Gotadimple
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2007
- Messages
- 2,615
Here's my experience with HE machines: fantastic! Both the washer and dryer, and I have had them for a year.
For now, I wouldn't consider an "American" brand name, GE, Whirlpool, Maytag, etc. They just do not understand the technology: washing machine parts with electronic controls. There are too many reports of failures from these brands.
Do consider either Samsung or LG. Both get excellent reviews. For in depth reviews, I suggest visiting Amazon and Lowe's. Lowe's gets a feed of reviews from the manufacturers. Amazon gets quite a bit of conversation between users.
I bought a Samsung pair at Lowe's. They do the install and if you feel uncomfortable, a 3-year warrenty extension is very reasonable, and completely serviced by Lowe's techs.
The smell many report comes from the gasket on the front loader. Samsung recommends taking a towel and wiping the inside of the gasket after you have finished washing. Then leaving the door open for 24 hours. I don't do laundry every day, but do find that wiping down, including the tray that holds the soap has eliminated any opportunity for mold. After 24 hours or so, I just close the door. But in Seattle, we don't have nearly as many opportunities for mold or mildew as humidity is lower.
The soap is expensive, when you compare similar weight for non-HE detergent. HOWEVER, you don't use nearly as much. Compare the number of loads on the bottle, as they do differ between brands. The salesman at Lowe's suggested using the detergent manufacturer recommendation and reducing it by half, as that is just as effective. That's what I have been doing and I am satisfied with the result. YMMV.
Yes, wash times are longer, but it is my observation that a good 5-10 minutes at the beginning of the cycle is simply turning the drum to get all the clothes wet before beginning the wash. There isn't much water in the tub, so it will take a little longer. The spin cycle does get the clothes are very dry, and the companion dryer has a sensor and will shorten the cycle time if the clothes are dry.
Finally, I will say that these machines are bigger than the standard washer/dryer pair I bought 15 years ago. They are taller (even without the pedestal), deeper, and the washer is heavier than my old Amana. But they do such a better job.
-- Rita
For now, I wouldn't consider an "American" brand name, GE, Whirlpool, Maytag, etc. They just do not understand the technology: washing machine parts with electronic controls. There are too many reports of failures from these brands.
Do consider either Samsung or LG. Both get excellent reviews. For in depth reviews, I suggest visiting Amazon and Lowe's. Lowe's gets a feed of reviews from the manufacturers. Amazon gets quite a bit of conversation between users.
I bought a Samsung pair at Lowe's. They do the install and if you feel uncomfortable, a 3-year warrenty extension is very reasonable, and completely serviced by Lowe's techs.
The smell many report comes from the gasket on the front loader. Samsung recommends taking a towel and wiping the inside of the gasket after you have finished washing. Then leaving the door open for 24 hours. I don't do laundry every day, but do find that wiping down, including the tray that holds the soap has eliminated any opportunity for mold. After 24 hours or so, I just close the door. But in Seattle, we don't have nearly as many opportunities for mold or mildew as humidity is lower.
The soap is expensive, when you compare similar weight for non-HE detergent. HOWEVER, you don't use nearly as much. Compare the number of loads on the bottle, as they do differ between brands. The salesman at Lowe's suggested using the detergent manufacturer recommendation and reducing it by half, as that is just as effective. That's what I have been doing and I am satisfied with the result. YMMV.
Yes, wash times are longer, but it is my observation that a good 5-10 minutes at the beginning of the cycle is simply turning the drum to get all the clothes wet before beginning the wash. There isn't much water in the tub, so it will take a little longer. The spin cycle does get the clothes are very dry, and the companion dryer has a sensor and will shorten the cycle time if the clothes are dry.
Finally, I will say that these machines are bigger than the standard washer/dryer pair I bought 15 years ago. They are taller (even without the pedestal), deeper, and the washer is heavier than my old Amana. But they do such a better job.
-- Rita