Has anyone on the site had experience with the Kenmore Top Load (not the oasis, but traditional machine) with agitator, that has the automatic water level control? I am wondering if this machine will actually fill up on a large load, or are the clothes washed in very low water levels? I also noticed on the machine a control for fabric softner yes or no. Does this control if the machine has a full deep rinse or not? It has a nice large tub of 4.0 but all other models allow control of water level, but only have a 3.5 size tub. I like the idea of a large wash tub, but am worried about the automatic water level. I notice that Whirpool and Maytag have the same feature on all 4.0 size machines. Any information would be helpful. This is an energy star rated model.
Kenmore Top Load with auto water level - anyone have one?
- Thread starter ryanm
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rll70sman
Well-known member
Yes, these models have load sensors to control the water level. I've not used or seen one in action, but I do know that the fabric softener selector will determine if the machine goes into an agitated deep rinse or just advances to the final spin after the wash cycle is completed. This final spin is then accompanied by spray rinses.
I know Whirlpool once had a model similar to this in '90s called the Resource Saver. Like the new models, this one used spin sprays to remove soap residue from the clothes instead of a deep rinse. I don't believe it had a load-sensing device, however.
I know Whirlpool once had a model similar to this in '90s called the Resource Saver. Like the new models, this one used spin sprays to remove soap residue from the clothes instead of a deep rinse. I don't believe it had a load-sensing device, however.
I have not seen these machines operate, but surely would like to see them. I would have bought the Maytag model when Home Depot had them on sale for $299 earlier this year, but they were sold-out when I checked.
The last info I read on the softener switch is that setting it to NO fills the rinse to the same level that was used for the wash. Setting it to YES fills the rinse to the highest level to insure softener is mixed properly into the load ... so based on that, it seems that the "normal" sensed level for a load is somewhat low. The target level is determined by reading data from a flow meter along with a pressure sensor in connection with how much water is needed to saturate the load to the lowest sensed level. The control board calculates how much more water to add beyond that lowest level.
There is a specific Bulky setting on the timer that may insure a full fill. And I understand that opening and closing the lid during the level sensing process will default the machine to a full fill, on the premise that more clothes may have been added which would skew the initial sensed level.
The last info I read on the softener switch is that setting it to NO fills the rinse to the same level that was used for the wash. Setting it to YES fills the rinse to the highest level to insure softener is mixed properly into the load ... so based on that, it seems that the "normal" sensed level for a load is somewhat low. The target level is determined by reading data from a flow meter along with a pressure sensor in connection with how much water is needed to saturate the load to the lowest sensed level. The control board calculates how much more water to add beyond that lowest level.
There is a specific Bulky setting on the timer that may insure a full fill. And I understand that opening and closing the lid during the level sensing process will default the machine to a full fill, on the premise that more clothes may have been added which would skew the initial sensed level.
supersurgilator
Well-known member
From what I understand, like someone else said the softener yes would be a deep rinse, and no is a spin spray. Likewise, I looked at the manual and it says if the lid is lifted during the load sensing part, the machine will stop and then fill to the highest setting, so I guess if u wanted more water, just lift the lid and it resets.
Yes, I have the Maytag version. Model MVWC6ESWW.
Bought it at HD for $299 just before Thanksgiving, delivered on Black Friday. Couldn't pass it up for the price.
Glen is pretty accurate on the operation. I like it so far, but there is a learning curve. I'm getting better at detergent dosing. With softened water you have to use less. I was used to a Frigidaire(agitator) which rarely made suds with any load.
Two shortcomings,
No window lid to see whats going on. The next higher model MVWC7 has one. I just ordered one for mine, should be here next week.
No timed bleach dispenser. If ever a model needed one it's this one. I don't use LCB that often so I'll live with it.
With the softener switch it does fill to the wash level in the OFF position, and in the ON position it fills to that level and then continues to spray after agitation begins until the end of the rinse cycle. It does have the setting for extra rinse which is handy. I think that it fills with a little more water on the CASUAL setting than the NORMAL setting.
I'll have a better feel for it once I get the new window lid. I think it's a pretty good machine overall.
Bill
Bought it at HD for $299 just before Thanksgiving, delivered on Black Friday. Couldn't pass it up for the price.
Glen is pretty accurate on the operation. I like it so far, but there is a learning curve. I'm getting better at detergent dosing. With softened water you have to use less. I was used to a Frigidaire(agitator) which rarely made suds with any load.
Two shortcomings,
No window lid to see whats going on. The next higher model MVWC7 has one. I just ordered one for mine, should be here next week.
No timed bleach dispenser. If ever a model needed one it's this one. I don't use LCB that often so I'll live with it.
With the softener switch it does fill to the wash level in the OFF position, and in the ON position it fills to that level and then continues to spray after agitation begins until the end of the rinse cycle. It does have the setting for extra rinse which is handy. I think that it fills with a little more water on the CASUAL setting than the NORMAL setting.
I'll have a better feel for it once I get the new window lid. I think it's a pretty good machine overall.
Bill
Wiskybill,
I thought I read somewhere if you open the lid during the wash cycle, that there is a possibility that the washer can flood...is this true? Were you able to get the window in the same color as your machine? Also do u think it is a true 4.0 cu ft capacity washer, can you hold more laundry in it? Best of luck to you.
Thanks,
Mike
I thought I read somewhere if you open the lid during the wash cycle, that there is a possibility that the washer can flood...is this true? Were you able to get the window in the same color as your machine? Also do u think it is a true 4.0 cu ft capacity washer, can you hold more laundry in it? Best of luck to you.
Thanks,
Mike
Hi Mike,
Not sure about the flooding. I have tried opening the lid a few times after it filled and it would spray/fill for about five seconds and then go back to work. Maybe if you did that enough times it would flood, but I have'nt purposely tried to do it.
Yes, I was able to get the lid in white. The other choice is platinum, I think, which is what my brother bought to match his new laundry room. He also paid almost double for his.
It does hold a lot of laundry, but who really knows if it is a true 4.0 cf. It's a lot like cars, your mileage may vary.
Bill
Not sure about the flooding. I have tried opening the lid a few times after it filled and it would spray/fill for about five seconds and then go back to work. Maybe if you did that enough times it would flood, but I have'nt purposely tried to do it.
Yes, I was able to get the lid in white. The other choice is platinum, I think, which is what my brother bought to match his new laundry room. He also paid almost double for his.
It does hold a lot of laundry, but who really knows if it is a true 4.0 cf. It's a lot like cars, your mileage may vary.
Bill
Thanks to everyone who posted in response to my question here. I read some reviews where people claimed that a full load of laundry was being washed in a half tub of water, which concerned me. The reviews on this auto water level were not positive. If I had to make the choice, I might go with the 3.5 size tub that allow the user to select the water level, which is a more conventional type.
vintagesearch
Well-known member
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i want one of those models probably leaning more towards the maytag version. o hell if the whirlpool is priced right that one too LOL the kenmore version NO! we looked at washers not sure if we are getting an new one anytime soon, in the near future though we might. i did read somewhere where a owner claimed that during the sensing part (it agitates) that it goes really slow like an extra delicate action. is that true? i have to find that review where ever it was, keep us updated please.
take care
take care
Well, DaDoES Fish & Paykel (F&P washers with the auto water level sensing does a grat job of figuring out how much water is needed. I can tell you from actual experience, what yo u think is a half-filled tub is actually the proper amount of water for the type of fabric and load size.
This new Whirly process doesn't involve any motor feedback sensing via agitation like F&P does. The machines are still the standard direct-drive transmission design of 25+ years so agitation can only be the standard high or low motor speed. The agitation here is only to insure the load is fully saturated so the water level control board can get an accurate reading on the pressure sensor along with the flow meter. I'm quite looking forward to seeing how it operates, what are the water levels involved, whether it's fully variable or targets a range of specific/discrete levels, and how accurate/consistent is the sensing. Somebody needs to get some vids on YouTube!
runematic
Well-known member
I've sold a few of the 7 series. Most of the folks like the washer, one however hated it. She was what I call a "laundry meddler." She always has to lift the lid to add more soap. I tried to get her to just put the proper amount of detergent in at the beginning. That just didn't work. She said that's how she's alwyas washed, and will continue to do so. She insists that she needs suds to clean. Even if she, for example, put in a cup of soap, she would add more during the cycle at some point. UHHH! So, I took the washer back and resold it and the new owners couldn't be any happier with it.
vintagesearch
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interesting points, im thinking this might be the newer hope for toploaders if its at all true that they will be discontinued....
mrb627
Well-known member
Push To Stop
I wonder if you stopped the machine at the timer, then raised the lid and closed it, would it still detect on a restart and raise the water level to full?
I wonder if you stopped the machine at the timer, then raised the lid and closed it, would it still detect on a restart and raise the water level to full?
vintagesearch
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i just read that! some customers say that has no effect but who knows
Don't know if this would matter to anyone or not, but I have seen many of the 800 series Energy Star washers at Sears' outlet store on sale for the upper $300s, $415, etc. If anyone is considering one of these, this might be a good way to experiment!
Gordon
Gordon
