Miele Makes the Big Time

[sudsmaster]

At Consumer Reports, that is.

The latest issue reviews washing machines and dryers. The Miele Touchtronic 4840 (110 volt 4 cu ft tilted tub) washer placed in a four-way tie with a score of 81, along with the LG and Whirlpool steam washers, and the LG WM0642H washer. The rankings within the top four are a bit mysterious, with no explanation given for why, for example, the Whirlpool steam washer, which scored lower on energy efficiency than the Miele, was placed one rung above the Miele in the listing. I can conjecture that the price ($1900) of the Miele vs the price ($1600) for the Whirlpool was the decideing factor, although both are rather dear.

The Maytag Bravos was the top-rated top loader, and the only one to score "excellent" on washing. Ther runner up was a tie between the seemingly identical Whirlpool Cabrio HE and the F&P Aquasmart. Not sure why the Maytag version of the Cabrio washes better than the Whirlpool badged version, though.

But hey, a four way tie for first ain't too shabby.

 

[frigilux]

Did you notice, sudsmaster, there was no mention of the washer/dryer tests on the cover of the magazine? That's pretty sad, isn't it?

A GE toploader with the new Hydrowave action (slower, longer agitation strokes) scored very well in cleaning, allowing that particular washer to zip up the ratings scale, coming in just under the impeller TLers.

Despite all the steam-powered, bells & whistles front-loaders available, the machine tempting my checkbook is GE's Hydrowave washer. I also like the 7.0 cu. ft. drum on the matching dryer. That set can be had for hundreds less than the cost of the Whirlpool Duet washer with steam, alone.

With all the complaints registered by AW family members about the new ultra-low water usage FL'ers with their interminable balancing acts and 95-minute cycles, I think I'll stick with my old-school 3.0 cu. ft. Frigidaire FLer.

 

[launderess]

Hey!

My Miele takes the better part of a hour and plus to a wash load on cotton/normal, but at least it is not stingy with water. Unlike these wet-nap type washing machines of today.

L.

 

[sudsmaster]

Eugene,

I didn't pay much attention to the lower ranked top loaders, and I was unaware that GE had improved at least one of their machines' stroke and agitation speed. That is good news. But I wonder if they are still using plastic gears in their transmissions (if they ever did).

I did note that for some reason they didn't test the GE Adora type front loader. I wonder why that is.

I also noticed that the lowest ranked front loader, the Duet Sport, ranked higher than all but the top four top loaders, and even tied with the fourth ranked top loader. I also noticed that the spread between the front loaders was rather narrow, from 69 to 81, whereas the spread in the top loaders was a lot more, from 38 to 75. Additionally, no front loader scored less that "good" on washing, the most important criterion in my opinion, whereas the two bottom ranked top loaders scored only "fair" on that test. And, if you like making lint while sleeping, get the Haier Genesis GWT900A top loader. It was the only washer to score "Poor" on gentleness, but it did it very quietly ;-)

 

[mickeyd]

The GE Adora is one of the infamous culprits that AFTER AN HOUR of tossing still leaves dry spots on clothing in the middle of the drum. When one reads of such atrocities in the Deluxe Forum, one shudders. Two hour wash cycles, etc, completely unacceptable, but I'm getting old and the new generation is at hand. Our family of 8 could not have survived laundry with two or even one hour cycles.

 

[sudsmaster]

Hmm. Well, if I had an Adora FL, I'd be tinkering with the water level control to see if it could be boosted to acceptable levels. I found it strange that CR reviewed the GE Adora dryer and gave it a good rating, but made no mention of the matching washer.

I occasionally see the GE Adora front loader on Craigslist going cheap... like $375 recently. Probably due to the incomplete wetting of the load, and long cycle times.

If one is to accept the CR ratings, the three washers that score excellent on washing and good or better on gentleness are the Whirlpool steam washer, the Miele 4840, and the Maytag Bravos HE toploader. Others either score lower on washing and/or only fair or worse on gentleness.

 

[laundromat]

front loader's cycle time

All of the front loaders I've had and or seen do offer a "quick cycle"which usualy takes 30 to 40 minutes.Even the L.G.I now own and use has a "Quick cycle"that has one 8 minute wash and two deep rinses followed by a 1200 rpm final spin.It takes 35 minutes.I use it with the permanent press program.