Update 2004: a few months after the 1-year warranty expired, the machine threw an internal hose and flooded the kitchen. Using a screwdriver and pliers, I opened the machine and easily re-attached the hose, but if I hadn't been home the water might have done a lot of damage. I don't know if the loose hose was an original defect or if it was loosened during the warranty repair (see below). I still like the machine, but now I only use it when I'm home.

Aside from that, the machine has mostly done a very good job.

The good parts:

The biggest advantage is convenience: you load it, set the timer, leave, and everything is ready when you come back. If you're late, the machine will tumble the laundry every few minutes to prevent wrinkling. I would never buy separates again.

The wash quality is exceptionally high, and gentle, so clothes last longer. It's almost inaudible except when the pump empties the water at the end of each cycle. Also, front-loading washers save water and electricity compared to top-loaders; it's a much better way to wash.

Also, I really like the digital display, which says exactly how much time is left (unless you're using sensor dry - but see below).

Neutral:

Drying is good but can be slow and a bit noisy. The "no heat" setting for 30 minutes is perfect for hanging shirts and trousers - put them on hangers for a few hours and they dry flat, no ironing required. To get everything dry enough to fold and store can take about two hours, and the pump runs audibly every few seconds, loud enough to hear in the next room. (Condensation dryers use water to dry; it's a clever technology, ventless and gentle on clothes, but slow.) Even then, condensation-dried laundry can be slightly humid; if you put it in a drawer, leave the drawer ajar for a few hours.

Capacity is sufficient but compact. It can handle one king-size sheet or duvet cover but not more, or several towels, or enough clothes. I've never found it too small for normal use.

The newer model (3274) is probably worth the extra $100: capacity is slightly larger and the spin speed is higher, which should shorten drying times.

A non-owner opinion on Gardenweb said the machine is slow, but I disagree. The wash cycles include a lot of soaking, letting the detergent do the work instead of the machine. That gets clothes cleaner with less wear & tear, and saves energy. You never have to move clothes from washer to dryer, so clothes don't sit waiting for you to move them. The bottom line is, although the cycles are longer, they use less electricity and you get more done using less of your time.

The bad parts:

Reliability. The flooded kitchen is the most dramatic example, but there are others.

One reason I chose this machine is it was the only combination unit with an automatic drying sensor instead of just a timer. However, after a few months the sensor stopped working. The company sent a repairman but he didn't even know there was a sensor, let alone how to fix it. I just use timed drying now. It's no worse than having a machine that only has a timer, but it's not worth paying extra for a feature that doesn't work. Even when the sensor did work, the countdown display could rarely guess how much time was left.

Also, lint is an issue. Separate lint-shedding items from lint-catching items, e.g. socks from handkerchiefs. Then, after each load, run a rinse-only cycle to clean the drum.

Occasionally the electronic door mechanism sticks. There is a mechanical "emergency" release, although you'll have to check the manual to get to it the first time. So, keep the manual handy.

On balance I'm still glad I bought this machine. Even with its flaws, it's better than the average separates. However, I can't recommend it to others, because of the risk of leaking/flooding. Maybe the new model is more dependable.


Recommended: No

Amount Paid (US$): 1300