New Kenmore 4.7 cu ft triple action agitator washer with steam

[appliancedude16]

Hi everyone,

I mentioned this washer in my first post,

this post is meant to get the attention on this New Kenmore 4.7 cu ft triple action agitator washer,

So... here is the link:

www.kenmore.com/products/kenmore-20372-4-7-cu-ft-top-load-washer-w-steam-white?taxon_id=299

So there it is.

 

[wishwash]

I got all excited about this, and then realized that this seems to be another agipeller model. I was thinking that this was a true agitator washer like what was last seen as the agitated Cabrio models, but the parts list only shows one "agitator".

If anyone at Whirlpool is listening, I'd definitely be interested if something like those Cabrios I mentioned were to be produced again. The segment lacks any "high tech" models with a true dual/triple action agitator. The only agitated options from mainstream brands are the low end VMW machines or GE's middle of the line top loaders. Seems like a niche market.

 

[joeypete]

This is the Kenmore version of my Maytag washer. It's a great machine and cleans amazingly well. Agipeller and all.

 

[vacerator]

What does "water factor" mean?

Is this how much water it uses?
My current 3.6 cubic ft. capacity VMW uses at least 30 gallons to wash and 30 to rinse on the bulky cycle which I use for large loads.
That's too much water.
I'll be looking into a front loading washer.
Think about it. That's the size of an average outdoor trash can.
Now I know why I've had a $200 for a 3 month water bill for a 3 person household.
Yes, we have low flow toilets (1.28 gal flush), 1.5 gpm shower heads, and faucets.
I don't wash cars, or water the lawn either.
Even on hand wash, or normal it uses at least 20 gallons per load. So 3 small loads uses still 60 gallons.
High efficiency?
It seems also that municipal water commissions have increased rates to compensate for any water saving we are doing.
We just can't win. Things always go up in cost, never down.
Like healthcare. I have the receipt from my birth in 1960. Blue Cross of Pa. paid the hospital $157 grand total. Two day hospital stay, delivery charge, doctors fees.
I asked my dad how much he grossed that year. He said about $12,000.
A modest new home in 1960 was under $20,000 in most locales. A car about $2,500. Do the math. I'm sure college, medicines, etc. were all less also.
I'm looking at the income to cost of living ratio, not inflation.

 

[wishwash]

Joeypete, would you mind taking a short video washing a normal load on the auto sensing water level? I'm curious so see how turnover is with everyday garments. It seems to do alright with towels in the video you posted a while back.

 

[revvinkevin]

Steam in a top load washer?!?!?!??

 

 

How can having "steam" in a top load washer be <span style="text-decoration: underline;">anything more than a marketing gimmick?</span>   I mean HOW can it actually do anything other than fog up the window glass in the lid?

 

> The upper part of the tub and lid would have to be completely sealed (like a FL washer) to prevent steam escaping.  Granted this is not impossible, but it adds to the cost of the machine and manufacturers try to spend as little as absolutely possible, so they can make as much as possible.

 

> A completely sealed tub / lid could possibly create another issue if the user always left the lid closed when not in use.  I would think residual moisture might lead to a potential mildew problem, like in a front loader.  Granted the upper tub seal wouldn't have water splashing on it, but steam/moisture would certainly condense there.

   

> Clothes would be settled/packed at the bottom of the tub, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">especially</span> if they have already been saturated with water.  Lest we forget steam rises, thus, no way to penetrate garments at the bottom of the tub.   At least in a front load washer the tub fills with steam and the garments tumble through it.  This cannot happen in a TL washer.

 

> If the machine has already "filled" with water, garments would be "mostly" under water and steam would have NO effect on anything IN the water, UNLESS its injected at the bottom of the tub, bubbling it up through the garments like a jacuzzi.  (a fake boil-wash? haha)

 

Whether it's an impeller or "triple action agi-peller" machine (same difference in my book), I do not see how steam in a top load washer like this can be of any possible benefit to anyone other than the manufacturer charging more for the machine.

 

Kevin

 

[this post was last edited: 5/5/2017-11:11]

 

[yoblount]

Steam

Steam moniker generally refers to a heating element to boost/maintain water temp. Not an actual steam injection system.

 

[revvinkevin]

Yolount, I'm sorry but you're wrong.

 

 

<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Every</span> "steam" washer I've seen <span style="text-decoration: underline;">DOES</span> have a steam injection system, that's exactly what it means!  It has <span style="text-decoration: underline;">nothing</span> to do with heating or maintaining the temp of the wash water.

 

I have one FL washer (KM He5t) with a heater AND steam and 2 others with heaters only, no steam.  The He5t can heat the water w/o steam, OR use steam w/o heating the water.  These other two are <span style="text-decoration: underline;">not</span> labeled as having "steam" because they do not have the steam injection system.

 

Also, there are no top load washers <span style="text-decoration: underline;">in the US market</span> with heaters to heat or maintain wash water temps.

[this post was last edited: 5/5/2017-11:19]

 

[appliancedude16]

Response to Steam In a top load washer

They probably put in the steam after a little water is added.

-Appliancedude16

 

[appliancedude16]

Response to Steam In a top load washer

They probably put in the steam after a little water is added.

-Appliancedude16

 

[logixx]

From watching videos on YouTube, the TOL Cabrio creates its "steam" by adding some pure hot water to the tub some time during the main wash and pauses, while slowly turning the tub with the heater engaged, to raise the temperature of the water a little. The LG top loaders work just the same (turning the tub for an hour+, while "heating" gallons and gallons of water at ~900 watts). That's really all a steam top loader can do.

 

[yoblount]

RevvinKevin,

Here is the description of the "Steam Clean" option of the top load Whirlpool Cabrio WTW8500DW. My MIL has the Kenmore version.

STEAM CLEAN
The Steam Clean option adds additional soak and wash
time to many cycles to help remove tough stains, as well
as a steam boost for added cleaning power. Steam Clean
uses a heater within the washer to maintain the selected
temperature setting throughout the wash period. Steam
Clean may be selected as an option with other cycles.

Link to the manual:

https://www.whirlpool.com/content/dam/global/documents/201504/owners-manual-W10607427-RevC.pdf

 

[revvinkevin]

I stand corrected

 

 

News to me some TOL TL washers now have (weak) heaters in the US market.  I stand corrected, thank you.

 

I don't pay close attention to these top load impeller washers, because I've used a couple and I would still never buy one.  I am just not impressed, or convinced they aren't harder on the clothes.

 

However these are still not a true "steam" washer as FL "steam" washers are, it's just a misuse of the term (all marketing).

 

[yogitunes]

but it just seems, as mentioned, that SteamClean option just heats the water....

not a true steam generator that would blast the clothing with steam like an iron or clothing steamer would do...

very vague on description of stuff like this....for example, how hot does the water get if you select hot, or add the steam option.....I am just looking for temps higher than what my water heater can deliver...for the price you pay, it better!

in fact, I just checked, my water heater is delivering 180 degrees at the sink.....most machines I have seen will only raise or keep the water at 140 degrees at the most....

 

[joeypete]

I guess even if it keeps the water hot and calls it "steam" that's better than nothing! lol. My machine does not have that feature.

I can try to take more videos. I only have my phone and limited storage so the videos I take have to be very short.

 

[jerrod6]

The user manual for this machine says steam treat™ will add additional agitation and soak time to the cycle, no mention of heat. In the cycle chart you can even add this option when you wash in cold water. Anytime I see a phrase with steam followed by a trademark I think there is a possibility that no real steam is involved, and it is just used to trick consumers into thinking they are getting steam.

 

[wishwash]

Shame...

...that WP corp. is stooping that low to trick consumers into thinking that their new washer has true steam cleaning. This one isn't a simple gimmick.

If they wanted to, steam could be pumped through the bottom of the tub before the washer filled. It would rise through the perforations in the agipeller and basket through the clothes, which may at least have some cleaning ability... Certainly better than trickery.