A Workhorse of a Washer
Written: Sep 02 '04 (Updated Sep 02 '04)
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Pros: Reliability, Durability, Heavy Load Handling
Cons: No Bleach Or Fabric Softener Dispensers, Extra Rinse Cycle, Noise
The Bottom Line: A great utility washer. Once you get a good one, it will never let you down. But don't look for usefullness in the home.
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| workscorp's Full Review: Whirlpool GCAM2792LQ Top Load Washer |
Author's note: Please remember that this is a commercial washer. Usefullness in the home is not covered in this review.
Why I Purchased This Washer
I was in need of a new washer for our boarding kennel. We were used to buying a new washer (with no warranty, as to our use) every 2 years then replacing it once it wore out.
We have 70 dog runs and provide our boarded pets with fresh, clean bedding every day. We are also a grooming facility and go through about 80 pounds of wet towels daily. That's a lot of laundry!
I went to Lowe's and explained to the salesman what I needed. He told me they sold a Whirlpool commercial washer, with a warranty, for $289. So I bought the GCAM2792LQ. How could I go wrong? I finally had a washer with an actual warranty. Wow!
At the same time I was also researching the new, larger front-loaders. GE, Whirlpool and Kenmore would provide no warranty to us; however LG Tromm would. They warranty their machines whether used in the home or for business. They were new to the market at the time and I did not feel comfortable investing over $1,000 in a machine that was unproven in reliability. So I went with the Whirlpool GCAM2792LQ (Since then LG Tromm has sold excellent machines... maybe next time).
The Difference In A Commercial Washer
Whirlpool states that this washer has upgraded 5-year inlet hoses (red for hot water, blue for cold), a heavy-duty motor start system, and beltless drive.
However, the vast majority of washers sold today use a clutch mechanism and are also beltless drive.
How This Washer Has Performed
The first unit was defective. After 2 weeks, the motor ran in the Spin cycle, but the tub stood still. Basically, it made a lot of noise and left the blankets soaking wet. A repairman could not diagnose the problem so Lowe's promptly replaced the washer.
Even so, laundry was backed up. Depending on the season, we wash between 6 to 10 loads every day. It took us a week to catch up.
The new washer has performed flawlessly. Over the past year, it has washed over 1,800 loads (yes, one thousand eight hundred) without a hitch. Since our business has increased, past washers never lasted this many uses. I am amazed.
I feel like having it bronzed for prosperity.
What I Like About This Washer
It will wash just about anything you throw at it. As with any top-loader, large blankets and dog beds can throw it out of balance. However, once redistributed, it handles these better than most.
It is reliable and durable, kind of like the Energizer bunny. It just keeps going ... and going.. and going. However, it doesn't have long, cute ears, walk along and bang a drum.
The warranty is longer than most regular washers. While parts and labor are covered for the normal year, parts are further covered for a full 3 years. The porcelain tub is warranted for the normal 10 years against rust.
Everything comes out sparkling clean. Pet bedding can sometimes resemble baby diapers (yuck). We use the Regular Heavy setting with hot water. With this washer, every pet is assured of clean bedding (yeah).
What I Don't Like
There are no bleach or fabric softener dispensers. We use bleach in every load, to sanitize items, so we must add it at the beginning. The concentrated bleach solution results in grooming towels and pet bedding wearing out faster than usual via small rips and tears.
The owner's manual warns of this, but what can you do? We are not able to monitor loads and add bleach 5 minutes after the start of the Wash cycle as recommended.
There is no noise insulation in this washer. It is loud, especially in the Spin cycle. And when, on the rare occasion, it does go out of balance, you know it. It will never stop, but bang itself forward, stretching its hoses, begging for mercy. An out of balance sensor would be nice, just to save you from pushing it back a foot or more to get it going again.
It cannot be bolted to the floor to prevent the walking as most commercial models can.
Features, Cycles and Options
This washer actually has 8 Cycles: 4 in Regular, 2 in Permanent Press, Gentle, plus Extra Rinse. These are useful if used in a no-cost laundromat (such as an apartment complex).
The Extra Rinse must be started manually. At the end of the chosen cycle, you must turn the dial to Extra Rinse and start the machine again. Many washers do this automatically by pressing an Extra Rinse Button.
There are 2 water levels; however, the Low setting is just good for maybe a pair of socks. Use High for most loads.
There are also 2 speeds. This applies to wash speed only (Gentle is slow). Spins are always on High.
Overall
We have very high standards for lots of one-on-one attention, TLC, safety and comfort given to all the pets boarded with us. The GCAM2792LQ has helped us achieve this. A must for everyday washing in a commercial setting. It has a longer warranty than most home washers so you probably can't go wrong.
I'll probably buy an LG Tromm front-loader next, due to the larger capacity and energy and detergent savings. But until then, why fix what isn't broken?
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 287
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Epinions.com ID:
workscorp
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Location: Asheville, NC
Reviews written: 25
Trusted by: 7 members
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