Archive for the ‘Washing Machine Reviews’ Category

A Hole-in-One for the New Whirlpool Duet Steam Washer – Review

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

Despite a troubled past and rumors of mold and mildew issues in older Whirlpool washers, the company has blown away the competition this

Whirlpool Duet in Cranberry Red

The perfect accent to your stylish laundry alcove

year with one of the best new front-loading washing machines on the market.  There really isn’t anything you can complain about with this year’s Whirlpool Duet Steam Washer.  I guess maybe if you wanted one in a blue color then maybe it wouldn’t be the perfect addition to your laundry room.  But for those looking for a white, Lunar Silver or Cranberry Red addition to their laundry alcove, you will be pleased with the color selection.

But on to the serious side of this review.  In terms of overall performance for getting dirt and grime out of clothes, the Duet Steam Washer does it’s job very well.  It’s 90 minute cycle time right about in the middle of the pack, but it sure gets the work done.  Unlike other washer’s in this category, it’ll keep your clothes looking new for years to come thanks to it outstanding gentleness.  But it’s gentle on more than just your clothes.  This washer is one of the most quiet and vibration free in the industry.  When installed properly, following all of Whirlpool’s guidelines it will operate without upsetting your sleeping babies or evening dinner party.  Just make sure that this beast has a well supported and level subfloor to rest on.  Whirlpool recommends no more than 1″ of slope under the washer.  If your laundry room floor doesn’t quiet live up to Whirlpool’s requirements, they recommend that you add a sheet of 1/2″ plywood for bracing or install an anti-vibration pad like Silent Feet from The Vibration Solution.

The Whirlpool Duet Steam is also gentle on your wallet.  Besides earning the Energy Star rating, it’s also already priced only $700 to $850 in most markets.  And the savings will keep on coming as you’ll qualify for excellent government Cash for Appliances tax credits.  Not to mention that you’ll quickly notice a drop in your water and electrical bills.  The Duet Steam has earned CEE Tier III validation and uses 74% less water than before.  Compare it to your old top loading washer and this baby is thrifty as they come using a whopping 80% less electricity.

Lunar Silver Whirlpool Duet Steam Washer Dryer Pair

The perfect couple: Whirlpool Duet Washer and Dryer

The Whirlpool Duet Steam will keep you happy for years to come.  Beyond the 1 year warranty, Whirlpool has consistently ranked as one of the most reliable manufacturers of front-loading washing machines according to Consumer Reports.   And don’t worry about getting left behind the technology curve.  Whirpool’s steam cleaning technology is forging to the front of the pack and looks to be one of the must have’s in the coming decade.  So rest easy, wash quietly and add the Whirlpool Duet Steam Washer to your home today.

Maytag Epic Z

Tuesday, April 6th, 2010

Today lets Talk About the Maytag Epic Z

Maytag Epic Z

Maytag Epic Z

Lets start with the basics:

Maytag having front loading machines ranging from an MSRP of $799 to $1,499 the Maytag Epic series (MHWZ600T, MHWZ600TW, MHWZ400TQ) is one of Maytags more affordable machine with an average internet price of around $700 (although we found it for $607.99 at Sears.com). Now for the basic specs:

~ 3.7 cu. ft. capacity

~ Dimensions (36 inches x 30.5 inches)

~ Standard 1 Year Warranty

~ 95 min cycle time

~ CEE Tier III Energy Rating

~ 10 automatic wash cycles

~ 5 temperature settings

~ 1,000 Watt built-in water heater

Now for the reviews:

The Maytag EpicZ received mixed reviews. Consumer Reports was the one place that gave the Maytag Epic series washing machines consistently high reviews.  In fact consumer report gave the Maytag Epic Z a “Excellent” rating in capacity a “Very good” rating in washing performance, vibration, water efficiency, and energy efficiency. The only aspect that good a “Good” rating was in gentleness and noise.

Unfortunately Consumer Reports is where the  consistent “Excellent” reviews stopped.  For example on Amazon the MHWZ600TW the average review was “2 Stars” and when you start reading them there is only 1 5 star review and 4 1 star reviews.  the MHWZ400TW also received a 1 star review.  There were also mixed reviews on Epinions.com and Buzzillions.com.  After reviewing all of the reviews it seems that the one constant problem, and what we hear about the most, is that the machine tend to walk and create a lot of high frequency vibration (that “hummmm”).

All in all though the Maytag Epic series washing machine gets great efficiency reviews, and seems like a decently reliable machine.  Where the machine does fall short is where The Vibration Solution picks up. To fill in the short coming of the Maytag Epic series washing machines we would recommend a set of our anti-walk Silent Feet.

Samsung Vibration Reduction Technology Review

Saturday, February 27th, 2010

Customers wanting to install their washing machine on a second level or nearer to their living spaces and closets have finally had their prayers answered with Samsung’s new Vibration Reduction Technology (VRT) system.  Using a combination of suspension springs and supporting shock cylinders the system is designed to reduce the noise and vibration from unbalanced loads.

Samsung Vibration Reduction Technology (VRT)
Samsung Vibration Reduction Technology (VRT)

“Many customers are first-time front load washing machine purchasers and typically are unaware of the vibration and noise issues of conventional front-loading machines.  Samsung has a compelling solution to this common annoyance for consumers and provides them with a stylish design to complement their homes,” said Jeff Armstrong, Senior Marketing Manager of Samsung Home Appliances.

Samsung claims that in tests involving unbalanced loads, Samsung’s VRT washing machines offered the lowest levels of vibration and noise from all the front-loading washers that they tested.  But, those tests were conducted internally by Samsung.  So, the question now is how does the technology really stack up for customers.  Samsung’s VRT technology has been available for almost 3 years so the results are finally available and it’s looking good for Samsung.

The Good

Form and function come together to create a stylish and very functional washing machine.  Many reviews have noted that even when washing large bedding and towels there was very little vibration and noise from their Samsung VRT washer.  Customers have even noted that that vibration reduction extends to washing pet beds, shoes, hockey gear, football pads and bath mats. (Source: Consumer Reports Reviews for Samsung VRT Washers)

Samsung VRT washing machines are offered in a variety of colors to add style and flair to your home.  Their currently color line includes Tango Red, Onyx Blue, Stratus Gray, and Neat White.  The color finish quality is excellent which means that you don’t have to hide your washer and dryer in a closet or utility anymore.  The washer and dryer are now quickly becoming a status symbol and a decor piece and Samsung has capitalized on this.

Superior wash quality has not been sacrificed.  Almost no complaints have been found for the cleaning abilities of Samsung VRT washers.  Whites

Form and Function in Harmony

Form and Function in Harmony

really do come out whiter and colors are gently washed preserving both the fabric and the brightness.  Stainless steel washer drums and steam cleaning options combined with SilverCare technology produce clean and fresh smelling clothes load after load.

The Bad

Like many front-loading washers, the cycle time on Samsung’s VRT machines is longer than top-loading machines.  This is a typical trade off that allows the washers to conserve water, clean more gently and leave clothes dryer following the spin cycle.  A typical wash cycle takes around 90 minutes.

Mold and mildew have plagued front-loading washers since they first arrived on the market.  It is important that you leave the washer door open following use to allow for excess moisture to evaporate.  It is also recommended to run a load on steam cycle with 1-2 cups of vinegar to clear up mold, mildew and mineral build-up once per month.

The price of these washing machines has also been significantly higher than similar front-loading units on the market.  But, the combination of features, quality, low vibration and reduced noise has kept the Samsung VRT washers at the top of the review charts for the past few years.  You get what you pay for and for an expected price of between $900 and $1500 their is a big decision to make before investing in a Samsung VRT washer.

Overall Review

Samsung has producing a winning combination of features in their Vibration Reduction Technology washing machines.  Customers looking for a  solid, reliable, practical and beautiful washing machine for a second floor laundry room or living space installation need look no further.  Samsung does note that their VRT system does not completely eliminate vibration and an anti-vibration pad like Silent Feet from The Vibration Solution are still a necessary add on.  If you’re looking for a new front-loading washing machine and you want the best appliance on the market, leave the LG, Maytag, Whirlpool and other brands at the store and bring home a Samsung VRT washing machine today.  3 years of positive customer feedback proves that it is a wise and worthwhile purchase to make.