Thanks Steve
New GE Front Loading W&D Set
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SactoTeddyBear
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Re: Follow-Up:
"OOPS" I forgot since I was getting tired last night when I Posted my info. There are also a Model of the Washer and Dryer, that I'm assuming would be the other Units to be sold basically at the rest of the Stores. The other Model Numbers are:
Washer #WBVH6240F
Electric Dryer #DBVH512EF
Gas Dryer #DBVH512GF
I've got an Appliance and Furniture Store that I've been a Customer with for quite a long time now. When I'm able to get back there, I'm going to inquire as to how much they well be selling these Units for and just for curiousity how much my "Friends-N-Family" Discount would be as well and I will let everyone know later on.
Peace and Happy Holiday Cheer, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...
"OOPS" I forgot since I was getting tired last night when I Posted my info. There are also a Model of the Washer and Dryer, that I'm assuming would be the other Units to be sold basically at the rest of the Stores. The other Model Numbers are:
Washer #WBVH6240F
Electric Dryer #DBVH512EF
Gas Dryer #DBVH512GF
I've got an Appliance and Furniture Store that I've been a Customer with for quite a long time now. When I'm able to get back there, I'm going to inquire as to how much they well be selling these Units for and just for curiousity how much my "Friends-N-Family" Discount would be as well and I will let everyone know later on.
Peace and Happy Holiday Cheer, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...
frontloadfan
New member
Strike Out At Local Home Depot
Today as I was running my weekend errands, I worked in a trip to local Home Depot for the purpose of seeing (for the first time) the new GE front loader washer. I got there and looked in vain for it. I finally asked the saleslady where it was. She explained that they had a place picked out for it, but they didn't plan to get it on display until after Christmas. She explained you didn't want to get in anything heavy like that until after Christmas.
Any case, I struck out this weekend, but next weekend I will make it a point to go to whereever I need to go to actually see one of these machines!
Looking at the display models, I noticed that Maytag and LG are the two prominent front load washing machines at Home Depot. For Maytag, my local Home Depot had 4 different Maytag front load washers. There was the mega (Samsung) front loader, the medium capacity (like 3.4), another medium capacity (the old style, no glass in the door Neptune)and a really small capacity Maytag. It will be interesting to see if there is still such a range of Maytag front loader a year from now after the Whirlpool merge has occurred.
Today as I was running my weekend errands, I worked in a trip to local Home Depot for the purpose of seeing (for the first time) the new GE front loader washer. I got there and looked in vain for it. I finally asked the saleslady where it was. She explained that they had a place picked out for it, but they didn't plan to get it on display until after Christmas. She explained you didn't want to get in anything heavy like that until after Christmas.
Any case, I struck out this weekend, but next weekend I will make it a point to go to whereever I need to go to actually see one of these machines!
Looking at the display models, I noticed that Maytag and LG are the two prominent front load washing machines at Home Depot. For Maytag, my local Home Depot had 4 different Maytag front load washers. There was the mega (Samsung) front loader, the medium capacity (like 3.4), another medium capacity (the old style, no glass in the door Neptune)and a really small capacity Maytag. It will be interesting to see if there is still such a range of Maytag front loader a year from now after the Whirlpool merge has occurred.
Try the Home Depot in San Leandro...
The new GE's have made an appearance at the Home Depot in San Leandro... I got a good look at them last week.
Here's my "review":
New GE Frontloader
I may have to revise my opinion of GE appliances. Or at least on this one.
Last night I spotted the new GE front load washer ("Adora") at my local Home Depot. I have to say I am extremely favorably impressed with this machine, and its relatively reasonable price. I would have to say that GE has done its homework on this one, and has included many key features that we here on THS have been clamoring for quite some time. And at a great price.
Here are the positives:
1) Giant 3.7 cu ft (IEC) drum
2) The drum is NOT tilted. It is, from what I can tell, a "pure horizontal" design. This should please purists.
3) The door is ample and wide, with very lightly tinted glass. The hinge looks strong and robust.
4) The drum is similar in construction (holes, appearance of metal, etc) to the smaller, less ergonomic Frigmore. However the paddles have little holes in them, presumably to help shower water on the clothes. The rear of the drum has an interesting pattern, almost like fins. This may be a stamping to help reduce overall washer depth, by accomodating the arms of the spinner support. But they may also aid in tumbling.
5) The boot looks clean and simple.
6) There is a prewash detergent dispenser.
7) There is an internal heater and a "Sanitize" option.
8) Fit and finish look quite good.
9) There is a "favorite" feature where settings for particular favored washer settings can saved.
10) The controls are up front, allowing for the most flexibility in washer placement.
11) The main control is rotary, favored by most consumers.
12) On hot settings, the first few seconds of fill are cold water - helping to avoid setting stains.
13) The overall footprint is relatively small. 30.5" front to rear. This is much less than the Duet/Hetties while holding as much if not more of a load. This one could fit in my laundry closet.
14) All this for only $899. This is a bargain considering the features of this washer.
The Negatives:
1) Being a GE product, while the sales price is quite reasonable, parts are likely to be exorbitant.
2) The machine is made in China. This is probably the only way it can be offered for less than $1000, but still...
3) The only voltage option is 110 volts. This means the heater will not be able to work very fast to heat water. The manual states that the water heater must be set to at least 120 F for proper performance.
4) I couldn't find any up front "coin trap" door. Perhaps there is a coin trap hidden behind the lower front panel, but I didn't see any mention of it in the owner's manual.
5) The one I saw was white/white. The white of the control panel plastic looked a bit dingy next to the brilliant white of the metal pieces.
6) There is no drum light. This is one innovation by Maytag with the Neptune that more mfg's should emulate - In my humlbe opinion.
7) There is no way to set time for cycles. It's kind of dumbed down to "Whites", "Colors", etc type of control settings. But I suppose for most consumers this is just fine if not preferable.
8) I didn't notice any LED display letting you know how much longer the cycle would take, or for the inevitable error messages. But maybe I just missed it in my excitement. [Update: I see from GE's web site that the machines do feature an LED display giving estimated remaining cycle time).
9) The door is hinged on the left, and this cannot be reversed. Another innovation by Maytag with the Neptune that more mfg's should emulate.
10) The outer drum is most likely plastic, with concrete counter-weights.
11) Of course, this machine has no track record so reliability and performance are big questions. But I eagerly anticipate first owner reports as well as Consumer Report's eventual review.
Would I own this machine! Yes, most likely, if I didn't already have a well functioning front loader, I'd get the GE (along with the longest extended warranty I could find). I believe, despite some limitations, it would be a superior washer to the Neptune and perhaps to all the other super-size front loaders currently on the market. This is mostly by virtue of its "pure horizontal" drum design. While I was looking at it, I pondered if I could get a set to replace my Neptune set... I wondered how much $$$ I could get for my Neptunes... they work fine, and have had sufficient repairs that I think they will run without trouble for several more good years. But I suspect they might be a "hard sell".
So, if you are looking for a big front loader today, I think you may be lucky that GE has released what looks to be a fine machine.
The new GE's have made an appearance at the Home Depot in San Leandro... I got a good look at them last week.
Here's my "review":
New GE Frontloader
I may have to revise my opinion of GE appliances. Or at least on this one.
Last night I spotted the new GE front load washer ("Adora") at my local Home Depot. I have to say I am extremely favorably impressed with this machine, and its relatively reasonable price. I would have to say that GE has done its homework on this one, and has included many key features that we here on THS have been clamoring for quite some time. And at a great price.
Here are the positives:
1) Giant 3.7 cu ft (IEC) drum
2) The drum is NOT tilted. It is, from what I can tell, a "pure horizontal" design. This should please purists.
3) The door is ample and wide, with very lightly tinted glass. The hinge looks strong and robust.
4) The drum is similar in construction (holes, appearance of metal, etc) to the smaller, less ergonomic Frigmore. However the paddles have little holes in them, presumably to help shower water on the clothes. The rear of the drum has an interesting pattern, almost like fins. This may be a stamping to help reduce overall washer depth, by accomodating the arms of the spinner support. But they may also aid in tumbling.
5) The boot looks clean and simple.
6) There is a prewash detergent dispenser.
7) There is an internal heater and a "Sanitize" option.
8) Fit and finish look quite good.
9) There is a "favorite" feature where settings for particular favored washer settings can saved.
10) The controls are up front, allowing for the most flexibility in washer placement.
11) The main control is rotary, favored by most consumers.
12) On hot settings, the first few seconds of fill are cold water - helping to avoid setting stains.
13) The overall footprint is relatively small. 30.5" front to rear. This is much less than the Duet/Hetties while holding as much if not more of a load. This one could fit in my laundry closet.
14) All this for only $899. This is a bargain considering the features of this washer.
The Negatives:
1) Being a GE product, while the sales price is quite reasonable, parts are likely to be exorbitant.
2) The machine is made in China. This is probably the only way it can be offered for less than $1000, but still...
3) The only voltage option is 110 volts. This means the heater will not be able to work very fast to heat water. The manual states that the water heater must be set to at least 120 F for proper performance.
4) I couldn't find any up front "coin trap" door. Perhaps there is a coin trap hidden behind the lower front panel, but I didn't see any mention of it in the owner's manual.
5) The one I saw was white/white. The white of the control panel plastic looked a bit dingy next to the brilliant white of the metal pieces.
6) There is no drum light. This is one innovation by Maytag with the Neptune that more mfg's should emulate - In my humlbe opinion.
7) There is no way to set time for cycles. It's kind of dumbed down to "Whites", "Colors", etc type of control settings. But I suppose for most consumers this is just fine if not preferable.
8) I didn't notice any LED display letting you know how much longer the cycle would take, or for the inevitable error messages. But maybe I just missed it in my excitement. [Update: I see from GE's web site that the machines do feature an LED display giving estimated remaining cycle time).
9) The door is hinged on the left, and this cannot be reversed. Another innovation by Maytag with the Neptune that more mfg's should emulate.
10) The outer drum is most likely plastic, with concrete counter-weights.
11) Of course, this machine has no track record so reliability and performance are big questions. But I eagerly anticipate first owner reports as well as Consumer Report's eventual review.
Would I own this machine! Yes, most likely, if I didn't already have a well functioning front loader, I'd get the GE (along with the longest extended warranty I could find). I believe, despite some limitations, it would be a superior washer to the Neptune and perhaps to all the other super-size front loaders currently on the market. This is mostly by virtue of its "pure horizontal" drum design. While I was looking at it, I pondered if I could get a set to replace my Neptune set... I wondered how much $$$ I could get for my Neptunes... they work fine, and have had sufficient repairs that I think they will run without trouble for several more good years. But I suspect they might be a "hard sell".
So, if you are looking for a big front loader today, I think you may be lucky that GE has released what looks to be a fine machine.
frontloadfan
New member
Good Review!
I struck out at the Pittsburg Home Depot, but next weekend I will go right to the Concord Home Depot. I am certain they will have it on display.
Sudsmaster, first of all good review. I do have a couple of questions, but I don't that in any way detract from what is really a good insightful review.
I am curious as to why you state that its capacity would be as much or more than Neptune, Duet, etc? It is really hard to eye ball the drums, but the GE lists at 3.7 whereas the Duet lists at 3.8 and the Neptune (Samsung) at 3.81. I mean based on the stats you could say hold almost the same, but I was just curious as to why you termed it as much or more?
Another issue, you mention about this machine being available only in 110? Other than Meile, do any of the other US front loaders come available in anything other than 110?
You mentioned coin trap. Do you know does the Duet have this feature? I have the Kitchenaid and I figure if Duet has it, probably my KA does too.
You mentioned about there not being a way to set for the cycle lengths. I think that is true of about all the machines. You are required to go with a cycle and then you can modify it (and add time) by selecting options and soil factors. While on this subject, I also hate that the new machines lock you in to temp settings!
If your Neptune is still running well, I would be tempted to keep on trucking with a few more years. There is always going to be something better right around the corner. I think on the postive note, GE might actually start a thread with the front loader adding more features and with the prices coming down somewhat. I mean if this GE does pan out well, I think LG, Maytag, and Whirlpool will have to match.
Any case, really good review!
I struck out at the Pittsburg Home Depot, but next weekend I will go right to the Concord Home Depot. I am certain they will have it on display.
Sudsmaster, first of all good review. I do have a couple of questions, but I don't that in any way detract from what is really a good insightful review.
I am curious as to why you state that its capacity would be as much or more than Neptune, Duet, etc? It is really hard to eye ball the drums, but the GE lists at 3.7 whereas the Duet lists at 3.8 and the Neptune (Samsung) at 3.81. I mean based on the stats you could say hold almost the same, but I was just curious as to why you termed it as much or more?
Another issue, you mention about this machine being available only in 110? Other than Meile, do any of the other US front loaders come available in anything other than 110?
You mentioned coin trap. Do you know does the Duet have this feature? I have the Kitchenaid and I figure if Duet has it, probably my KA does too.
You mentioned about there not being a way to set for the cycle lengths. I think that is true of about all the machines. You are required to go with a cycle and then you can modify it (and add time) by selecting options and soil factors. While on this subject, I also hate that the new machines lock you in to temp settings!
If your Neptune is still running well, I would be tempted to keep on trucking with a few more years. There is always going to be something better right around the corner. I think on the postive note, GE might actually start a thread with the front loader adding more features and with the prices coming down somewhat. I mean if this GE does pan out well, I think LG, Maytag, and Whirlpool will have to match.
Any case, really good review!
Great Review
Thanks for doing the leg work Sudsmaster.
Coin traps seem to be a dying feature on many front loaders sold in the United States. IIRC none of the Korean made "Maysungs" have them, nor does the aformentioned GE model and countless others. IIRC the Bosch/Seimans washers do, but owners are not "supposed" to open up the trap. Do not see where this is a benefit, mind you in the years of front loader use have never found much more than small amounts of lint in coin traps, but like to know it is possible to clean/solve a problem without an expensive repair call.
What is some what interesting to me is that front loaders being offered in the United States seem more and more about price and less with construction for the long haul. Sure there are literally tons of cycle choices, but most are simply variations of the same four basic washing machine cycle choices we have always had: sturdy cottons, permanent press, delicates, hand washing. What does seem to be a trend is rather than include within the owners manual a "washing guide" to help with laundering, washers simply come with a cycle already built in. This wouldn't be a problem if the computer control boards are of top quality, but sadly that is not always the case.
Everyone seems to be rushing towards larger and larger capacity, which again is a good thing as Americans never really seemed to like the small "Euro" sized machines. How ever with larger capacity comes increased stresses on certian parts including bearings and suspension systems. It is ok to advertise laundering 18lbs of laundry, but can these new machines do so day in and day out for years?
There simply isn't any such thing as a free lunch, so it remains to be seen where GE is going with these units. It is all very well to bring a large capacity front loader to market for under $900, loaded with features. But if the unit only lasts five or six years (if that)before needing major repair work or being junked, where is the good in that?
Launderess
Thanks for doing the leg work Sudsmaster.
Coin traps seem to be a dying feature on many front loaders sold in the United States. IIRC none of the Korean made "Maysungs" have them, nor does the aformentioned GE model and countless others. IIRC the Bosch/Seimans washers do, but owners are not "supposed" to open up the trap. Do not see where this is a benefit, mind you in the years of front loader use have never found much more than small amounts of lint in coin traps, but like to know it is possible to clean/solve a problem without an expensive repair call.
What is some what interesting to me is that front loaders being offered in the United States seem more and more about price and less with construction for the long haul. Sure there are literally tons of cycle choices, but most are simply variations of the same four basic washing machine cycle choices we have always had: sturdy cottons, permanent press, delicates, hand washing. What does seem to be a trend is rather than include within the owners manual a "washing guide" to help with laundering, washers simply come with a cycle already built in. This wouldn't be a problem if the computer control boards are of top quality, but sadly that is not always the case.
Everyone seems to be rushing towards larger and larger capacity, which again is a good thing as Americans never really seemed to like the small "Euro" sized machines. How ever with larger capacity comes increased stresses on certian parts including bearings and suspension systems. It is ok to advertise laundering 18lbs of laundry, but can these new machines do so day in and day out for years?
There simply isn't any such thing as a free lunch, so it remains to be seen where GE is going with these units. It is all very well to bring a large capacity front loader to market for under $900, loaded with features. But if the unit only lasts five or six years (if that)before needing major repair work or being junked, where is the good in that?
Launderess
Review!
Sudsmaster,
Thanks so much for the review -- today I went to sears and best buy and could not find it - looks like a awsome washer. I tried home depot 2 weeks ago but they didn't yet have it. I will try again. I have a LG combo and I thought for a long time they would go with the LG design and was surprised when they didnt. I would love to see these designs in a China website - I have the Little Swan website but cannot find FL washers.
Peter
Sudsmaster,
Thanks so much for the review -- today I went to sears and best buy and could not find it - looks like a awsome washer. I tried home depot 2 weeks ago but they didn't yet have it. I will try again. I have a LG combo and I thought for a long time they would go with the LG design and was surprised when they didnt. I would love to see these designs in a China website - I have the Little Swan website but cannot find FL washers.
Peter
frontloadfan
New member
Good Issues Launderess
Launderess,
You bring up some good issues. Regarding durability, I think many of us who purchased the mega machines will now be forced into making needed repairs, be they major or minor down the road.
I purchased my Frigidaire fl in 98. The bearings gave out earlier this year. I could have paid to repair it, but the repair cost compared to price paid would have been around 50%. That fact, plus the availability of new (and hopefully improved) mega machines made the decision apparent: ditch the frigidaire and go for the mega!
When the mega machines start to bite the dust, the math will be entirely different. I mean you pay $1200 to $1500 for a machine and you are not inclined to walk away from it. Even with a major repair, the cost ratio should be down to like 25%.
But back to your durability issue, think about the commercial front loaders. They function day in day out, from like 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, running almost non-stop. I wonder if anyone has really reviewed how well they perform? Do they have a superior design that means they can perform like this or is the answer that the machines are readily serviced - and if needed repaired. In other words, are they tough as bullets or just given repair when they need it? It would be interesting to see if there are any stats in terms of the components on these machines. If some of the components are truly superior (say the bearings), it would be great if the Whirlpools, Maytags, GE's would incorporate them into their design.
I guess it's maybe all about making a machine affordable. I mean the consumer mega machines go from $1,200 to $1,500 and that seems like a lot. Then, however, you look at what a "double loader" commercial front loader would cost, what like $5,000?
I guess only time will tell how durable these machines will turn out to be. I hope the average Hettie/Duet/Maytag etc. can go a good 10 years without major repair. The track record for the original Frigidaires and Neptunes does not look all the great, but let's cross our fingers!
Launderess,
You bring up some good issues. Regarding durability, I think many of us who purchased the mega machines will now be forced into making needed repairs, be they major or minor down the road.
I purchased my Frigidaire fl in 98. The bearings gave out earlier this year. I could have paid to repair it, but the repair cost compared to price paid would have been around 50%. That fact, plus the availability of new (and hopefully improved) mega machines made the decision apparent: ditch the frigidaire and go for the mega!
When the mega machines start to bite the dust, the math will be entirely different. I mean you pay $1200 to $1500 for a machine and you are not inclined to walk away from it. Even with a major repair, the cost ratio should be down to like 25%.
But back to your durability issue, think about the commercial front loaders. They function day in day out, from like 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, running almost non-stop. I wonder if anyone has really reviewed how well they perform? Do they have a superior design that means they can perform like this or is the answer that the machines are readily serviced - and if needed repaired. In other words, are they tough as bullets or just given repair when they need it? It would be interesting to see if there are any stats in terms of the components on these machines. If some of the components are truly superior (say the bearings), it would be great if the Whirlpools, Maytags, GE's would incorporate them into their design.
I guess it's maybe all about making a machine affordable. I mean the consumer mega machines go from $1,200 to $1,500 and that seems like a lot. Then, however, you look at what a "double loader" commercial front loader would cost, what like $5,000?
I guess only time will tell how durable these machines will turn out to be. I hope the average Hettie/Duet/Maytag etc. can go a good 10 years without major repair. The track record for the original Frigidaires and Neptunes does not look all the great, but let's cross our fingers!
Future repairs is what turns me off wanting to buy a new washer especially a front loader. I don't think I'm totally out to lunch when I expect my washer to last about 20-25 years with minimimal or no servicing. Heck my mom's only on her 3rd in over 50 years, mines going on around 15. I would be right pissed off if I spent $1000+ and it malfunctioned somehow within the 10 year range
Commercial/Laundromat Washers
Are indeed for the most part built to a better standard than what one isgetting for home use today. This theory is borne out by the many Wascomat and other brands of commercial washers 30 or more years old still happily chugging away. Yes, they may have needed a repair now and then, but by and large still work as designed.
If one has ever seen the inside of a commercial/laundromat front loader, it is amazing that inside such a big "box" lies truly simple machinery. Well built in most cases, but very simple. Bearings, hoses, innner and outer tubs and other parts are designed to be easily serviced (usually from the front if possible), with parts right off the repair persons truck. Or, since many laundromat owners do their own repair work, parts that are always instock/easily found. After all for commercial washers time is money. A machine out of order is a machine taking up space and not providing revenue.
Also methinks microprocessor controls on commercial front loaders have better mother boards and are more insulated from the heat and moisture which destroy cheap home units. Bearing in mind also that many commercial machines are still mainly electro-mechanical controlled IIRC.
All this comes at a price though, even small 18lb laundromat washers run a few thousand. True one can find quasi-commercial units meant for less demanding bed & breakfast/beauty shop and such use, but many commercial washer dealers will tell you most of those lines are not much better than TOL home units. Read, lots of plastic inside and out.
Think what we are seeing in terms of these uber front loaders for home use, are washers built to last at least the average age of home units. That is to say if the average American home owner keeps a washing machine for say five years before buying new, then five years of service is what the unit is designed for. I'm not saying five years before needing to be replaced, but it may be five years before a family moves or "Her Indoors" decides she wants the latest model and chucks her current washer. In short same thing we see with cars and other appliances/electronics.
As one wanders around appliance show rooms it is amazing how similar most washers, especially front loaders seem to look these days. Not only in terms of design, but features as well. Which leads one to believe there are a handful of Asian suppliers cranking out parts for all these machines.
Another difference between commercial units and home washers is that home units are being produced more and more in complete "sections/assemblies" rather than individual components. In a commerical unit one has a inner wash tub, outer wash tub, bearings and spindle assembly. Many home units have just "drum assembly" which is all several parts as one. While this does save labour costs in terms of building the appliance, it usually means if one part, say the bearings go, the entire assembly must be replaced. Many,many FriGeMore units were simply chucked because the cost of a tub assembly including parts and labour was near or over the cost of a new unit.
Once Whirlpool gets their mitts on Maytag it will be interesting to see what happens to front loader technology in the United States. With really only two major players left in the market (three if one counts Electrolux), innovation may start to fall.
What may also be interesting is if American consumers get fed up with front loaders with many problems,they return to top loading washing machines.
Launderess
Are indeed for the most part built to a better standard than what one isgetting for home use today. This theory is borne out by the many Wascomat and other brands of commercial washers 30 or more years old still happily chugging away. Yes, they may have needed a repair now and then, but by and large still work as designed.
If one has ever seen the inside of a commercial/laundromat front loader, it is amazing that inside such a big "box" lies truly simple machinery. Well built in most cases, but very simple. Bearings, hoses, innner and outer tubs and other parts are designed to be easily serviced (usually from the front if possible), with parts right off the repair persons truck. Or, since many laundromat owners do their own repair work, parts that are always instock/easily found. After all for commercial washers time is money. A machine out of order is a machine taking up space and not providing revenue.
Also methinks microprocessor controls on commercial front loaders have better mother boards and are more insulated from the heat and moisture which destroy cheap home units. Bearing in mind also that many commercial machines are still mainly electro-mechanical controlled IIRC.
All this comes at a price though, even small 18lb laundromat washers run a few thousand. True one can find quasi-commercial units meant for less demanding bed & breakfast/beauty shop and such use, but many commercial washer dealers will tell you most of those lines are not much better than TOL home units. Read, lots of plastic inside and out.
Think what we are seeing in terms of these uber front loaders for home use, are washers built to last at least the average age of home units. That is to say if the average American home owner keeps a washing machine for say five years before buying new, then five years of service is what the unit is designed for. I'm not saying five years before needing to be replaced, but it may be five years before a family moves or "Her Indoors" decides she wants the latest model and chucks her current washer. In short same thing we see with cars and other appliances/electronics.
As one wanders around appliance show rooms it is amazing how similar most washers, especially front loaders seem to look these days. Not only in terms of design, but features as well. Which leads one to believe there are a handful of Asian suppliers cranking out parts for all these machines.
Another difference between commercial units and home washers is that home units are being produced more and more in complete "sections/assemblies" rather than individual components. In a commerical unit one has a inner wash tub, outer wash tub, bearings and spindle assembly. Many home units have just "drum assembly" which is all several parts as one. While this does save labour costs in terms of building the appliance, it usually means if one part, say the bearings go, the entire assembly must be replaced. Many,many FriGeMore units were simply chucked because the cost of a tub assembly including parts and labour was near or over the cost of a new unit.
Once Whirlpool gets their mitts on Maytag it will be interesting to see what happens to front loader technology in the United States. With really only two major players left in the market (three if one counts Electrolux), innovation may start to fall.
What may also be interesting is if American consumers get fed up with front loaders with many problems,they return to top loading washing machines.
Launderess
Frontload fan,
Thanks for the compliment.
When I compared the new GE FL to the Neptune, I was thinking of my Neptune, which is the 7500. That one is only 3.2 cu ft IEC, or 2.9 cu ft real.
I also figure that since the new GEFL is a true horizontal, it can fit slightly more of a load in it than a tilted drum of the same claimed capacity.
The GE is a 110 volt machine. I don't know of any "full-size" 27 inch super capacity front loader in America, other than the commercial machines, that works off 220 volts. It's a shame, and one of those grumbles I have about the American style designs, and the GEFL does nothing to address this shortcoming. I also think they couldawouldashoulda have made the door reversible, but for under $900 I guess one can't expect to have all one's wishes met in one unit...
As I understand it, the Duets and Hetties have coin traps, but they are hidden behind the lower front panels. The Adora might well have one hidden behind the panel, as well, but I didn't see any mention of it in the owner's manual. FWIW, the Neptune 7500 doesn't have a coin trap either, not even a hidden one, but I've never had a problem with a coin getting past the labrynthine door boot, and I've routinely found loose change in the wash drum after a wash. I figure one would have to shove a coin into the gap between the drum and the boot to get one in there. The Maytag man said he's only seen one coin trap issue in all the machines he's visited, and it was a quarter, which was exactly the right size to clog the old pumps. We both agreed a child was probaly involved in that one ;-). In any case, servicing the pump and clearing a clog looks relatively simple once you get the 7500 front panel off.
With regard to cycle times... the Neptune 7500 allows one to select various tumble patterns - from cotton/sturdy to hand wash, independently of the wash time (from 5 min quick to 34 minute extra heavy). It also allows you to set the spin speed independently, as well as the temperature. And all these combinations can be named and stored as "favorites" items, retrievable at the push of a single "button". So you could have a heated hot 130F five minute handwash cycle, with pre-soak and max extract spin... if you so desired.
Laundress,
Thank you as well. I'm not sure I'd classify the GE FL as a BOL machine with lots of cost cutting measures. The low price is mostly due to its counrty of origin - China - where labor is very inexpensive and factories can pollute and do other things that boost production but would be illegal here. I think GE finally put its thinking cap on when it came to designing the machine, realizing perhaps that the design need not be so limited by manufacturing cost considerations. Reliability, of course, is a big question with any new machine. Quality control has been a problem for many companies that have outsourced production to China. However, as much as I dislike how Jack Walsh ran GE, their Six Sigma program is designed to result in excellent quality control, and if they are able to apply this discipline to their Chinese partners the machine might well last longer than just a few years.
Still, I'd recommend getting the longest extended warranty available.
Thanks for the compliment.
When I compared the new GE FL to the Neptune, I was thinking of my Neptune, which is the 7500. That one is only 3.2 cu ft IEC, or 2.9 cu ft real.
I also figure that since the new GEFL is a true horizontal, it can fit slightly more of a load in it than a tilted drum of the same claimed capacity.
The GE is a 110 volt machine. I don't know of any "full-size" 27 inch super capacity front loader in America, other than the commercial machines, that works off 220 volts. It's a shame, and one of those grumbles I have about the American style designs, and the GEFL does nothing to address this shortcoming. I also think they couldawouldashoulda have made the door reversible, but for under $900 I guess one can't expect to have all one's wishes met in one unit...
As I understand it, the Duets and Hetties have coin traps, but they are hidden behind the lower front panels. The Adora might well have one hidden behind the panel, as well, but I didn't see any mention of it in the owner's manual. FWIW, the Neptune 7500 doesn't have a coin trap either, not even a hidden one, but I've never had a problem with a coin getting past the labrynthine door boot, and I've routinely found loose change in the wash drum after a wash. I figure one would have to shove a coin into the gap between the drum and the boot to get one in there. The Maytag man said he's only seen one coin trap issue in all the machines he's visited, and it was a quarter, which was exactly the right size to clog the old pumps. We both agreed a child was probaly involved in that one ;-). In any case, servicing the pump and clearing a clog looks relatively simple once you get the 7500 front panel off.
With regard to cycle times... the Neptune 7500 allows one to select various tumble patterns - from cotton/sturdy to hand wash, independently of the wash time (from 5 min quick to 34 minute extra heavy). It also allows you to set the spin speed independently, as well as the temperature. And all these combinations can be named and stored as "favorites" items, retrievable at the push of a single "button". So you could have a heated hot 130F five minute handwash cycle, with pre-soak and max extract spin... if you so desired.
Laundress,
Thank you as well. I'm not sure I'd classify the GE FL as a BOL machine with lots of cost cutting measures. The low price is mostly due to its counrty of origin - China - where labor is very inexpensive and factories can pollute and do other things that boost production but would be illegal here. I think GE finally put its thinking cap on when it came to designing the machine, realizing perhaps that the design need not be so limited by manufacturing cost considerations. Reliability, of course, is a big question with any new machine. Quality control has been a problem for many companies that have outsourced production to China. However, as much as I dislike how Jack Walsh ran GE, their Six Sigma program is designed to result in excellent quality control, and if they are able to apply this discipline to their Chinese partners the machine might well last longer than just a few years.
Still, I'd recommend getting the longest extended warranty available.
The main problem I have with the commercial front loaders is that most of them do not have features necessary for residential use:
1) They are typically rigid mounted, which means you'll need a concrete slab about four inches or more thick to mount them on. Forget about putting one in on the second floor in most homes...
2) They typically lack a drain pump, instead being intended to drain by gravity into a sump.
3) Most of them have rather slow spin speeds, maybe 600 rpm.
A possible exception might be the Speed Queen/Huebsh premises front loader, which has a stainless outer tub and presumably other features typical of robust commercial machines like easily replacable drum bearings. It even has a right-hinged door, which is nice for those of use with laundry facilities that can't accomodate a left-hinged fl door. But the SQ/H also is saddled with very dumbed down controls, with 15 minutes being the longest possible wash cycle. And I understand the one with an internal heater is hard to obtain.
1) They are typically rigid mounted, which means you'll need a concrete slab about four inches or more thick to mount them on. Forget about putting one in on the second floor in most homes...
2) They typically lack a drain pump, instead being intended to drain by gravity into a sump.
3) Most of them have rather slow spin speeds, maybe 600 rpm.
A possible exception might be the Speed Queen/Huebsh premises front loader, which has a stainless outer tub and presumably other features typical of robust commercial machines like easily replacable drum bearings. It even has a right-hinged door, which is nice for those of use with laundry facilities that can't accomodate a left-hinged fl door. But the SQ/H also is saddled with very dumbed down controls, with 15 minutes being the longest possible wash cycle. And I understand the one with an internal heater is hard to obtain.
saw them at Lowes today and very impressed with fit & finish, had a solid feel.
golittlesport
Well-known member
So you like them, Bobbie? I'm thinking about getting a set.
Yes I did. Make sure you download the user manuals and give them a read. It appears to be very flexible with cycles and options, with the undersandable "lock" out of things like too fast a spinseed or hot water for delicate cycles.
Bob,
I am visualizing a GE fl set with your name on it.
I am visualizing a GE fl set with your name on it.
Rich, yourvisualtion is inn the right "light", but Shredmore is still going strong and I have 25 y/o fridge I need to relace first.
GE Adora washer
I see a lot of folks seem to be considering the GE Adora washer dryer combo as sold at Home Depot but has anyone actually bought one and used one? I looked at them and discussed differences between GE and LG models--Home Depot sales said that there have been some noise complaints on the LG's. Anyone bought the Adoras? How are they performing? I need to make a purchase soon....
I see a lot of folks seem to be considering the GE Adora washer dryer combo as sold at Home Depot but has anyone actually bought one and used one? I looked at them and discussed differences between GE and LG models--Home Depot sales said that there have been some noise complaints on the LG's. Anyone bought the Adoras? How are they performing? I need to make a purchase soon....
They are very new so new customers are few and far between. You might check over on ThatHomeSite; people who are more into modern washers hang out there a lot. There have been some initial reports; I recall two: one from a dissatisfied user who may have gotten a lemon or a machine that wasn't properly installed (shipping bolts may still be intact); and another who seems quite happy with it.
