1 WASHER BUYING GUIDE A step-by-step guide to find the perfect washer for your home Published by Yale Appliance + Lighting Updated November, 2016
Overview 2 Washers are the most varied products in the industry, and they are the most widely purchased home appliances. They have also made many advances, so new washers are very different than washers made just 5 years ago. Manufacturers like Whirlpool (the producer of Kenmore, Amana and Maytag), GE and Frigidaire are being tested by foreign brands like LG and Samsung. Photo credit: Whitten Architects, MasterBrand Cabinets, Art of Kitchens Pty Ltd via Houzz
Counter Depth Refrigerators Table of Contents 3 Click the circles to move between sections What s New New technology and product introductions Terms Learn to talk like an appliance pro
4 Features The most popular features and upgrades to look for How to Buy How to choose the perfect washer for your home About Yale A little about us
5 WHAT S NEW New technology and product introduction Photo credit: Crown Point Cabinetry / Houzz
What s New 6 Photo credit: Morrow and Morrow Corporation / Houzz Laundry has migrated from the dark recesses of the basement. It now has its own room or can be placed near the bedroom for easier proximity. It s a good idea, but has it s challenges as well. You have to plan the water, electrical and venting. Vibration from the high RPM spins can be a hassle if you pick the wrong machine.
7 Speed Queen Speed Queen is a throwback. It is manufactured in the US will all metal parts (instead of plastic) and an impressive 5-year warranty. Appliances have shorter life spans due to outsourcing, but Speed Queen seems to be built to a different standard. We will see if it translates into longer life.
8 Electrolux SmartBoost Electrolux recently introduced their Smartboost technology in their washers. Smartboost premixes water and detergent before the cycle starts to maximize the power of the detergent. It also keeps colored clothes vibrant for a longer period of time.
9 Samsung Washer / Sink Combo You will see updated colors, features and capacities in new washers and dryers. Samsung has developed a washer / sink combination. The sink sits on top of the washer for people with space constrictions or if you don t have a sink in nearby.
10 Samsung AddWash The AddWash feature is basically a second door, on the main door. It allows you to add an article of clothing during a cycle without having to shut it off and open the main door. This is great for forgetful people like me.
11 LG Sidekick Washer LG has introduced their Sidekick pedestal washer. It is a second smaller washer located in the pedestal for smaller loads or delicates. This is a good idea, but keep in mind you need many different water connections for this.
12 Heat Pump Dryers Heat pump dryers use high efficiency compressors to dry the clothes instead of standard heating elements. This method will save 50% in energy costs, but it is more time consuming. Blomberg is the only dryer with heat pump only drying. Whirlpool has a hybrid style (combination heat pump and heating element) to save time. Expect heat pumps to be more popular in 2017 and beyond as it s becoming the standard in Europe.
13 TERMS Learn to talk like an appliance pro Photo credit: Alan Mascord Design Associates / Houzz
14 Top Load Clothes are loaded from the top of the machine. This design has not changed since its introduction in 1948. These machines fill with 40 gallons of water and use an agitator to wash the clothes. Top-loading washers are durable and less expensive to purchase, but the cost of operation is almost prohibitive. Photo credit: madebyalan.com
15 Hybrid Top Load Hybrid washers combine the efficiency of a front load washer with the ease of operation of a top load. It is effectively a top load without an agitator. They have become more widely sold, especially at box stores. There are still lingering questions about how well they wash and, especially, their reliability. Hybrid washers do offer a larger capacity. Photo credit: Barber and Haskill
Washer Hybrid Top Load Washer Capacity 16 Brand Capacity Hybrid (cu. ft.) Energy (kwh) Frigidaire 3.4 171 210 Whirlpool 3.5 5.3 206 261 LG 3.3 5.7 113 140 Samsung 4.0 5.6 125 165 GE 2.6 4.6 143-284 Maytag 3.6 6.2 169-356
17 Front Load Clothes are loaded from the front, rather than the top of the machine. Rather than filling with 40 gallons of water, front loaders fill with 10-17 gallons and the clothes effectively wash themselves with a greater RPM spin. New front load washers have become much more reliable than the first generation, and the average price has dropped significantly as well.
18 Front Load vs. Top Load The math is conclusive. Front loaders will save money over a top load at almost any price. With prices declining, the front load is almost a given. Here is why: Almost double the capacity Uses 1/3 the water Uses 40% less energy Spins the clothes almost dry saving energy, drying time and more money Photo credit: VanBrouck & Associates via Houzz
Washer Front Load Washer Capacity 19 IEC is the European measuring standard. DOE is the US Department of Energy. Anything post-2011 should be DOE. The average top load washer capacity is 2.5 cubic foot without the agitator. Brand Capacity (cu. ft.) Energy (kwh) Electrolux 2.4 4.4 55 93 Frigidaire 3.8 3.9 96 108 Whirlpool 1.9 4.5 38 109 Maytag 2.0 4.5 64 89 GE 2.2 4.5 99 131 LG 2.3 5.8 90 120 Samsung 2.2 5.6 75 135 Speed Queen 3.42 68
20 Rebates It is important to mention this because at different times rebates can fluctuate and be substantial. Rebates will influence your decision so look to buy laundry (or any other appliances) around the holidays like Black Friday, President s Day, Labor Day, and Memorial Day. Photo credit: Closet Factory via Houzz
21 Cycles Permanent press, durables, etc. are different wash and rinse configurations for different fabrics. Delicates will spin in different intervals than permanent press. Upgraded machines will allow you to store your favorite or most used settings. Back in the 1980 s washers had 1 or 2 speeds like normal and gentle. Now, most machines have 5 different speeds and cycles for every type of fabric. Even the most basic front load washer will have plenty of cycles and functionality. Photo credit: Polsky Perlstein Architects via Houzz
22 Stackable All front loaders can be stacked. However, new models usually cannot be stacked with older machines. Be careful when stacking a front load machine, the vibration could shake the floor in existing second or third floor installations. Photo credit: Tarallo Kitchen and Bath Inc. via Houzz
23 Combo Washer/Dryer It s not a good idea to have a washer and dryer in the same machine. Unfortunately the repair record of these machines is not good, to be polite. The drying is also not efficient at 110V. A better choice is a separate washer and ventless condenser dryer. Read: How to Buy a Combo Washer with Condenser dryer
24 Unitized Washer & Dryer Unitized washers and dryers are an old, inefficient design. Most washer and dryers are now stackable and way more energy efficient. Photo credit: Tourfactory
25 Compact Laundry Very different niche as Bosch, Miele and Asko dominate this segment. Compact laundry is designed to be stacked in smaller spaces or to be fit in standard kitchen cabinets. You can now place them anywhere in your home where there is water and electricity outlets. Read: Compact Laundry Buying Guide Photo credit: Cathy Schwabe Architecture via Houzz
26 FEATURES The most popular features and upgrades to look for. Photo credit: Well-Designed Interiors / Houzz
27 Steam Cycle designed to remove wrinkles and loosen tough stains. Read: Is Steam Really Worth it? dfgdfdfdf Photo credit: Sealy Design Inc. via Houzz
28 Ventless Drying Dryer turns the heat and steam into water. A great option for consumers on an inside wall or who are unable to vent outside. Available in high-end models and compact laundry only. Keep in mind, your only two options for ventless drying are heat pump and condenser dryers. Photo credit: Midori Yoshikawa Design Group via Houzz
29 Spin Speeds The average front load washer will spin at 1,000 RPM. More advanced models will reach up to 1,600 RPM. Faster spins will remove more moisture, so drying time can be much shorter. Photo credit: Marcson Homes Ltd. via Houzz
30 Heat Boost Advanced models have an added heater for water up to 20 degrees hotter for better cleaning of lighter colored fabrics. Photo credit: CK Architects via Houzz
31 Capacity The smallest front load washers will still have 30-50% more room than a top loader. Front load washers within the same manufacturer can vary by up to 15%. Photo credit: Castle Building & Remodeling via Houzz
32 Cycles Allergen, Sanitize and more are available in higher end models and are different wash/rinse combinations designed for a particular fabric or condition. Photo credit: The Neil Kelly Company via Houzz
33 HOW TO BUY How to choose the perfect washer for your home Photo credit: Dream House Studios / Houzz
How to Buy 34 Photo credit: Tina Kuhlmann / Houzz Although top loaders are inexpensive, front load washers are much cheaper to operate with a much larger capacity. Reliability is the best measure of what to buy. For features, Maytag, LG, and Samsung are probably the most robust. As I said before, you will have tons of features with any front load washers. You also want to buy during a promotional period because you could save 30-40%.
35 Reliability We measure reliability based on 20,000 of our service calls over a year period and divide by sales in the same year. Click below for top and front load reliability stats. Read: Most Reliable Front Load Washers Read: Most Reliable Top Load Washers Photo credit: The Neil Kelly Company via Houzz
Buying Strategies Wisdom of Crowds 36 Buy where you re comfortable There are tons of stores and products, but a limited number of consumers. Check review sites like Google and the Better Business Bureau before you purchase. Remember, any store can sell an appliance; the biggest issues are shipping and service.
Exclusive Offer Appliance Delivery Checklist 37 Our free checklist will help you avoid a delivery nightmare. At the end, you will know what to ask from your local, national, or box store appliance dealer. Delivery is one of the biggest causes for your dissatisfaction. You need to be prepared. In the Delivery Checklist you ll learn: How to choose a dealer with a first class delivery experience Which questions to ask to spot a quality delivery team The importance of online reviews to help your appliance search Get the Free Appliance Delivery Checklist
38 ABOUT US Proud to be family owned and operated since 1923. Photo credit: REFINED LLC / Houzz
About Us 39 Since 1923 Family owned and operated since 1923. Now with two locations. Yale has been based in Boston for over 90 years and operates two showrooms; in Boston and Framingham. We operate the largest independent service and repair department in New England with 50 people and 21 service technicians. Laundry has become a specialty as we understand the smaller spaces of Boston as well as the suburbs. Schedule a Free Consultation with our Appliance Experts
Contact Us 40 Showrooms Boston 296 Freeport St Framingham 215 Worcester Rd Contact Us 617-825-9253 help@yaleappliance.com yaleappliance.com Social Media Facebook.com/YaleApplianceLighting Twitter.com/MyYale YouTube.com/yaleappliance