World of Washers

If you are considering the purchase of a frontload washer, you should do yourself a favor and check out the machines from Samsung. With tremendous capacity, high efficiency, excellent cleaning results, and Vibration Reduction Technology, I am convinced these machines are definitely worth a look.

So what's the low-down? While these machines are still relatively new, and reviews online are less available than their better known competitors, the majority of the reviews I have read are overwhelmingly positive. See for yourself.

This thread at GardenWeb offers several comments from a few owners of the machines. A sampling:

"First thing I noticed was how quietly they run. The noisiest part is during the washer fill cycle. Amazing how quiet the high spin cycle works -- the VRT vibration reduction really works."

"Last night I tested the VRT feature. Took TWO heavy full length bathrobes and many hand and bath towels. Pretty much stuffed the drum -- I know this is not recommended... With this Samsung FL, I let it go through the cycle. At each spin cycle, I can hear it speed up, start to vibrate, slow down, rinse, then speed up again. Each iteration brought a higher spin speed and less vibration. Soon it was up to full speed as the load balances. At max speed, vibration is minimal and the washer seems to have plenty of power to handle such a difficult heavy load."

Then there is this other thread at GardenWeb:

"I have had this for a few days - so far, the washer is as advertised: very quiet, minimal wobbling. The machine is on the 2nd floor and I am quite happy w/ it."

"I have had my set for a month and LOVE them. They are on the second floor. There is no vibration and the do a great job!"

"I got this set yesterday and am amazed at how well it works. Our basement flooded over a week ago and I had laundry in a basket on the floor and during that week my 12 year old washer machine called it quits on me. So I had a basket of stinky wet laundry that I thought for sure I would have to throw away because of the horrible smell. But I washed it yesterday in my machine on sanitize/silver care option and my laundry smells fresh and clean. Also the VRT seems to work great."

And then there are the reviews at ePinions.com:

"It's on the second floor of our house and I can't tell when it's running. No shaking or vibration at all thanks to the VRT."

"The VRT really works and the largest/heaviest loads are spun nearly dry with whisper quiet efficiency."

Judging from the praise from owners who have installed the units on upper levels, I am inclined to believe that Samsung's VRT actually works. There is also anecdotal evidence that the SilverCare feature offers legitimate function, although it is tough to tell what other impact the use of silver in wash cycles may have.

Before dropping down a couple grand on a set of Samsung washers, though, you best check availability of service in your area. I have read a few reports when a Samsung owner needed service, only to find there were no authorized servicers in the area. I checked my own area to see if anyone popped up, and sure enough, the local guy who has been around long enough to have probably serviced the first Maytag washer is on the list.