I have a compact Electrolux. I like the brand so far. If I were buying a larger machine at this point in time it's definitely the brand that I would select.

I have the 70 series that the 617 has now replaced. The only differences is that now (with the 4xx/5xx/6xx series machines) there is no real Pre-Wash (10 minute cool water wash followed automatically by the cycle of your choice). You can instead do a Quick Wash and then manually start another cycle to simulate a Pre-Wash.

Cycle times are longer especially with the 617 since it premixes the detergent and water instead of just putting the additives directly into the drum.

Rinses are deeper. There is now more water in the rinses than in the wash cycle. On the 70/60/50 series you didn't even see a pool of water in the rinse.

No more Allergen cycle (temp. raised to 131 for three minutes). Although there is a Sanitize cycle that raises the temp. to 152.

Less temp. selections (no eco-hot, eco-med or eco-cold).

The new 6xx series is still a good machine it just lacks some features that my 70 series has.

For the deal you are getting on the pedestals I would go buy them tomorrow. For Sure.

As a side note...if you buy from a box store like Sears and for whatever reason you don't like the machine you can just send it back within 30 days. You would have a hard time doing that if you buy from a dealership.

Thanks for the great feedback GeorgeCT, I was really glad to see a success story with them.

We went this morning and ordered the set. Model 617 in White w/pedistals and a 5 yr warranty. I'm excited!

Great advise Rococogurl, thank you! Since posting the thread, I found out that they have a five year warranty that is fullfilled by Electrolux's own repair people, if they can't fix something within a couple of visits, they replace the machine. The man helping us was the store manager and he said the store has a really really good rep from Electrolux who is always available to help with an issue too. It's more than I'd get from Sears and the cost was 500.00 cheaper even with the warranties! It's all about that Customer Service, right?

Very true Mamapinky, I did take that into consideration. There's really no other machine I'd want, so if they're willing to swap a lemon out that's fine.

I don't know why I'm so worried, I've never had any of my appliances break down (knocking on wood), guess I've read too many reviews and now I'm paranoid!

Lukkiirish, what machine do you currently have?

Lukkiirish...best of luck with your new set.

I'm sure you'll be very happy with them.

Congratulations! Give us some feedback after installation and usage. You got a great buy for a wonderful set. I hope you are as happy as I have been the Elux 617.

I have the 617 pair for about a month now. Great machines so far. My only complaint (and it doesn't have to do with the machine) is that the delivery guys unpacked my machines on the truck and dragged them off the lift onto the street before carrying them into my house. I thought all was well until I went to move the washer to stack the dryer that I found out they cracked one of my front feet.

Now on the pedestals, I ordered them too, getting my Electrolux "Premier" Dealer to price match a store that too were giving free pedestals but was $300 total more than what my dealer was selling the pair for without pedestals.

I say that to say this, my washer and dryer was delivered in 3 business days, the pedestals had to be ordered from Electrolux. After 3 weeks of waiting, I decided that I wanted more space in my laundry room and canceled my order, getting my $300 +tax back and got the $30 stack kit, which they tossed in for free because of the wait.

I can't say how long it will take to get your pedestals but keep that in mind while you're waiting.

While there is no true pre-wash on the 617 model, if you select stain-treat (blood) the wash starts out cool and heats from there. The average normal cycle on a normal soil level is about 45 minutes. One thing I have noted, the spin speed selection doesn't seem to have any effect on the spin speed. Seems to spin at a very fast rate, even on low.

MRB

mrb6228 I've noticed this as well, but, there is a difference in how long it spins for. When I do delicates (without changing spin setting), spin time is around 3 or 4 minutes. When I do normal/colors, it's about 6 (again, without changing spin setting). I can't remember what Whitest Whites and Sanitize is, probably 6 minutes as well.

Hi -- We recently bought the Elux 617 washer and are noticing a very strong smell of (burnt?) rubber and grease after the spin (hence we are thinking it comes from the motor). It is really intense and toxic (gives us a headache) and the laundry room smells of car repair shop. Can't do loads back to back because smell only intensifies, and need to air the house after each load even though the fan is on in the laundry room. We have done over a dozen loads over 4 weeks already and the smell is not fading. To fellow 617 owners -- have you noticed anything like I'm describing? any off-gassing at all?

I don't have this machine but I think this is abnormal and a relacement set is in order. It should not be doing this. Get this looked into asap!

I have definitely had no problem like or close to what you describe...and I have a pretty strong sniffer. Enduring said it well..

I have an Electrolux (70 WaveTouch series) and have never had any burning smell.

Have it looked at, it could be the heating element or the motor.

Elux 617 pair owner as well. We don't have this issue. Definitely reach out to retailer and Electrolux if necessary.

I just bought a 517 pair that I love. No problems with any smells. Easy to use. Pretty quiet and clothes come out looking great.

No smell issue with my E617 set. There is a chemical treatment of some kind on the rubber boot. The initial scent was strong, but not to the point of having to air out the house after a wash. It dissipated after several loads and I haven't noticed it since.

MRB

No responses from the OP, what happened. Did you return them?

Thanks for all the responses -- really appreciate it!

MRB, yes, we have noticed the smell of the scented rubber gasket; we don't care for it, but it does not bother us as much. It does mask the other smell (of rubber/grease) a bit but not enough.

We went back to the store and described the problem, they said this was the first time they heard about this issue. They referred us to Electrolux, who then placed a service call for repair. Has anyone had experience with returning a lemon with Electrolux? Nerdyshopper -- I wish it was as easy as returning it. We are not thrilled at the prospect of having a brand new appliance serviced, plus the laundry room is small, the washer sits on a pan next to the dryer so it will be awkward to access the back. We are hoping this will only be to verify the problem and get the necessary paperwork processed for a return/exchange.

One other issue I would like to consult to fellow Elux 617 owners: For the normal cycle with the default options (warm temp, normal soil, medium spin), we have noticed the actual water temperature is tap water (so very cold) even though it should be warm. We have opened the washer at different times during the cycle to double-check and it was frigid to the touch. During the cycle there is a "leaf" symbol on the panel (eco indicator, which according to manual represents eco-friendly options). However, this is confusing -- if the program is set to use tap/cold water why does it say warm? We had to re-wash the load using the casual program -- which did use warm water. Has anyone else noticed this? I also asked Electrolux about this but did not get an answer, just the service call.

The Normal cycle is the one ALL manufacturers are judged on for their energy rating, dishwashers also. They will use the coolest and less water of any cycle. Gov,t thing, not just Electrolux. If your pan the washer is on/ in is plastic maybe it is part of your smell. What brand do you plan to get if they will exchange? You have one of the best on the market.