The TL'ers on sale in the UK have a "G" rating for wash performance which is the lowest, sadly.
I'm not sure, if the European washability testings can be applied one-to-one to top loaders. TL's don't have stepped heating and cycles taking +/- two hours (our washer takes 2:20 hrs for the 140° Energy Label cycle, Miele's*) Cottons 140°F + Intensive cycle takes 1:49 hrs).
*) according to the German Miele Liquid Wash manual
Also, the washability test include stains such as blood, oil, soot, red wine, cocoa,... The Euro washability tests are based upon a 60°C / 140°F cycle. Since most TL's don't have built-in heating, the machine will immediately fill with hot water probably causing some stains to be set immediately.
I think to accurately rate a TL's washability we should have tests better tailored towards TL-like wash cycles and not just apply the same standards used for FL's (because this is what I think is happening).
As far as cycle times and load sizes are concerned: I don't mind our washer taking 2 hours to wash a 13 lbs. / 6 kg load, since everything is done automatically by the machine. I don't even need to pretreat / soak stains - it's all conveniently done for me. And if I don't need a high-performance cycle I can cut the cycle time by almost 50% simply at the touch of a button.
Alex
I'm not sure, if the European washability testings can be applied one-to-one to top loaders. TL's don't have stepped heating and cycles taking +/- two hours (our washer takes 2:20 hrs for the 140° Energy Label cycle, Miele's*) Cottons 140°F + Intensive cycle takes 1:49 hrs).
*) according to the German Miele Liquid Wash manual
Also, the washability test include stains such as blood, oil, soot, red wine, cocoa,... The Euro washability tests are based upon a 60°C / 140°F cycle. Since most TL's don't have built-in heating, the machine will immediately fill with hot water probably causing some stains to be set immediately.
I think to accurately rate a TL's washability we should have tests better tailored towards TL-like wash cycles and not just apply the same standards used for FL's (because this is what I think is happening).
As far as cycle times and load sizes are concerned: I don't mind our washer taking 2 hours to wash a 13 lbs. / 6 kg load, since everything is done automatically by the machine. I don't even need to pretreat / soak stains - it's all conveniently done for me. And if I don't need a high-performance cycle I can cut the cycle time by almost 50% simply at the touch of a button.

Alex