Pulsator Washing vs. Agitator Washing

[washerman8]

I was wondering if any of you have or have had a washing machine that uses the pulsator agitator vs. the typical agitator that strokes back and forth?

If so, do the pulsator washing system clean just as effectively as the american typical agitator?

I am about to purchase a Haier compact washer for my second home and was wondering about the pulsator washing method.

Thanks in advance.

 

[pulsator]

There are two kinds of pulsators, the ones talked about in the Imperial thread are the ones that go up and down, the ones talked about in the Deluxe thread, (for new machines,) are just little discs at the bottom of the tub that spin back and forth making the wash drum look as though it is in mid-flush. I own a Haier washer with this feature and I HATE it!!!! It does NOT clean well at all and it ties all the clothes up in a big knot!!!!! I do NOT recommend it!!!!!

 

[washerman8]

Thanks Pulsator. I had an GE Harmony for a short period of time and the washing was o.k. until it developed a water level problem.

I just wanted a compact washer for the summer home, but after reading what you wrote and readings reviews on epinions.com, I might have to change my mind about buying a Haier brand washer.

 

[SactoTeddyBear]

Re: Portable Washer:

Hi! Washerman8, why don't you look into a Portable Whirlpool or Kenmore Washer and Dryer, you can also get the Stacking Rack to place the Dryer above the Washer and roll the Washer under the Dryer, when your not using it.

My Mother-In-Law had a GE Portable, that ended up needing a more expensive Repair, than what it would be worth Repairing and she just got a new Kenmore Portable and she really likes it. She had a Whirlpool or GE Mid-Band Control Dryer, that is on the Stack Stand and the Vent is on the Top of the Dryer, as if it were turned over the other way, with the Vent, going out the Bottom of the Cabinet.

I've had a few Models thru the years and as a 2nd Washer, I've had real good luck with them and I've never had any Repairs on any of them, Washer or Dryer. I've even sold a late 1970s Model Set to a Friend, some time ago and they are even still working real well, without any Repairs, at least that I'm not aware of.

Sears just came out with a newer Model that has a Stainless Steel Tub and an Auto Detergent Dispenser and I believe also an Auto Fabric Softener Dispenser as well. Good Luck with your search.

Peace and Happy Portable Washer Laundry Times, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...

 

[Designgeek]

Haier are known to have had some quality problems, but it appears they may be solving (some of) them. Even so, it's a gamble.

Danby has three good ones at reasonable prices. One is a front-loader you can get at Home Depot for about $500, which has the added benefit of an internal heater for *very* hot water. One is a twin-tub (with American-style agitator), which I have and works great, though you have to transfer the load between wash-tub and spin-tub twice (once after wash cycle, once after rinse cycle). The one I think you'd probably want is the conventional compact top loader, which also has a regular American-style agitator. The latter two machines can be bought online for about $250 - $300. Load size is about 5 lbs., which is typical of compact machines (though the Whirlpool and Kenmore might hold more than this).

Re. "pulsators" (the spinning disc type): Some people hate 'em but some love 'em. Hoover made a line of compact washers in the 50s through the 70s that were quite popular (and are presently regarded as classics), with an impeller that was mounted in the side of the washtub. These typically did a wash cycle in *four minutes.* One version was a twin-tub, one had a wringer, and one was a stand-alone that had a matching spin-dryer. There are presently a number of Asian machines and a few European ones available in the US with pulsators (aside from Haier); some of these are apparently quite good, others not so good. Someone should do a comprehensive review of all of 'em under standard test conditions.

The key to not getting tangle troubles with a pulsator-type machine, is to load less than rated capacity, and wash mixed loads (i.e. different sized items in each load). Not more than two pairs of blue jeans at once in a compact machine, and try to avoid loads that consist only of items with long bits like pant legs and shirt sleeves.

Also: when you leave either house to go to the other, unplug the washer & dryer from the wall AC power (general appliance safety), and turn off the water outlet that supplies water to the machine. The latter point is because water hoses occasionally wear and burst from the pressure, and that could cause a major flood and much damage. Leave the lid or door of the washer open overnight after doing laundry, so the interior can dry out (prevents mold from getting started); but then close it when you leave to go to the other house (prevents stray animals from climbing in there & making nests).