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Washing Machine Efficiency, Washing Machine Maintenance
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Washing Machines Performance (continued)
Washing Machine Efficiency.
If washing machine efficiency is a priority for you, front-loading washing machines are the clear winners over traditional top-loading washers, saving on water and energy. Rather than spinning clothes around an agitator, front-loaders like the LG WM2101HW, Frigidaire GLTF2940FS, and Kenmore 40272 repeatedly rotate washables up and out of the wash water, a technology that doesn't require a full tub.In addition to reducing water consumption, front-loading washing machines stay energy-smart by reducing drying time, a performance characteristic that appeals to many consumers. On the other hand, some users gripe about the long wash cycles, which typically run about 45 minutes.
Most traditional cheap top-loaders, like the Admiral ATW4475VQ and Maytag Centennial MVWC6ESWW, are not Energy Star qualified. If saving resources is a hot-button topic for you, you should probably skip past these models, although washer ratings indicate that the Maytag Centennial MVWC6ESWW conserves water better than older top-loaders thanks to its auto-fill feature. But note: opening the lid to check your wash progress or add more garments overrides this water-saving program, as one owner who posted a washing machines review on Sears discovered. Others report there are ways to get around this obstacle but some caution that left to its own auto-fill devices, the water level isn't sufficient to get the laundry clean.
Washing Machine Maintenance.
Aside from making sure your discount washer can get clothes clean, you should also mull over how easy it will be to keep the unit itself clean. Front-loading machines have many advantages, but their susceptibility to mold growth is a distinct downer. If you purchase a front-loader, some preventive washing machine maintenance is required. One owner of the Frigidaire GLTF2940FS writes on Abt that a few simple steps, like thoroughly wiping dry the rubber gasket on the inside of the door and leaving it open between loads, help stave off mildew problems. Front-load washing machine reviews of the LG WM2101HW posted on MySears, however, say keeping the door ajar poses a problem: the door on this particular model must be left wide open or latched shut -- it doesn't just sit slightly open. One resourceful owner writes in a review on the LG site about using a suction cup and string to keep the door propped open.
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Frigidaire FTF530FS
Another model absent from industry experts' lists, this 3.1 cubic-foot front-loader has a spotty track record with users. Most consumers like the energy efficiency and cleaning power this machine offers, and happy owners note it comes with knobs instead of an electronic control board, which is pricey to repair. However, complaints pop up frequently about bearings giving out, drum supports breaking, and door latches failing. Read more »
Products Mentioned in This Review
Kenmore 40272 Review ReviewFrigidaire FTF530FS Review
Maytag Centennial MVWC6ESWW Review
Frigidaire GLTF2940FS Review
Admiral ATW4475VQ Review
LG WM2101HW Review
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