Now this is getting rediculous! Darn thins are not even in stores yet, but...

WOW! Those pictures are the first real look I have had at those machines, shots of the drum!!

Looking at that drum shot should put to rest all those stories about this machine being an LG copy as the drums are nothing alike.

are you sure they're not in stores in the US yet. they are here in Canada

After I clicked on the enlargement of the EBAY listing, I noticed a couple of things. First, they mention that the machines will be available in stores the first week of December. Second, I noticed that the drum is not slanted like the Duet/HE, Neptune but is true horozontial like the Frigidaires.

According to GE and other sources, this units were not to be released until 1 December. Apparently GE wished to insure all dealers had enough stock on hand for an anticipated rush by consumers.

Launderess

At almost 32" deep, too tight a fit for our laundry area methinks.

Looks wise reminds me of the MaySung compact washer. Still, like the idea of a true H-Axis tub, even if the outer tub is plastic not SS. Decent capacity for several hundred dollars less than a Speed Queen front loader. However GE's appliance history of late does not inspire one to rush out just yet. My main question would be build quality. Something designed to hold large amounts of laundry needs good construction especially bearings. With the washer selling for below $800 (MSRP), my guess something in terms of build quailty had to be compromised. Not in a bad way mind you, but would doubt if this washer is true "commercial" quality.

Launderess

Oh, come now! Everyone knows that once a washer is actually offered on the market, it's already a complete bore. Buying a washer that exists in real form is so passe.

True connoisseurs of the washing machine are interested only in the ones that were never made available. The front-loading Amana (circa 1996), which existed only in brochure form, is a perfect example of the perfect washer. :)

As a matter of fact a few of those Amana's were sold, I've even seen one on eBay a long time ago.

Which is the GE cylinder slant or straight?

- Peter (kenmorepeter5)

foraloysius-- WHAT?! My theoretically perfect non-existent washer actually made it into some homes? Oh, cruel fates! The final crutch has been cruelly kicked out from beneath my fragile psyche. Hand me the vial of poison, Juliet.... ;)

No need to use poison yet. Although I had to bring you bad news about the Amana frontloader (if I get the harddrive of my old computer installed on my new computer I might even be able to show them) there is some consolation too. There is a non-existent washer that never made it to the homes. The name?

Volkwaschvollautomat

The only thing I can reveal about this washer is that it is a Euro-American coproduction.

The man from Nederlands is correct! It is a true Euro-American coproduction.

Coming someday in Adobe format!

I have seen and played with the Amana Front Loader. I know somewho had one and let it go.

The SQ is a better version, the tubs are the same in the two machines but after that Alliance completely redid the rest of machine. So the tubs are where the similarity ends.

jet


Amana's electronics were a complete disaster which is why they were all recalled for repair and then credits were issued after they got the machines back.

Hurrah! My faith in the perfect non-existent washer is restored. All hail the
Volk(insert every letter of the alphabet in any order here)tomat! Thank you, foraloysius!

The Home Depot will be able to sell you a set of these beginning November 18th,2005.I just got the display pair in and set them up on our show floor today.They are made in China by a company owned by GE.

Chuck, we want more details and your expert observation!! Bob

Frigilux,

You're welcome, I'm glad I was able to restore your faith.

Jon,

Weren't there problems with the Amana door also?

This weekend I checked with my two local Home Depot to see if they have the new GE front loader on display yet. I called one store and asked. The clerk told me that she didn't think they would be getting a display model in as they didn't have room for them. I wonder how much she really knows, however, because if this machine turns out to be a big seller, it certainly would not make sense not to have it on display.

For the other store, I actually went in person. I asked the sales clerk about the machine. He told me that it should be on display very soon. He then checked to see if the computer was showing it as available yet. The computer indicated that it was not yet available.

He told me that he had recently attended a training on the new GE front loader. He told me that the machine is very impressive. I was pressed for time or I would have tried to hear some of the highlights. Any case, I know some of you do work for Home Depot, so I thought I would mention this in case any of you have attended the training and can provide some highlights.

I hope this machine turns out to be as the great value that it appears to be. I mean to get all the cycles and great size and the internal heater, all for around $800, it certainly raises the bar! The only short coming I can see at this stage is the non-slanted drum. Now that I have had a machine with the slanted drum, I would really miss not having it. It really makes loading easier and the visual is great as you can tell at a glance if you have all your clothes or not.

Ours are due in today (11/14/05).I saw them at the KBIS in Las Vegas last April.The washer interior is a lot like the Whirlpool but just a tad larger.The dryer is definately a GE super capacity model.It has the white powder coat interior and a lot of similarities to the GE stanard dryers made to match their top loading washers except for the front panel controls and the see through door.

laundromat, good to go for the GE I see.

Maytag Neptune TL-- When were you all at the pumpking patch notified to clearance them and would not be getting anymore and why?

Thanks!

Steve

Hey Laundromat, did you get the GE's delivered? And if so, what's your opinion about them?

Inquiring minds want to know! LOL

Louis

We were sent a new plan o gram that shows the neptune tl and matching dryer being replaced by the new GE front loaders.My guess on why, is they are not selling that well.The sales on all Maytag products has deminished quite a bit especially now that we carry the new LG line.I personally have sold quite a few sets(over 200 !)and have yet to hear of any complaints or returns.That's from July 20th,2005 to now.I am also the number one appliance salesperson in our region and zone and just recently jumped to number 2 in the entire company!!!!!! I just got promoted to manager's position in appliances and was given a generous rase.However,my success comes from the knowledge I absorb from going to most of the shows and being a part of it all.With appliances being my lifetime compassion and selling them being my carreer,I am quite comfortable now with my work and enjoy having co-workers who have become my team of specialists!We are close and they know if they have any questions or are puzzled,I am there for them.The only way for a successful business is to carry what the customers want.We were carrying products (like the faulty Neptunes)that caused lots of negative attitudes with our customers.Once we were able to carry a dependable line and the word got out localy from our customers,others came to see what all the rukkuss was about.I am glsd we carry LG and look forward to the "Second Wave" this January when we'll be receiving their new shipment of an entirely new line of ranges,microwave ovens and a larger capacity "Trom"washer and dryer line.I can't wait!!!!

I found one thing interesting in reading the user manuals. For the dryer, it sttes the fabric/temp setting not only effect the temperature, but also the tumble speeds. I do like both though in terms of flexibility--it seems the various options are even more flexible than the HE4Ts. Although not published in a washer manual, the target temps were published in the dryer manual. cold 80, warm 105, hot 120 and sanitary 160. For the dryer, a couple of models have anti-bacteria heat settings.

Hey Laundromat!

You mentioned that you would be getting a larger Trom in stock in January. Do you know the specific size for the washer? I believe the largest LG washer size now is 3.7. I am curious if the larger size will be 3.8 or slightly larger? Seems to me I read somewhere that in Canada, LG sold a larger unit than available here.

Also, have you actually received the new GE's in stock yet? Once you do, I would be interested in reading what the cycles are.

Thanks.

Rich, you can go to the GE web site and download the user manuals for both the washer & dryer. There are 10 cycles. Whites, sanitary, colors/normal, perm press, delicate, quick, stain, hand wash, active wear, rinse & spin. Some variations on the models offer a substitution that includes a wool cycle, a custom cycle (my cycle) and drain & spin.

The new LG Troms will be a 4.0 cu ft washer and an 8.0 cu ft dryer.Due to their huge success here in the U.S.They will be available in red,white or blue !!!The combination washer/dryers are also going to have some special changes but that's another surprise I cannot reveal right now.I'd rather keep all of you in suspense!!!!

Chuck, ok about the LG's. I particularly like the 8 cu. ft. dryer--can we say NORGE, lol. BUT this is the new GE front loader thread that got got hijacked to LG. Tell us your opinion about the new GE washer & dryer!!!

That was my question in the first place! LOL

To shoot the engineer/designer who ordered more stupid smoked glass for these machines. Glad I was able to strip my Hettie of this obstruction to pleasure.

I get a kick out of the "marketingspeak" they use here too. "Hydro-Motion" wash action-which means the tub reverses. Wow. Thats never been done before! (note sarcastic tone here.)

David

The new GE's are on the GE website now.

I personally LOVE when a stupid/pointless Greek word is thrown in by marketing geeks as if the masses have NO CLUE that it means.


TRITON GE DW. Triton means third.

GR=> (Proton, Deuteron, Triton). Three filters or wash arms WHO CARES?

SP=> (Primero, Segundo, Tercero).
We know these too from paint PRIMER- do it first.
Tertiary roads => third tier.

IMHO Nothing beats *Chroma-Color* TVs--> Color-color? That makes sense.

Like the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

My friend Rico and I went out washer shopping today, since his belt drive Kenmore is on its last legs. We hit Home Depot, K-Mart (yes, they sell Kenmore amongst others), Best Buy and Lowes. We were pretty set on an LG at Best Buy, until we found the new GE frontloader at Lowes. Coming in at $200 less than the LG, Rico decided it was the one for him. Being delivered tomorrow, I just gave him a crash course on front load washing. I'll go over to his house in a week or two to see how it works.

I have not seen these washers yet but from looking at pictures I still think it is realy LG. Can anyone comment for sure? I am very interested. The thing that looks different is the baffels. What other contries in Europe make these monsters?
Peter

Hi Peter, I am sure looking forward to hearing what you thing of the new GE's so please keep us posted. Terry

Someone over on THS popped units open and "Little Swan" (Chinese manufacturer) is all over various parts and such inside both the washer and dryer.

LG is in Korea so doubt it is some kind of attempt to hide the true source.

Launderess

Also on THS there is somebody who says he is certain that they are built by GE in China and that the "Little Swan" labels are there because GE gets parts from them.

I did further check out my LG combo and now I can see their are some differences in tub designs and that it is somewhat different. I would like to see these units. But they are very simular in design. I wonder why GE didn't go with LG being they already have stuff going with LG. I can't wait to see these new GE's. Does anyone know if these units are direct or belt drive?
Peter

Good one rich!

Hi! Club Friends and Relatives, I've seen the new GE Front-Load Washer and Dryer, with the Pedestal Drawers. There is a Hardware/Variety Store in an area that I shop in that just got them in late last week. They are pretty good looking Machines, although my first thought was that they look somewhat like the Kenmore Hetty's and the WP Duet's, but they do have some distinct look to them as well. The Washer Tub is not slanted and the Drum in the Dryer is quite similar to their Regular Dryer Drums, with the Curved Fins that GE uses.

Their Model Numbers and the listed Price there are:

Washer Model #WCVH6260F $899.88
Electric Dryer Model #DCVH515EF $699.95
Gas Dryer Model #DCVH515GF $749.95

They are listed on the Info Sheet I wrote the Prices on as:Contractor/Independent Retailers Prices. The Info Sheet doesn't mention anything about if either Unit is "B-D" or "D-D" operating.

They are also available in White and Graphite Colors. I personally like the looks of the Graphite, even though I've only seen that Color on the Info Sheet, the Matched Set that this place had were in the White, which really isn't that bad looking to me, I'm just wanting to add some Color back into any future Appliances that I'm able to later on look into possible buying, even naturally if they might be 2nd Hand/Vintage Collectibles.

I've also asked GE why they didn't use a Stainless Steel Interior in their new Dryers, when they have the Stainless Steel Interior in some of their Regular Dryer Drums. I've not had any reply back from them as of yet but I will let everyone know, when I do receive an answer.


Peace and Happy Holiday Cheers and Fun-Times with GE Front-Load Washer and Dryer "Daze," Steve
SactoTeddyBear...

Thanks Steve

"OOPS" I forgot since I was getting tired last night when I Posted my info. There are also a Model of the Washer and Dryer, that I'm assuming would be the other Units to be sold basically at the rest of the Stores. The other Model Numbers are:
Washer #WBVH6240F
Electric Dryer #DBVH512EF
Gas Dryer #DBVH512GF

I've got an Appliance and Furniture Store that I've been a Customer with for quite a long time now. When I'm able to get back there, I'm going to inquire as to how much they well be selling these Units for and just for curiousity how much my "Friends-N-Family" Discount would be as well and I will let everyone know later on.

Peace and Happy Holiday Cheer, Steve
SactoTeddyBear...

Today as I was running my weekend errands, I worked in a trip to local Home Depot for the purpose of seeing (for the first time) the new GE front loader washer. I got there and looked in vain for it. I finally asked the saleslady where it was. She explained that they had a place picked out for it, but they didn't plan to get it on display until after Christmas. She explained you didn't want to get in anything heavy like that until after Christmas.

Any case, I struck out this weekend, but next weekend I will make it a point to go to whereever I need to go to actually see one of these machines!

Looking at the display models, I noticed that Maytag and LG are the two prominent front load washing machines at Home Depot. For Maytag, my local Home Depot had 4 different Maytag front load washers. There was the mega (Samsung) front loader, the medium capacity (like 3.4), another medium capacity (the old style, no glass in the door Neptune)and a really small capacity Maytag. It will be interesting to see if there is still such a range of Maytag front loader a year from now after the Whirlpool merge has occurred.

The new GE's have made an appearance at the Home Depot in San Leandro... I got a good look at them last week.

Here's my "review":

New GE Frontloader

I may have to revise my opinion of GE appliances. Or at least on this one.

Last night I spotted the new GE front load washer ("Adora") at my local Home Depot. I have to say I am extremely favorably impressed with this machine, and its relatively reasonable price. I would have to say that GE has done its homework on this one, and has included many key features that we here on THS have been clamoring for quite some time. And at a great price.

Here are the positives:

1) Giant 3.7 cu ft (IEC) drum

2) The drum is NOT tilted. It is, from what I can tell, a "pure horizontal" design. This should please purists.

3) The door is ample and wide, with very lightly tinted glass. The hinge looks strong and robust.

4) The drum is similar in construction (holes, appearance of metal, etc) to the smaller, less ergonomic Frigmore. However the paddles have little holes in them, presumably to help shower water on the clothes. The rear of the drum has an interesting pattern, almost like fins. This may be a stamping to help reduce overall washer depth, by accomodating the arms of the spinner support. But they may also aid in tumbling.

5) The boot looks clean and simple.

6) There is a prewash detergent dispenser.

7) There is an internal heater and a "Sanitize" option.

8) Fit and finish look quite good.

9) There is a "favorite" feature where settings for particular favored washer settings can saved.

10) The controls are up front, allowing for the most flexibility in washer placement.

11) The main control is rotary, favored by most consumers.

12) On hot settings, the first few seconds of fill are cold water - helping to avoid setting stains.

13) The overall footprint is relatively small. 30.5" front to rear. This is much less than the Duet/Hetties while holding as much if not more of a load. This one could fit in my laundry closet.

14) All this for only $899. This is a bargain considering the features of this washer.

The Negatives:

1) Being a GE product, while the sales price is quite reasonable, parts are likely to be exorbitant.

2) The machine is made in China. This is probably the only way it can be offered for less than $1000, but still...

3) The only voltage option is 110 volts. This means the heater will not be able to work very fast to heat water. The manual states that the water heater must be set to at least 120 F for proper performance.

4) I couldn't find any up front "coin trap" door. Perhaps there is a coin trap hidden behind the lower front panel, but I didn't see any mention of it in the owner's manual.

5) The one I saw was white/white. The white of the control panel plastic looked a bit dingy next to the brilliant white of the metal pieces.

6) There is no drum light. This is one innovation by Maytag with the Neptune that more mfg's should emulate - In my humlbe opinion.

7) There is no way to set time for cycles. It's kind of dumbed down to "Whites", "Colors", etc type of control settings. But I suppose for most consumers this is just fine if not preferable.

8) I didn't notice any LED display letting you know how much longer the cycle would take, or for the inevitable error messages. But maybe I just missed it in my excitement. [Update: I see from GE's web site that the machines do feature an LED display giving estimated remaining cycle time).

9) The door is hinged on the left, and this cannot be reversed. Another innovation by Maytag with the Neptune that more mfg's should emulate.

10) The outer drum is most likely plastic, with concrete counter-weights.

11) Of course, this machine has no track record so reliability and performance are big questions. But I eagerly anticipate first owner reports as well as Consumer Report's eventual review.

Would I own this machine! Yes, most likely, if I didn't already have a well functioning front loader, I'd get the GE (along with the longest extended warranty I could find). I believe, despite some limitations, it would be a superior washer to the Neptune and perhaps to all the other super-size front loaders currently on the market. This is mostly by virtue of its "pure horizontal" drum design. While I was looking at it, I pondered if I could get a set to replace my Neptune set... I wondered how much $$$ I could get for my Neptunes... they work fine, and have had sufficient repairs that I think they will run without trouble for several more good years. But I suspect they might be a "hard sell".

So, if you are looking for a big front loader today, I think you may be lucky that GE has released what looks to be a fine machine.

I struck out at the Pittsburg Home Depot, but next weekend I will go right to the Concord Home Depot. I am certain they will have it on display.

Sudsmaster, first of all good review. I do have a couple of questions, but I don't that in any way detract from what is really a good insightful review.

I am curious as to why you state that its capacity would be as much or more than Neptune, Duet, etc? It is really hard to eye ball the drums, but the GE lists at 3.7 whereas the Duet lists at 3.8 and the Neptune (Samsung) at 3.81. I mean based on the stats you could say hold almost the same, but I was just curious as to why you termed it as much or more?

Another issue, you mention about this machine being available only in 110? Other than Meile, do any of the other US front loaders come available in anything other than 110?

You mentioned coin trap. Do you know does the Duet have this feature? I have the Kitchenaid and I figure if Duet has it, probably my KA does too.

You mentioned about there not being a way to set for the cycle lengths. I think that is true of about all the machines. You are required to go with a cycle and then you can modify it (and add time) by selecting options and soil factors. While on this subject, I also hate that the new machines lock you in to temp settings!

If your Neptune is still running well, I would be tempted to keep on trucking with a few more years. There is always going to be something better right around the corner. I think on the postive note, GE might actually start a thread with the front loader adding more features and with the prices coming down somewhat. I mean if this GE does pan out well, I think LG, Maytag, and Whirlpool will have to match.

Any case, really good review!

Thanks for doing the leg work Sudsmaster.

Coin traps seem to be a dying feature on many front loaders sold in the United States. IIRC none of the Korean made "Maysungs" have them, nor does the aformentioned GE model and countless others. IIRC the Bosch/Seimans washers do, but owners are not "supposed" to open up the trap. Do not see where this is a benefit, mind you in the years of front loader use have never found much more than small amounts of lint in coin traps, but like to know it is possible to clean/solve a problem without an expensive repair call.

What is some what interesting to me is that front loaders being offered in the United States seem more and more about price and less with construction for the long haul. Sure there are literally tons of cycle choices, but most are simply variations of the same four basic washing machine cycle choices we have always had: sturdy cottons, permanent press, delicates, hand washing. What does seem to be a trend is rather than include within the owners manual a "washing guide" to help with laundering, washers simply come with a cycle already built in. This wouldn't be a problem if the computer control boards are of top quality, but sadly that is not always the case.

Everyone seems to be rushing towards larger and larger capacity, which again is a good thing as Americans never really seemed to like the small "Euro" sized machines. How ever with larger capacity comes increased stresses on certian parts including bearings and suspension systems. It is ok to advertise laundering 18lbs of laundry, but can these new machines do so day in and day out for years?

There simply isn't any such thing as a free lunch, so it remains to be seen where GE is going with these units. It is all very well to bring a large capacity front loader to market for under $900, loaded with features. But if the unit only lasts five or six years (if that)before needing major repair work or being junked, where is the good in that?

Launderess

Sudsmaster,
Thanks so much for the review -- today I went to sears and best buy and could not find it - looks like a awsome washer. I tried home depot 2 weeks ago but they didn't yet have it. I will try again. I have a LG combo and I thought for a long time they would go with the LG design and was surprised when they didnt. I would love to see these designs in a China website - I have the Little Swan website but cannot find FL washers.
Peter

Launderess,

You bring up some good issues. Regarding durability, I think many of us who purchased the mega machines will now be forced into making needed repairs, be they major or minor down the road.

I purchased my Frigidaire fl in 98. The bearings gave out earlier this year. I could have paid to repair it, but the repair cost compared to price paid would have been around 50%. That fact, plus the availability of new (and hopefully improved) mega machines made the decision apparent: ditch the frigidaire and go for the mega!

When the mega machines start to bite the dust, the math will be entirely different. I mean you pay $1200 to $1500 for a machine and you are not inclined to walk away from it. Even with a major repair, the cost ratio should be down to like 25%.

But back to your durability issue, think about the commercial front loaders. They function day in day out, from like 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, running almost non-stop. I wonder if anyone has really reviewed how well they perform? Do they have a superior design that means they can perform like this or is the answer that the machines are readily serviced - and if needed repaired. In other words, are they tough as bullets or just given repair when they need it? It would be interesting to see if there are any stats in terms of the components on these machines. If some of the components are truly superior (say the bearings), it would be great if the Whirlpools, Maytags, GE's would incorporate them into their design.

I guess it's maybe all about making a machine affordable. I mean the consumer mega machines go from $1,200 to $1,500 and that seems like a lot. Then, however, you look at what a "double loader" commercial front loader would cost, what like $5,000?

I guess only time will tell how durable these machines will turn out to be. I hope the average Hettie/Duet/Maytag etc. can go a good 10 years without major repair. The track record for the original Frigidaires and Neptunes does not look all the great, but let's cross our fingers!

Future repairs is what turns me off wanting to buy a new washer especially a front loader. I don't think I'm totally out to lunch when I expect my washer to last about 20-25 years with minimimal or no servicing. Heck my mom's only on her 3rd in over 50 years, mines going on around 15. I would be right pissed off if I spent $1000+ and it malfunctioned somehow within the 10 year range

Are indeed for the most part built to a better standard than what one isgetting for home use today. This theory is borne out by the many Wascomat and other brands of commercial washers 30 or more years old still happily chugging away. Yes, they may have needed a repair now and then, but by and large still work as designed.

If one has ever seen the inside of a commercial/laundromat front loader, it is amazing that inside such a big "box" lies truly simple machinery. Well built in most cases, but very simple. Bearings, hoses, innner and outer tubs and other parts are designed to be easily serviced (usually from the front if possible), with parts right off the repair persons truck. Or, since many laundromat owners do their own repair work, parts that are always instock/easily found. After all for commercial washers time is money. A machine out of order is a machine taking up space and not providing revenue.

Also methinks microprocessor controls on commercial front loaders have better mother boards and are more insulated from the heat and moisture which destroy cheap home units. Bearing in mind also that many commercial machines are still mainly electro-mechanical controlled IIRC.

All this comes at a price though, even small 18lb laundromat washers run a few thousand. True one can find quasi-commercial units meant for less demanding bed & breakfast/beauty shop and such use, but many commercial washer dealers will tell you most of those lines are not much better than TOL home units. Read, lots of plastic inside and out.

Think what we are seeing in terms of these uber front loaders for home use, are washers built to last at least the average age of home units. That is to say if the average American home owner keeps a washing machine for say five years before buying new, then five years of service is what the unit is designed for. I'm not saying five years before needing to be replaced, but it may be five years before a family moves or "Her Indoors" decides she wants the latest model and chucks her current washer. In short same thing we see with cars and other appliances/electronics.

As one wanders around appliance show rooms it is amazing how similar most washers, especially front loaders seem to look these days. Not only in terms of design, but features as well. Which leads one to believe there are a handful of Asian suppliers cranking out parts for all these machines.

Another difference between commercial units and home washers is that home units are being produced more and more in complete "sections/assemblies" rather than individual components. In a commerical unit one has a inner wash tub, outer wash tub, bearings and spindle assembly. Many home units have just "drum assembly" which is all several parts as one. While this does save labour costs in terms of building the appliance, it usually means if one part, say the bearings go, the entire assembly must be replaced. Many,many FriGeMore units were simply chucked because the cost of a tub assembly including parts and labour was near or over the cost of a new unit.

Once Whirlpool gets their mitts on Maytag it will be interesting to see what happens to front loader technology in the United States. With really only two major players left in the market (three if one counts Electrolux), innovation may start to fall.

What may also be interesting is if American consumers get fed up with front loaders with many problems,they return to top loading washing machines.

Launderess

Frontload fan,

Thanks for the compliment.

When I compared the new GE FL to the Neptune, I was thinking of my Neptune, which is the 7500. That one is only 3.2 cu ft IEC, or 2.9 cu ft real.

I also figure that since the new GEFL is a true horizontal, it can fit slightly more of a load in it than a tilted drum of the same claimed capacity.

The GE is a 110 volt machine. I don't know of any "full-size" 27 inch super capacity front loader in America, other than the commercial machines, that works off 220 volts. It's a shame, and one of those grumbles I have about the American style designs, and the GEFL does nothing to address this shortcoming. I also think they couldawouldashoulda have made the door reversible, but for under $900 I guess one can't expect to have all one's wishes met in one unit...

As I understand it, the Duets and Hetties have coin traps, but they are hidden behind the lower front panels. The Adora might well have one hidden behind the panel, as well, but I didn't see any mention of it in the owner's manual. FWIW, the Neptune 7500 doesn't have a coin trap either, not even a hidden one, but I've never had a problem with a coin getting past the labrynthine door boot, and I've routinely found loose change in the wash drum after a wash. I figure one would have to shove a coin into the gap between the drum and the boot to get one in there. The Maytag man said he's only seen one coin trap issue in all the machines he's visited, and it was a quarter, which was exactly the right size to clog the old pumps. We both agreed a child was probaly involved in that one ;-). In any case, servicing the pump and clearing a clog looks relatively simple once you get the 7500 front panel off.

With regard to cycle times... the Neptune 7500 allows one to select various tumble patterns - from cotton/sturdy to hand wash, independently of the wash time (from 5 min quick to 34 minute extra heavy). It also allows you to set the spin speed independently, as well as the temperature. And all these combinations can be named and stored as "favorites" items, retrievable at the push of a single "button". So you could have a heated hot 130F five minute handwash cycle, with pre-soak and max extract spin... if you so desired.

Laundress,

Thank you as well. I'm not sure I'd classify the GE FL as a BOL machine with lots of cost cutting measures. The low price is mostly due to its counrty of origin - China - where labor is very inexpensive and factories can pollute and do other things that boost production but would be illegal here. I think GE finally put its thinking cap on when it came to designing the machine, realizing perhaps that the design need not be so limited by manufacturing cost considerations. Reliability, of course, is a big question with any new machine. Quality control has been a problem for many companies that have outsourced production to China. However, as much as I dislike how Jack Walsh ran GE, their Six Sigma program is designed to result in excellent quality control, and if they are able to apply this discipline to their Chinese partners the machine might well last longer than just a few years.

Still, I'd recommend getting the longest extended warranty available.

The main problem I have with the commercial front loaders is that most of them do not have features necessary for residential use:

1) They are typically rigid mounted, which means you'll need a concrete slab about four inches or more thick to mount them on. Forget about putting one in on the second floor in most homes...

2) They typically lack a drain pump, instead being intended to drain by gravity into a sump.

3) Most of them have rather slow spin speeds, maybe 600 rpm.

A possible exception might be the Speed Queen/Huebsh premises front loader, which has a stainless outer tub and presumably other features typical of robust commercial machines like easily replacable drum bearings. It even has a right-hinged door, which is nice for those of use with laundry facilities that can't accomodate a left-hinged fl door. But the SQ/H also is saddled with very dumbed down controls, with 15 minutes being the longest possible wash cycle. And I understand the one with an internal heater is hard to obtain.

saw them at Lowes today and very impressed with fit & finish, had a solid feel.

So you like them, Bobbie? I'm thinking about getting a set.

Yes I did. Make sure you download the user manuals and give them a \read. It appears to be very flexible with cycles and options, with the undersandable "lock" out of things like too fast a spinseed or hot water for delicate cycles.

Bob,

I am visualizing a GE fl set with your name on it.

Rich, yourvisualtion is inn the right "light", but Shredmore is still going strong and I have 25 y/o fridge I need to relace first.

I see a lot of folks seem to be considering the GE Adora washer dryer combo as sold at Home Depot but has anyone actually bought one and used one? I looked at them and discussed differences between GE and LG models--Home Depot sales said that there have been some noise complaints on the LG's. Anyone bought the Adoras? How are they performing? I need to make a purchase soon....

They are very new so new customers are few and far between. You might check over on ThatHomeSite; people who are more into modern washers hang out there a lot. There have been some initial reports; I recall two: one from a dissatisfied user who may have gotten a lemon or a machine that wasn't properly installed (shipping bolts may still be intact); and another who seems quite happy with it.