I came across this new GE Profile frontload laundry pair while bouncing around the GE website. They definitely caught my attention with the very different design of the door! You can see more photos at GE's online photo gallery (champagne color is linked). I checked the websites of a few retailers and have not found them for sale at the major chains, so they must not be available yet.

It looks like the machine is very different from the frontload washer they sell under the GE label. If anything, they took a few features from the very successful GE Profile Harmony and incorporated them into a frontload washer.

A few features that GE has included in the machine:

SmartDispense Technology: Optional pedestal is required to utilize this feature. The detergent is held in a reservoir in the pedestal and automatically dispenses the proper amount into the machine. They originally incorporated this feature into a few GE Profile dishwashers a few years ago. I am somewhat ambivalent about this feature since I am a proponent of powder detergents. (Liquid must be used to take advantage of the SmartDispense.)

In addition, I am thinking that high-efficiency detergents are far more efficient than most people understand. I am chugging through a bottle of concentrated Tide HE and am finding myself using a tiny fraction (about two tablespoons) of the recommended amount. Otherwise, the suds get out of control. If this thing dispenses the full recommended dosage, I think there will be problems.

CleanSpeak Communication System: Another feature incorporated from the Harmony. A serial cable connects the washer to the dryer. The cycle selections you made on the washer get transferred to the dryer. All you have to do is pop the clothes in and press start. The dryer already knows what to do.

Stain Inspector System: The Harmony owners I have talked to love this feature. The washer holds a database of over 40 different stains. You select the stain you need to wash out, and the washer makes the appropriate settings.

The website also make mention of "Steam Assist" in the listed features. However, I looked through the use and care guide and could find no mention of any steam functions.

The washer also offers an internal water heater, a max 1300 RPM spin speed, and a capacity of 4.2 cf.

I have sent an email to GE requesting more information on this machine. If I get a response next week I will update this post.

In the meantime, more information can be found at GE's website.

Some pretty striking images can be found here for champagne, here for white, and here for vermillion red. The vermillion red gallery also offers pictures of the Smart Dispense set-up.

Finally, the use and care guide can be viewed here.

Update 7/14/2008: I sent an email to GE via their website last week. On the 8th I received a response offering a few details about the new machines. Unfortunately, it pretty much looked like a cut-and-paste job right out of a corporate press release.

I replied with a few more questions, hoping to get a bit more detail, and today I received a response. The responder was brief in answering my questions, to say the least. To summarize: the new laundry is slowly being introduced to retailers; there are no steam functions; the design of the doors are strictly cosmetic; the SmartDispense must be periodically disassembled and cleaned; they have redesigned the door gaskets which were prone to tearing.

So there ya go.

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Anyone searching the Internet for information on washing machines will find many references to mold and mildew build-up leading to a horrendous stench that eventually permeates anything washed in the machine. While most of the cases of smelly washers seem to be related to frontload washers, build-up of mold and mildew is not exclusive to them. Yes, you can still have the problem in top load washers. The thing is, the problem is much less noticeable so people don't even realize they have the problem.

But never fear, for I am going to lay out for you exactly what you can do to prevent the problem, and how you can fix it if you've already got it.

Wanna see something gross? Check this out. That, my friends, is the inner wash tub of a Maytag Neptune frontload washer. For those not aware, the first and second generation Neptunes were notorious for developing a pretty nasty case of mold on the interior, and this is a perfect illustration. And while you may discount the Neptune as an anomaly, a worst-case scenario, I would urge you to reconsider. It is very likely the interior of your washer has a build-up, also. It may not be as extreme, but it is there.

So what causes it? Several things.

1) Washing primarily in cold water. This is bad, so very bad. And also pretty much useless. In older machines without automatic temperature control, the cold setting on your washer will give you water at whatever temperature it comes out of the ground. So if the water temperature is fifty degrees (or colder) in the winter, that's what it is going into the drum. And that is bad because if the water is less than 65 degrees or so, the detergent will not properly activate or dissolve. This is especially bad if you use liquid detergent as the waxy chemicals used to create the detergent do not dissolve properly and build-up on the inner workings of your machine.

You need to do warm and hot water washes in order to keep the machine clean. These temperatures will help to prevent the build-up of crap on the inside of your machine, and that build-up of crap is what leads to mold and mildew. Besides, warm and hot water washes simply do a better job of cleaning.

2) Liquid detergent and liquid fabric softener (LFS). These are just as bad, or worse, than cold water washes. The three combined are just asking for trouble. Use a high-quality powder detergent, and skip the LFS. If you must use a fabric softener, try a quarter cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle.

I have a few different detergents available that I have used and like. Yes, a few are liquid and I am guilty of having used them myself, but I also took extensive measures to eliminate any build-up that may have accumulated in my machine. Of the ones I have listed, I liked Persil and Win the best. I also used a product called ecoVantage, but that is harder to find. I also believe people who wash with OxyClean, or a similar product, will have less instances of mold than those who do not.

3) Not performing routine maintenance. The prospect of having to perform routine maintenance on your brand-spanking-new $1,000+ washing machine tends to piss some people off. The common argument is that they shouldn't have to "do anything special to a washer" they just spent over a grand on. After all, they didn't have to do anything with their old top load washer!

In all reality, they should have. Top load washers are just as susceptible to the problem; people just don't realize it.

The routine maintenance is really quite simple. Wipe down the inner door and gasket with a clean rag after you are done washing for the day. Also, it is best to leave the door open for a few hours to allow any remaining moisture to dry out. A lot of people do not want to leave the door open because they have cats and do not want them getting into the machine. Well, if you are worried about that, then check the drum before stuffing it full and starting a load to make sure Fluffy doesn't go for a joyride.

Finally, once a month or so, you need to clean the inside of the washer. To do this, I recommend running an empty load on the longest, hottest wash cycle available. But instead of using laundry detergent, I want you to use Cascade Complete powder detergent, about a half cup. Why? Dishwashing detergents are formulated with enzymes to help break down and dissolve food particles. These enzymes are equally effective on particles inside your washing machine. Do this once a month, and you will likely never develop a problem.

But what if it's too late and you already have a problem? No need to drag the washer out to the curb or start doing Google searches for "x-brand class action lawsuit". If your washer or clothes are smelling a bit funky, then get a box of Cascade Complete like I suggested above and get to it. Run a complete cycle and let it do it's thing. If your washer has a sanitary cycle, use it. You want the hottest water you can get. Try doing that a few times, let the washer dry out, and then stick your head right in the drum to see if you smell any mold. Still there?

There are a few products available on the market designed especially for cleaning washing machines. I have a couple available, Affresh and Washer Magic. There is an interesting thread over at GardenWeb about Affresh and the results from people who have used it. The product does work. It's just a matter of how severe the problem is that determines how well it will work and how many times you have to use it. There is also a product called Smelly Washer available online. This product was mentioned in the thread linked above, and the results appear to have been good.

Do not let the prospect of mold or mildew scare you away from a frontload washer. Follow my advice above, and you likely will not have a problem. And remember, just because you have a top load washer does not mean you do not have a build-up of crap inside your washer. I guarantee I could rip that thing apart and you would be disgusted. Top load owners should follow my advice above.

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If you are considering the purchase of a frontload washer, you should do yourself a favor and check out the machines from Samsung. With tremendous capacity, high efficiency, excellent cleaning results, and Vibration Reduction Technology, I am convinced these machines are definitely worth a look.

So what's the low-down? While these machines are still relatively new, and reviews online are less available than their better known competitors, the majority of the reviews I have read are overwhelmingly positive. See for yourself.


This thread at GardenWeb offers several comments from a few owners of the machines. A sampling:

"First thing I noticed was how quietly they run. The noisiest part is during the washer fill cycle. Amazing how quiet the high spin cycle works -- the VRT vibration reduction really works."

"Last night I tested the VRT feature. Took TWO heavy full length bathrobes and many hand and bath towels. Pretty much stuffed the drum -- I know this is not recommended... With this Samsung FL, I let it go through the cycle. At each spin cycle, I can hear it speed up, start to vibrate, slow down, rinse, then speed up again. Each iteration brought a higher spin speed and less vibration. Soon it was up to full speed as the load balances. At max speed, vibration is minimal and the washer seems to have plenty of power to handle such a difficult heavy load."

Then there is this other thread at GardenWeb:

"I have had this for a few days - so far, the washer is as advertised: very quiet, minimal wobbling. The machine is on the 2nd floor and I am quite happy w/ it."

"I have had my set for a month and LOVE them. They are on the second floor. There is no vibration and the do a great job!"

"I got this set yesterday and am amazed at how well it works. Our basement flooded over a week ago and I had laundry in a basket on the floor and during that week my 12 year old washer machine called it quits on me. So I had a basket of stinky wet laundry that I thought for sure I would have to throw away because of the horrible smell. But I washed it yesterday in my machine on sanitize/silver care option and my laundry smells fresh and clean. Also the VRT seems to work great."

And then there are the reviews at ePinions.com:

"It's on the second floor of our house and I can't tell when it's running. No shaking or vibration at all thanks to the VRT."

"The VRT really works and the largest/heaviest loads are spun nearly dry with whisper quiet efficiency."

Judging from the praise from owners who have installed the units on upper levels, I am inclined to believe that Samsung's VRT actually works. There is also anecdotal evidence that the SilverCare feature offers legitimate function, although it is tough to tell what other impact the use of silver in wash cycles may have.

Before dropping down a couple grand on a set of Samsung washers, though, you best check availability of service in your area. I have read a few reports when a Samsung owner needed service, only to find there were no authorized servicers in the area. I checked my own area to see if anyone popped up, and sure enough, the local guy who has been around long enough to have probably serviced the first Maytag washer is on the list.

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Several months ago, the EPA indicated it intended to regulate silver ion generators as pesticides under one set of a multitude of bureaucratic regulations. In this case, it was the FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act). The prospect of this action was, to appliance manufacturer Samsung, equivalent to a swift quick to the family jewels from a steel-toed Red Wing boot.

Samsung has been marketing a feature called SilverCare in some of their frontload washers, including their top-of-the-line WF448AAW/P. Samsung introduced SilverCare over a year ago, and their latest machines continue to offer the feature. I believe the marketing of these washers has been altered to conform to the wishes of the pinheads in Washington, but the basic function has remained the same. Both LG and Samsung use trace amounts of silver in the gaskets and liners of their refrigerators due to the antimicrobial properties of the element.


How does it work? Pfft. Beats the hell out of me. "Dammit, Jim, I'm a doctor, not a microbiologist." If those are even the people that discovered this sort of thing. My understanding is that there are silver bars within the machine that release quadrillions of sanitizing silver ions into every wash. That's my understanding because that is what the Samsung website says.

I also gave the use and care guide a lookover and this is what it says: "Press [the SilverCare] button to sanitize your laundry in cold water. Active silver ions are produced from pure silver plates by the process of electrolysis and released into the wash water effectively sanitizing your wash, even in cold water, without bleach. The SilverCare™ system sanitizes while using 92% less energy use than traditional heat sanitization." You can view the entire use and care guide here.

But back to the legal hurdles Samsung is facing with this technology.

From NaturalNews.com:

"The International Center for Technology Assessment (CTA) and a group of consumer, health, and environmental groups have filed a legal petition with the Environmental Protection Agency demanding the agency use its pesticide regulation authority to stop the sale of several consumer products that are now using nano-sized versions of silver."

You can read the story in its entirety here.

There is also an interesting article at nanowerk.com about the use of silver not just in Samsung's washing machines, but also in other products. For instance, I did not know that you could buy socks with silver incorporated into them to help prevent foot funk.

Normally, I would dismiss such concerns as simple hypersensitive pishposh, but there does seem to be a legitimacy to what these people are saying. It will be interesting to see if a serious study is conducted, and the end results. It will also be interesting to see how Samsung rises to meet these challenges.

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So today I decided to plunk down five bucks for a month's subscription to the Consumer Reports website. The way I look at it, between my coffee and cigarette habit, I spend that much a day killing myself, so what the hell.

I made a beeline for the laundry section to see what they had to say about washers and dryers. The data (I use that term loosely) they have published is from February of '08, so I would surmise the ratings will be updated sometime within the next couple months.

I took a look at both washer and dryer ratings, although I will save dryers for another post.


The top five frontload washers are as follows:

1) LG Tromm SteamWasher WM2688H $1500
2) LG WM0642H $900
3) Whirlpool Duet Steam WFW9600T $1600
4) Miele Touchtronic W4840 $1900
5) Kenmore (Sears) Elite HE5t Steam 4778 $1600

So there are the top five frontload washers as rated by Consumer Reports. The questions regarding CR's methodology arise when you look at the total scores and individual ratings across their graded categories.

The top four models all scored 81 points (the fifth 80 points), despite the fact that they all scored quite differently in the six individual categories. So how do they weight each different category? And how much does price weigh into the ratings?

CR is also weighing five other categories to help arrive at their scores: cycle time, whether or not the machine has a stainless steel tub, procelain top, automatic temperature control, and auto bleach dispenser. It is my contention that using these additional five categories to help determine their scores is where they are going wrong. Allow me to explain.

* cycle time - Generally speaking, the washers that have the highest rating for washing performance also have the longest cycle times. I suspect they are deducting points for longer cycle times, since a shorter time is seen as a benefit. But longer cycle times lead to cleaner clothes. Generally speaking, of course.

* stainless steel tub - Virtually all frontload washing machines have a stainless steel tub. Since that is the case, this category should be eliminated since it skews the final score.

* porcelain tops - Yes, porcelain tops do provide a small benefit. This benefit is not so great that it needs to be accounted for in the scoring.

* automatic temperature control - This is another area which should be eliminated in the frontload category. Virtually all frontload washers which are evaluated have some sort of temperature management. The exception would be Speed Queen, since those machines do not utilize the electronic control boards which allow for temperature control. All other machines utilize either auto temp control or an internal water heater to manage the water temperatures. And they even note that the Samsung WF203AN (rated #9 at 78 points) does not have auto temp control. This is incorrect as this machine utilizes an internal water heater.

* auto bleach dispenser - All of the rated machines have this feature.

I have always said that Consumer Reports should be utilized as just one factor when deciding on a purchase. But really, when their methodology and ratings are so obscure, what value does Consumer Reports offer at all?

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Jill writes:

Hi Brad,

I'm buying a new house and have a choice of 2 machines from the builder, one is an HE top loader (Elite, I think) and the other is a Duet. I'm lost as to which one to choose. There are a couple of things that come in to play with our washing needs and here they are...

1. We have a 2nd floor laundry room and I've heard that the vibration from front loaders can be problematic for that.
2. We have a baby and are washing several loads of cloth diapers each week and, frankly, I can dump the entire diaper pail into a top loader whereas with a front loader, I'm going to have to coax at least some of the diapers in with my hands (yuk.) But on the same note, I've heard front loaders get clothes cleaner, and with diapers that's always a plus.
3. We just bought a new low-end front loader which has been ok so far, except that it turns every pair of pants I own into a corkscrew that maintains this wrinkled shape even after I shake them out and dry them. I don't know if it's my cheap model, or if haveing a front loader is going to consign me to a life of wrinkled pants - my mom seems to have the same problem and she's got an expensive one.
4. And there's also the issue with the HE top loaders being a newer unproven technology that I don't know if I can trust.
5. Plus energy efficiency is an important issue for me, and I'm still in the dark as to how they compare in that area.

So there it is, our little dilemma, any assistance you can offer would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks a bunch (or a load... haha bad pun)
Jill


Jill,

You don't hear of builders often including laundry appliances with a new home, let alone higher-end laundry appliances.

The fact that you are washing cloth diapers automatically makes me lean towards a frontload washer. The higher wash temperatures in machines with onboard heaters will be very beneficial to you. While there are a few HE topload washers with onboard heaters, I do not believe they get as hot as some of the frontload washers. (Someone correct me if I am wrong.)

With regards to the second floor laundry, vibration is a legitimate concern. I would discuss this issue with your builder and see if he can provide any feedback on what results they have had in their other homes. I assume you have hired a high-end builder. Find out if they are able to provide any reinforcement of the floor where the washer and dryer sit. Also, if you choose the frontload route, I would advise against the optional pedestals available. In my experience, the pedestals simply enhance any vibration present. If you want the units raised, I would advise a solid, custom pedestal to support them.

Twisting is a very common problem with frontload washers, and the problem exists whether a low or highend machine. The drum does reverse direction while tumbling, but this does not always prevent twisting. The only things you can do to correct the problem is to experiment with different loading techniques and load sizes.

For your last two concerns, the advantage goes to frontload washers.

Efficiency: compare the GE Profile Harmony topload washer (269 kWh/year) to the GE frontload washer (142 kWh/year), and the frontloader has a pretty good advantage. Both are very efficient machines, but the frontload uses almost half the energy as the Harmony. Likewise, compare the Whirlpool Cabrio (307 kWh/year) to the Whirlpool Duet (151 kWh/year), and the frontloader uses half the energy as the toploader.

The most efficient topload washer on the market is the Fisher & Paykel, which comes in at 199 kWh/year.

Of course, these numbers are very subjective and your actual consumption may vary greatly.

You hit the nail on the head though with number four. You should be wary of some of these new HE topload machines. I've tried to make it very clear that I do not like the current offerings from Whirlpool (available as the Cabrio, the Kenmore Oasis, and the Maytag Bravos) due to very issues. I do not recommend anyone buy these machines. Granted, every model from every manufacturer can have issues, but these machines simply seem to have more.

The only topload washers I recommend anyone buy are made by Fisher & Paykel, and Speed Queen. I am starting to reconsider the GE Profile Harmony, but am not sure yet.

So after all of that, and given the choice between the Duet or the Cabrio, I would go with the Duet. Another option would be to ask your builder to credit you the price of the washer/dryer and use that money to purchase a set on your own. You may want to take a look at the Samsung frontload washers if vibration is a concern.

Let me know what you decide, or if I can be of further assistance.

~Brad

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From Trina:

First of all, thank you for creating such a helpful
blog!

I am in the market for a new washer/dryer. I've been researching online and checking out the major stores (Home Depot, Lowes, Sears, etc), but I can't seem to find a washer that fits my needs. I would love to hear your recommendations. I don't really need any fancy features, but here is my criteria (in no particular order):

1. Second-story. Our laundry room is located on the 2nd story and I've read that many front-loaders don't do well there.
2. Price. I preferably want to stay under or at $1000/each range.
3. Needs to be energy efficient/water saving.
4. Front-load/top-load. I really don't have a preference, but I've read that the HE top-loaders leave clothes extremely wrinkled if you don't take them out right away.

If you get a chance, please let me know which washer works for me (I'd most likely purchase the matching dryer).

Thank you in advance!
Trina

Thank you for writing, Trina!

Based upon what you have told me, I would recommend a Fisher & Paykel top load washer, or a Samsung front load washer. Let me tell you why.

1) Second story installation: You are correct that many front load washers do not perform well on the second floor, although manufacturers are attempting to remedy the problems. If you decide to go with a top load washer, vibration will not be much of a concern. And with the Fisher & Paykel washers, you can get the advantages of extremely high spin speeds in a configuration that won't be knocking pictures from your walls.

Samsung front load washers offer something they call VRT, short for Vibration Reduction Technology. I do not know exactly what they have done to reduce vibration, and it is hard to find credible user data since the machines are so new, but I believe these machines would be worth exploring.

2) Price. Points for the Fisher & Paykel washers, which run around $600, more than half the cost of the $1,300 Samsung washers.

3) Energy efficiency. Both washers are extremely efficient. You can view the Fisher & Paykel energy guide here, and the Samsung energy guide here. What's remarkable is that the Fisher & Paykel is so efficient, and is really the only high-efficiency top load washer I would recommend.

So based on your needs, my first choice for you would be a Fisher & Paykel top load washer. I have sold a lot of them, and know a lot of people who have had them a while and love them. You get a lot of washer for about half the price (or more) of a high-end front load washer.

If you decide to splurge and go the front load route, I would recommend the Samsung with VRT. Yes, these are new washers, but early reports online are saying the VRT does exactly what it is supposed to do. I owned a Maytag Neptune, designed and built by Samsung, and it was a great washer. Yeah, a couple recalls, but you can probably rest assured they fixed those problems for this new generation of washers.

Thanks for writing, and let me know what you decide!

Brad

UPDATE: July 29, 2007

Response from Trina:

Hi Brad,

I just wanted to thank you for your recommendation of the Fisher and Paykel washer. I ended up purchasing the EcoSmart washer and matching dryer at Lowe's. I've used it for about a week now and I absolutely love both. They are just what I was looking for and through your guidance, I found them! So, thank you, thank you, thank you. My sister, who also has a second floor washroom, bought a pair as well!

I will definitely recommend your blog to anyone who is in the market for a new washer.

Keep up the great work,

Trina

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From Jeremy:

I am torn between these three washing machines (2 new generation TL's and 1 front loader). My last purchase was a top' o 'da line stainless steel drum model from Amana with a true three-speed motor. It set us back a fortune as newlyweds and the darn thing developed a leak after 7 years. I was very disappointed and have come to the conclusion that I don't think I want a machine with a seal at the bottom of the drum which will leak sooner or later. I hear the Fish Paykel does not have the same leak potential as the Cabrio, is this true? I hear it has some sort of magnetic drive and the tub has no agitator hole to be sealed. Is this true? I can't seem to confirm. My gut tells me to go with the front loader but I like the capacity of the new Gen TL's. I got a schematic from Whirlpool showing the Cabrio hole for the agitator/plate - Strike one for the Cabrio. I know the new models are all electronic and that is probably more likely to go awry than the mechanicals but the three people I know who have had to replaced washers did so because of water leaking from the seal.

Any thoughts?

Thanks - Jeremy

Jeremy,

A leaky tub seal is a common problem with top loading washing machines. To my knowledge, any washing machine with an agitator will have to have a tub seal. And while I am not an engineer, I would go so far as to say any washing machine period will have a tub seal which could fail. Even the top load machines that do not have an agitator would have to have a tub seal because there is a shaft extending through the outer tub to connect to the inner tub. Therefore, a seal must be present between the outer tub and the shaft.

I cannot say that the F&P washers are less likely to leak compared to the Cabrio washers. While I like to think my knowledge of washing machines is more than layman, I am not educated as to the detailed engineering of specific units.

However, I am extremely wary of high-end top load washing machines. There have been far too many designs on the market that have been utter failures, or at best mediocre washers. If you are considering a high-end washing machine, I would urge you to go with a front loader. I understand the temptation of the 4.5cf Cabrio, but in my opinion, there are too many unknowns to endorse these machines.

Granted, much of the front loader technology is new, but the machines are based off of designs which have been in use far longer than the latest high-efficiency top loaders.

If you are considering the Duet, I would suggest you take a look at the Maytag Epic. This washer is made by Whirlpool (which now owns Maytag), and is basically the same machine they used to sell under the KitchenAid label, with a few alterations. The Epic is very comparable to the Kenmore Elite models. The reason I suggest the Epic is because the construction of the machine is just a bit more solid than the Duet washers.

Thanks for writing, and if you have further questions, let me know. Likewise, if you pull the trigger and make a purchase, let me know!

Brad

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There's a great thread over at GardenWeb by a user whose Bosch washing machine recently self-destructed. This is a great post. I found her casual tone to be refreshing. No screeching and gnashing of teeth, no empty threats of a class-action lawsuit, no claims that her super-premium washer should have lasted long enough to be pass down to her great-granddaughter.

Notice she bought the extended warranty, and will likely be getting a new machine!

*END*

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For various reasons, I have never been a big fan of Consumer Reports. While I feel they fill a legitimate niche in media, I’ve always thought their closely watched ranking system was the product more of voodoo than scientific, controlled analysis.

The June issue is a prime example. In ranking washing machines, the top-ranked LG SteamWasher scored 83 points, while a certain Samsung washer scored 77 points. This placed the Samsung washer nine places below the LG in the ranking chart.

The questions arise when you look at the individual categories that are scored and presented in the table. Each machine scored very good or excellent in every category, with the exception of gentleness (LG=”very good”, Samsung=”excellent”). In another category, LG scored better by virtue of the fact that the normal cycle time was five minutes shorter.

I don’t know why Consumer Reports does not give more information regarding their scoring methods, and precisely what aspects of a machine they analyze. In my opinion, they hurt their credibility be being so secretive.

I don’t question their assertion that the LG SteamWasher is the best washer on the market. Rather, I question their method of reaching that conclusion, and the methodology of their ranking system.

While working the sales floor at my first retail job, I always dreaded the Consumer Reports Shopper. She (or he) had the magazine or book in hand when she walked through the door, and consulted it religiously. The problems arose when I would say something that contradicted the magazine (“No, capacity in the dryer is important”), or when I did not have a model on the floor listed in the book (many times, by the time the book hits the shelves, the models have changed). And I just LOVE how the editors tell their readers to “insist on a dryer with a moisture sensor”… as if I would really try and talk her into a model that didn’t have one.

I’m not trying to disparage those who choose to read Consumer Reports. What I am saying is to take what Consumer Reports says with a pound of salt, and include the magazine as just one (small) part of the decision making process. After all, this is the same magazine that rated the Calypso #1 for how many years, and look how that turned out.

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I was going to nerd-out and write a lengthy, detailed dissertation on the benefits of an internal water heater in front load washers, but then I remembered this post at GardenWeb which does an excellent job of explaining the benefits.

I would add my own experience.

My Maytag Neptune featured an internal water heater, and I found myself using the hottest wash cycle far more frequently than I thought I would. The heater allowed the washer to do an amazing job on getting items clean that I thought were shot. White t-shirts came out blazing white. Stinky, mildewed towels that I left laying outside came out fresh. Sneakers covered in grass stains came out looking almost new. Khakis that I thought were ruined by grease stains were saved. And not once did I ever use bleach in my machine.

If you are considering a front load washer, I would highly recommend you get a model with an internal water heater. You will only spend $100 to $200 more over the base model (including a few additional bells and whistles), and you will quickly realize it is a very useful tool.

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I owned a Maytag Neptune washer that was built by Samsung. It was a great machine (recalls aside), and the Samsung-brand washers are very similar.

I'll definitely give them credit for building an aesthetically pleasing machine. With people dumping more money into their laundry rooms, their is a demand for laundry machines that are more than just basic white. Samsung, along with a few other manufacturers, have hit a home run in that department.

Not certain about this SilverCare technology, but I'll try and dig up some more info on that for a later post. *END*

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'Tis a fact that if you do not properly care for your shiny new front load washer, 'tis possible to develop a nasty funk that will defeat the purpose of using the thing. It is well documented that mold can develop in the drum and around the door gasket of the machines, and no manufacturer or model is immune.

"What?" you say. "This washer cost me a small fortune. I shouldn't have to do any extra work to prevent mold!"

Yes, you do.

The simplest method of prevention is to leave the door open a while after you use the washer. This will allow the drum and gasket area to dry out. You can also give the gasket a quick wipe with a hand towel to wick up any water.

If you do develop a funky odor, then you are likely developing a problem. To try and clean it out, run an empty cycle on the longest and hottest wash cycle available. Instead of detergent or bleach, use a half-cup or so of power-based dishwashing detergent. The enzymes in the detergent will (hopefully) go to work on any nasties growing in the machine. This can also be done periodically, once every couple months or so, to help maintain the machine.

Don't let the prospect of mold (or sheer laziness) scare you away from joining the ranks of happy front loader owners. Just understand you need to put a wee bit more effort (we're talking minimal here) into keeping the machine clean.

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There is another great value on the market, and it came as a result of Whirlpool's idiotic acquisition of Maytag.

No doubt Sears was hellatiously pissed when Whirlpool released the Maytag Epic, since they are virtually identical machines, and the Epic set will run you about $400 less than the Kenmore set.

Whirlpool, with a few modifications, based the Epic off of their KitchenAid Ensemble. The differences? Primarily, the construction. Consumers have long complained about the plastic-y (ie, cheap) feel of the Duet and Kenmore Elite washers. The Epic features a more solid construction. Basically, the door handle isn't going to break off in your hand if you give it a good tug.

If you're looking for a well-built, proven machine at a good value, bypass the Kenmores and Whirlpools and take a look at the Maytag Epic!

There is a thread over at GardenWeb that talks a bit about the Maytag Epic washers. There is some information to be found, if you can make it past the laundry nerds bitching at each other over trivial minutiae.

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If the redesigned GE Profile had come out a little bit sooner, I would have purchased that set instead of the Maytag Neptune pair. I sold a lot of these washers and dryers, and not just to the "What's the cheapest frontloader you got?" shoppers, either. I sold a lot of them because they were (and still are) a tremendous value!

For about $800, you can get a frontload washer with great capacity, excellent cleaning, and offers an internal water heater. (Read more on the importance of the internal water heater.)

So that brings us to the next questions: why are they so cheap? Well, I prefer the word "inexpensive", and the answer is they are made in China.

More information from real owners can be found at the GardenWeb forums.

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I hate to sound like a cheerleader for this washer, but here ya go. *END*

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One of the biggest questions asked in regards to owning a frontloader is "What kind of detergent should I use?". Believe it or not, it makes a difference.

Forget using anything that is not "high-efficiency". These will be designated with "HE" prominently displayed on the box. Many people object to buying a HE detergent; the cost per load is usually a little bit higher. So they decide to stick with their typical Purex or Gain or Tide, and just use less. Well, you wouldn't use Dawn dish detergent in your dishwasher, right? It's the same premise with your washing machine. HE detergent is low-sudsing.

When I had my Maytag Neptune, I used a product called EcoVantage. It was completely unscented, so there were no overpowering perfumes. But most importantly, it worked great.

There are also a couple threads at the GardenWeb forums here and here that provide a lot of information. Keep in mind, the posters at the GardenWeb laundry forum... well, some of them are fanatics when it comes to laundry, so they may go into a bit more detail than most of us.

Bottom line: always use a HE detergent. I recommend EcoVantage, but there are some other good ones out there.

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LG makes the washer rated #1 by Consumer Reports. (The validity of the Consumer Reports ranking is for another discussion and another day.) There is no question that LG makes a great washer. There is question as to the usefulness of some of the features they put into their machines. But these questions apply to all manufacturers, since it is difficult to separate the marketing from the engineering.

This thread at the GardenWeb forums offers some information from an actual owner of the machine.

Facts remain that LG washers are well-built, clean very well, offer tremendous washing capacity, are extremely efficient, and of course are very stylish appliances.

The uncertainty arises over the usefulness of the steam features on their upper-end washers. The SteamFresh feature is apparently useful for freshening a few garments (up to five) by injecting steam (no water) into the drum as the drum slowly tumbles. This is supposed to remove wrinkles and odors, and the feature apparently does that. The feature in question is the SteamWash feature which adds steam to an in-progress wash cycle. LG claims this feature "improves washing performance" and offers "higher water and energy efficiency".

Dubious claims aside, the LG SteamWasher is a high-performance machine with useful features. The only caveat to buying LG is the lack of service in some parts of the country. Check into that before you plunk down your dollars.

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I chose to start with this model for the simple fact that I owned it myself, and learned a lot about the machine. The Maytag Neptune MAH9700 and MAH8700 were made for Maytag by Samsung. I owned the 9700.

These are no longer available to purchase, and were in fact recalled this year due to the possibility of the circuit board shorting out, posing a fire hazard. The current Maytag Neptune washers are built by Whirlpool, which now owns the Maytag brand.

The Maytag Neptune washer and dryer were my first major purchase. Well, aside from the cars I've owned. It was fun to use, and it did a tremendous job of cleaning. I sold it before I moved last fall, and recall aside, I miss it. *END*

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