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COPYRIGHT 2005 Australian Consumers' Association
"I'm a washing machine, I get all the clothes clean, I live in the laundry and wash all day ... swish swash ..." All too familiar with the lyrics? Then chances are you've got kids, do a fair bit of washing and probably need a big washer to cope. Big machines are many families' preferred choice--most sales are of larger washers (6.5 kg plus).
Our latest test proves once again that front loaders are generally the most energy and water-efficient--water being the key issue in the midst of a drought. They're also gentler on clothes. But large front loaders have been difficult to find until recently.
We've added four medium to large front loaders to our list of tested models: an ARISTON (7.5 kg), two SAMSUNGS (7 kg) and a WESTINGHOUSE (6.5 kg). Three made it into our What to buy list, and two are classed as Best Buys (see What to buy, far right).
SIZE MATTERS
There can be a catch with front loaders, though. Our testers found the 7.5 kg ARISTON and the two 7 kg SAMSUNG front loaders were particularly difficult to load to their maximum capacities. So much so, in fact, that they had trouble getting their hands back out once they'd squeezed in the last item of the full-size test load!
For comparison, we asked a small group of ordinary users to load the ARISTON (the most difficult to load of the three) until they thought it was full. The average amount loaded into the machine was a mere 43% of the claimed capacity--only 3.2 kg.
Our test results show that even when loaded to the claimed capacity it performs well. So to get the best water, energy and cost efficiency, choose a front loader with good performance scores and fill it tightly for a normal wash. The tumbling action ensures it'll wash well.
However, we can't say what washing at full capacity all the time will do for a machine's reliability or durability, as all our current information about this is based on what people do in reality--which seems anecdotally and from our small study to be not to cram in the full load.
Size is also a factor concerning two of the SIMPSON Eziset top loaders. The 550 36S550L is claimed to have 5.5 kg capacity and the 605 36S605L to be 6 kg. However, their external and drum dimensions are identical. So don't let the higher-capacity claim influence you to spend the extra dollars for a 'bigger' machine--all you'll get is one that takes in more water, and a time-remaining indicator.
RINSING CLEAN
A new test for rinse effectiveness is being introduced to the Australian/New Zealand Standard for performance testing of washing machines. It's an indication of how well the machine rinses out dirt and detergent residue.
We measured the rinse effectiveness of the latest tested models according to the current draft standard, and all but two performed well. The SAMSUNG J1045 and J845 left a relatively high amount of residue in the clothes. They have an extra rinse option that we didn't test but which may help.
The rinse effectiveness test goes hand-in-hand with the new water efficiency label, which will start to appear on washing machines and other water-using appliances. It looks very similar to the energy star rating label, with one to six stars plus the total water consumption for the rated program.
The rinse effectiveness test ensures that manufacturers don't skimp on the rinsing cycles to get better water star ratings. See New water efficiency label, page 4, for details.
New top performers and Best Buys
For profiles of models in the What to buy list that aren't included here, see CHOICE, September 2003, March 2004 or September 2004, or go to www.choiceextra.com.au and click on Sep 03, Mar 04 or Sep 04 under 'washing machines' in the index.
If you're a personal subscriber to CHOICE, don't have the relevant back issue and don't have access to the internet, please phone our Consumer Services people on 1800 069 552 and ask them to send you a copy.
Up to 5.5 kg
MIELE NOVOTRONIC W 502
Price: $1799
Front loader
The best-performing front loader in this size range (in fact the best of all machines tested), it has a quick-wash option for small loads and one-touch start. It's very easy to use and can be opened after starting the program to add an item.
6-7 kg
SAMSUNG J1045
Price: $1099
Front loader
The best front loader in this size range has a fast-wash option for smaller loads and is very easy to use. But it has a relatively long 'normal' wash cycle time, and it's difficult to load to its claimed capacity--see Size matters, page 40. Its rinsing performance was also relatively poor, but it has an extra rinse option that may help (see Rinsing clean, page 41).
SAMSUNG J845
Price: $899 (BEST BUY)
Front loader
This model's the same as the SAMSUNG J1045, so the comments about it also apply. The only difference is its maximum spin speed--800 rpm compared to 1000 rpm, which means slightly lower spin efficiency--and it's cheaper.
AEG LAVAMAT W 1250 ELECTRONIC
Price: $1799
Front loader
This model's a good overall performer and very easy to use. It has last-program default (see Useful features, page 41) and one-touch start, plus a fast-wash cycle suitable for a full load. The manual says it's a 5.5 kg model but it's been rated at 6 kg for its energy label.
7.5 kg or larger
ARISTON AVXL 129
Price: $1549
Front loader
A front loader in this size bracket is rare, and this one performed well overall. It has last-program default, one-touch start and a fast-wash option for smaller loads. But it's difficult to load to its claimed capacity--see Size matters for more.
FOR PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY
We asked an occupational therapist from the Independent Living Centre NSW to assess the washing machines for people with various disabilities.
* If you're a wheelchair user or have back pain, a front loader with a...
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