Fifties CR Ratings
I have the 2/50 issue of CR but they only test five 'semi-automatics': a Bendix squeezer is the top rated (and they say that an all-auto model is going to come out), a Thor and two twin-tub Easys.
However, I have the 8/58 CR that has a major washer test. The top tier in that issue are the Frigidaire "Ultra-Clean Imperial" (their quotation marks) WI-58 at $339.95, then the second place is the WCI-58, listed as the same machine with an all-porcelain finish and additional water temperature settings for $364.95. They note that the same machine is available in a suds saver model for $389.95.
The third place machine is the Maytag 142 at $379.95. "A good all around machine with good sand disposal ability, but its performance fell somewhat short of that of the Frigidaires in other respects. This was the quietest of all machines tested. Baked enamel finish; part of work surface is porcelain enamel. Available in white, yellow, pink, green. The 142S for $399.95 has suds saver.
Below those three machines is the next tier; "The following eight models were judged to have good overall quality but had a greater number of deficiencies than the preceding models."
The first in this category is the Sears Kenmore #8480W for $264.95. The second machine is the Sears Lady Kenmore "Cycla-Fabric" #8495W for $294.95. Both also came in suds saver models.
The third is the RCA Whirlpool "Imperial" EA90 for $369.95. "Basically similar to Sears Cat. No. 8480W, above--same comments regarding performance apply, but this model lacks many features including the unbalance switch and the "wash and wear" cycle. For laundering special articles (non-fast colors, woolens) either the Sears models above, or the RCA E491, below, were considered more suitable. Improper care of the lint filter could result in filter falling into tub while machine is operating. On this model, at the end of the cycle, a buzzer sounds and the washer lid opens automatically. Baked enamel finish; porcelain enamel work surface. Available in white, yellow, pink. Caster set available at extra cost. Similar models (not tested): EA495, $389.95. Has suds saver. "Imperial Mark XIII" EA491, $399.95, has same low speed and water temperature settings and special "wash and wear" cycle as Sears models above. EA496, $419.95. Has same features as EA491 plus suds saver.
After seeing this I went back up to the Sears Kenmore #8480W since the RCA Whirlpool is the same basic machine. This is what CR says about it: "A good all-around machine with relatively light linting. It was one of the noisiest of the machines tested. Used more hot water than most other machines. This was one of the few models having a special cycle for "wash and wear" items. In this cycle, wash water is replaced by cold water before the initial spin takes place which allows the use of relatively hot wash water without causing excessive wrinkling. Cleaning the lint filter was judged a somewhat annoying chore; improper care of the filter might result in some flooding. When the timer was not set carefully the agitator operated without water in the tub; this could cause some damage to clothes. The unbalance switch was not always effective. Special features: tub light; water saver. Baked enamel finish; porcelain enamel work surface. Available in white only. Caster set available, $10.50 plus shipping."
