A Lot of Machine, A Lot of Money
Written: Aug 01 '03 (Updated Jul 22 '05)
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Pros: Load capacity, styling, quiet wash cycle, gentle on clothes, efficiency
Cons: Price, Cost of Repair, Will Vibrate on Wood Floor
The Bottom Line: If you need a washer with HUGE capacity, this is an excellent option. If you can get by with a top loader, save the money and do it.
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| adhack's Full Review: Whirlpool GHW9100L Front Load Washer |
I have had this washer for one week, so this is the preliminary review and let's say in the "Buyer's Remorse" period of the owning experience.
The main feature I looked for in a new washing machine was the ability to wash a king-size comforter. I wanted a washer gentle on clothes, that cleaned well, reliable, and all the other stuff as well. However, any of those "needs" could have been filled with a top loader for one-half the price. For a king-sized comforter wash-load it's a big front loader or a new Calypso top loader. In doing my research I consulted several appliance repairmen, review sites, and made numerous visits to appliance stores. When it was all said and done, no one knew enough about the Calypso machines to recommend them, and what I did hear was that they were extremely loud. So the front loader became the only option.
Solely on the recommendation of the father-in-law, I opted for the Whirlpool, which in his opinion was the most reliable brand. All of the other features and prices of the large capacity front-loaders were similar. The Kenmore, made by Whirlpool was a close second, however I have heard very bad things about Kenmore/Sears service.
Features: 3.7 CU Ft. wash capacities, which is HUGE! Five wash cycles including delicate and hand wash. Automatic dispensers for detergent, softener, and bleach. Really loaded.
How does it work? In a word great. It does exactly what it says it will do. Washes clothes thoroughly and gently, by using approximately 68% less water. They claim it can wash 22 full-size bath towels in one load. I washed 20 (all that I own) and it worked just fine. The hand wash cycle will wash the most delicate of clothes without a problem. It spins clothes up to 900 RPM’s, which really gets the water out of the clothes, which is supposed to reduce drying time, for further energy savings. The controls are easy to use and understand, and it really is nice being able to double the size of the loads that you wash. It's a great machine.
Now for the downsides. Honestly I have not noticed that it washes clothes any better than a regular top loader. It does clean your clothes well, but not two or three times as well as the price would suggest.
HE Detergent? I'm going through the rest of my old detergent before buying the new HE detergent. Many reviews say that it's just fine to use, but I've noticed it's hard to distinguish exactly how much to use. Personally if you can find it, use the HE to make sure your getting the best performance out of your washing machine.
The REAL Downside. You will NOT hear this in the stores, and I sure didn't see it in a review. After they installed the machine I noticed that it was vibrating really bad when it was spinning on high with a load of clothes. Once the cycle stopped I pulled out my level (as the manual suggested) and checked the machine, which was dead on level. I called for a service technician to come out and look at the machine. He walked in and noticed that our laundry room had a wood floor (meaning the basement is below). He immediately told me that is was a VERY common problem that these big front loaders will vibrate when on wood floors and not concrete slabs. Mainly there is a little give in a wood floor and the machine gives a bit and they work against each other and cause the machine to bounce around. In my case the machine is not "walking" but just furiously vibrating so that I can feel it in the back of my sofa two rooms over. There is really nothing that we can do to fix that problem so PLEASE be aware of that. If that will bother you and your washing machine will not sit on a concrete slab, do not buy this, or any other large capacity front loader. When they install your washing machine they will run it to make sure it's balanced. MAKE Sure you put a load of clothes in the washing machine so it spins with that load in. If they can't fix it at that time, refuse the delivery and send it back.
The Final Caveat: Repairs. Ask any repairman and they'll tell you to buy the simplest washing machine you can and it won't have any problems. Three cycles, hot, warm, cold, and you’re all set. This is not that machine. We're talking computers, sensors, and transmissions galore. I met very few sales people who could explain how the machine worked beyond saving me water and water-heating costs. Let me assure you that the energy savings over the life of the machine will never make up for the difference in the cost of the machine itself, let alone a repair cost of this particular machine.
The Verdict: As I said, my make or break feature was the ability to wash a king-size comforter due to my wife’s aging cat. Yes, I know it would be a lot cheaper to get rid of the cat, but that wasn't an option I had to choose from. For my needs this machine works extremely well. It will wash a king-sized comforter without a problem. It handles HUGE loads of towels and just about anything else you can toss into it. So if those are your needs, this is a great machine. However, if you just want the best washing machine you can buy and you’re thinking that a $1000 washing machine must be it, you’re wrong. Buy a top loading Maytag or Whirlpool for the $500 range and you can still afford to buy a new dryer for the cost of this washing machine. As every repairman explained to me, front-loaders are more prone to problems, more expensive to fix, and you will NEVER recoup the difference in cost through savings in energy. And please take into account what kind of floor your washer will sit on. Not every wood floor will cause the machine to vibrate, but more than most will.
It's not that I don't like this machine because I do and I have no problem recommending it to someone if it fits his or her needs. But if it does not there are a lot of less expensive options that will do just as good of a job.
UPDATE: We've had this washer for over a year and a half now. It has functioned flawlessly. One thing that I notice, and it may be subjective is that the machine does not seem to get clothes as clean as a top loader with agitator. However, it is most definitely easier on your clothes. All in all this has been a very good purchase for us.
UPDATE: July 2005 the washer is functioning without a hitch. Cleans great, have noticed a small reduction in our water bill as well. Very happy with this purchase.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 999
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Epinions.com ID:
adhack
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Location: Atlanta, GA, USA
Reviews written: 18
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
A 30 something father and professional who thinks way too much about every purchase!
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