Energy saver washing machine
Written: Jul 19 '08 (Updated Nov 04 '08)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Ease of Use: |
 |
|
| Durability: |
 |
|
| Ease of Cleaning: |
|
|
| Style: |
 |
|
|
Pros: A real energy saver, cloths ring out dry as a bone.
Cons: High speed spin does cause cloths to wrinkle more.
The Bottom Line: An energy saver machine, addresses some of the common mechanical problems with other machines.
|
|
|
| Digger's Full Review: Fisher and Paykel EcoSmart GWL15 Top Load Washer |
Upon reading these reviews on here, I am somewhat amazed at how negative some of them are.
How can some people have such a bad experience compared to others? One reviewer even saying their cloths were shredded? How did the machine do this I ask myself? I would think a defective agitator.
Well as it was, necessity brought me to the point of needing a new machine, my Kitchen Aid died after just 2 years of use! In fact I wrote a review of it right here on epinions. I had nothing but wonderful things to say, I raved about how impressed I was with the Kitchen Aid. Am I impressed now? NO!
One thing I can say for sure, they don’t make them like they used to! And that goes for practically all machines out there. Case in point, the old Maytag our family bought 30 years ago, is still running to this day! How’s that for quality! That’s back when Maytag was Maytag. Even Maytag aren’t what they used to be, too much mass production and not enough quality control. Even with the older standards of quality control, you still wonder how a machine can run after 30 years!
Well it was time to go looking for a new machine. My first stop was Lowes, fortunately they were offering 12 months of interest free payments at this point and time. Upon arriving at Lowes, my wife and I starting browsing at the different machines available. My original preference was a Whirlpool, unfortunately the particular machine I was interested in was not in stock. I was going to head out to another store, when I noticed the Fisher & Paykel top loading washers. The GWL 15 is definitely a different looking machine, compared with the mainstream washers. These machines will probably make the average buyer give them a passing glance, but that‘s where it ends with many. The average buyer is very biased on what manufacturers they will consider. The greatest thing you can do for yourself when looking for a new appliance, is to keep an open mind. Just some food for thought, my old Kitchen Aid which died prematurely, was manufactured by Whirlpool. As are many others out there. I suppose one of the factors that made me side with this brand, was them being apart and different from the mainstream offerings. I'm tired of the same old garbage. Only time will tell just how good or bad this machine is.
I started talking to the salesman about this machine, he told me about some of the features it had. Some of which were quite obvious, like a stainless steel tub, digital controls. As well as some of the features that were not. He explained about how this machine had no transmission, instead it uses a direct drive motor (Transmissions are the number one reason for washers dying) It also has a larger capacity drum, which means less loads. Well after some consideration, I bought it. At the same time I also purchased an extended 4 year warranty, which in itself does not become active until the standard 2 year manufacturer warranty is up. So in total I have the machine covered for 6 years. The extended warranty was an extra hundred dollars, which was not bad at all.
Two days later the machine arrived. I immediately put my new Fisher and Paykel washer to use. First thing I noticed, was that this machine does things a bit differently than what most of us are used to. It’s kind of hard to explain, because you really cant see what’s going on inside, partly due to the auto locking lid. It will start filling up, then you will hear what appears to be some gentle agitation, then it will stop, then start filling again. It will eventually go into the actual agitation cycle. It is doing the whole washing routine differently. But in the end, the ultimate goal is to save you energy costs. There truly are some pretty cool and unique features with this machine, you have a favorite cycle. It allows you to choose a cycle that you use a lot. The next time you start a new wash cycle, you simply push the favorite button and it automatically sets up your predetermined settings. The spin cycle runs unbelievably fast. So fast, that the cloths are almost dry when they are done washing. This in itself is a major energy saving factor. The only negative side to the high speed spin cycle, is the cloths seem to be more easily wrinkled. This is kept to a minimum if the cloths are taken out right away and put in the dryer. To add detergent, you simply pour it down the middle of the agitator. The rinse/cap dispenser fits over the top of the agitator.
So far I am very satisfied with the performance of this machine, I have not had any of the problems. If anybody is in the market for a new machine, I would definitely take a serious look at the Fisher and Paykel brand. I would also consider the optional 4 year extended warranty offered at Lowes. It gives you 6 years of worry free use! And if I’m not mistaken, being an energy star product, you are possibly entitled to some sort of tax rebate, at least that‘s the case in Texas. If you would like any further information or have any questions on this machine, feel free to contact me at woodrowm2k@yahoo.com I will try and answer to the best of my knowledge.
Just an update on the machine, so far so good. I've now had it 8 months, and she's still running smoothly. I have not had any of the problems others have reported. Only thing I've noticed is a subtle different sound when the spin cycle is running. Not a bad sound, just different. And it only happens from time to time. Machine still operates without a hitch. Am praying this one last a lot longer than the last one. Even with the extended warranty, it's still a hassle having to get service done. You will definitely want to either clean out the rinse dispenser on a regular basis, or opt to use dryer sheets. This is the one and only part of this machine I think they could have done better on. Kind of a dumb design overall. The lower half of the dispenser tends to fall into the agitator tower. This is eliminated by keeping it clean. Like I said, not a big deal, just one of those irritating things. P.S. I think this particular model is in limited stock. Some Lowes might have them. They have replaced it with an updated model. Might want to ask if they can order it, that is if they don't have it in stock.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 544.00
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
Digger
|
|
Location: Lumberton, TX
Reviews written: 57
Trusted by: 3 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.