The Consumer Reports 2005 Buying Guide ----

[gyrafoam]

Some interesting observations with both washers and dryers. Also, for the first time I ever remember, they admit that they have changed the criteria by which they judge. The GE Profile Dryer got the highest rating of the dryers. The three "Best Buys" were Kenmore and Whirlpool mid-range types, and a Frigidaire in the $300.00 price range. A Miele "Touchtronic" priced at $1250.00 was near the bottom of the list with a $200.00 Roper and a $730.00 Asko that WAS at the very bottom. They also loved the Maytag Neptune dryer. In the Washing Machine catagory, they LOVED the Maytag Neptune T/L claiming it "set a new standard for excellent washing performance--besting even the Front-Loaders in the group---but was tougher on clothes than other models". They claim the Calipso's, which have scored among the best, "tangles and wrinkles clothing" and have a higher than average need for repairs. A comment about top-loaders is "they extract less water (than the front-loaders) during the spin cycle, which results in longer drying times and higher energy costs". I notice they rated TWO models of Fisher&Paykel's top loaders, and they make no mention of their 1000 RPM available spin! They do mention the GE Harmony, Maytag Neptune T/L, and the Calipso's have "high spin speeds that reduce drying time". (Sounds like a communication problem amongst the testing staff!). The statement is also made that the Frigidaire, GE,and Kenmore front-loaders have "a good track record for reliability". (They should read the recent thread on their tub-bearing failures!) The seven top-rated, top-loaders are The Maytag Neptune T/L, Kenmore Elite Calipso, Fisher & Paykel Intuitive Eco, A mid-range Maytag rated as a "best buy", GE Profile Harmony, Fisher & Paykel Ecosmart, and a (mid-range) AMANA! The top of the Front-Loaders was the Whirlpool model GHW9150P, Kenmore model#4407, Frigidaire FWTBB30T, and Frigidaire Gallery, then the Miele "touchtronic" and the Asko---both got down-graded because of small capacity. Dead last is the Maytag Neptune Front-loader. It is interesting to read this stuff because it is often in conflict with what we read posted on our website!

 

[tolivac]

I laugh at the CU vacuum cleaner tests.They always rate Hoover Windtunnel as the tops-We get them as trade ins-I have tried them-would rate them near the bottom.Esp the bagless models.Most people that use them empty only the dirt cup and NEVER clean the pleated filter.Don't blame 'em though-cleaning that filter is worse than emptying a cloth dump bag!I don't know how true it is-but one vac distributer mentioned that CU gets large donoations from Hoover and Maytag--I subsribe to them-but don't take CU as gospel.Sometimes I don't think they know about the products they are trying to test.

 

[maytagbear]

Some things about Consumer Reports/CU

The Buying Guide issue is a brutally abridged edition. When I am buying anything over 20 dollars, I go to the full report in the magazine.

Secondly, Consumers Union NEVER accepts samples or bribes. CU is VERY serious about their integrity. Wish politicians were one-sixteenth as serious about their integrity as CU.

One thing to remember, though, is that their tests while pretty extensive, are brief, and that things not revealed in testing can show up later.

Lawrence (I've read CR since I was 7!)/Maytagbear

 

[partscounterman]

I'd like to believe that....

I know thats what it says at the front of every Consumer Reports, but some how the tests don't seem to be a stringent as they used to be. Years ago they would run durability tests-running machines for hundreds of hours to see if they would break. Do you think CU has run durability tests on this current crop of washers? Plus, when you work at an independant dealer, you can help but to feel that Sears is getting some special consideration, since Kenmore products seem to get much higher ratings than, say the nearly identical Whirlpool machine. I want to believe that they are not getting "bribes" but something seems fishy in denmark....

 

[MikeS]

In defense of Consumer Reports

As someone who has subscribed to CR for more than 30 years, I have every reason to believe their findings are fair and balanced. One concern I do have is that CR is testing more products more often, leaving little time for durability tests--tests they may not run until they get complaints from readers. (That can be a good thing; the findings sometimes push product makers into making improvements.)
And I agree with Maytagbear: The Buying Guide is a convenient bible for comparison shopping; to get the best out of CR, you must read the full article or subscribe to the website. But the readers weren't wrong about Roper's reliability, as my washer and dryer can attest to--five years without a problem.) Now I must get back to my laundry (using Kirkland Signature detergent with bleach from Costco--a CR Best Buy at 11 cents a load!)

 

[MikeS]

In defense of Consumer Reports

As someone who has subscribed to CR for more than 30 years, I have every reason to believe their findings are fair and balanced. One concern I do have is that CR is testing more products more often, leaving little time for durability tests--tests they may not run until they get complaints from readers. (That can be a good thing; the findings sometimes push product makers into making improvements.)
And I agree with Maytagbear: The Buying Guide is a convenient bible for comparison shopping; to get the best out of CR, you must read the full article or subscribe to the website. But the readers weren't wrong about Roper's reliability, as my washer and dryer can attest to--five years without a problem. Now I must get back to my laundry (using Kirkland Signature detergent with bleach from Costco--a CR Best Buy at 11 cents a load!)

 

[tolivac]

I do like to read the Subscriber "Repair reports" for various products.These are pretty good.They alone can serve as a good indicator of a products reliability.I still think some of their tests may not have the integrity they used to have.

 

[kenmore1978]

Reading CR since age 7

Wow, I thought I was a young reader? I started reading CR in Junior High (Middle School to some of you) when I was about 14. Was especially interested in the car reports, but I read everything. Since I'm a "frills" person (my friends call me the "Power Princess" because I like my cars and appliances TOL with every possible option) I take CU's advice but get the TOL version, even when they say it isn't worth the extra price. IMO, even though I may use an option only very occasionally, I'd rather have it there the few times when I need it than not to have it DO need it