Just played with the new Electrolux's

[revvinkevin]

I just happened to go into the local major appliance store about a week ago and looked at the new Electrolux machines. They look nice. I like the look of the controls and at first I like the way the door looks and functions. BUT after opening and closing it a few times, the novelty wore off and I began thinking "I want a more solid door latch feel...". Hmmm.

Also, this washer and dryer happened to be plugged in. I played with the controls a little then the sales person set it for the high-speed spin (because she couldn't get it into the "demo" mode). Of course the machine was empty and was very quiet as the speed picked up. However.... as it was nearing the top RPM, the door, developed a plastic-on-plastic chattery squeak! Yes the machine was level and no the cabinet was not vibrating at all.... just the door, and THAT is NOT a sound I want to hear every time the washer went into high RPM spin!!

 

[sudsmaster]

The squeak just might have been the dry rubber boot against the dry glass door. The salesman in Hayward said that the door wasn't a problem opening, but if the rubber got a bit dry and stiff it would take longer to open.

I tend to doubt that there will be a problem with the door flying open during a wash, or leaking from the less than solid door latch sound. There is no doubt a locking mechanism that makes sure the door won't open at times when water might escape.

Things I looked for but didn't find: An emergency door pull, like the Neptune and the Mieles have, where you can force the door to unlatch. I use it periodically with the Miele. Seldom have I needed it with the Neptune (only when the motor failed). That's because the Neptune lets you open the door at any time during the entire wash cycle. The Miele locks you out after a few minutes of washing.

Another thing not found: an access port for the coin/lint trap. There's not one on the Neptune and it's never been a problem, but ... it would be nice to have one on the Elux.

The saleman made a good argument in favor of the Miele 48xx over the new Elux. I can see his point. You can't beat the Miele heritage and their expertise with designing washers that work very well and last a long time. The Elux is sexier, but perhaps the Miele is a more durable and better performing product - albeit for about $500 more.