Washers: please explain high efficiency advantages vs. agitator

[linnea]

I would VERY much appreciate recommendations for top loaders to replace my 27 year old GE Filter-Flo. We are 2 empty nesters, so our use is not heavy. I don’t want a front loader. The laundry room is adjacent to the kitchen, so noise is a factor. It doesn’t need to be the quietest, but not really noisy either.

When I went shopping last week for a new one, most dealers had chiefly the High Efficiency type with no agitator. I did not get a really clear explanation for why they are so desirable, nor how the use in practice and cycles really differ from an agitator machine. All I know is that they use less water, which is not a priority for me.

I wanted to stick with an agitator as that’s what I know. My mode of washing clothes is also to soak them before running the load, as I feel it get them cleaner (I’m a gardener, work outside, and do other dirty/dusty tasks. Spraying, if that’s really how they work, would not be enough). Also, if they can’t be soaked, then that won’t work for me. In my usual practice I also soak the dirtiest work clothes in a small amount of hot water, then add to the load and add more warm water to run the load. Might be weird but it works for me. I work at home so I can do this.

If I am not understanding the way the High Efficiency machines work, please tell me.

I checked Consumer reports, and they recommended ONLY the high efficiency machines, and no agitator models. So now I don’t know what to do.

I looked at Speed Queen TL agitators, and the local dealer had them starting at ~ $ 800. Considering our light use, I don’t want to spend that much. We don’t need our washer to, er, outlive us. Budget is ~ $500, husband is balking at anything more. Thanks!

 

[mrb627]

Price Point

At that price point and given the 'light' use, I would probably point you in the direction of a GE Hydrowave washer with an agitator. One of the lower end lines will still have a mechanical timer that you will be use to. And they are super quiet for a TL machine. Home Depot usually has them in stock.



Malcolm

 

[NYCWriter]

Consumer Reports ...

... isn't as unbiased as we've all been led to believe.

They tend to favor only "popular" and "affordable" models, and anything that the government is pushing.

 

[washman]

I will give it to you as straight as I can

HE=a government pleasing but consumer displeasing appliance that meets regulations conjured up in a fantasy of climate change and dubious ecology theories. Is more often built as cheaply as possible with the money instead going to flim flam advertising. Often uses unproven "technology" (as if that is ever needed to clean laundry)masked in the form of touch panel controls, mode shifters, drive belts akin to a large rubber band. Often have to be "rebooted" after a power outage. Known the world over for expensive control boards shorting out or just plain quitting.
Has a plethora of error codes that used to be the realm of a Windows PC or the check engine light on your vehicle. Requires you to set aside copious amounts of time to accomplish a task that once upon a time was completed in less than 30 minutes, ironing excluded. Favored by urban hipsters (regardless of the slave labor used to make many of them) because it makes them feel good about mother earth and ecology.

TL=aka the "traditional" washing machines that we all grew up with. Proven design concepts. Mostly if not totally mechanical controls sourced from companies such as Eaton, GE, Emerson Electric etc. Has a center agitator that once had a multitude of trade names like Surgilator, Flex vane etc. Uses water, sometimes lots of it, to actually submerge mostly cotton garments sold these days. Lacks steam feature. Requires you to actually figure out the load size, wash temp needed, the wash cycle (delicate, perm pres, or normal)and the amount of water to use. Does not require chemical "cleaners" to be run periodically. Wash baskets come in plastic, porcelain enamel, or stainless steel. Will have a simple 1 or 2 speed fractional HP motor. Can be a direct drive design or use a simple automotive style v belt that can be purchased nearly anywhere. Does not require keeping the owner's manual close by to run the machine. Plugs into a 120V outlet. Does not need a surge suppressor. Can use any type of detergent from old school powder to pods to liquid.
Does not require low suds HE type detergent. Does not collect, grow, or spread mold. Will not stink after use. Certain models can actually be had with tap water HOT washes, some with warm rinses. Does not require a pedestal.

The end result? Speed Queen wins this comparison handily. I should know first hand because I have one. And ironically, it replaced a GE unit but not quite as old as yours.

Yes they are expensive. Allow me to quote Henry Royce, of Rolls Royce fame if I may.
"the quality remains long after the price is forgotten".

Don't want to spend that much? Your next best option is to shop around on Craigslist for estate sales or perhaps hit up a member here for an old school TL machine that suits your fancy. There are plenty of Maytags, Whirlpools, Kenmores, etc that while used, can still be found in good shape.
Or see if you have a used appliance proprietor in your area that has a selection of "twice loved" machines.

The choice is yours.

 

[NYCWriter]

Washman ...

... brilliant!

 

[DigAPony]

We don’t need our washer to, er, outlive us.

Why not have a washer outlive you? You want to be shopping for a new washer in your 70's?

Lord only knows what will be on the market then and what the cost will be.

 

[logixx]

I'll have an HE front load washer then. ;-p

Linnea, if you don't care for anything but traditional top loaders then, by any means, get another one. Like I said on the Laundry Room Forum, Speed Queen is the best choice .

Alex

 

[frigilux]

Convince your husband the extra $300 for a Speed Queen is worth it. It is the last of the traditional type of top-loading washer you've been using the past 25+ years.

Most other new top-loaders--whether they have an agitator or not--have greatly reduced water levels, and they thermostatically reduce the incoming hot water temperature to around 105 degrees.

If you want a machine that's similar to your long-serving GE, Speed Queen is your brand.

I have model AWN542 and it's great, classic-style washer.

 

[washman]

Have a look at the link below



At least you can try before you buy. Sort of anyway.

 

[appnut]

Linnea, if your husband isn't keen on springing for the additional $300 for the Speed Queen, you may contact me via the email address in my profile and let me know what part of IL you live in--then I can focus on that area of craigslist to find washers which would suit your needs.

 

[DirectDriveDave]

Recently, I had a WP DD wash-in with a person from Youtube, and he put it best. 

 

"The old traditional machines fulfilled that one simple function, and that is, wash the clothes!"

 

[warmsecondrinse]

HE led me to AutomaticWasher

Linnea,

I inherited one of those HE machines with no agitator. They use almost no water and do NOT clean clothes. I had to wash everything TWICE with a second rinse both times. Even then clothes were steadily getting dirtier. On many of these machines there is no way to override the automatic (and utterly insufficient) water level. They also set their own water temperature regardless of how you set the controls.

I was complaining about this hunk of junk to a friend who is a member here. Thanks to him and another member I now have a mid-90's Maytag that actually cleans my clothes.

Speed Queen makes the ONLY washer that lets you be the boss. If you want new, buy Speed Queen. Otherwise follow the advice of these wise gentlemen and purchase a used machine.

Jim

 

[lovestowash]

Amen Appnut...

Here in Atlanta, craigslist can be a gold mine for laundry sets...
You'll see lots of Kenmore at great prices, especially from families who are moving or upgrading to large front loaders...

George

 

[ken]

You didnt mention why you want/need to replace your GE. Have you looked into having the issue (if thats the case) fixed? Most parts still available to keep them going.