Need new washer. Please advise.

[empiratory]

I've been a front load person for years now and would never go back to top load willingly.

But I don't feel it's easy to purchase a washer these days. I've added a link that might be helpful in terms of what to look for and how to know what you are getting.

I personally own a compact Miele which I find outstanding in every way -- especially on delicates and Woolens. If money is not an object then the Miele Little Giant is a FL with maximum control, an outstanding heater and superb performance. I know several owners who swear by their machines. It does require a special electrical hook up.

Other very finicky laundry folk I know also like the Whirlpool Duet but one with the heater and the allergen cycle (harder and harder to find).

http://www.atticmag.com/2016/06/best-front-load-washing-machine/

 

[washingpowder]

Launderess,

Don't commercial laundries also resort to a lot more alkaline detergents and additives that are then neutralized with a laundry sour?
Also, their incoming water temperature is significantly higher than what most households have to offer, I assume.

It doesn't seem fair to compare those two significantly different methods of laundering.

Earthling,

I didn't even notice they removed the pre-wash option from their new line.
Truth be told, never used it on my Elux 60 since it would fill with tap cold, tumble for 10 mins and then drain, no spin. Meaning lowered main wash temperature and plenty of left-over detergent.
For pre-wash I'd set the machine to normal, warm and let it agitate, then switch to rinse/spin.

Empiratory,

Mieles are fantastic but once I became Americanized through association they're just too small. There's only two of us and two shedding pets, so technically it *would* be possible to get away with a smaller machine, but collecting laundry and running larger loads is preferred here - especially whites and sheets. I think if a baby's on its way larger capacity would be beneficial as well. Especially considering cycle times of any FL, large or small, are similar.

 

[empiratory]

Actually @washingpowder, the Miele has been perfect for the two us of for many years now. When I use larger machines they seem way too large. But as we know, that may be a function of sorting or types of clothing we have.

Everyone has different needs. I should add that the Miele Little Giants are slightly larger than Euro compacts. However, even my Euro compact does king sheets, king blankets and king duvet covers.

I think, from my experience and from friends who own them, the Little Giant is a perfect machine for a PINO buyer and family with little ones since it can produce perfect stain-lifting results with those little clothes with few additives and great hot water functions. A family of 6 would likely need a larger machine, I agree.

 

[earthling177]

@washingpowder:

I'm curious to know what's wrong with the Delicates cycle on the new Electrolux washers?

We don't have many items that are delicate, and we don't wear them very often, so I haven't used that cycle yet -- also, we have other washers that have proved adequate at washing such loads, so I can certainly use the other sets, but knowing what's wrong with the cycle might help people choosing new equipment.

Thanks in advance,
   -- Paulo.

 

[washerdude]

Your best bet would be a Maytag or Whirlpool FL, i've owned my WP Duet for 2 years now and not a single part has been replaced. On top of that it cleans very good.

Your next bet would probably be an LG FL, BUT make sure you get one with Turbowash (Accelawash on Kenmore's), without it, cycle times are horridly long.

 

[washingpowder]

Empiratory,

True that. All depends on habits.

Paulo,

That cycle is perfectly suitable for easy-care or somewhat sturdier knits and such but way too aggressive for silks, woolens, blazers etc.

It would stay still while filling and then intermittently do a long tumble and add water in small amounts until satisfied, causing extra rubbing in concentrated solution. Then short, somewhat slower tumbles. No spins between rinses. Low water level offers no cushioning.

The Elux 60 does rinses the same way on all cycles - no actual pool of water, but long tumbles with recirculating. Somewhat slower on 'Delicate' but again lack of cushioning from a deep(or any!) pool of water may damage special care items or cause excessive wear. Such 'economical' rinsing procedure is nowhere near enough if delicate wash detergents are used (they work very well with regular detergents and intermediate spins ). It just seems they modified the Normal cycle slightly and called it 'Delicate' without giving it much thought.

The 917 fills higher to rinse IIRC but tumbling sequence is virtually identical.

 

[askolover]

I've had European compact washers (Asko and Miele) for 20 years and have had no problems fitting king size sheet sets and quilts in either of them.  the only things that don't fit are the thickest king comforters which are usually taken to a laundromat anyway so they can be dried in a large dryer (I have full-size dryers at home but these items just dry better in those great big ones).

 

[rubaducky]

OP here....

Yep, Ukrainian trucks delivering Russian oil used make the Northern Chinese steel used to make southern Chinese parts shipped across the sea by some company based in Bermuda. Assemble and bam...Made in USA!!

Guys..I'm having trouble making a decision. So...used our home warranty to fix the old Kenmore Elite washer. Only cost me $60. That said...still want to replace with a new / better set. But for now...have some time to hang around the forum and make a less rushed/more informed decision.

Thanks again for all the great advice. Has been very helpful.

RubAduck

 

[appliancedude16]

Buy a Speed Queen top load washer

I would highly recommend a Speed Queen top loading washer.

 

[bobbi]

A lot has already been said about the benefits of a front loader machine. I had two of them before my current one that did not perform well. I did not choose the right FL machines previously.

My vote would be for an LG front load washer with steam, the Water Plus feature and the spray rinse would be really cool. I have the LG FL, but mine does not have the spray rinse feature. I do also have the little Sidekick washer underneath. Only bad thing is the Sidekick doesn't use hot water, no bleach allowed, and the optional Warm setting is not really warm.

Or maybe you want to consider the new Samsung FlexWash? Not sure that has a setting that allows you to add more water or not though, and I would personally prefer the tilted drum of the LG. Some of the HE TLers are good performers.

Decisions, decisions. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

[uncledave]

You have cheap and premium versions of both types.
The premium 220V front loaders offer features the cheapies can't touch.

I never once put small items in a bag in my Miele 1215 to protect them from loss.

I have for DW's bras and other items I wanted to limit the movement of - but never to stop a problem with item migration to an unwanted area.

Last I looked I had 10,246 cycles on it and have not once had an item migrate out of the drum.

Top loaders and most front loaders don't control temps to begin with and depending completely on the water inlet temp. 110 machines that do have a heater take typically take a long time to complete a load thats actually gets hot enough to kill germs, whereas the 220 machines blast through the germ barrier in under an hour.

You can always use bleach in lesser machines but the your fabrics can become compromised in short order using it.

I grew up with top loaders like most Americans but after living with a great front loader for about 15 years now I can't imagine going back to a TL. Especially in California where water is liquid gold.

UD