New GE top loaders

[combo52]

Tangled wash in Early Automatics

Yes we are going back to the past, LOL.

 

Early Westinghouse slant front washers and Frigidaire Uniamatics were well known for excessive tangling,

I have had many customers that told me if you had enough strength in you arm you could easily unload them with one hand LOL.

 

[tolivac]

Guess if you don't have the strength-build a small crane or grapple into the washer!

 

[gansky1]

I've had the Cabrio, bought on CL, for about three weeks now and that's the first time the tangle happened.  John is right, that was the entire load, save one t-shirt, pulled up with one hand.  Saves time unloading.  I put it directly into my WP EC dryer next to it with a window-door to see what happened.  Within a minute, it was freed and tumbling nicely.  Not knotted, just tangled. 

 

[logixx]

Controls

 

[mysteryclock]

Comprehensive, but perhaps cluttered and too much for the average user? If I wasn't worried about long-term reliability I'd love a touchscreen model with a lot of built-in cycles plus the ability to access most/all settings and customize and save your own cycles. That way you'd have complete flexibility while retaining a clean, minimalist look.

 

[mrb627]

Smart Dispense

I have often wondered if the smart dispense detergent dispenser does a better job of dosing the detergent. Anybody got one? Wondering if there is still suds in the rinse or it knows how to dose so that rinsing is most effective.

Malcolm

 

[Iowegian]

I don't have one of the GEs, but I see that Whirlpool has a similar device on their higher-line FL machines. It's probably smart on Whirlpool's part, since there seems to be some evidence that using too much liquid detergent and/or fabric softener leads to buildup which leads to mold growth. For Whirlpool to structure "Smart Dispensing" as a convenience feature is probably good marketing, and a silent hedge against future class-action claims.

Many years ago when I worked as a busboy, the restaurant where I toiled had an OPL machine that drew the various chemicals from gallon jugs at the bottom of the machine, so the concept is far from new...

 

[combo52]

Too Much Detergent and Mold Growth

I very much dough that using too much detergent [ liquid or otherwise ] could contribute to mold growth in any type of clothes washer, I have never seen moldy detergent, LOL. Fabric softener is an entirely different matter.

 

[mark_wpduet]

When I first looked at that stain removal guide, I thought it said Tomato - Oily - Gross - Dirt. I busted out laughing, then I realized it said grass, not gross. I actually like the complicated look of it, but those complicated control panels scare me. I hope whoever buys these plugs them into a surge protector.

 

[Iowegian]

I'll defer to your expertise. I have read claims that too much liquid detergent and too cold water causes problems, but if that's not true, then shame on me.

Once the many class-action FL washer suits are settled, maybe it will be clearer to people like me that just want to buy a problem free machine that just washes the dang clothes.

Personally, I'm not too comfortable with the thought of the Snuggle bear getting a lethal injection over washer mold, but these are tough times and there are bound to be casualties...It's probably no worse than finding out that Lance Armstrong really didn't win all those Tour de France races fair and square. I can take it, I was a Pete Rose fan...

 

[chris74]

I like the monitor...

...but what about the wash plate? The washer has a special programme for "bulky" items so what will it look like when it saves so much water. I guess it will tumble in a puddle. I suppose it cannot even deal with sturdy denim. But the glass window is neat...

 

[volsboy1]

My G.E. Harmony is kinda similar but the wash plate on mine is more aggressive.When you set it on comforters it will fill up all the way and the plate stops and the baskets spins back and forth and then it will spin and draw water through it then stop and spin the other way drawing water through the clothes.When you wash normal clothes it alternates the plate will turn and the basket will lock and then it will switch out with the basket.It is a crazy washer but  it can wash the hell out of your clothes bad.I can fill mine all the way up if I want to, or just let it do it's on thing most of the time I push the throw rugs cycle so it will fill up because I pack my washer.

 

[chromacolor]

I wonder what the reliability will be? If LG, probably not good.
My LG went out in a blaze of glory. I can't totally complain about the LG as it was free, and when it worked.. I thought it did a pretty good job of cleaning, but as for reliability.... I believe the former owner had to have it fixed a few times under warranty, my friend got it and cleaned the connections on the board, and it worked for him, before being passed down to me. Last week it started giving out an LE error code. (motor overload). I looked it up on LG's site, and it stated that it was usually the fault of the consumer for not using HE detergent. Well.. I only use Tide HE powder, and Wisk HE liquid. I don't over-stuff, and probably do about 2 loads a week. LG said to unplug for 20 minutes and retry. I did that and it finished the load. A few days ago, I decided to try a load of towels, and a NEW error code came up. I reset it, and it let out a loud snap and sparks. and tripped the breaker in the basement. I looked up that error code, which according to the sites is the kiss of death. Supposedly that code means it took out the board and the motor. Needless to say, I am going back to a Whirlpool top-loader, and I will never have ANYthing LG in the house again.

 

[Iowegian]

LG is the new name for Lucky Goldstar. That was the really junky TV and consumer electronics stuff at K-Mart.

Maybe they will start taking quality "seriously" like Hyundai supposedly has done with their cars.

 

[mark_wpduet]

That LG front loader you have pictured - I loved the look of that and the rear controls on it. I almost bought one.......So glad I didn't!

 

[chromacolor]

Oh yes.. I'm well aware of the LG/Goldstar connection. LG is who bought Zenith, and destroyed that name before removing it from the market.
As for this machine... yes.. be very glad you didn't buy one. Like I said in my earlier post, when working.. it did perform well, but reliability, not so much.
This machine is 5-6 years old, and this is the at least the 3rd time it's effed up during its life.
Got my brothers old machine (pictured) which has never broken down, and I don't think has ever been serviced.

 

[logixx]

Now on GE's home page

http://www.geappliances.com/appliances/washer/top-load-washer-dryer/

 

[tecnopolis]

Looks like there will be a surge of extended warranty's being sold once these are rolled out nationwide. If you don't get one I think you will be, ah, .......let's just say,  involuntarily violated.

 

[gansky1]

I brought the LG home from (chromacolor) Jamie's last night. It needs a control board priced at $56.50 and I'll replace the hall-sensor (motor sensor) as well for another $15.90. The washer was built in 2002, the very first of the LG machines on the U.S. market. Other than the electronic issues, the machine otherwise is in really good shape, clean, etc.

We'll see...

 

[washerman]

Whirlpool Durability

Hey Chromocolor and all...
my parents have the exact model pictured and I can say it is very reliable. Theirs has been through two floods (Motor/tranny completely submerged for 24 hours)and each time after drying out it has come back to life. (a bit noisier, but still working.) This in addition to the normal wear and tear of my you-never-can-have-too-much-soap mom and my I-was-supposed-to-sort-the-laundry? dad. (Mom 'educated" him very quickly.)