Washing-Time
50 minutes is not at all a long time to be washing clothes. Especially when you consider this machine gives you pure, hot water when requested (We don't have "ATC" and dumbed-down temps in this country... Yet), is smart enough to determine the fabric type and speed of agitation and because you have a nice variety of cycles. Due to the addition of technology, the machine can probably adapt the cycle depending on the type of fabric that it detects too, ensuring proper washing action for all clothing.
You also need to look up the washing ability of these machines on YouTube. The Hand-Wash cycle on these is incredibly gentle. Heavy-Duty washes are powerful, and get things clean.
As for putting detergent in the agitator, this is a far better place to put it. Firstly, it is NOT in contact with clothing - so it cannot stain the clothes from dissolving during the fill. Secondly, it won't get washed into the bottom of the wash tub where it cannot be recovered. As the water level increases, powder dissolves and enters the water where the CLOTHES belong, not the outer tub.
If you consider the amount of energy that the well-developed Fisher and Paykel "SmartDrive" mechanism uses in operation, you will find it a MOOT POINT of how long it is washing. How many watts does agitation use on this? Maximum 100, I would think. And how much cost does that correlate to in a usual wash cycle?
NOTHING, especially when compared to using water heated by an electric heater (With ABSURD KW/h pricing) or using water from a scarce supply.
You must also take into account when considering how long the machine might take is the cycle used. Different cycles last for different amounts of time. These machines do allow customisation of washing time, at least from what I remember from my own research (The "QuickSmart" model can be adjusted for Short, Regular and "Heavy Duty" wash lengths, additionally, several "in-betweens" are offered).
Quite frankly, when washing in Cold water, you would greatly benefit from having a longer wash time - especially with your cold Canadian water supply. Remember: There are several key aspects of laundry. If you decrease any one of them, others must then be INCREASED to compensate. I.e. Reducing temperature = Increased Detergent Load (Increased environmental burden, poorer rinsing, detergent rashes), Longer Washing Time ("Increased" energy costs, more damage to clothing = Increased clothing costs, More Wear/Tear on machine).
In regards to your Cold-Water Washing claim, a good number of members have already tried discussing this with you. You know that what don't appreciate having our noses "rubbed in it," so please don't putting the match in the puddle of gas, will you?
But I will say: The majority of my clothing says this: "WARM, GENTLE MACHINE WASH. DO NOT TUMBLE DRY." Some articles have an additional 'Think Climate' notice on them, that tells you to wash in Cold. I follow the regular part of the care label. I want clean clothes, not "Environmentally Friendly" clothes (Which really isn't - when you think of the additional washing time and detergent loading plus fabric softener for stuff that isn't being cleaned properly).
