Was Reading The Owner's Manual
For this washer and it tis a rather interesting beast.
First and foremost the washer is designed for those living in multi-family housing (lofts, apartments, etc), thus the emphasis on anti-vibration and silence when running.
Cold fill only, but a powerful enough heater to get water boiling quite quickly, this also functions to make steam for those cycles.
Bio cycle uses stepped washing temperatures (starts cold, holds at warm for a bit, then goes onto whatever high temp one has requested). Dispenses the detergent first, then sends the bleach down once the unit resumes heating for the "boil wash" or "hot wash" portion.
Soap wash cycle dispenses water conditioner first, then after several minutes sends the soap detergent down into the drum. This mimics how laundry should be done when using pure soap or soap based detergents in that water is first softened with chemicals to bind minerals, then soap is added. This means less soap is required because of the soft water, and also helps prevent scum from forming.
Turbidity sensor adjusts washing and rinsing to suit soil levels. However one can also choose soil levels as part of wash program.
Wetcleaning cycle, steam cleaning cycle for various clothing, and the unit can even steam clean itself. This last bit replaces the need for maintenence wash cycles.
Still, only a 5kg load size, which is normal for Europe, the UK and elsewhere, still seems small by US standards.
As for the "plastic" outer tub, think pretty much all high end washers are going that way, Miele and so forth. Allows one bit less stainless steel, and does cut down a bit on weight. I mean the stuff is used for hulls on yachts that cost very dear and one has not heard many complaints.
L.
