What are your 'Must Have' washer features?

[maytagbear]

For me, a washer has to have multiple water levels and two speeds. Everything else is optional.

I mean, for a washer to be your daily driver.

Do you need large capacity?

Do you need dispensers?

What do you need?

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[jaxsunst]

The bigger the better (I have a wife, 2 kids, and 3 cats), and I have to have dispensers and a warm rinse option.

 

[mixfinder]

Non Negotiables

The laundry is in a closet in the entry hall, just off the living room so QUIET is the most important quality. (I currently have a Klackmore, which washes well but is annoying as hell to listen to)

I live alone so capacity is not of much concern.

Accu-temp fill valves are an absolute must.

Variable Water level is a must.

Two speeds are a must.

A soak cycle is nice.

Fabric softener dispenser is nice.

End of cycle chime is nice.

Preprogrammed cycles are nice.

Kelly

 

[gadgetgary]

Must haves....

For a TL washer, it mush have the option of Gentle Wash, Normal Spin since this is what I use for most sweatshirts and tee shirts. Also, a variable water level control is right on top.
A fabric softener dispenser is a nice addition.

 

[toggleswitch]

Running
leak-free
accessible
no coin slot (mine)

 

[hoover1060]

Ideally:

Only two water levels: 1/2 full and full.
My Amana had 3 levels, small was useless, medium was 2/3 full, and large was full. On the A608 Maytag I have 4 levels, but given the size of the tub a 1/2 setting and a full setting would be all I need.
Ability to select between regular and gentle speeds.
Clearly marked timer dial with cycle progress.
three temp combos with cold rinse.
softener dispenser is nice too.

 

[Designgeek]

Manual input to cycles: the ability to tweak a cycle or otherwise cause the machine to go into whatever mode I choose i.e. fill, wash/rinse, drain, spin.

The idea that once a program starts there's no way to tweak it or intervene would be a serious cause of frustration, like missing an exit on the freeway and being forced to drive miles out of the way before being able to turn back.

Not that I vary the routines terribly much (heh, I use a TT with oldschool timers, and an older TL with mechanical sequencer, so I could do if I wanted to, any time), but on those occasions where it's necessary, it's good to be able to turn the knobs and get the desired results.

Alternately, if a machine must operate according to defined programs in a microprocessor, it's acceptable if the manufacturer provides good information on exactly what those programs do and how they operate.

 

[bobbyderegis]

Intermittent wash/soak, Gentle wash/fast spin. A Maytag A712! Eyes are open for one.
Bobby in Boston

 

[thor]

Essential Options

Optional 2nd rinse.

 

[westytoploader]

For me, an infinitely variable water level, recirculating filter, and 2 wash/spin speeds are nice.

 

[jasonl]

Depends:

Modern washer: Electronic controls, fast spin, stainless tub, window.

Classic washer: variable water level, recirc filter, clunking noises.

Either way, make mine a Kenmore.

 

[chachp]

For me:

A Water heater is essential for me.

I'd like to be able to go from a Soak cycle to a Wash cycle directly with fresh soap. Implies dispensers.

High speed spin is nice for towels and things like that however you have to be careful or you can spin some nasty wrinkles into your clothes.

Other than that others have mentioned the nice to haves.

 

[frigilux]

Here are my must-haves:

1) Precision Temp control (so I'm not washing in 34-degree cold water).

2) A short cycle option (I have a FL, so I like having a 30-min. quick cycle).

3) High spin speed (1000+).

4) Full range of dispensers.

5) Ample capacity. (I believe my '03 Frigidaire has a 3.0 cu.ft. tub. This is big enough for my needs. A queen-sized comforter fits, but just barely. Having said all that, I wouldn't mind a Duet-sized big tub so I wouldn't have to wash bath towels as often.)

6) Quiet. As I get older, I appreciate quiet appliances. I loved my old KA dishwasher and my old '59 LK, but they were noisy!)

 

[SactoTeddyBear]

Re: Toggles:

Does this pertain to you or your Washers?

Running...
leak-free...
accessible...
no coin slot...

"Ducks-&-Hides"

 

[SactoTeddyBear]

Re: My Favorite and Necessary on my Washers:

I'm a "Bells-&-Whistles" kind of Guy, ever since I saw the first TOL washers and dryers at both M. Wards, Sears and a local Store, that was called Handy Andy's.

Even if I don't hardly or ever use all of the Options, etc I will always for my Daily needs Washer, Dryer and Dishwasher will always be TOL Models.

Peace, Fun Times with our "Toys," Steve
SactoTeddyBear...

 

[toggleswitch]

LOL oh Stevie.
You are killing me, doll.



You made my day.

LOL ROFL LMAO

 

[cleanteamofny]

Extra Lg Capacity
Multi water level and temps
Electronic controls (TOL)
Second rinse
A good thrashing agitator but yet gentle

 

[brisnat81]

Make mine a FL

and give me the following
Delay Start
Profile Wash
Countdown Timer
A normal cycle in 40-50mins

The one thing I dont have, is the ability to skip steps of a program, like on a F&P.

 

[peterh770]

Must haves:

Two speeds, but separate controls for agitate and spin OR one control with all possible combinations.

All speed selections independent of the cycle selected.

Rinses that are 2 minutes or longer.

Nice to have:

At least one warm rinse temperature selection.

Second rinse option.

Soak/Prewash cycle with the option to "advance to wash".

 

[panthera]

absolutes

must have variable spin
must have a cycle for silk
must have a cycle for wool
must have a 95°C (Boil for the US) cycle
must have a enzyme based 40° cycle
must save water without cheating on rinse
must be reliable
or
any Unimatic

 

[vivalalavatrice]

My musthave...

A washer will be good for me if it had got:

- high spin speed, not less thatn 1000 rpm;
- three cycles(US'd say speed action): 1.cotton/linen,2.PermPress/Synthetics,3.Wool/Silk/delicates
- THE PRE-WASH!!! For each cycle... mine does it!
- "Antipiega", so the washer stop at the end of the last rinse with fill tub, no drain and no spin, you will hand later...
- DELAY TIMER! You can delay the cycle starting when you prefer, i.e. you prepare washer in the evening, it starts the night and in the morning everything is done! Mine has got it, though I've never used it untill we had electric consumes on hours bands, after 8.00pm till 7.00am is cheaper!!!
Isn't it like that even in some States in USA? It would be good for you either in the dryer! Here dryers has got it...
- A very efficient no wasting dispensers drawer!!! I my washer (the old and the joung) sometimes the dispensers switch doesn't go well so the washer happenes to take the wrong compartement...Imagine what means to add bleach to coloured T-shirt instead of softner?!?!?!?
- No filter drain pump more!!! It's the most annoying thing to do to clean it for example after you have washed carpets or anything in wool!

I think that's all... everything would be better if you use it, if not I think could be disturbing your "dialing"...)

GOOD BYE
Diomede

 

[Kenmore62]

SUPER CAPACITY
GENTLE WASH-NORMAL SPIN
THREE WATER LEVELS
RECURLITING LINT FILTER OR SELF CLEANING LINT FILTER
NO DUAL ACTION AGITATOR

View attachment 6-8-2006-19-58-55--KENMORE62.jpg

 

[appnut]

fOR TOP LOADER:

Independent wash & spin speed selections and a variable speed motor.

Electronic temp controls are fine, but non of the dumbed-down ones used in energy star top loaders that have an 85 or 90 degree, at best, warm water wash and a warm rinse of 75 degrees). Actually would love to have to have hot, medium, waerm, lukewarm, cool and cold wash temps.

210 degree aitator stroke and nonshredding design
A real lint filter, preferably recirculating
variable water levels

timed detergent, bleach & softener dispensers and flexible such that softener is dispensed into the 2nd rinse is selected option.

2nd rinse option for all cycles.

variable time soak cycles

control panel lights, tub lights

Front loader

Ability to program cycle sequence just like you want
selectable wash temperature and wash & spin speeds--all independent of cycles. Abiloity to override auto water level when needed.

A wp combo type of recirculating spray

warm rinse option

 

[powerfin64]

must haves:

All: lights, dispensers, options, speeds, cycles, water levels, and black bakelite agitator of some kind! Lady K/WP Imperial mark XII, Maytag 806 comes to mind.
I don't think I want much...

Rich

 

[user 12105]

Built like a 55 WP supreme with lights... WP is starting to put lights on their stoves,...now we need lights on the wasers/dryers.

 

[johnb300m]

My washer just needs to have a center dial...or at least a turquoise agitator.
that's all i need.

 

[mrsalvo]

2nd rinse.

Quiet.

Big capacity.

Doesn't tear and wear clothes, and CLEANS.

If you get a washer that has 2nd rinse option, it has
everything else you need.

 

[rinso]

Top Loader: Recirculating lint filter; high spin speed 900-1000 RPMs; 2nd rinse option; soak cycle; laundry product dispensers; non-traditional agitator which also promotes good rollover and high capacity; motorized timer and switches, action only stops when lid is opened during spin.

Front Loader: Mostly the same as top loader plus: Tub light, a little higher water level than most have these days, pedestals, a real prewash (spin out and add fresh water at start of main wash)