Forget tv, we're watching the laundry
Written: Mar 20 '05
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Pros: Gets clothing extra clean, quiet operation, conserves water, looks sleek, stackable
Cons: Needs special detergent, squeaks when stacked, expensive
The Bottom Line: If you've decided on a frontloader, this is a wise, durable, and intuitive choice. Easily serviced, available everywhere.
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| pbyaeger's Full Review: Whirlpool GHW9150 Front Load Washer |
It began with a tragedy. After less than eight years of mediocre to good service, my top of the line GE Profile top loading washing machine gave up the ghost, dying quietly with a tub full of cold, soapy water and dripping sweatpants.
After I closed the door and did a little dance of glee, I put on a proper sad face and went to my husband's side. "Honey," I said, "we need a front loader."
There was much muttering about money, and several months followed where we used the local "we do it for you" laundry. But as those bills ran higher and higher and my towels got dingier each week, we finally gave in to laundry temptation.
Well, after three months of research, anyway. We looked at every possible brand, and marveled at how tiny some were. The Danby pair was in our price range and got great feedback, but had an opening so close to the floor, we knew it wouldn't work.
Finally, a trip to the local appliance center had us settled on a Frigidaire pair, floor models, and at a great price. Woo hoo.
And then the salesman showed us the Whirlpool Duet 9150 as an afterthought. If you've ever seen a preschooler throw a fit in a candy store, you'll know what I looked like. I practically laid down in front of that sleek white and grey washer, with its large opening at a sane height. In a flash, the Frigidaires were forgotten and the Duet pair were being written up--at a much higher price.
Before I knew it, they were professionally installed in my laundry, and I was huddled in front of the washer, washing and watching with rapt attention as my clothing was tossed and whirled. Six months later, I still think I made the best choice.
Here's what I like:
Clean clothes every time
The promises were true. This front loader gets my clothing cleaner and brighter than my top loader ever did--by far. Whites that had been dull for years now look crisp and pure, without a drop of bleach. Colors don't seem to fade as quickly.
Energy and water savings
Although I don't notice a major difference in the electric bill, this Energy Star rated appliance uses less of everything and that's good. It runs on a normal outlet. Water usage is amazing--the tub never fills but instead runs water throughout each cycle as needed. My water bills have dropped dramatically.
Stainless steel drum
It may be just looks, but this feature pleases me. There's no chance of rust, and it always looks clean.
Cycle choices
From whitest whites to delicates and hand washables, I've tried every option. Whitest whites does just what it says, without the added expense of a sanitizing unit, by running extra hot and giving the clothing an extra rinse cycle. Each cycle can be modified to meet the load's special needs, with changes for heavy or low soil, temperature changes, extra rinses, extra time, and more.
For the most part, I use whitest whites for the hot loads, and heavy duty or normal for the others.
It does huge loads
As small as the tub looks, it holds enormous amounts of laundry, and does them perfectly. The salesman explained that I should stuff the washer until I could only fit my fist at the top. I thought he was an idiot, but turned out he was right. And yes, those full-stuffed loads get just as clean as the others.
In fact, I've washed our kingsized comforter in there several times and it looks better each time.
That said, small loads or single items are not recommended for this washer. So either dirty some towels, or hold your tiny loads for another day.
The product unit is easy to use
A small plastic pullout drawer on the left side of the washer has openings, with clearly marked levels, for detergent (can be adjusted for liquid or powder), bleach, and fabric softener. Fill each bin as needed, close the drawer, start the washer, and walk away. Everything is added as needed and the bins are left clean and empty--not sticky with residue.
No mold or mildew like other frontloaders
My mother's been fighting with Maytag over her stinky Neptunes for years. Not me--my Whirlpool Duet always smells clean. Even when I forget a load and leave it in all night--I open the door to the scent of clean laundry. Now and then, I wipe water off the door gasket, a big rubber piece, after a cycle, but usually I don't bother. I do leave the door open between loads, and the washer is in a well-aired room.
The unit is stackable with the matching dryer
A stacking kit is necessary; some stores wanted to sell us this for an extra $35. We got it as part of our purchase.
If you decide to stack, bear in mind that you cannot use the add-on drawers that go under the unit.
It's unbelievably quiet
When washing a load, this unit is almost silent. It's almost eerie. It does get louder while spinning, but it's nowhere near the sound levels generated by my toploaders of the past. Since spin speeds exceed 1000 rpm, it does sometimes sound like a jet engine, but it's tolerable--and over quickly.
Easiest washer I ever learned
In addition to a clearly written manual in multiple languages, the Whirlpool Duet 9150 comes with a DVD instruction manual with music and cheerful families doing laundry. Loved it. It's designed to impress a third-grader, but hey. . . it meant my husband would have no excuse.
Nothing's perfect, though. Here's what I don't like:
Detergent choices are limited to HE formulas
I learned this the hard way, by trying to use up the rest of my regular formula liquids. Even though I used tiny amounts (two tablespoons for a full load) they still caused a suds overload.
Did I have trouble handling it? Nope. The washer has a brain that senses my stupidity, and the electronic display will display the word SUD when I've gone wrong. That will indicate that it's running a special extra rinse cycle (in addition to any I've requested) to rid the unit of the soap overload.
On a related note, if I leave a load too long and need to rewash, even the tiniest amount of HE (high efficiency for frontloaders) detergent will cause a SUD signal.
I now use Tide HE liquid only, with 1/2 teaspoon of Downy on rare occasion and a drop of bleach only if desperate. So much for my beloved Woolite and Dreft.
I hate its whistle
The electronic squeal it emits when a load is done is annoying and loud. Yes, it can be adjusted or even turned off, but given my tendency to leave a load, I need it loud and thus must suffer.
As quiet as it is, stacking it increases the sound level
The washer itself is quiet, but having the matching dryer on top does magnify the sound. The dryer has its squeaks, and when the washer is running, the dryer will shake and squeak, whether it's on or not. I HATE this effect.
I'm told that if we'd remove the carpet under the units, I might see an improvement. But that's impossible for us to manage right now, and I can't see spending another $100 to have them reinstalled for a chance. And so I endure the noise.
The price is still high
I paid $1100 for this washer and felt I got a good deal, but that's double the cost of a great toploader. I can't tell you what to spend, and I think this is worth it, but you may not.
Would I buy this model again?
Yes, in a heartbeat. It makes laundry almost fun again--and is fast and efficient.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1100
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Epinions.com ID:
pbyaeger
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Member: Pamela Yaeger
Location: Long Island, NY
Reviews written: 157
Trusted by: 158 members
About Me:
I whine, therefore I am.
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