Inside Consumer Reports Test Labs: Latest washing-machine reviews
Tests of the Frigidaire Affinity FAFW3511K[W] and LG SteamWasher WM2801H[W]A front-loaders and GE Profile WPRE8150K[WT] and Speed Queen AWN542 top-loaders
Four washers, four price tags, and a mountain of laundry. Our experts washed 265 pounds of laundry to find out just how well the Frigidaire Affinity FAFW3511K[W], LG SteamWasher WM2801H[W]A, GE Profile WPRE8150K[WT] HE, Speed Queen AWN542 perform. Once again, they found that spending more doesn't guarantee you'll get a better washer. Here are the details:
At $700, the Frigidaire Affinity FAFW3511K[W] is one of the lower-priced front-loaders in our continuously updated ratings of front-loading and top-loading washing machines (available to subscribers). But unlike most front-loaders we test, which are very good or excellent at washing, this Frigidaire was mediocre. It does have a short cycle time, 50 minutes compared with 65 to 105 minutes for other front-loaders.
This washer scored a very good overall, as it aced our energy- and water-efficiency tests, excelled in extracting water, and notched a very good score for gentleness. The stainless-steel tub holds 17 pounds of laundry, earning it an excellent in capacity. While the FAFW3511K[W] earned a very good in our vibration tests, you might not want this machine adjacent to main living areas, as it's relatively noisy.
LG touts that its $1,200 LG SteamWasher WM2801H[W]A front-loader (shown) offers "ultra capacity." Indeed, the stainless-steel tub on this front-loader holds 21 pounds, giving it an excellent score for capacity. Overall, it's a very good washer, performing very good in our washing and vibration tests and excelling in our extraction and energy- and water-efficiency tests. Cycle time is 100 minutes, and while that longer cycle time could lead to frayed fabrics, this LG scored very good in gentleness. It is a relatively noisy appliance, however. Features include a steam function designed to refresh garments and reduce wrinkles.
You won't find an agitator in the $650 GE Profile WPRE8150K[WT] high-efficiency top-loader, which allows this washer to hold 16 pounds of laundry, more than most conventional top-loaders. The WPRE8150K[WT] was very good overall and provides very good washing. Typical of HE washers, it uses less water over its 50-minute cycle because it fills only partly. It aced our water-efficiency tests but was mediocre in our tests for gentleness, noise, energy efficiency, and extraction. Features include a stainless-steel tub, a sensor that determines how much water is needed, and second-rinse and extended-spin cycles.
Conventional top-loaders, in which a tall center post like an agitator swirls the laundry, are the least expensive type of washing machine but tend to perform less impressively as a group. The Speed Queen AWN542 costs $800, more than twice the price of some conventional top-loaders, and was just good overall, ranking near the bottom of our ratings. The AWN542 was mediocre in washing, energy and water efficiency, extraction, and noise, though it did excel in our vibration test. Its stainless-steel tub holds 12 pounds of laundry, earning it only a fair in capacity.—Kimberly Janeway | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook
Essential reading: Check out or free buyer’s guides to washers and dryers and find the best laundry detergent to use. If you're in the market for new, more-efficient appliances, read our FAQ on the $300 million State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program, aka cash for clunkers for appliances.
At $700, the Frigidaire Affinity FAFW3511K[W] is one of the lower-priced front-loaders in our continuously updated ratings of front-loading and top-loading washing machines (available to subscribers). But unlike most front-loaders we test, which are very good or excellent at washing, this Frigidaire was mediocre. It does have a short cycle time, 50 minutes compared with 65 to 105 minutes for other front-loaders.
This washer scored a very good overall, as it aced our energy- and water-efficiency tests, excelled in extracting water, and notched a very good score for gentleness. The stainless-steel tub holds 17 pounds of laundry, earning it an excellent in capacity. While the FAFW3511K[W] earned a very good in our vibration tests, you might not want this machine adjacent to main living areas, as it's relatively noisy.
LG touts that its $1,200 LG SteamWasher WM2801H[W]A front-loader (shown) offers "ultra capacity." Indeed, the stainless-steel tub on this front-loader holds 21 pounds, giving it an excellent score for capacity. Overall, it's a very good washer, performing very good in our washing and vibration tests and excelling in our extraction and energy- and water-efficiency tests. Cycle time is 100 minutes, and while that longer cycle time could lead to frayed fabrics, this LG scored very good in gentleness. It is a relatively noisy appliance, however. Features include a steam function designed to refresh garments and reduce wrinkles.
You won't find an agitator in the $650 GE Profile WPRE8150K[WT] high-efficiency top-loader, which allows this washer to hold 16 pounds of laundry, more than most conventional top-loaders. The WPRE8150K[WT] was very good overall and provides very good washing. Typical of HE washers, it uses less water over its 50-minute cycle because it fills only partly. It aced our water-efficiency tests but was mediocre in our tests for gentleness, noise, energy efficiency, and extraction. Features include a stainless-steel tub, a sensor that determines how much water is needed, and second-rinse and extended-spin cycles.
Conventional top-loaders, in which a tall center post like an agitator swirls the laundry, are the least expensive type of washing machine but tend to perform less impressively as a group. The Speed Queen AWN542 costs $800, more than twice the price of some conventional top-loaders, and was just good overall, ranking near the bottom of our ratings. The AWN542 was mediocre in washing, energy and water efficiency, extraction, and noise, though it did excel in our vibration test. Its stainless-steel tub holds 12 pounds of laundry, earning it only a fair in capacity.—Kimberly Janeway | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook
Essential reading: Check out or free buyer’s guides to washers and dryers and find the best laundry detergent to use. If you're in the market for new, more-efficient appliances, read our FAQ on the $300 million State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program, aka cash for clunkers for appliances.
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Posted by: richgirljj | Oct 25, 2009 1:47:57 PM
Good afternoon. I was looking at reviews on Washing Machines. I have four different friends with front-loaders and each of them have different models/makes. Each and every one of them is stating that over time the "catch" fills up, needs to be cleaned out manually, makes the clothes smell, often makes the machine smell moldy, and makes it so the water doesn't drain properly.
I was wondering if CR could weigh in and state if they have experienced any of these problems with any of the machines used over time, if there is a way to avoid this problem, or if there is a way to fix this problem?
Thanks!
Posted by: Jim | Oct 25, 2009 2:07:58 PM
Too bad build quality isn't included in the rankings because the Speed Queen washer may be more expensive but will outlast all others. It's what the old pre-1990s Maytag company was: non-flashy with built-to-last quality.
Posted by: robert Bowman | Oct 30, 2009 2:10:14 PM
DO NOT BUY A FRONT LOAD WASHER MADE BY WHIRLPOOL. KENMORE, LG. THESE ARE NOTHING BUT MOLD BUCKETS.......
Posted by: Robin | Nov 1, 2009 3:58:21 PM
I have had a front load for years now and have also experienced the moldy smell. I finally realized I need to leave the door to the washer and the soap and fabric softener dispenser drawer open after doing laundry so these can air dry. The moldy smell has stopped.
Posted by: John Schaffer | Nov 5, 2009 9:30:17 AM
I have an LG front-loader with steam, the top of the line model when I purchased it almost two years ago. The washer basket has a slight tilt to it and so there is a bit of water that remains in the low point at the rear after a wash cycle. This and the door seal will begin to smell badly if not used or aired. The washer has a TUB CLEAN cycle to clean itself using a small amount of bleach (and NO clothes during this cycle). The manual suggests using this cycle regularly, and also suggests wiping the seal regularly. I've done so, it is absolutely not a big task, and have no odors nor mold.
Posted by: Alec | Nov 5, 2009 11:56:02 AM
We recently purchased a top loading Fisher Paykel. (not sure of spelling.) We have been very pleased with the washer over all. Very easy controls, easy to load, clothes come out almost dry. The dryer in fact has to work even less than it did with our old washer. It was worn out and a top rated one when we purchased it in 1990. Thank you Consuer Reports
Posted by: Jerry Wiener | Nov 7, 2009 8:06:38 PM
We purchased the GE front loader that CU recommended in August 09. We leave door open and place a towel in rubber door gasket after wash is done to soak up accumulated water. No problems with mold or odors so far. Machine does a great job overall. A little bit of prevention goes a long way!
Posted by: Kimberly Janeway, associate editor | Nov 9, 2009 3:26:19 PM
The airtight seal on the front-loader keeps water from leaking while the washer is running but the seal can also trap moisture and cause mold. Our experts suggest leaving the front door and dispenser door open after each wash to allow air to circulate in the drum, and wiping dry the door gasket and glass. Try cleaning the detergent dispenser and attachments monthly.
Posted by: Louise | Nov 11, 2009 12:52:55 PM
Don't buy HE Kenmore model. It broke after only 4 years. It will cost $1,200 to fix. The parts only cost $22.00. So, someone is making a lot of money! I still don't know what model to get to replace it. What happened to dependable machines?
Posted by: Marie-Jo | Nov 14, 2009 7:10:33 PM
I have a 4 years old LG front-loader washing machine, we are only two persons in the family and it hasn't been abused.... Well, the machine broke down, bad enough as it is but it has been over 6 weeks and it is still not fixed. We are told by LG that as parts have to come from Korea, it takes time!!!!
Needless to say that my next washer won't be an LG.