What do you guys think of this washer?

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ryner1988

ryner1988

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I was curious to know if anyone has experience with this Samsung front loading washer. Model number is WF45T6000AW. It's what I'm thinking about purchasing if my current 1980's Maytag dies, because the specs say it has braille included on the control panel and audio feedback, specifically designed for blind people. This would be perfect for me, but the accessibility features aren't enough on their own if the washer itself isn't very good. Anyone ever used this machine or at least can attest that the accessibility features are indeed included? I've included the link to the washer below for more information.

Ryne

 
I was kinda afraid of that reaction...

Blah, that's sort of what I figured would be said, because the sentament around the web is much the same. I was just excited because accessibility features were incorporated into the control panel in a sort of budget appliance.

I am just trying to prepare because while my Maytag works fine, it has an issue I've started to notice where it's laggy at the start of agitation and also has a bit of a rattling? scraping? sound during the drain. I am no fool and know this means trouble down the line. That ancient washer was only supposed to be a filler anyway so I'm not too worried about it. I'm just not sure what is available in the modern market that can be easily operated non-visually (open to suggestions), so I hope the Maytag chugs along for a while yet while I figure it out
 
Ryne, I saw a woman's Youtube video. She's totally blind and got LG to work with her developing further their app that owuld allow her to operate her new front loader.
 
Just a minute now...

Hi Ryne

I wouldn't be quite so negative about the Samsung. The braille control markings and audio feedback may make this machine more of interest to you than the "average" user. I'm not sure if those features are available on other brands, or unique to Samsung?

My sister had a Samsung front loader for maybe 10 years? She was generally happy with it. I'm in Australia, so hers was an Australian-market model, not the same model you have linked. Hers was made in China, or maybe Korea, I can't remember for sure. I think China. Hers needed a rubber door boot replaced once, and motor brushes replaced once. I did both repairs, the machine was easy to work on and parts not expensive. Hers did eventually die with a failed drum spider, but she got about 10 years use before that happened, and it wasn't an expensive washer.

 

Drum spider failures and the causes of them are a point of argument, some machines do seem more prone than others, but it is also up to the user. Using a good detergent, correct dose (under- and over-dosing are both blamed for spider corrosion), setting the machine for maximum rinses (4 or 5) and regularly doing hot washes or regularly doing "drum-clean" cycles should all help to extend the life of the drum spider. Ask if there is a particular warranty for the drum - some brands have a long warranty on the drum, not sure about Samsung. Or an extended warranty might be worth buying?

 

Personally I think LG washers are better than Samsung. I don't know if LG have the braille markings you would like? My sister bought her Samsung new, when it finally died, I gave her an LG that was newer, but one I had salvaged and repaired. She is happier with the LG - quieter, less vibration mainly. The LG is direct drive - the motor is built into the back of the drum, more efficient than the Samsung belt drive motor.

 

The Lowes page you linked to has some errors about the Samsung - it says NO ATC (Automatic Temperature Control) and NO heater, but the user manual linked says it does have ATC and has a low-power heater - about 1000 watts.
 
If I were to be blind or near blind, I’d have special braille stickers to put on the cycle selector buttons to make it easier for me to identify which cycle is which and I remember John Lefever mentioning somewhere in the archives where you could do that with the Whirlpool and Lady Kenmore push button timers with the lock pin set up.
 
@re563, does the machine indeed have braille on it from what you can tell? Also, Samsung says there is audio feedback to distinguish cycle selections from one another. I assume they mean different tones for spin, rinse, and soil level among other things, but if you could elaborate further, that would be great.
 
I don't wash in hot very often anyway, but thank you for the recommendation--I will definitely keep that in mind.

This is all academic anyway, as the washer I currently have still works. I just don't want to be up a creek when it does eventually die, as I don't know anyone around here who could work on a washer that old and I certainly can't do it myself.

I know that the base model Whirlpool brand machines, like the current offering from Amana, are all turn knobs and very accessible, but that horrible whomp...whomp...whomp! sound of those machines agitating...I can't stand it! If I had a laundry room that was far away, I could deal, but it's right in the hallway behind closet doors feet from the rest of my apartment. I don't know how anyone can stand the sound of that inverter motor operating on those basic machines. It's one of the first things I noticed when my 2016 Whirlpool died and we were given the old Maytag--the difference in sound level was astounding. So that's why I'm not looking at that type of machine even though it is accessible, I need something quieter than that!
 
There have been many discussions on here over the years regarding spider failures and what causes them. One thing I've noticed with all the videos I've seen over the years when they take them apart is that the outer drug is pretty disgusting..I don't think I've seen one spider failure video where that wasn't the case...which means the user had some bad laundry habits...I think that is the main culprit along with possible iffy water conditions too? Not sure about that. I have a duet that's 17 years old. Over the years I've seen videos where the spider failed on it..but mine has been fine...As for Samsung...I don't know what to say about that...I do like LG better..but that's not saying you wouldn't be happy with the samsung.
 
@ryner1988:

There is braille on the machine for power and start. But that's it. On this model there is no tone difference when changing cycles.

I will tell you that as far as temps go, yes on Normal and Heavy Duty, the temps are dumbed down. As the manual says, Hot is the temp of an adult shower and Warm is the temp of a refreshing pool water but not cold. When I use Permanent Press or Whites, I get true warm and hot water.

The best thing I love about this washer, is that every final spin, regardless of cycle selected, you get a spin-spray rinse!! On Permanent Press you get a spin-spray rinse in very spin. On Whites, you get a spin-spray rinse before the final rinse and the final spin. I have not used the Heavy Duty cycle yet.
 

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