Looks good but avoid
Written: Sep 30 '02 (Updated Oct 01 '02)
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Pros: Glass door (not plastic),Compact, nice appearance
Cons: Identical parts not stocked for replacement, Buzzing, soap residue
The Bottom Line: Go with a manufacturer with more experience and better customer service
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| jsljsljsl's Full Review: Kenmore 41142 Washer |
We purchased this machine almost 4 years ago and we will replace it with a different front-loading machine. We bought the machine at Sears as a Kenmore but it arrived with Frigidaire branding. I have since found that they are the same product. I believe this manufacturer was not as experienced with front-loading washers as other manufacturers and additionally did not provide follow-up support for other issues. The first problem we had was with soap residue remaining in the clothes and causing itching. We solved this by using just a dime size amount of soap. The cycle selector knob on the matching dryer broke during the warranty period and was replaced. The electronic door latch makes a load buzzing during operation that can sometimes be reduced by pushing the door in a little. The plastic latch also broke and had to be replaced. We had a very slow dripping water leak from an internal rubber part which was not noticed until we moved the machine after two years and saw the mess under it. This was obviously leaking from day one but was not replaced by the manufacturer because we did not find it until after the warranty period. I think this is an example of poor manufacturer support. On any appliance I now open the covers and check them out completely just prior to the end of the warranty. Finally we had a small knob break after two years and it turns out that nobody anywhere stocks the old parts once the model styling changes so now we have mismatched knobs. Again... this is supposed to be a 'durable good' so I expected the manufacturer to provide more support for their product.
Keep in mind this review is only comparing this front loader with other front-loaders we have used in the past and not with top-loaders. If you have not owned a front-loader and you are trying to decide weather to buy one do not let this discourage you. Any front-loader on the market will wash better, more efficiently and economically than a top-loader.
We have found that the main problem with this machine is actually the fact that because it uses very little water - and uses that water in small amounts over the course of the cycle - the water is always cold because the water in the supply line does not have a chance to get hot before it stops filling. This happens even though our washer is very close to the water-heater. This is also causing the problem with soap residue because the soap does not dissolve well in the cold water. Our next washer will have a built-in heater to remedy these problems.
Compared to top-loaders this washer cleans better. Unfortunately it does not clean as well as washers by manufacturers who have been making front-loaders longer
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 700.00
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Epinions.com ID:
jsljsljsl
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Reviews written: 1
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