Great price on KA Ensemble washer

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sudsmaster

sudsmaster

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I was in Costco after work today, and noticed some new additions to their laundry line up. Mainly, one of those stacked top loader/dryer combos (yech). But the real news is a $150 "instant mfg rebate" on the Kitchenaid Ensemble front loader. This machine seems to have all the key features, including internal water heater and sanitize cycle. Plus it's easy on the eyes.

The instant discount brings the regular Costco price of $1149 down to $999. Now, that's a pretty good price for an Ensemble. I'd get one by my Neptune refuses to die and then there's that little left hinge issue. If I could only get a Miele 4840 for $1,000... :-)
 
I will HAVE to look at that when I go to Costco on Wednesday...

But I'll chicken out. I always do.:)
 
I wish Costco sold the Ensembles last summer when I bought mine. I paid $1,250 for my washer and $899 (I think) for the electric dryer. Costcos around here only have the meteorite color, and although I prefer the white models that I have, if I had to replace mine tomorrow I'd gladly take the meteorite and pocket the $400 savings.

And FWIW, I think the Ensembles are far better machines than the three year-old Superba dryer and TL washer they replaced.
 
Oooh, that is a good price - I've noticed the Maytag branded machines are pretty reasonably priced too. I really want the Pro-Line Built-In dryer - that machine gives me a shiver! Incredibly well built, but for $3500 + $500 for the pedastal, I'll keep using the Duet.

1-9-2007-01-50-46--gansky1.jpg
 
That Dryer

It made by American Dryer Corp (A D C ) and is sold under the name solaris . It also sold in 25 35 and 50 lb models.
 
The Maytag Epic washer and dryer can be purchased at Home Depot for $1099/washer and $899/dryer in black or white and there's currently a $100 mail in rebate for the set as well as a $150 gift card from HD!
 
Is that the base Epic or the one with the internal heater?

The Ensemble is roughly equivalent to the HE4T, I think. Complete with internal heater and sanitize cycle.

I gather that Whirlpool is discontinuing the Kitchenaid Ensemble along with the KA top loader line. This would help to explain the "Manufacturer instant rebate" currenlty beng offered.

The Maytag Epic is the replacement for the Ensemble.
 
It may be a mistake, but Maytag's web site says both models (MFW9700S and MFW9600S) have "Thermal Optimization" aka built-in water heating. Two differences are 1000 RPM vs. 1200 RPM spin, and QuietSeries 300 vs. QuietSeries 400. I didn't dig for cycle differences.

I think the Epic is more a rebadging of the Ensemble, than a ground-up new development. Of course, there are two Epic models and (I think) only one Ensemble, so there is that.

I'm curious: The description also says, "IntelliTemp™ Automatic Temperature Control - Monitors incoming water for correct temperature. The washer fills after the optimal temperature has been reached." (Italics mine.)

Surely that doesn't mean it purges the lines to the drain until the target temperature is reached on the incoming flow .... does it??
 
I very much doubt in this day of catering to energy star and whatnot, that Whirlpool would be dumping any water down the drain unless it's served some washing or rinsing function first. Any water from the hot water line that was dumped down the drain would probably be counted as wasted heat - even if it was ice cold. We are left to force our washers to purge the hot water line through a variety of subterfuges - or go to the bother of installing a laundry sink next to the washer. If this were a 220 volt machine, it might not be such a big issue, as the washer could heat its own water fairly rapidly.

It certainly is possible that both Epic models have internal water heaters. A tell tale sign would be if both have a "Sanitize" cycle.
 
Count me in amongst those who prefer the Ensemble/Epic styling to the Duet (and the Kenmores). I specifically chose my Ensembles because I thought they looked nicer, although the TOL Duets do have a few more features, like the bulky cycle and delay start option. I think it was a worthwhile tradeoff, though.

FWIW, I do also like the styling of the Frigidaire Affinity washers, but the dryers seem to have been on the short end of the engineering stick. In addition to smallish capacity, the door is attached with a Fisher-Price hinge. It feels like you could bend the door off with minimal effort. Anyone else notice this?
 
I personally like the styling of the hetties the best...that plastic cover on the epic/duet/ensemble just throws it for me...screams cheap...even though these machines seem to be pretty well made.
 
Also agree that the plastic on the Duet fronts is my main problem with them. Somebody's BIL said the Duets look gay. I'm sure the pastel colored plastic was behind that assessment. From what I've read here, though, they are probably the best ones to go for in a large FL machine.

Zip, I also prefer the Frigidaire's styling--to me it's more masculine, substantial and ungay looking--but the stories I've read here about bad bearings and the small dryer capacity kills that deal for me. I don't get why they made the dryer drum so small if the washer will hold about as much as its Duet counterpart.

Hoping I can find a deal on a Duet/HE/KA/etc etc type FL that doesn't look cheap when the time comes to replace what I have. If I'm paying FL prices, I want the machine to look like I did!

Ralph
 

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