World of Washers

Jill writes:

Hi Brad,

I'm buying a new house and have a choice of 2 machines from the builder, one is an HE top loader (Elite, I think) and the other is a Duet. I'm lost as to which one to choose. There are a couple of things that come in to play with our washing needs and here they are...

1. We have a 2nd floor laundry room and I've heard that the vibration from front loaders can be problematic for that.
2. We have a baby and are washing several loads of cloth diapers each week and, frankly, I can dump the entire diaper pail into a top loader whereas with a front loader, I'm going to have to coax at least some of the diapers in with my hands (yuk.) But on the same note, I've heard front loaders get clothes cleaner, and with diapers that's always a plus.
3. We just bought a new low-end front loader which has been ok so far, except that it turns every pair of pants I own into a corkscrew that maintains this wrinkled shape even after I shake them out and dry them. I don't know if it's my cheap model, or if haveing a front loader is going to consign me to a life of wrinkled pants - my mom seems to have the same problem and she's got an expensive one.
4. And there's also the issue with the HE top loaders being a newer unproven technology that I don't know if I can trust.
5. Plus energy efficiency is an important issue for me, and I'm still in the dark as to how they compare in that area.

So there it is, our little dilemma, any assistance you can offer would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks a bunch (or a load... haha bad pun)
Jill


Jill,

You don't hear of builders often including laundry appliances with a new home, let alone higher-end laundry appliances.

The fact that you are washing cloth diapers automatically makes me lean towards a frontload washer. The higher wash temperatures in machines with onboard heaters will be very beneficial to you. While there are a few HE topload washers with onboard heaters, I do not believe they get as hot as some of the frontload washers. (Someone correct me if I am wrong.)

With regards to the second floor laundry, vibration is a legitimate concern. I would discuss this issue with your builder and see if he can provide any feedback on what results they have had in their other homes. I assume you have hired a high-end builder. Find out if they are able to provide any reinforcement of the floor where the washer and dryer sit. Also, if you choose the frontload route, I would advise against the optional pedestals available. In my experience, the pedestals simply enhance any vibration present. If you want the units raised, I would advise a solid, custom pedestal to support them.

Twisting is a very common problem with frontload washers, and the problem exists whether a low or highend machine. The drum does reverse direction while tumbling, but this does not always prevent twisting. The only things you can do to correct the problem is to experiment with different loading techniques and load sizes.

For your last two concerns, the advantage goes to frontload washers.

Efficiency: compare the GE Profile Harmony topload washer (269 kWh/year) to the GE frontload washer (142 kWh/year), and the frontloader has a pretty good advantage. Both are very efficient machines, but the frontload uses almost half the energy as the Harmony. Likewise, compare the Whirlpool Cabrio (307 kWh/year) to the Whirlpool Duet (151 kWh/year), and the frontloader uses half the energy as the toploader.

The most efficient topload washer on the market is the Fisher & Paykel, which comes in at 199 kWh/year.

Of course, these numbers are very subjective and your actual consumption may vary greatly.

You hit the nail on the head though with number four. You should be wary of some of these new HE topload machines. I've tried to make it very clear that I do not like the current offerings from Whirlpool (available as the Cabrio, the Kenmore Oasis, and the Maytag Bravos) due to very issues. I do not recommend anyone buy these machines. Granted, every model from every manufacturer can have issues, but these machines simply seem to have more.

The only topload washers I recommend anyone buy are made by Fisher & Paykel, and Speed Queen. I am starting to reconsider the GE Profile Harmony, but am not sure yet.

So after all of that, and given the choice between the Duet or the Cabrio, I would go with the Duet. Another option would be to ask your builder to credit you the price of the washer/dryer and use that money to purchase a set on your own. You may want to take a look at the Samsung frontload washers if vibration is a concern.

Let me know what you decide, or if I can be of further assistance.

~Brad