Well, I heard that in 2012, every company is to stop making
The manufacturing of agitator washers in the US may cease in 2012. Though I doubt that they'll disappear from the market place. Whirlpool and Electrolux will simply import them from somewhere else. Anyway, lets just see how the economy will pan out and how the American public responds to more factory closures once unemployment hits double digit figures again. Look at it this way, since the financial melt-down climate change has virutally dropped off the radar. If we are cruising towards a major recession or possible depression, economically restrictive mandates will become quite unpopular with politicians.
Energy and water consumption ratings for most modern agitator/impeller top loaders are very close to most front loaders these days. To ban such machines outright, when they still make up the lion share of washer sales outside of Europe, is over the top and irrational.
About the Reason washer, I agree with Gansky's observation. That was nowhere near a 10 kilo load and the washer looked pretty full already. Apart from that, I quite like this slide-out design. It is innovative, even if it doesn't appeal to my aesthetic senses. A top-loading front loader, that fits under a kitchen counter is a pretty good idea and will generate consumer interest, providing that the price is right. With a bit more r&d they may even be able to put in a small window in future. It doesn't have to be large or perfectly round.
I still consider the Titan washer to be the most innovative front loader design in recent years. To have the wash cylinder double as a removable dirty/clean laundry basket is extremely clever and practical.
