|
 Consumers
in North America have finally discovered the front load (or horizontal axis)
washing machine. It was produced in response
to concerns about the increasing costs to operate laundry equipment.
Efficiency, electrical consumption, and environmental impact were all
factors that initiated development.
Advantages.
They use 60% less water. In areas where
water is at a premium this can be a
significant factor for a potential purchaser.
For
anyone on a septic system lower water and detergent usage can both be an
important advantage.
The
small water volume of a front loader also affects the amount of
detergent and fabric softener required. The detergent required is
about 25% of a top loader. The fabric softener required is so little
that it should be diluted rather than used full strength. A
dilution ratio of 7 to 1 is common.
One of
the major advantages of a front loader is that it can spin very fast. While a top
loader only spins at about 600 RPM, the horizontal axis washers can spin
at up to 1200 RPM. Increased
spin speeds means more water removed from the clothing prior to them
going into the dryer. Less time in the dryer means a saving in electrical consumption.
Plus, many items can bypass the dryer entirely and simply be hung up
to air dry.
A
front loader will do a much larger load. They easily
handle loads 50% larger than a top loaders. Also, washing items like comforters is now
possible. Or having a front loader wash five or six pairs of jeans at
one time is common. With increased load sizes comes
additional savings of time since it lowers the total number of loads
required.
Many front loaders are physically smaller than
a top loader. This can be
important if space is restricted such as in an apartment. Maytag
and Whirlpool machines are physically large. Frigidaire, General Electric, Haier, and Samsung have stayed closer to the European idea of a
compact design.
Disadvantages
The first thing that
discourages consumers are prices that range from $850 to $1700.
Even with the expected savings in water, electricity, and detergent it
will still take about ten years of operation
to recover the additional purchase costs. Secondly, due to
its inherent complexity these machines can be expensive to repair. Plus,
not every service company has the expertise required to repair them.
Before purchase obtain name of manufacturers local factory authorized service agent. One
experienced at repairing this new generation of machines.
Finally,
mature consumers should be aware that these washers are lower to the
floor. Consequently, they require more bending over to retrieve the
clothes than would a top loader. This could be a major consideration for
anyone with back or knee problems. Manufacturers have responded by offering
pedestals that raise the washer, but at an additional cost.
So if a washer replacement is in your future consider
the front loader as one of your choices. Like all major purchases it
should not be an impulsive decision. Do your homework, ask lots of
questions, and be prepared to hear varied answers and opinions. Base
your choice upon what is best for your budget, your circumstances,
space, and particular
needs. Only then decide whether spending the extra money on a front load
washer will be to your advantage.
By
Donald Grummett
Copyright © 2005 Donald
Grummett. All rights reserved
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