I hesitate to consider your ratings after being "burned" by them last year. I purchased a Whirlpool Cabrio washer for a lot of money based on your ratings and absolutely HATE the machine! Clothes do not get clean, unless I run their special cycle using clorox (to which I am allergic!)the clothes smell and often I have to re-rinse the clothes because of residual suds. It's an abomination. I have been doing laundry for over 40 years and know the problem is with the machine.

Any info/reviews on washer/dryer combos?

If you're having to re-rinse to get rid of residual suds, you're either using too much soap or the wrong type because detergent made for high efficiency washers should not produce visable suds.
Your laundry may also have a residual buildup of non-HE soap or fabric softener which can be removed by laundering a few cycles in water only, no added laundry soap. Refer to the recent article in the Wall Street Journal regarding overuse of laundry soap.

I just purchased a subscription in hopes of getting info on stacked laundry units, in specific, the Fridgidaire glgh1642f front-load washer/electric dryer, but don't seem to see stacked units anywhere. Have I missed that page? If no reviews are available are you intending to do one soon?
Thanks, Bob

I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW WASHER, TOP LOADING AND IT LOOKS GOOD BUT PROBLEM IS THE TEMP CONTROLS. IT HAS 4. I GET ONLY HOT WATER, WHICH IS REALLY NOT VERY HOT AND COLD WATER. NO WAY TO GET WARM UNLESS I STAND OVER IT AND MIX IT. TAKES TOO LONG. THEY CO SAYS IT IS BECAUSE OF THE GOV. AND ENERGY STAR STUFF. I HAVE BOUGHT WASHER OVER 70 YEARS AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM GETTING THE EXACT TEMP I WANT. WATCH IT WHEN YOU BUY ANY WASHER. ASK THE STORE IF IT HAS ENERGY STAR. PHOOEY. THE GOVERNMENT IS TOO MUCH IN MY BIZ AND SHOULD NOT BE IN MY WASH.

Like Bob, I just bought a subscription in order to research stacked washer/dryer combos. I don't see anything specific and the search engine doesn't turn anything up; are these kinds of units not reviewed?

i just purchased your feb,2010 mag and buying guide. I want to buy a new washing machine. i looked up in both mag and guide.
The only Check rated top loader is gewjre5500gww,but when i went to try and but this product,Ge's web site said product no longer available..Can you provide me with another washing machine that you have checked that is close to this one..

Thanks mike

I happen to need a washer and dryer. I am thinking of the MayTag Bravos. They would give me another rebate if I buy both washer and dryer however you didnt list the Bravos dryer at all in your testing. I have always relied on Consumer Reports and my husband wont buy with out it. Is there any reason you can tell me for your not reviewing the Maytag dryer even when you did with the washer? Is the stem function now more reliable? Any help appreciated.

I HAVE BEEN READING CONSUMER REPORTS, CALLING MANUFACTURES, GOING TO STORES AND ASKING FRIENDS. ARE THEY MAKING WASHERS AND DRYERS LARGER? I CAN'T FIND ONE TO FIT MY DIMENSIONS. ONLY 1 THAT IS WRITTEN UP AS A HORROR BY CONSUMERS AND OF REVIEWS. I HAVE ROOM FOR A WASHING MACHINE THAT IS 41"H X 27"W X 31.5"D(INCLUDING INSTALLATION) WITH A MATCHING GAS DRYER. I WANTED A STEAM COMBO, BUT THAT DREAM SEEMS TO HAVE COME TO AN END. ANY SUGGESTIONS?
HELP! PLEASE AND AN ADVANCE THANK YOU!!

My wife and I bought a front loading washing machine a few years ago. The main circuit board has already gone bad and we have decided to replace, rather than repair it. A similar thing happened with our electronic oven control about five years ago.

I'm beginning to think it's a bad idea to put electronics in a machine that:
1. vibrates so hard the floor shakes (front load washing machine on spin cycle)
2. heats to over 500 degrees (electronic oven controls)
3. is damp/steamy most of the time (dishwasher and washing machine)

Apparently, today's circuit boards are not designed to work very long under these conditions. Maybe this will be remedied in the future but, for now, I plan to look for appliances with old fashioned mechanical controls.

My grandparents had a front load washing machine that worked for many years. I bought my first one about three years ago and the main circuit board recently went bad. I think the main problem with front loaders is the electronics. Not a good idea putting electronics in a machine that vibrates (spin cycle) and gets damp.

I had a similar problem with the circuit board in my stove. It had an electronic oven control. My guess is, manufacturers shouldn't put electronics in a machine that heats to over 500 degrees.

Maybe in the future this problem will be resolved by better technology. But for now I'll be replacing my appliances with ones that have old fashioned mechanical controls.

I was wanting to purhase the LG2050washer and dryer. I understand you have now given it a CR best buy because they fixed the rinse problem. If I was to buy a set today, how will I know if i'm getting the one that has been fixed? Our there certain serial numbers that are the old ones!
Please advise
Thank you
Myra

I am trying to figure out from your website which is the top rated washer. On one page, the Samsung WF448A is listed tops. On another page, the Kenmore 4027 is tops. Here is a link to both pages:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/laundry-and-cleaning/washing-machines/front-loading-washing-machine-ratings/ratings-overview.htm

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2010/february/appliances/washers-dryers/washer-ratings/washers-ratings.htm

Which is correct? I wanted to purchase the LG WM2050 but I see that it is not even listed on the first list. Which list is correct and is the LG WM2050 still recommended?

Thanks,
James

I also got burned on a Cabrio, My wife hates it and so do I. It was expensive and I figured it would last forever, I have always bought used and got 5 to 10 years out of them. The Cabrio is around 2 years old and after destroying countless floor rugs and agravated the heck out of us we are shopping for a new washer already. The control board needs replacing only 375, what a deal. I have seen them on sale for around 300 less than we paid for ours. Oh well I guess better luck next time.

I have to buy a new washer and dryer but I'm agree to buy the new type. I don't want the front loading and it sounds like the other energy efficient aren't any better. I guess I will just buy the old style. Can someone suggest the best one to buy?

I can not believe that CR does not even include a mold/mildew rating on front loading washers. CR should not continue to reccomend ANY front loading washer that requires, bleach rinses, leaving the door open, extra washes without clothes....all this is a HUGE waster of resources. This is a HUGE problem and very wasteful. Use your power to get it fixed.

Great, something new to look forward to in washing machines. Good thing the laundry industry has not stopped in making machines that are more energy and water efficient. When looking for a washing machine, look for those with sensor features. The drying time has to be cut short. The heating element consumes a lot of energy. Also, find a machine that will clean your clothes even when you only use the cold water cycle.

Newer washing machines today are integrated with cutting edge sensors. These new washers are indeed a lot more efficient than the previous models of washer but we consumers should think about the longevity and durability. The truth is, these washers are prone to programmable failures. But there are new washers with direct drive motor technology that actually prolongs the life of washers.

We have a Whirlpool Cabrio washer. It worked great for two and a half years then suddenly started sounding extremely loud, like a jet taking off on the spin cycle. We researched the problem and found it will cost $300 to $600 to repair. It seems from reading reviews that other people have had this same problem after just 2 years. Now we are wondering: is it worth the repairs? will it happen again after 2 years? should we just buy another brand?? Other than this problem we think the machine did an excellent job.

Anybody who has a Kenmore Elite OasisHT/OasisHE or Whirlpool Cabrio that is more than 2 years old, call 800 4 MY HOME (for Kenmore) or contact Whirlpool regarding the recall on the control circuit board and motor circuit board. Be sure to have the manufacturer's model number and serial number handy, as the serial number determines whether the washer falls under the purview of the recall.

I'm looking to purchase an electric washer/dryer stacked combo. Like the posters above, I cannot find and information. Have you reviewed any?

I want to buy a new washer & dryer. Consumer reports February 2010 rates Samsung WF448AAW #1, but on the web page Kenmore 4027 is rated #1. Which one should you go by?

Does CR rate the all in one combo washer/dryer