Equator EZ 3710 Front Load All-in-One Washer / Dryer

Pros: No venting required.
Cons: Chinese manufacturing has killed quality control.

When I purchased this machine in Sept '05 it was the third Equator combo I owned. Never had a problem before and recommended the machine far and wide but that was before they changed manufacture from Italy to China! This machine has only worked for 4 ...

Pros: Great idea!
Cons: Poor tech support, unreliable.

Great idea, but incredibly poor support and mediocre quality. I bought a refurbished unit off of ebay ($400 + $100 s/h) with a 6 month warranty. When I got it and hooked it up it was missing some parts and already leaked. They had no support network, and they just called a random appliance repair person to work on it. He had never seen one before, and the only reason he knew what part it needed was because I showed him the parts manual on-line. After months of broken promises that they would pay the poor guy for the repair work, they finally declared bankruptcy and said they couldn't pay him. That was late 2005. This past summer/fall 2006 it began to make strange noises and wouldn't spin heavy loads on the spin cycle. Out of warranty now and who can I call? Their tech support doesn't speak english well, and they obviously don't have a clue about their product. If I pay someone local to look at it, it will take them several hours just to diagnose the problem (since no one has worked on them). That alone would probably cost more than the thing is worth.

Pros: None.
Cons: Everything - no factory service network exists! Disgusting service when it breaks, which is regularly.

My Equator broke after six months;it is impossible to get it fixed. There isn't any factory technician-they "have to find someone",and you can only talk to India; you can't talk to someone in Houston.

Equator's web site states their appliances are "Made In Italy," but when the machine was un-crated, the plaque on the back stated "Precision Made In China."

They were right about China,and dead wrong about "precision," although that depends on your definition of precision.

It opened a circuit breaker,gave off a burning smell,and sounded like my coffee grinder. The appliance store won't exchange it for anything else-I have an expensive, decorative ship's anchor.

I have two degrees, and worked for 22 years as a lab technician,so I have expertise in machinery/electronics.

Buy a conventional washer/dryer,like Whirlpool,from Lowe's/Home Depot.

A $1,000 loss!!

Update:

It took THREE WEEKS to fix the first breakdown - now it needs a new pump!! Equator does not have a service network -they go through the yellow pages. This machine is awful!! I will NEVER buy again from Equator.

This has broken five times in less than one year!! It takes three weeks to fix it each time!!

Pros: Easily repaired
Cons: Must read and follow instruction manual

I recently purchased the Equator and yes, I did have a problem with leaking. Appliance desk was very helpful in getting the repair company to my home in a timely manner (2Days). I must admit that you do have to FOLLOW OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS. The latch broke when something got caught on it and it isn't in the warranty (which I did read) and the part was shipped relatively quick. I'm sorry if others have problems but I've already gotten my $1000 out of it in less than 6mos. If you live in a residence with no washer/dryer hook up or 220 volt electric hookup this is a good option. No ventilation needed. I have also saved a bundle on laundry detergent considering I only use what the instructions tell you. High efficiency detergent (a small bottle) can last me more than a month. I like it.

Pros: It does wash the clothes when it works.
Cons: No service available, dryer fan burns out if you fill more then 1/2 way.

If you like taking apart machines and doing your own repairs AND if you are a single person who does wash towels AND you do not mind waiting 4 hours for your clothes then this is the machine for you.

When the machine breaks their service department walks you through the repair and sends parts. My parts came damaged and while they sent new parts for free they billed me for the shipping.