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WASHER BUYING GUIDE
A step-by-step guide to find the perfect washer for your home
Published by Yale Appliance + LightingUpdated November, 2016
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Washers are the most variedproducts in the industry, and theyare the most widely purchasedhome appliances. They havealso made many advances, sonew washers are very differentthan washers made just 5 yearsago.
Manufacturers like Whirlpool(the producer of Kenmore,Amana and Maytag), GE andFrigidaire are being tested byforeign brands like LG andSamsung.
W a s h e r s
Overview
Photo credit: Whitten Architects, MasterBrand Cabinets, Art of Kitchens Pty Ltd via Houzz
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What’s NewNew technology and product
introductions
TermsLearn to talk like an appliance pro
C o u n t e r D e p t h R e f r i g e r a t o r s
Table of ContentsClick the circles to move between sections
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FeaturesThe most popular features
and upgrades to look for
How to BuyHow to choose the perfect washer for your home
About YaleA little about us
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WHAT’S NEWNew technology and product introduction
Photo credit: Crown Point Cabinetry / Houzz
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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.
W a s h e r s
What’s New
Photo credit: Morrow and Morrow Corporation / Houzz
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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.
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Speed Queen
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Electrolux recently introduced their Smartboosttechnology 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.
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Electrolux SmartBoost
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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.
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Samsung Washer / Sink Combo
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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.
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Samsung AddWash
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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.
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LG Sidekick Washer
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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.
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Heat Pump Dryers
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TERMSLearn to talk like an appliance pro
Photo credit: Alan Mascord Design Associates / Houzz
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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.
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Top Load
Photo credit: madebyalan.com
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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.
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Hybrid Top Load
Photo credit: Barber and Haskill
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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
W a s h e r
Hybrid Top Load Washer Capacity
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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.
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Front Load
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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
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Front Load vs. Top Load
Photo credit: VanBrouck & Associates via Houzz
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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
W a s h e r
Front Load Washer Capacity
IEC is the European measuring standard. DOE is the US Department of Energy. Anything post-2011 should be DOE. The average topload washer capacity is 2.5 cubic foot without the agitator.
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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.
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Rebates
Photo credit: Closet Factory via Houzz
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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.
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Cycles
Photo credit: Polsky Perlstein Architects via Houzz
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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.
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Stackable
Photo credit: Tarallo Kitchen and Bath Inc. via Houzz
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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.
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Combo Washer/Dryer
Read: How to Buy a Combo Washer with
Condenser dryer
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Unitized washers and dryers are an old, inefficient design. Most washer and dryers are now stackable and way more energy efficient.
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Unitized Washer & Dryer
Photo credit: Tourfactory
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Very different niche as Bosch, Miele and Askodominate 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.
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Compact Laundry
Photo credit: Cathy Schwabe Architecture via Houzz
Read: Compact Laundry Buying Guide
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FEATURESThe most popular features and upgrades to look for
.
Photo credit: Well-Designed Interiors / Houzz
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Cycle designed to remove wrinkles and loosen tough stains.
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Steam
dfgdfdfdf
Photo credit: Sealy Design Inc. via Houzz
Read: Is Steam Really Worth it?
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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 ventlessdrying are heat pump and condenser dryers.
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Ventless Drying
Photo credit: Midori Yoshikawa Design Group via Houzz
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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.
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Spin Speeds
Photo credit: Marcson Homes Ltd. via Houzz
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Advanced models have an added heater for water up to 20 degrees hotter for better cleaning of lighter colored fabrics.
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Heat Boost
Photo credit: CK Architects via Houzz
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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%.
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Capacity
Photo credit: Castle Building & Remodeling via Houzz
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Allergen, Sanitize and more are available in higher end models and are different wash/rinse combinations designed for a particular fabric or condition.
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Cycles
Photo credit: The Neil Kelly Company via Houzz
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HOW TO BUYHow to choose the perfect washer for your home
Photo credit: Dream House Studios / Houzz
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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%.
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How to Buy
Photo credit: Tina Kuhlmann / Houzz
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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.
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Reliability
Photo credit: The Neil Kelly Company via Houzz
Read: Most Reliable Top Load Washers
Read: Most Reliable Front Load Washers
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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.
B u y i n g S t r a t e g i e s
Wisdom of Crowds
37E x c l u s i v e O f f e r
Appliance Delivery Checklist
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
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ABOUT USProud to be family owned and operated since 1923.
Photo credit: REFINED LLC / Houzz
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Sales
Browse our two 15,000 sq. ft.
showrooms guided by our sales staff with 269 years of
combined experience
Delivery
We bring the products right into your home, not just to the curb. Every delivery includes
removal of the old appliance
Install
Our professional install team can hook
up your new dishwasher or re-
configure your cabinets to accept a
new wall oven
Repair
20 service techs on the road every day backed by our Yale Warranty. Service is
the largest department at Yale
A b o u t U s
The Yale Difference
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Yale has been based in Boston for over 90 years and operates two showrooms; in Boston and Framingham. We operate the largestindependent service and repair department in New England with 50 people and 21 service technicians. Laundry has become aspecialty as we understand the smaller spaces of Boston as well as the suburbs.
Family owned and operated since 1923. Now with two
locations.
Since 1923
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About Us
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VISIT OUR STORESNow you can schedule a free, private showroom visit to go over the needs of your project.
Choose a time that works for your schedule to visit our Boston or Framingham, MA showrooms.
Schedule a Showroom Appointment
4242
ShowroomsBoston296 Freeport St
Framingham215 Worcester Rd
Contact [email protected]
Social MediaFacebook.com/YaleApplianceLightingTwitter.com/MyYaleYouTube.com/yaleappliance
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Contact Us
