Traditional
top-loaders. These fill the tub with water, then agitate the
clothing. They use more water than other types of washers, and thus
consume more energy to heat the hot water. They also extract less
water from laundry during the spin cycle, which results in longer
drying time and higher energy costs. Because they need to move the
laundry around to ensure thorough cleaning, these machines hold about
12 to 16 pounds, which is less than large front-loaders and
top-loaders without agitators in the center of the tub.
On
the plus side, they make it easier to load laundry and to add items
mid-cycle. You can also soak laundry easily. This type of machine has
the shortest cycle times and is the only one that gives the best
results with regular detergent. They also cost the least overall. But
most top-loaders are noisier than front-loaders, and there's a risk
of loads getting unbalanced. Price range: $300 to $650.
High-efficiency
top-loaders. These newer designs incorporate wash plates, discs
that lift and tumble laundry, and other replacements for the
traditional agitator. Washing performance is usually better than with
regular top-loaders, and capacity is generally greater as well. These
top-loaders work somewhat like front-loaders, filling partially with
water and spinning at very high speeds. Most are more efficient with
water and energy than regular top-loaders, but the high spin speeds
that reduce drying time (and energy consumption) can make clothing
more tangled and wrinkled. These machines work best with low-foaming,
high-efficiency detergent. What's more, they aren't cheap. Price
range: $800 to $1,200.
Front-loaders.
Front-loaders get clothes clean by tumbling them in the water.
Clothes are lifted to the top of the tub, then dropped into the water
below. They fill only partially with water and then spin at high
speed to extract it, which makes them more efficient with water and
energy than regular top-loaders. Most handle between 12 and 20 pounds
of laundry. Like high-efficiency top-loaders, front-loaders wash best
with low-sudsing detergent. But the best still outperformed the best
high-efficiency top-loaders overall. Many front-loaders can be
stacked with a dryer to save floor space. Price range: $700 to
$1,600.
Space-saving
options. Compact models are typically 24 inches wide or less
(compared with about 27 inches for full-sized washers of all types)
and they can wash 8 to 12 pounds of laundry. A compact front-loading
washer can be stacked with a compact dryer. Some compact washers can
be stored in a closet and rolled out to be hooked up to the kitchen
sink. Price range: $450 to $1,700.
Washer-dryer
laundry centers combine a washer and dryer in one unit, with the
dryer located above the washer. These can be full-sized (27 inches
wide) or compact (24 inches wide). The full-sized models hold about
12 to 14 pounds, the compacts a few pounds less. Performance is
generally comparable to that of full-sized machines. Price range:
$700 to $1,900.
IMPORTANT
FEATURES
A
porcelain-coated steel inner tub can rust if the porcelain is
chipped. Stainless-steel or plastic tubs won't rust. A
stainless-steel tub can withstand higher spin speeds, which extract
more water from laundry and speed drying. A porcelain top/lid resists
scratching better than a painted metal one.
Controls
should be legible, easy to push or turn, and logically arranged.
High-end models often have touchpad controls; others have traditional
dials. Touchpad controls tend to be more versatile; for
instance, you may be able to save favorite settings that you use
frequently. Some high-end models have a display with a progression of
menus. Such menus can be time-consuming to navigate, but they may
allow custom programming or offer detailed help information otherwise
available only in the manual. A plus: lights or signals that
indicate the cycle.
On
some top-loaders, an automatic lock during the spin cycle
keeps children from opening the lid. Front-loaders lock at the
beginning of a cycle but can usually be opened by interrupting the
cycle, although some doors remain locked briefly after the machine
stops.
Front-loaders
and some top-loaders set water levels automatically, ensuring
efficient use of water. Some top-loaders can be manually set for four
or more levels; three or four are probably as many as you would need.
Most
machines establish wash and rinse temperatures by mixing hot and cold
water in preset proportions. For incoming cold water that's
especially cold, an automatic temperature control adjusts the
flow for the correct wash temperature. This feature is useful if your
incoming water is very cold or if your washer is a long way from the
water heater.
Some
models allow an extra rinse, which can help for those sensitive to
detergent residue, or an extended spin to remove more water from
laundry. A time-delay feature lets you program the washer to
start at a later time, such as at night, when your utility rates are
low. Automatic dispensers for bleach, detergent, and
fabric-softener release powder or liquid at the appropriate time in
the cycle so they work effectively. Bleach dispensers also prevent
spattering.
HOW
TO CHOOSE
For
best high-end performance, go with a front-loader. If you're
willing to spend at least $700 or so, at this point we'd steer you
to a front-loader. The best offer very good washing, ample capacity,
and quiet operation. The front-loading design has been around for
awhile, and Frigidaire, GE, Kenmore, and Whirlpool front-loaders have
a better track record for reliability than Maytag front-loaders, the
most repair-prone of all washers. Note that numerous readers have
reported that front-loading washers developed mold or a musty smell.
Leaving the door ajar between uses and using chlorine bleach
occasionally should help. Vibration can also be an issue if the front
loader is not leveled properly when installed.
Think
twice about new-technology top-loaders. Even though some
top-loaders have done well in our tests, they haven't been among
our top picks. The Whirlpool Calypso and Kenmore Calypso were the
more repair-prone top-loaders and left garments tangled and wrinkled
in our tests. The GE Profile Harmony models we've tested weren't
very gentle on clothes.
Get
a conventional top-loader for good performance at a modest price.
If you want a less expensive machine that's decent across the
board, consider a familiar top-loader. Even though these machines
aren't as exciting as newer types, they typically offer decent
washing for $500 or less and include a large selection of reliable
brands. A model judged good or very good for washing should be fine
for all but very soiled laundry and should satisfy most consumers.
Consider
energy usage. Our tests for energy efficiency differ from those
used to determine the government's Energy Star eligibility, giving
more weight to performance with maximum loads. As a result, some
Energy Star models haven't scored that well for energy efficiency
in our Ratings.
Decide
if noise is an issue. If you plan to install a washer in a
laundry room near the kitchen or a bedroom, we strongly recommend one
judged very good or excellent for noise. Front-loaders as a group
tend to be very quiet; some top-loaders are as well.
For
sets, choose the washer first. Even the best dryer is only as
good as the washer's ability to remove moisture, since less
moisture means shorter drying times and less energy use per load.
Remember, too, that unless you insist on the same style, there's no
need to match a washer and a dryer. If your old dryer still works
fine, don't think you have to replace it when you buy a new washer.
Weigh
the value of pricey extras. The more features a washer has, the
more it usually costs. Don't buy an expensive model just to get
four or more water levels, dozens of cycle and setting combinations,
or dedicated cycles for fabrics such as silk. The basic cycles and
settings can handle most washing needs, and you can replicate most
special cycles with buttons or dials. An electronic touchpad may
allow custom programming, but it can also be more confusing to use,
especially at first.
Use
the proper detergent. Any washing machine will do a better job if
you use a good detergent. For traditional top-loaders, regular
detergent is fine, and that's what we used. With front-loaders and
high-efficiency top-loaders, you'll get the cleanest clothes with
special low-sudsing detergent; that's what we used for these
machines. In fact, using regular detergent can cause excessive
sudsing in HE washers. Not only is it hard to rinse clothing, but the
foam can cause problems with the washer. There are fewer HE products
to choose from than with regular detergent, and they cost about 5 to
10 cents more per load than regular detergent. Consider the cost and
convenience of ongoing detergent purchases when you're buying a
washer.
Copyright © 2003-2007
Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
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