By the Numbers: Washing machine capacities grow, but efficiency rises

9 percent

Amount the capacity of the average washing machine sold today has grown since 2000, according to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. Despite that larger capacity, today’s average washer consumes 64 percent less energy than those sold nine years ago. Consider the Energy Star-qualified GE WBVH5300K[WW], covered recently in this Inside Consumer Reports Test Labs post. This $700 front-loader aced our energy- and water-efficiency tests and cleaned capably and quickly (cycle time was a brisk 69 minutes). e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: Use our free buyer's guide to washing machines and buyer's guide to dryers for expert advice on buying these laundry appliances. Get your clothes cleaner with the best performers from our latest report on laundry detergents. And read these tips for setting up a laundry room near living space.

Comments

[Un Kim]

August 10, 2009

James Dyson, CEO
Dyson Inc.
600 W. Chicago
Suite 275
Chicago, IL 60654

Re: Dyson Vacuum cleaner / Serial #139-US-A-82835

Dear Mr. Dyson;

In November of 2008 I purchased 3 Dyson vacuum cleaners. I purchased the Dyson vacuums because a friend bragged about them being the best and having a lifetime guarantee with durability.

I phoned the customer service helpline on Friday July 21st, 2009 due to our Dyson not having any suction. They instructed me to clean the filter with cold water and let dry for 24 hours, so I did that. It still had no suction and I checked all the parts and components for anything clogged nothing.

When I called back on July 23rd, they instructed me to take it to Bag Don’s vacuum repair store at 8608 Hartford Road, Baltimore, MD 21234. So we dropped it off on July 27th. I received a phone call from Guy at Bag Don’s telling us that there was a clog and clogs are not covered under warranties. He said, “There was a razor blade stuck in the pipe/hose and the beaters were covered in grease”. He informed me it would cost $75.00 to repair. So I told him how upset I was that you advertise 100 percent lifetime guarantee with 5 year warranty. You also say how durable and reliable your vacuum is compared all on the market, so I told him to keep the vacuum and that I will be writing a letter to Dyson and Consumer Reports with my dissatisfaction of this product.

I am very aggravated, disgusted and angry with your company I didn’t even have the vacuum 1 year. Plus I have two other ones that I see I have made a bad judgment call to switch completely to your company and it cost more than Hoover that we had.

Now we went back to cheaper vacuum, Hoover, which is less than $100 works great and last for a couple of years.

I am sending a copy of this letter to Consumer Report so other customers can realize how unreliable your vacuums and your company are.

Sincerely,

Un Kim