Utility Savings, Here We Come!
Written: Apr 05 '01 (Updated Dec 23 '03)
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Pros: Low water use = big utility savings, extremely quiet, spins clothes very dry.
Cons: Smallish opening sometimes makes loading/unloading slightly difficult.
The Bottom Line: The advantages of less water usage, being virtually silent, and spinning clothes extra dry is worth the effort of getting used to the front-load design.
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| pepper99's Full Review: Frigidaire FWT449 Washer |
*UPDATE 5/11/01* - After more then a month of using the machine, our first utility bills proved to show a definate decrease in energy use. We're impressed. One minor quirk we have discovered is that small items (Such as my childrens socks) sometimes get stuck in the rubber seal around the door where it folds back under itself. I discovered a sock yesterday which I beleive had been there for several washes.. No biggie, but it might be an idea to pull back the seal every now and then and have a look.
--- Now, back to your regularly scheduled review... :-)
We decided after purchasing our new house to splurge on the appliances, and go with the higher-end high-effeciency models, which made our decision to buy a front-loading washing machine easy, although it did take some thought. However, after learning about the advantages of the front-loader versus a top loader in regards to utility savings, less wear and tear on our clothing, amongst other things, it was an easy choice.
The initial setup was slightly difficult, however. We saved some dollars by picking up the unit ourselves, and as a result were left with the task of setting it up ourselves as well. Not an easy task!
There was a large number of "Packaging" and "Bracing" items that needed to be removed, varying from large bolts on the back, to steel braces underneath which required the removal of the front panel to access. Nice that the unit was packaged against damage so effectively, but disconcerting to the person who has to set it up.
The "Bolts" on the rear of the washer that needed to be removed were the most difficult.. The first few released easilly, but a single one seemed virtually impossible and only broke loose under the force of a large ratchet and socket, seemginly on the verge of breaking. Should it have broken, a service call would be necessary.
The steel braces underneath the machine were easier, yet still required getting down on your stomach to get easy access to work. There was also a large foam block that needed to removed which also proved to be a small challenge in itself.
After all of the initial frustration with unpacking was completed, we put the machine through it's paces. We loaded up a *huge* load of darks, filled the dispenser cups, and started it up. The powdered Tide HE was completely flushed into the drum, and the machine started filling.
We were astounded by the quietness of the machine. It's virtually silent when operating.
Fabric softener was dispensed at the proper time.
Thankfully, for adults and kids alike, the door locks during the wash cycle, not only to prevent water spillage, but to keep little fingers out of harms way during spinning, etc.
The final spin is deceivingly slow at first, but if you have the patience to wait around (Hey, it's fun to watch for the first few loads!) towards the end of the spin cycle the "Fast" speed really begins to show as the washer slowly "Ramps Up" towards what can only be described as "Jet Engine" Fast!
In the week we've been using it, we have had one instance where the machine was unable to ballance the load well enough to spin it. Unfortunately, it gives no warning of this, only skipping the spin cycle completely, and leaving the operator to return to a pile of soggy wet clothes. Rearranging the items in the drum and selecting the spin cycle again solved the problem.
Upon the completion of the cycle, clothes come out noticably dryer then a comparable top loader, which cuts down dramatically on dryer time, again, saving money on the utility bills.
Front controls are easy to operate, with noticable "Click" indentations at respective settings. However, the front-mounted location is very tempting for children, as we quickly discovered.
Curiously, for a high end machine, the drain hose is apparently constructed of cheap plastic, allmost looking stressed after the end was inserted in our washer drain connection. We're unimpressed - something rubber, and more flexible and durable would have been nice.
All in all, were happy, and without doubt would now recommend a front loader to anyone who has every had any qualms about them before.. It's definately got top-loaders beat.
Thank you for reading my review - I would greatly appreciate it if you could take a second to click on a rating button below! This helps me with feedback as to the quality of my reviews.
Thanks!
Regards;
Mark
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 425.00
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Epinions.com ID:
pepper99
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Member: Mark Morissette
Location: Canada
Reviews written: 55
Trusted by: 8 members
About Me:
30-something married guy with 2 kids.
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