will be needing a new W/D next year- am trying to learn now

14 years ago

Next year I would like to look at the possibility of a new W/D.

Right now I have an Asko 10505 that is almost 12 years old. It has been good, but it is too small. With me living in the country, it is a pain to go to town to do a comforter, rug- whatever is big.

Because I have severe asthma, I am looking into one with steam.

My local repair person said not to buy Bosch- Bosch anything!

I would also like a 'quick' wash, but don't find info on what they consider 'quick'.

TIA

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Comments (13)

georgect
14 years ago
Just my suggestion...Electrolux - IQ Touch or WaveTouch.

4.7 cu.ft. drum on washer (8.0 cu.ft dryer)
No need for steam with Sanitary cycle.

Default wash times:
Sanitize 144 minutes
Heavy Duty 57 minutes
Whites 52 minutes
Colors 31 minutes
Normal 52 minutes
Casual 31 minutes
Active Wear 36 minutes
Fast Wash 18 minutes
Delicate 31 minutes
Hand Wash 31 minutes
Spin Only 8 minutes

Really, "steam" is not needed if you have an on board heater raising the temp. to over 150 F in the "Sanitary" cycle.
It does take a long time to raise the water temp. that high with only a 1000 watt heating element. This goes for all American washers since we use 110-120 volts vs. European 220 volts, in our homes.

Good for you on doing your homework early, I'm sure you'll get a lot of suggestions...best of luck.
jdenyer232
14 years ago
I know I like my Bosch 500 Nexxt washer. I'm a repair tech and the washer is built quite well, and the diagnostics are very easy to use and informative if you have any issues.
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ilmbg
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for posting times georgect.
Does anyone use a steam cycle (steam only) for clothes that are normally dry cleaned? That is what I thought I could use a steam cycle for- but possibly not.
Does anyone have a model with both steam and a 'fast' cycle that is faster than 18 minutes? I would love a 10min cycle if possible.
georgect
14 years ago
ilmbg...
I don't believe there is an steam only "Steam" cycle (on any washer).
Wait...doing a quick search, LG may do a steam only and looks like they have an "Allergen" cycle.
But be aware, some love their LG's and some hate them...(some have had bad service experiences).
As far as I know, most "Steam" cycles uses hot water but shoot a shot of steam during the cycle.

The Electorlux doesn't have steam in the washer but it does in the dryer. This is used for freshening clothes or releasing wrinkles (but you can also archive this effect if you throw in a damp towel into the dryer with some items that need a quick wrinkle release or freshening).

The heat of the dryer will kill live dust mites, but will not get rid of accumulated allergens. For that you need to wash in hot water. Hot water also loosens and releases (with detergent) body oils which get trapped with in fibers and attract dirt and allergens.

I don't think a 10 minute wash cycle would be possible.
Most High Efficiency front load washers have longer wash times then any top loader though you can adjust the time somewhat. Keep in mind that there is the drain period and 2-3-4 rinses and a spin period in between those rinses.
Front loaders just don't have one rinse but multiple ones and then you can even add an additional one.
So far Electorlux holds the title for fastest wash time for the "Fast Wash" cycle of only 18 minutes. Most "Quick" washes are about 30 minutes (give or take).
steve_a
14 years ago
If high water temperature is a requirement, I believe that Asko has the highest, at 205 degrees F. We haven't used that setting yet.
naomi26
14 years ago
JDenyer - Glad to hear about how satisfied you are with the Bosch washer. Getting my new today!!! Can't wait. Have been without a machine for a month now. The research is very time consuming and the $$ at spent at the laundromat was ridiculous.
jdenyer232
14 years ago
Naomi26, The one thing that I really like about the Bosch is that it uses the heater in all cycles to provide a guarnteed wash temperature. I have had really good luck using the Sear with Oxi-clean he detergent, no sudsing and very clean clothes. I have the tech sheets for this machine so if you ever have a problem with it just give me a shout and I can walk you through the diagnostics. Enjoy your new machine.
weedmeister
14 years ago
If I had allergies and wanted Hot water, I would be looking at washers that use 220v with an internal heater. There's not many of them around, but they exist.
ilmbg
Original Author
14 years ago
georgect- you answered my question- although I was hoping for another answer! I had thought the new washers had steam for 'dry cleaning'. Not so... Oh well.

weedmeister- I have an Asko- it uses a 220 washer/dryer hookup, (the washer plugs into the dryer, which is 220)- yes- it has a very hot cycle- I use it weekly for sheets/towels for asthma. It makes the cycle take forever, but you know any little (or big) bug is dead! The washer heater did discolor the linolium floor.
I just don't like how small they are.
mara_2008
14 years ago
ilmbg, have you looked at HE top loaders washers? I have a Maytag Bravos washer. The current 5 cu ft model has the largest capacity on the market and all the features you said you would need. It does come with an internal heater, sanitize cycle, and steam. It is made with commercial-grade parts and comes with a 10-year warranty.

Here is a link that might be useful: Maytag Bravos
ilmbg
Original Author
14 years ago
mara- No, I haden't looked at them- partially because I didn't know about them, and also because I was disappointed in my last 2 Maytag washers. I had a pair bought in 1974- hard working, dependable- and lasted until 1987 when I moved and left them with the house. I then got another Maytag and the quality didn't seem the same. I bought a pair for my daughter in 2004, and they have not been dependable. I am not sure, but didn't Amana buy Maytag or visa-versa? I have an Amana washer from my mom that I use when I want to do a larger load than the Asko can do- she had some problems from day 1 with it and after several trips from the appliance dealer where it was bought it still does not spin as well as I think it should.
I didn't see any info about rpm spin on the Maytag.
I dread going to several stores just to look at different brands.....it always ends up such a tiring day!
Tell me more about it- does it use cold water only like an Asko? What about a 'short cycle'?
Thanks!
dadoes
14 years ago
ilmbg,

Maytag did merge Amana into their line some years ago. But the Maytag brand now is owned by Whirlpool. Maytag washers on the market now are completely different than your last two. The Bravos is based on toploader technology Whirlpool obtained from Fisher & Paykel, and spin at up to 1050 RPM or thereabouts (Kenmore Oasis and Whirlpool Cabrio toploaders are siblings to the Bravos). Maytag non-Bravos toploaders are Whirlpool under-the-hood, the long-proven mechanical design they've been producing since the early 1980s.

Have a look at www.maytag.com for further details on the Bravos line.
mara_2008
14 years ago
ilmbg, my Maytag Bravos washer has hot/cold, warm/warm, warm/cold, and cold/cold wash/rinse temps.

There is a short cycle. IIRC, it lasts 18-20 minutes. I rarely use it, but it's nice knowing it's there if I need it.

will be needing a new W/D next year- am trying to learn now

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will be needing a new W/D next year- am trying to learn now

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