German washing machines - Front Fill System

[zanussi_lover]

I've noticed through watching videos on you tube, that quite alot of German Washing Machines especially from the 1990's and 2000's have the front fill system, which is a fill flume which sprays down the glass, as the machine is filling, and slowing down from the interim spins.

I've seen it on Bosch and Siemens (3D Aquaspa), Miele and Bauknecht machines, even seen it on British Machines such as the 1993-1997 Hoover Newwave, Softwave and Classica Machines.

I've always thought this was an excellent idea for wetting the laundry and really fun to watch. I don't understand why washing manufacturers today don't use this still in their machines, as it would soak the laundry quicker, prevent pilling on fabrics. and also help with more efficient rinsing.

 

[glenfieldmathk1]

It is still used on Miele, Bosch & Siemens

Yes, Bosch Exxcel & Logixx, plus all the Siemens range, here in the UK (i think even the 7KG clasixx fill this way too, just it's not as fast filling as the other's), plus all the Miele's fill using this method even today.
It usually is only the rinse cycles/water top ups/pre-wash that use this fill, the main fill for the main wash, usually fills through the back.
It's a good method to fill, as it does rapidly soak laundry, but when filling with powder it can sometimes leave powder particles on top of the glass which aren't washed away.

 

[tomturbomatic]

The Mieles exported to the US, I'm thinking the W1918 and 1986 series and before, can't remember the model # of my first one, did not do this. The fill runs down from the dispenser to the lower front of the outer tub. I still miss the Westinghouse spray rinse after the wash to knock down suds, but then again, with most loads and detergents, I don't have that much suds. The rinsing is certainly adequate in both Miele models cited above.

 

[mrboilwash]

I have seen a friend`s Bauknecht (Whirlpool) spray the detergent over the load from a nozle in the door boot. It really left a huge mess of residue on the glass.

My Mother`s Bosch only uses a powerful spray with clean water to top up the water level and for the rinse. No problems with powder residue on the glass there.

My Miele does not spray the load at all but the door boot and the glass get sprayed with clean water for a few seconds before the detergent is flushed and for the rinses.

 

[mrboilwash]

I`m not sure that there is any advantage in wettig the load faster, but I like the idea of fresh water beeing used much better than a recirculating pump. Just the though of stale water that has been sitting for a week or maybe even longer in the sump to be dumped onto the next load makes me shudder.

 

[launderess]

Miele Has Their "Ball and Valve" System

Which in theory should prevent backflow from the sump to the next cycles,IIRC.

As for fast wetting down of laundry never understood why more domestic machines do not fill the way commercial ones do; tumbling one way whilst water is entering the tubs. Seems a much better way than a static fill until a certain level is reached.

 

[arbilab]

Sump volume is nearly irrelevant compared to fill volume. Sump mixing is negligible.

Static fill on highly absorbent fabric (towels) causes inadequate fill level once the entire load is wet. At extremes, tumble will cancel and revert to fill when the fabric absorbs water. Observed on my FL (Electrowhitefrigilux).

"Extended wash" starts with fill and tumbling so I always use it. It's harder but still possible to apply this to rinses. Mine is a clockwork timer, which can be manipulated more than a digital cycle.

IMO all FL fills should be accompanied by tumble and include 1qt sump purges. If *I* designed a FL, you'd love it. But "corporate" and squeaky conservationists would hate it and that plus my age and being American is why I can't get a job.

 

[aeg03]

Front Fill Design

Our Flexi Dose Zanussi Currys exclusive machine which we purchased earlier this year has a front fill design. I think Zanussi call it 'Aquafall'. Vid link below.

 

[jetsystem1200]

My Zanussi Jetsystem pumps out right before the wash starts so no water is left in the sump.