Q&A: Do steam laundry appliances work better than regular washers and dryers?
I've seen a growing number of steam-equipped washers and dryers in stores. How well do these machines work?
As we noted in our February 2008 report "Washers and Dryers: Performance for Less," more manufacturers are adding steam capability to their laundry appliances. (We've also tested steam dishwashers, including the LG LDF9810[ST].)
Three front-loading washers we tested—Kenmore (Sears) Elite HE5t Steam 4778[1], $1,600, LG Tromm SteamWasher WM2688H[WM], $1,500 (shown), and Whirlpool Duet Steam WFW9600T[W], $1,600—are equipped with steam modes designed to boost cleaning, sanitize fabrics, and remove stains. Each machine did a better job at removing stains with the steam setting, but these models cleaned well even without steam.
We also tested the steam modes of the matching Kenmore (Sears) Elite HE5 Steam 8772[1], $1,300, and Whirlpool Duet Steam WED9600T[W], $1,100, dryers; they use a water hookup and heat to generate steam. In steam mode, both dryers did a good job of getting rid of wrinkles and odors from the shirts we tested. Note that the steam mode allows only up to four garments per load. Another wrinkle: These dryers cost about twice as much as the Best Buys from our latest report.
Essential information: If you're in the market for new laundry appliances, see our buying advice for washers and dryers. Then check our Ratings of washers and dryers (available to subscribers).
Previous
Posted by: onnie pacheco | Feb 17, 2008 7:52:47 PM
can anyone have a better idea in the relationship between lbs of steam versus kgs of laundry & lbs of steam versus occupancy of person per room?
I want a formula or equation for this problem. Note that the steam machine has no steam meter and output of laundry/ occupancy rate is not available thats why this problem is a puzzle. IS ANYONE HAS AN INPUT?Tnx
Posted by: judy | Jun 16, 2008 2:33:28 PM
Before you buy an LG anything call to see if there are any repair shops in your area, I almost bought the LG washer and dryer, but before I did, I did my homework to find.........the closest repair shop 40 miles one way was going to charge $325.00 for a service call...just a service call......
Posted by: ERM | Jul 14, 2008 1:08:23 PM
Is there any reason a wet washcloth or towel in the dryer would be any different than a steam dryer?
Posted by: BoschMom | Jul 22, 2008 8:05:01 PM
But what is the true effectiveness of steam washers and dryers and regular washers and dryers?
Which is better in cleaning the clothes?
Which is more energy efficient or are they the same?
Posted by: Patty Hendren | Jul 27, 2008 7:43:53 PM
Is a steam washer and dryer really that much better than the non steam washer and dryer?
Posted by: Sally Kelly | Sep 18, 2008 10:34:34 AM
What about a separate appliance all-together for "refreshing" clothes? Does that even exist? Why not? What I'd REALLY LIKE to see is a compact unit that could go in my bedroom or an upstairs closet (as opposed to laundry room) where "gently worn", clothing could be de-wrinkled, and deodorized to wear again without washing OR drying. It could save energy/water/time in the end, especially if it came with a solar option.
Posted by: mohammad dehalia | Sep 22, 2008 1:45:47 AM
But what is the true effectiveness of steam washers and dryers and regular washers and dryers?
Which is better in cleaning the clothes?
Which is more energy efficient?
Which is cost saving ?
Posted by: Gregfl | Nov 5, 2008 4:22:17 PM
After much harrasmnet by my wife I retired my washer and dryer and replaced them with the LG Tromm Steamwasher/dryer combo. they are effective, quiet, fast, and the laundry doesn't have to be ironed anymore. These are not magical machines but are a vast improvement. Expensive yes. Worth it? I think so if your time and clothes are valuable to you.
Posted by: LG issue | Dec 29, 2008 4:20:34 PM
Had lot of issues with LG washer and dryer.
I would have called Sears repair technicians about 5 times every time paying over $150 per trip. And at one time replacing the Stator ($280 bill!).
Overall didn't have a good experience.
Posted by: Casey | Feb 19, 2009 3:28:22 AM
The steam cycle is not a substitute for ironing. 100% cotton dress shirts will not come out of the washer wrinkle free, like when you get them back from the cleaners. Also, the steam cycle doesn't really clean all that well. And, it's also another part that can breakdown. Last year, I had to call a repairman to fix a leak in my LG washer that only occurred during the steam cycle. An out-of-warranty repair I might add. Ouch.
Posted by: ashley | Mar 19, 2009 1:59:02 AM
Does anyone on these boards ever have an actual recommendation FOR anything, because all I ever see here is a whole lot of bashing. It may be justified, but in my experience, one unhappy customer writes a lot more than 10 happy ones.
I really need to replace my 25 year old set, I have severe allergies - to chemicals in particular - and need one that does a good job of sanitizing, one that really rinses the clothes with fresh water.
I am more than happy to pay a whole lot if it means it will last or have great customer service, especially as i usually keep things 1500 years.
Any help would dearly be appreciated. I am not sure why, but every time i turn to consumer reports anymore, their recommendations seem out of synch with what i hear, or they take a really wishy-washy "it's up to you" position on their recs.
Thanks!
Posted by: Bill | Apr 20, 2009 4:21:48 PM
Ashley you may want to go to this link: http://home.howstuffworks.com/wash-and-dry-with-steam2.htm
Posted by: Robin | Jul 21, 2009 4:26:45 PM
After working in drycleaning for 15 years and then in espresso shops for 15 years (both rely heavily on the use of steam), I find it interesting that there are no boilers on these machines that claim to use "steam" to increase effectiveness. I am in the process of purchasing a new washer and dryer and when the sales person suggested the "steam" feature as a motivating factor to spend hundreds of dollars more per appliance I was curious and started asking questions.
He seemed offended when I asked about the boiler capacity (his response, "there's no boiler") and indignant when I asked, "How can you have steam if there is no way to boil the water?"
In truth, it looks as though the dryers have a "misting" feature not a "steam" feature. So, save your money, buy a spray bottle, it will give you the same effect. Or for increased savings take your clothes out of the washer as soon as it finishes and tumble your clothes on a medium setting for about 5-10 minutes, hang them on a good hanger and "block" them out to a good shape and let them air dry. This will save you even more money on your power bill, your clothes will last longer and your house will smell like nice fresh laundry too!
Depending how particular you are about your appearance will determine if you break out the iron, but I starch and iron my sheet, so at the very least I give everything a touch up...with my iron that produces great amounts of real steam.