Duet, or the HE4T.
The Kitchenaid version has less options than both the Duet and HE4T. (And you are really paying more just to have the Kitchenaid name)
The Duet has less options than the HE4T.
And the HE4T has the most options of these versions.
I have had the HE3T for about 4 years now. It is a great washer! It can hold so much, and everything always comes out very clean.
Let us know what you decide to get.
Brent

 

[frontloadfan]

Decision Made: It is the Kitchenaid

I went ahead and completed the paper work today for my new washer. I decided on the Kitchenaid. This means I will have to wait up to two weeks as this is a special order. Not a problem as I will be keeping my Neptune until the new machines comes in. Then when they deliver the new machine they will take back the Neptune. Price difference between the Kitchenaid and the top-of-the-line Duet is a little over $100. If the Duet were on sale (which it seldom is), the price difference would be greater. I didn't price out how much the Kitchenaid in white would have cost to order, but I noticed on the internet that the unit in white lists for $100 less.

Big tangable for the price difference (other than the name) is:

two year warranty (added 4 years extended for a total of 6)
metallic finish called meteorite
the knobs and controls appear to be metal rather than plastic
Whirlpool's highest level of sound insulation: in fact they describe it as "our quietest washing machine ever"
The door is described as having enhanced construction (I noticed so many of the front loaders seem to have really cheap latches and hinges)

I realize that the Kitchenaid gives up a couple of cycles compared to the Duet. In their literature, they mention a couple of "exclusive" cleaning functions. For instance: "Our exclusive Stepped Spin system simplifies or virtually elminates ironing altogether by starting the spin cycle at a low speed, then shifting into a faster speed at the end of the cycle." I don't doubt that the Duet probably has a similar operation.

No doubt about it, if you are looking for the most bang for your buck, then the Duet is your machine. My decision was tempered more toward having a quiet and pleasing-to-the-eye machine.

This go around, I am opting NOT to get the pedestal. Last month when I purchased the Maytag Neptune, I went with the pedestal. Having experienced the pedestal, I prefer not to have one, based on the decreased utility of the top of the machine and the general appearance in the laundry room. In addition, the repairman mentioned to me that the pedestals can frequently create problems with balancing, spinning, etc.