By Wendy from Milwaukee, WI on 11/20/2008

I've always like doing the laundry but now it is more entertaining. I am sure my cats will agree! They notice the action through the front window. I am not a heavy user (only 2 people to do laundry for so about 3-5 loads per week) but I was using a 40+ year old top loader that finally died. I knew nothing about front load washers when I started. So I did my homework and read customer reviews like this. I quickly learned that many today have internal hot water heaters. I did not want that since I rarely use hot water (why pay for something you don't need?). I also had minimal settings on the old washer. I don't need 16 different wash cycles to pick from and I definitely don't need to boil my clothes (steam washers available now). This model offered just enough wash settings and didn't have the internal heater (it is hard to find one without). The drawback is that it takes longer to do a load of laundry (about one hour) but I think that is common with most front loaders so it isn't a mark against this model. The unit is very quiet. Compared to the old washer, the only time I know this one is running is when it is spinning. It sort of sounds like a quiet jet engine. The only problem we had was during the set up which we did ourselves. One of the leveling feet in the front of the unit either didn't work right or our floor is so sloped that we are at maximum extension on the foot. We had to put a shim under it. Not a big deal as long as the unit is level. I like the handwash mode because I do some delicate things in the machine now vs. a bucket in the sink. The unit has a spin cycle so I can throw a wet swim suit in and get much of the water out. One thing I learned while researching was that some detergent dispensers can grow mold because the water runs through there and the area is enclosed when the washer is not in use. Same thing for the gasket around the door. After the last load of the day, I make sure to wipe out both areas so they are dry but I leave the detergent and washer door open until the next day to make sure they are also dried by the air. By doing this, I have not noticed any mold. The partitions in the detergent dispenser also can be removed. This was also a requirement for me for the prevention of mold issue I noted above. Another feature that drew me to this unit was the fact that the detergent dispenser is on the top of the machine and has a door you flip open to add your soap. I liked that it was "built into" the washer on the top vs. the pull out drawer that the majority have. With many cats in the house, I felt a pull out one was too fragile in case one walked over the top when the drawer was pulled out. I had visions of a broken, plastic detergent dispenser. If you have children that are likely to play with a pull out door or you think you might accidently hit a pull out drawer, look for a top load dispenser. The disadvantage is if you put the unit under a counter, the counter will have to be cut back in order to accommodate the lid. The hinge on the door is also very robust, running the entire length of the door. Some I looked at appeared light weight. Again, keep in mind if you have kids who might hang from the door. I skipped the pedestal. I am short and figured if I could bend over for the dryer, I could bend over for the washer. I'm still waiting to see the water savings. We are on city water and pay for water usage and discharge. I am anxious to see a reduction on our usage. This machine uses a fraction of the old one. If you are looking for a good, basic front load washing machine, this one is highly recommended.

The delivery was scheduled within a 2 hour time frame and they arrived as promised within the time.

My first machine had to be replaced, now my second machine is having trouble. The door locked the start button is not working and if you turn it to a cycle all the lights on the side blink!!

By Diana from Willits, CA on 10/23/2007

We live off the grid and were looking for an energy efficient front loading washing machine. This machine is perfect for us and our life style.