New Whirlpool FL Washers Use MORE Water

[footleg]

Does this help my choice

New to the game, and intrigued by the additional water usage of the impending new Whirlpool (WFW95HED*), because the paucity of water has struck me (from afar) as a detractor for the FLs.

A new machine for me is in the cards (due to the constellation of difficulties which beset the aging Maytag TL), and SWMBO has an ax to grind with the destructive qualities of the agitator on her dainties; and not to hijack this thread in the SQ direction, but I'm drawn to its vital American-ness.

So the question I pose is this: SQ TL (AWN542) or FL WP (WFW96HEA or WFW95HED when it arrives) or do I go toward the Fisher & Paykel? My searches have narrowed the decision to this tripod. To me the relevant aspects boil down in this order:

1. Does it get the clothes clean without destroying them?
2. Is it reliable?
3. Is it Made in the USA?

I would have to go with the F&P if it could fulfilled the requirements of #s 1& 2 and the WP-FL and SQ-TL could not, but #3 matters. Am I right in thinking that the SQ & WP are American made? Will they clean and not destroy (the clothes or themselves)?

Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi... you're my only hope...

 

[DigAPony]

3. Is it Made in the USA?

Home Depot specs for their current Whirlpool Duet line states: "American Pride. Buy with confidence knowing this model is dependably designed, engineered and assembled in the U.S.A."

Note: Key word is "assembled" many parts could be still be sourced elsewhere, but still sounds better than Made in Mexico.

I say go with the WP to keep peace in the house and meet your other concerns as well.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Whirlpoo...H=REC-_-PIPHorizontal1-1-_-NA-_-204100949-_-N

 

[pulsator]

The tv show How It's Made is broadcasting a segment on washing machines tomorrow at 9pm EST. The segment was filmed in Clyde, OH at Whirlpool's washer plant. They filmed Whirlpool front load washers. (The platform is called Alpha for those interested...)

 

[georgect]

Pulsator...thanks for the heads up.

I got the DVR ready to record that episode of "How It's Made", should be interesting.

 

[mrb627]

Saw it

Just finished watching the how it's made episode and I have to say, I'm not very impressed. Very short piece. Did they have to blur the brand name? Sadly, it appears that LG has surpassed Whirlpool in machine design. The tub bearings on the LG are a modular unit that connects to the tub and not pressed into the back requiring the rear portion of the drum to be replaced after a failure.

May not prove anything long term for LG, but it does seem like a step in the right direction.

Malcolm

 

[georgect]

I feel you Malcolm...

I didn't think it was that interesting either.
They just showed the big parts being put together, not how the drum was made or the control board being put together.
You can see the same thing on Youtube of a washer being dismantled and put back together.

I noticed the blurred Maytag logo but they showed the Maxima XL name.

 

[mark_wpduet]

Yes - just watched it

I don't have that channel on Directv because I downgraded my package a while back - but, I found it online and watched it......

Yep - that's Whirlpool. I could see a LOT of similarities with my Duet from 2005. God , they need to put an access panel for that drain pump! WTH??? Why don't they do that? So stupid!!

I do like Whirlpool..I've hardly had any trouble with my appliances that are all WP....and I will have lived here 10 yrs in Sept. KNOCK ON WOOD!!!! - But, I think the LG washers look cooler to me. And the cool way they operate, with the jets, etc.

Still torn on what to get when I do ultimately have to replace my washer.....

Oh, and PS! A friend that has had a Frigidaire front load washer that is 5 years old sold hers and she replaced it with a TL washer. She felt it didn't use enough water and wanted a TL......(Whatever), but anyway......I went to look to see what the Fridigdaire FL washer looked like........I thought it looked and felt cheap as hell. It must have been a BOL.. But hey, she had no trouble out of it for five years and no someone else will be using it.