Impressions from a new Whirlpool owner cont'd
Written: Sep 28 '05
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Pros: Well-constructed, efficient, extremely quiet, nice design, faster spin means less drying time
Cons: More expensive, deeper dimension than top-loader
The Bottom Line: Highest rated by Consumer Reports, very efficient, will pay for itself, get a good dealer/installer
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| peter777's Full Review: Whirlpool GHW9150 Front Load Washer |
Our old Kenmore washer and dryer were going bad about the same time. I researched front-loaders for their better water and electricity efficiency and we had some experience with them (although smaller) in other countries.
I was a bit concerned about some of the negative comments on many of these machines and after looking into it a bit more I came to some conclusions.
Installation expertise is important. We bought the washer (and dryer) from an independent appliance dealer with a good reputation for service. I asked them specifically about some of these issues.
1)Vibration. Leveling the unit is important. These guys did it pretty quick. They have done it many times before. So far, the amount of vibration in the spin cycles is minimal. If you put a bottle of detergent on top you can just notice it vibrating. The machine itself does not move. From talking to service reps and other people who have this machine, it makes a difference who sets it up.
2) Spotting of clothes by fabric softener. We generally use the Bounce sheets so I can't speak of personal experience. However, I was told that unlike the Whirlpool, the Kenmore version does not have a flow meter and just adds the liquid fabric softener on top of the clothes thus resulting in some cases in spotting.
3) Mildew/smell. Top-loaders in general have the advantage of being able to evaporate up while front-loaders have quite a seal with the door. It is usually recommended to crack the door open when not in use. Unlike some other machines which are "on" when the door is open, the Whirlpool "sleeps" so this is not an issue. Since we just got the machine I cannot comment on our experience yet. The Maytag Neptune apparently did not (and still does not) have the ability to empty the drum of water and stays wet inside. This apparently is why there is a class-action lawsuit against Maytag (sorry, Lonely Maytag Repairman).
By the way, neither I nor any family member is associated with Whirlpool Corp. or company that sells appliances.
4) Size. I cannot understand how someone could buy something without measuring the dimensions! We don't have a particularly large (or small) laundry room. But just a couple of minutes and a measuring tape and you know exactly how big the unit is - even with extra few inches Whirlpool recommends away from wall and with door open. And for a company to deliver it and not help accomodate it...be careful who you buy from. We got the pedestals. It puts the units at about 50 1/4 inches tall but it makes it nice on the back to get the clothes in and out of the washer and dryer. Note that the washer door only opens to the left and cannot be reversed while the dryer door can be reversed so it is best to put the washer to the left of the dryer
5) Reliability/warranty. I generally have had good success with Kenmore products. But some of the above issues swayed me in favor of the Whirlpool. The other issue was the extended warranty which I think is a good idea on these more expensive machines. The Sears one was $599 for 5 years and the one I got through the independent dealer was through Philips Corp for $99 for 5 years. That was a no brainer. And although the dealer sells other brands like Miele, Bosch, and Fisher & Paykel, they say they have had very few problems with the Whirlpool and recommended it.
6) Price. These are more expensive than top-loaders. But since they use almost 70% less water and almost 70% less electricity, over time (I think I read about 3 years) they pay for themselves. We paid $1089 for the unit, $99 for the warranty, $25 for delivery and set-up (for both washer and dryer) including hauling off of old machines
Will keep you posted on durability
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1089
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Epinions.com ID:
peter777
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Reviews written: 4
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