High efficiency washing machines

[SillyGirl]

I'm planning on buying a new washing machine, and started researching my options online this morning. I want a top-loading washer, and apparently now they make them without an agitator.

I'm reading mixed reviews on how well this type of machine does getting clothes clean, and I'm wondering if anyone here has experience with one? I would appreciate any input...this is a big-ticket item for me, and I don't want to screw it up. Thanks!

 

[tboy]

hey sg, why do you want a top loader? front loaders do a much better job with a lot less soap and water......I bought a cheap pair of inglis and I bet on a full load it doesn't use a 1/2 gallon of water to wash and rinse....and the spin, they come out almost dry saving you money on electricity in the dryer. If you want all the bells and whistles you can even get one to steam clean your dry clean only items.....

 

[SillyGirl]

I've had a front-loader before and was not impressed. You can't soak things in it, and I like to do that.

Hope you're feeling better, T.

 

[tboy]

soak? I thought that's what laundry tubs were for...and I"m feeling almost alive now....thanks for asking....I was sent to the hospital on friday due to shortness of breath due to congestion, a lot of people up here have had it turn into pneumonia.....

When did you last have a front loader? they've come a long way. My only complaint with mine is if a put a bunch of work shirts in, it tangles up the sleeves. Anyhow, I can't really help you on top loaders, didn't do any research on them before I bought my front loaders. But I couldn't beat the price: $759 taxes delivery and disposal of my old POS machines that came with the house.

Just thinking outloud, I don't know how a top loader could agitate without an agitator. With a front load it tumbles everything to that's where the cleaning action comes from.....hmmmmm Plus they can get away with less water since the clothes tumble into the water at the bottom of the drum whereas in a top loader, the water would always be at the bottom......

 

[tboy]

here's a good website talking about them:

https://www.ehow.com/list_6183849_top-high-efficiency-washing-machines.html

 

[SillyGirl]

I had decided to not even consider the new kind, because like you I don't get how a top-load machine could clean clothes without an agitator. Then I realized I don't understand how my cellphone works either, but that doesn't stop me from using it.

Apparently these new machines also use a lot less water, even though they are top-loaders. About soaking stuff in a wash tub, I don't have a space to leave one where Rocky couldn't get to it. He's a good dog, most of the time, but does enjoy drinking out of things he shouldn't. And even if I did have space, I think I would still prefer to just soak the stuff right in the washer.

Like I said, I've read mixed reviews. I'm trying really hard to do a lot of research. This is my first big-ticket purchase by myself, and I really don't want to make the wrong choice.

Tomorrow I'll be asking about mattresses. :biggrin2:

 

[RAWD]

We've used the GE and Samsung front loaders at our homes, which are fine. But, the crappy maytag top loader at our condo seems to do a better job getting the whites whiter. My beef about front loaders is that it takes more time for each load/cycle.


if I can figure out my password to consumerreports, I'll email it to u. But I may have cancelled it. Mad cow is really f-ing up my memory.....

 

[tboy]

Don't get me started on mattresses......penn and teller did an expose on them and found that the really really REALLY expensive 15K ones weren't that much different than the $2500 ones and they weren't much different than the $800 ones.

As for it being your first big purchase...I'm not sure but I think sears has a 30 day satisfaction warranty so if you buy it, use it and are not happy with the results, you can return it without any hassles. Could be why they're on the ropes financially.

If I were you I'd look at all the models in your price range and then do online searches for reviews of each. That way you should get unbiased opinions of actual users. Now I say this with a grain of salt because it has come to light over the past year or so that companies actually pay people to post positive reviews of their products without ever having owned one.

 

[RAWD]

The only you need to know is that no one pays retail for mattresses.

I just replaced mine and am less than thrilled. Really throwing off my rhythm :rofl!:

 

[Art Mann]

I agree that top load is preferable. Ask any realtor who is showing resale homes. Unless front loads are fastidiously cleaned on a frequent basis, they tend to emit a foul odor.

Recently purchased a & Dryer. Terrific appliances. Very quiet, very efficient, very smooth. My old washer used to start lumbering across the floor when the load shifted. That never happens with this machine.

The mini-agitator is not only more effective than the big old ones but also reduces tub size by almost 2 cubic feet.

Can't properly explain why mini-agitator works better (you can grill your salesperson on that).

Not nearly as expensive as many laundry machines.

 

[SillyGirl]

I appreciate all the input from everyone. Art that Maytag is one of the better-rated machines, it's on my list of possibilities.

Tboy is right, I need to actually go to the store and look at them before I decide anything. I'm not in any hurry, nothing is actually being purchased until I get my tax refund.

Right now my brain is fried, I'll probably have nightmares about washing machines tonight. I don't want to even start thinking about mattresses. :wacko::wacko:

 

[oldguyzer]

I've got a mini agitator and my girlfriend is a top loader, but....oh....wait.,,,wrong thread. :blush2:

 

[SillyGirl]

I've got a mini agitator and my girlfriend is a top loader, but....oh....wait.,,,wrong thread. :blush2:

Thank you, I needed the laugh. :biggrin2:

 

[oldguyzer]

Glad to oblige. Guess you don't want to see my soap dispenser, huh?

 

[SillyGirl]

Glad to oblige. Guess you don't want to see my soap dispenser, huh?

:blush2::blush2: :tongue:

 

[tboy]

I don't know that the mini agitator itself is exactly more efficient, but maybe how it's used? That's kind of like saying a smaller engine is more efficient than a larger one without taking into consideration all the variables. Off the top of my head, a smaller agitator would require less energy to move so yeah, off the bat you could say it is more efficient but does it get the clothes as clean as the larger ones using the relative same amount of energy? Kind of like saying a water pump with a small impellor is more energy efficient than a pump with a larger one since it uses less electricity. But does it move the same amount of water?

Plus you have to take into consideration the shape or design of the agitator. The same shape of agitator in different sizes would be a better side by side comparison.

I can't understand why no one is getting into ultrasonic washers. Since it is the water sloshing through the fabric that creates the cleaning action, ultrasonic waves moving through the water would be infinitely more efficient because you aren't using mechanical force to move the water, just sound waves.....

Good luck to you sg, I just needed a more efficent laundry pair and went with the cheapest I could afford......(and am damned pleased, they are better than any washing machine I've ever used, including industrial models).

 

[Prick]

Sillygirl, just wash your clothes by hand ;/Waving://

 

[HOF]

This is why SG wants a toploader with an agitator!



​

 

[HOF]

Apparently the front loader aka missionary loader work just as well!



You really should go and test ride them!​

 

[HOF]

I've got a mini agitator and my girlfriend is a top loader, but....oh....wait.,,,wrong thread. :blush2:

Your girlfriend told me!:rofl!: