Cheap washing machines once again come under attack for poor performance but this time from the United States Consumer Reports. The organisation has reported that less expensive washers, those with a center-post agitator, are mediocre at cleaning, almost mirroring what is found here in the UK.
Celia Lehrman of Consumer Reports, states that “one of the ways manufacturers are meeting the new energy standards is by lowering the hot and warm water wash temperatures.” Unfortunately, the tests show that’s also tended to lower cleaning ability which flies in the face of current advertising campaigns by detergent and washing machine manufacturers.
Consumer Reports tests by washing loads that include swatches which have been soaked in a variety of stains. “This one is soaked in cocoa. This one is soaked in charcoal, and this one is soaked with sebum or what we call ring around the collar” says Lehrman.
Several of the top-loading washers didn’t clean well at all. If you do need a new washer, Consumer Reports says front-loaders offer the best combination of cleaning ability and energy efficiency. But they’re very expensive to get one that cleans well.
The organisation recommends front loaders that are in excess of $1000 or about £600 to get the best value and performance.