Sorry Rush Limbaugh - Front Loaders are Better
Written: Apr 30 '01 (Updated Jun 05 '01)
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Pros: Very Quiet*, water extraction, efficient use of water and electricity
Cons: *Can be loud during high speed final spin.
The Bottom Line: Highly recommended and a great value.
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| jmg1232's Full Review: Frigidaire FWT449 Washer |
With the new laws passed by congress to protect water resources, traditional style top loading washing machines are on the way out (or at least facing major redesigns with unknown cleaning effectiveness.) I don't know how others feel, but I'm getting tired of hearing Rush Limbaugh rail against front loading washing machines, I think they're excellent.
The front loading technology used in the Frigidaire design has been well tested. The machine cleans by tumbling clothes (cycles between clockwise and counter clockwise) many times a minute. There is a window to observe the clothes.
Benefits of Frigidaire top loader:
1. Very quiet during tumbling, but can be loud during the high speed spin cycle.
2. The high speed spin removes water, detergent, dirt and scum very effectively.
3. Horizontal axis design has passed the test of time. Has been used for half a century in Europe as well as in laundromats in the US.
4. I don't know if its the washer or my Maytag gas dryer that is easy on my clothes. There is very little lint on the lint filter from each load. My interpretation of this is that the washer is very gentle on my clothes.
5. Can clean large items - bed spreads, sleeping bags, etc.
6. Stainless steel drum.
7. Saves electricity (less hot water to heat, less time in dryer to due superior water extraction.)
8. Saves water compared to traditional top loader.
9. Excellent at cleaning clothes.
Possible Negatives
1. If you don't mind kneeling down while loading the clothes, this is probably easier on your back than a top loader. The door to my dryer is at the same height as the opening of the washer, so I don't have a problem with this. I'm not sure that lifting heavy wet clothes from a top loader is exactly good for one's back.
2. The washer opening is kind of small. There is a rubber gasket that can catch large items.
3. There is a drawer for detergent, fabric softener, and bleach. Only liquid bleach can be used. It might be easy to spill bleach on the clothes if you overfill the drawer. I usually use a measuring cup to prevent spillage.
4. For effective cleaning should use a low suds detergent made to work with front loaders. This can be more expensive than top loading detergent. I've bought the detergent at Sear's when it's been on sale at a very reasonable price.
5. Currently front loaders are more expensive than low end top loaders. However, I thought the Frigidaire was quite reasonable priced at the $620 that I paid (after rebate).
As front loaders become more prevalent, this may change. I have seen $600-$1200 top loaders however which is in the same ball park.
6. I purchase my washer at Sears, and I would highly recommend purchasing a washer from them or another full service provider. I would highly recommend paying to have the washer delivered and set up. The washer is heavy, and requires some special set up. The washer must be balanced to make sure that it doesn't "walk" during the high speed spin.
After two and a half years of moderate use, I can highly recommend this machine. It is an effective cleaner and saves me a lot of money on my utilities. With the ever growing cost of electricity, it is nice to know that my washer is saving me money and saving precious national resources.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 620 on Sale
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Epinions.com ID:
jmg1232
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Location: Little Rock, AR
Reviews written: 13
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
I enjoy reading good reviews; I hope my reviews are objective and interesting.
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