Does anyone have a Staber brand of washer? What do you think? I'm deciding between it and some much less expensive washer (eg Whirlpool Duet Sport or the Kenmore equivalent)

I don't think anyone here owns a Staber. Staber is not a well-known brand probably because of the fact that Staber washers are not found in stores. But I do know a lot about them. Staber washers are manufactured in Groveport, Ohio and are made to deliver factory-direct when you order them. The washers go through a vigorous testing phase after manufacturing and have to pass every test befor they get shipped to you. Staber washers are Top-Loading Horizontal-Axis washers. They are "The only Top-Loading Horizontal-Axis washer made in the USA." Now I will go in-depth about the Staber washers and dryers.

The member who uses nickname "Jetcone" had a Staber in a rental property several years ago. As I understand, it washed OK but had some mechanical and reliability problems. Some of those issues may or may not have been addressed by Staber via engineering and design modifications. Beware that they DO NOT have a service network. The homeowner must do repairs himself, although Staber does provide support and instructions. Mr. Jetcone spoke with Staber at the time about becoming a dealer/servicer, but they weren't interested.

Another guy who sells Stabers online is "The Samurai" who is the Administrator of www.fixitnow.com. He sells Staber washers on the "Staber Store" section of the site. The irony of it is that he does not own one himself. He owns a Gibson Front-Loader.

According to Staber about the washer:

"Although it looks like a standard washer from the outside, Staber operates differently on the inside. Using a patented geometric cleaning action, Staber's six-sided inner tub rotates inside a stationary half of an eight-sided outer tub. As the shape between the inner and outer tub changes while the inner tub rotates, a passive pumping action is created between the two tubs which gently pumps water through the holes of the inner tub and through your laundry. The inner tub can usually hold more laundry than a traditional agitator washer (up to twice as much) because we do not have an agitator and you can utilize the entire tub volume. Up to a king size down comforter can be washed (depending on the thickness of the material)."

However, I say the thing about the tub size is not true. It is only a lousy 2.0 cubic-foot capacity. They say it can hold 16 full-size bath towels but I heard someone say it could only hold 6.

I don't know how it does it but the Staber washer uses only 1 ounce of detergent, bleach and fabric softener. Staber has designed special detergent for thier washer.

The Staber washer is entirely Front-Servicable. But the bad thing is that Staber has no repair network. If the washer breaks, you must have the knowledge, time, and patience to fix it yourself.

Every washer brand has is pluses and minuses including Staber. Here are the ones I can think of.

Pluses:
The way the hexagonal inner tub rotates in he lower half of an cotogonal tub to make a huge turbulance in the water. This does a huge job of cleaning laundry.
The machine's said passive pumping action cleans so well that the machine only uses 1 ounce of detergent, bleach, and fabric softener. This way, you will spend less money over time to buy laundry products.
The machine is a Horizpntal-Axis machine. Therefore, it uses less water and energy per cycle.
The final spin at a max speed of 710-750 RPM lasts for 5 minutes and nearly dries laundry.

Minuses:
The machine has only a 2.0 cubic foot capacity.
The machine has no repair network. If it breaks you must have the time, patience, and skill to fix it yourself.
The mechanical and reliability problems as mentioned by DADoeS.
The machine is noisy. Very noisy.
You must be careful to empty out your change and stuff before begining the cycle otherwise, they will get caught in the pump.

Specifications for a Staber washer:

• Capacity
2.0 cubic feet or 16-18 Lbs. (16 standard size bath towels measuring 26" X 42" or up to a king size down comforter depending on thickness). The cubic feet cannot be compared as an 'apples-to-apples' comparison with other washers because our entire tub volume is utilized by being a top load horizontal-axis tub design.

• Detergent Use per Normal Load
1 ounce average

• Watts of Electricity per Load
110-150 watt-hours average

• Motor Type
Universal/digital-electronically controlled motor

• Motor HP Rating
Less than 1/2

• Motor Amps Being Drawn During Wash
~5 to ~6 amps

• Motor Amps Being Drawn During Spin
~3 amps

• Spin Cycle RPM
~400 (Delicate & Permanent Press); up to 750 (Normal)

• Extracion force during spin cycle
~175 G's

• Type of drain cycle
Self cleaning electric water pump

• Inner Drum Diameter
23" giving 2.0 cubic feet of usable volume

• Inner and Outer Tub Material
18 gauge stainless steel

• Automatic Dispensers
Prewash, wash, bleach, and softener

• Size of Machine in Inches
Width = 27"; Depth = 26"; Height at back of control panel = 42"; Height with door up = 55"

• Machine Weight
Net = 175 lbs.; Shipping = 230 lbs.

Models of the Staber washer include:

HXW2304:Staber says "This is our base model with a white cabinet, control panel decal and knobs. It has a powder coat painted steel base, and stainless steel inner and outer tubs.

Made in Groveport, Ohio, this is our most popular washer model. It is a commercial quality washer for both commercial and residential markets. There have been numerous design changes and improvements based on customer feedback since our Staber washer was first introduced over 13 years ago.

It costs about $0.75 less per load to use compared to traditional top load agitator washers. This can save the average family of three doing eight loads per week around $300 each year by using less water, energy, and detergent."

HXW2404:Staber Says "This model is the same as the HXW2304 but features a stainless steel base, and sound deadening insulation. This model also adds a two year extended parts warranty on top of the one year full warranty.

Besides working great in residential homes, if you have a business with on-premise laundry facilities, the Staber line of commercial non-coin washers provides a very quick payback period due to its efficient design. Staber is the most efficient 18 lb. commercial non-coin OPL (on-premise laundry) washer available on the market based on water, energy, and detergent usage."

It looks like the HXW2304.

HXW2504:Staber says: "This offers a brushed stainless steel outer cabinet as well as a stainless steel base. The control panel decal has a brushed stainless appearance with black knobs. There is a two year extended parts warranty for this model on top of the one year full warranty. It also includes sound deadening insulation and engineered polymer braid inlet hoses."

Basic Operational Procedure
When it washes, the tub rotates in one direction at about 42 RPM for 13 seconds, pauses for 3 seconds, rotates the other direction (to keep your laundry from tangling), and so on.

You have immediate access to the inner tub while it is washing if you forgot a pair of socks, for example. The tub is locked while in the spin cycle. The washer spins briefly for just a minute in between each wash and rinse cycle.

When the final 5 minute spin cycle begins, the tub rotates counterclockwise. It begins very slowly and gradually picks up speed so that it can attempt to evenly spread everything around the tub to keep from going out of balance. There are about 4 different speed levels the tub goes through during the final spin. If the tub moves too much to the left and right it will hit the out of balance switch on the right side of the tub. Then the tub will coast to a stop, the water pump will keep pumping, and then the tub will attempt to spin again. The timer does not advance until the tub reaches full speed.

At the end of the final spin cycle, the tub rotates slowly (like in the wash cycle) to 'fluff' the laundry for a couple minutes. Finally, the tub rotates the doors to the top.

You have one wash and two rinses; you also have the option to use a 'pre-wash' which is just a 5-minute wash before the regular wash cycle and can be used to loosen the soil in extra dirty loads.

Call us at 1-800-848-6200 or send e-mail to info@staber.com if you have any other questions related to how the Staber washer operates.

This information courtesy of Staber.com

Comparison to a Vertical-Axis Top-Loader:

• Do you want to use around 45 gallons of water per load or around 15 gallons of water?

• Do you want tubs made of plastic or porcelain, or would you prefer durable stainless steel?

• Do you want to heat an average of 12 gallons of hot water or 3 gallons of hot water per load with a Staber to save energy?

• At an average of eight loads per week, do you want to spend around $490 each year to use your washer or just $180 with a Staber?

• Do you want to use 4-8 ounces per load or 1 ounce of detergent average per load with a Staber?

• Would you like to wash just 8-10 towels with a traditional agitator washer or up to 16 standard bath towels in one load with a Staber?

• Would you like to reduce your drying time by about 30% (and save more energy) by using a Staber that features a much faster spin cycle?

• Would you like to have total front access to parts and no transmission to reduce your maintenance expenses?

• Do you want a standard residential domestic washer that will last an average of just 10 years or a commercial-grade washer for the home that can last 20+ years?

• Do you want your tubs to be circular, or do you want them to be shaped so that they create a passive pumping action in the water to clean more effectively?

• Would you prefer a heavy-duty four strut suspension to prevent the washer from ‘walking’ in the spin cycle?

• Would you like to have two bearings per shaft, supported on the front and the back of the tubs for greater durability?

• Do you want your clothes to last around 30% longer because of using a gentle tumbling action as opposed to using a harmful agitator that can shred your laundry?

• Would you like to use around 600 watt-hours of electricity per load to use a traditional agitator washer, or around 135 watt-hours to use a Staber?

• Do you want your warranty to be voided if using solar power or not?


Here is What You Need to Consider:
• Currently you may be spending over $490 annually to operate your washer if you are doing around 8 loads per week.

• Therefore, if you invest $1,199 in a Staber washer now, it will provide you a return of around $300 each year for the rest of its life. (This does not include the savings in reducing your drying time, and the time saved in having to possibly do fewer loads.)

• This gives you close to a 25% return on your investment every year you own it.

In conclusion, it is a fact you pay utility bills and detergent costs to use a washer. Thus, if you reduce how much money you are spending right now with your current washer you can pay back the entire cost of our washer really quickly.

Comparison to a Horizontal-Axis Front-loader:

Compared to the Typical Front Load Washer Design, Staber...
• Is proudly made in the USA in Groveport, Ohio. Most front loaders are actually foreign imports, even if from a leading brand.

• Has top loading convenience so you do not have to bend over to load/unload (or consider buying a couple $150 pedestals to raise the machines).

• Has no front water seal (or rubber boot)--eliminates future leaking problems and mildew.

• Staber is a more durable, commercial-grade washer as opposed to a standard domestic residential machine built only for residential use. To show our confidence in the durability of our washer, Staber still honors the part warranty if used in a commercial application.

• Uses less water than most front loaders when tub is loaded full (Staber uses 12-16 gallons per load), thus less energy to heat the hot water.

• Uses less detergent (1 ounce compared to 2-3 ounces), due to less water per fill and better agitation with our patented tub design. This represents the largest savings and is a big reason why Staber is the most efficient washer available. Regular detergent is fine; we do not recommend HE detergent like what is recommended in front loaders.

• Has a quicker payback period due to using less resources (mainly because of less detergent).

• Uses durable stainless steel inner and outer tubs, as opposed to a plastic outer tub.

• Has immediate access to the inner tub while washing if you forget to add a pair of socks, whereas most front loaders are locked while in the wash cycle.

• Uses a patented tub design that creates a water pumping action to clean more effectively than circular tubs.

• Uses two bearings per shaft, supported on front and back, as opposed to just one bearing on the back of the tub. This provides greater durability over time and can prevent premature bearing failure which is more likely to occur with a front load design.

• Uses simple mechanical switches on the control panel as opposed to the expensive, electronic push-button controls found on most front load washers.

• Has total front access to parts which enables you to easily maintain and service the washer. Staber does not require authorized service people.

• Saves on maintenance costs through the life of the washer.

More information about the Staber washer can be found at Staber's official website.

An article at www.fixitnow.com "Washing Machine Shootout:The Staber Vs. The Whirlpool Duet"

Samurai's Staber Store at www.fixitnow.com

It seems a nice machnine but a spinning speed of only 710/750 is too slow to dry efficently, nobody that has a dryer should get less than 1000 rpm or more than 50% residual moisture.

I think to be one of the very few people around here to love such alot the TLHA design that I've been looking for a machine like that for years until I found IMHO the only one really ever good-designed TLHA

It's my IGNIS! People don't appreciate a lot Staber but I'm sure that if a machine like this were produced and sold again either in the USA it would be the GOLD in American markets...
None of the most amricans WM features expectings would be disappointed...

Have a look here...
- standard circular drum with 4 (and not only 3) paddles;
- no seal between the outertub and the cabinet;
- hot/cold fill (it's indeed a rarety here!!);
- 8 cycles, 50min the longer...prewash30°C-wash85°C-4cold rinses with interspin-11min final spin (it's only 520rpm but in the 1963!! Now with the new tecnologies applied it would rise up to 1000rpm!)
- wheels! to be easly moved...
- 110 litres of consumption per cycle: 15prewash,15wash,20x4rinses

...before the restoration

BYE
Diomede

Well, I think Staber is not well known because they are not sold in stores. Staber washers have problems with realiability and durability despite the fact that they are claimed to be commercial-grade. Also, since many USA citizens are not Do-It-Yourselfers they don't want to have to fix the washers themselves. However, Staber improves the machine based on customer feedback and have done so for 13 years since they first introduced the Staber washer. Also, the 750 RPM spin is indeed slow for a modern washer and a horizontal-axis machine. However the machine extracts 175 Gs of water per minute so the laundry is iron-dry upon coming out of the washer. The Staber dryer has an automatic dry cycle which can dry the laundry in no time.

Speaking from experience, funguy?

The dryers are sourced from Whirlpool.

2.0 cubic feet is slightly smaller than the large capacity standard European washers that do 8kg washes. The likes of the Ariston/Hotpoint Aqualtis has a 62 liter or 2.189 cuFt drum. That machine quite comfortably takes a large duvet (comforter) or easily up to 15/16 bath towels.

Also, unlike top loader agitator machines, H-Axis washers can deal with laundry that would float on top and not be pulled down e.g. pillows.

2.0 cuft isn't great though given how large those machines are i.e. standard US washer dimensions.

The 2.189 cuft european models are a standard European cabinet unit. The Staber must be using a more "traditional" front loader style layout.

Has served the off-grid, independent (by choice or not) market here in the Rocky Mountain West for many years.
They do have a lot of the problems which any company will have when you are basically re-inventing the wheel but don't have the resources to test out every design in every possible situation.
The relatively slow spin speed for a horizontal-axis is to some extent mitigated by the spin program and the size of the tub - remember, the larger the tub, the higher the centrifugal force relative to the rpm (anal retentives don't bother, I could care less).
They are to be applauded for being the only American firm to have the balls to do something new and positive in decades. If you compare their results and reliability to the TLs they were designed to compete against, then they win hands down. It is only in comparison to the technology the rest of the world uses that they come in second-place. This is one of those companies which really deserves a chance. If I had 50 million $ or so lying around, they'd be prime candidates for me to invest in.

For the money a staber costs, you can get a proper Miele washer.

Compare for yourself:

http://www.us-appliance.com/w4mitosulaca.html

You're right. The base model of the Staber washer costs $1,299.99

They sure want a pretty penny for the stainless steel model.
Doesn't Staber also say that they make these machines for the US Navy to be used on ships as well?
Is the noise they make the noise of water being sloshed around or is it a motor noise?

American friends, how haven't ever you thought to import TLHA from Europe?! Are you already doing it!?

I would be the first Eurpean TLHA's importer customers if I lived in the States... but of course reading at what Staber describes...I'll never buy a Staber at all!

European top loading horizontal axis washing machines are indeed deeply different from those...unfortunaltely here we can found only those ugly 40-45cm narrow TL, but I'm sure that if you oversea asked to Whirpool or Miele or other appliances exporters like Electrolux... you could get TLHA 60cm wide with up to 6-7-8Kg like it would be my 1964 TLHA IGNIS!

GoodBye
Diomede

PS: What about the Equator Cobra-Hybrid then?!?!?!

I think the noise of the Staber is both the motor noise and water sloshing about. Remember that the Staber washer's tub design creates a large turbulence in the water. This makes for a lot of splashing and sloshing. Also, remember that any washer will make the most noise during spin.

The Staber Dryer:

Info on the electric dryer:

"This electric dryer model is all white. It offers an extra large capacity 7.0 cubic feet drum to handle the large load sizes from our Staber washer and also to dry more efficiently than dryers with smaller tubs. There are three temperature settings and a moisture sensor to save energy.

Our dryer is the optimum corresponding appliance made specifically to complement our distinctive Staber washer. Our washer has a textured ABS resin top assembly with side rails and the dryer has a flat polyester/enamel top finish. Due to our unique tub design our washer has a curved front panel and the dryer has a straight front which gives our set a distinctive contour. Both washer and dryer exhibit matching control panel profiles, decals and knobs.

The power cord is sold separately."

Model number HXD2304E.

Price $799.00

Electric Dryer Specifications:

Motor 1/3-hp with built-in overload protector; centrifugal switch turns off heating element when motor stops

Electrical hook-up 3-wire nominal, 240V, 60 Hz., AC, standard 30-amp. fuse branch circuit (subject to local codes)

Wattage 5600 total heater watts

Shipping weight 160 lbs. if on a pallet shipping by itself; just the dryer in a box is 130 lbs. when shipped on top of a washer

Dimensions 29” wide x 27 13/16” deep x 42” tall

Power Consumption (kWh 30" Cycle) 2.90 (Dryers tested with 15 lb. load.)

Power Consumption (kWh 45" Cycle) 4.35

Power Consumption (kWh 60" Cycle) 5.78

Gas Dryer model number HXD2304G

Specifications:

Motor 1/3-hp with built-in overload protector; centrifugal switch turns off gas burner when motor stops

Electrical hook-up Nominal, 120V, 60Hz., AC (subject to local codes)

Gas usage 22,000 BTU (natural gas) per hour. Burner orifices are available for manufactured, natural, mixed, or LP gas with varying BTU ranges.

Shipping weight 160 lbs. if on a pallet shipping by itself; just the dryer in a box is 130 lbs. when shipped on top of a washer

Dimensions 29” wide x 27 13/16” deep x 42” tall

Power Consumption (kWh 30" Cycle) 0.23 (Dryers tested with 15 lb. load.)

Power Consumption (kWh 45" Cycle) 0.34

Power Consumption (kWh 60" Cycle) 0.44

Cu. ft. Gas Consumed at 30" 12.00

Cu. ft. Gas Consumed at 45" 17.80

Cu. ft. Gas Consumed at 60" 23.30

RUN LIKE HELL ! I have had 2 of them and they were the WORST washers I have had in 40 years. No Service, parts cost mega$$$$ Cpmputer board problems . motor controller problems. Drain problems motor problems. Is there anything I Missed ?In less than a year we sat them out and let the junk man have them.. I have no idea how they are still in business.

Yes. You neglected to mention fill switch problems, timer problems, belt problems, temp solenoid problems, cycle selector problems and of course bearing problems. I think Staber only sells online because with all the design problems thier washers do have, if they sold in stores there would be a class-action lawsuit and the company would be in deep Doo-Doo. What washer did you replace them with?

Also, the Staber washer does not have a computer board. All of the control panel components are mehanical. There is an electronic motor control board however.

Gosh, you had to post all of that information from the Staber website when you could have just given the link to the website. What an amazing waste of bandwidth.

Well that waste is't that bad... Wasting heat by forgetting to close a door, or waste of money because of a governement who refuses to lower their taxes on gas of gasoile because they can't manage to make no debts that's a waste... A bargan 'BELGIUM' nice people, nice food, gigantic debts and political people who refuses to co-operate like the 'peuple' is doing everyday. Now for 299.95!!!!
Now that's a waste of bandwidth! ;-)
(srry but I don't want to hurt anyone...:D )

I lookied at the Staber before i bought my Miele. The lady at Staber told me that i could do all of the service myself. Frankly, at the moment that I bought my last set, I was not interested in servicing anything! I just wanted something that was "bulet proof" that would not have to be depenable. I could not even change the headlight on my new car because it was behind the battery, I'm not going to work on my washer, what a pain. The main reason that Staber told me that they are not nationwide is distribution. She said it is expensive, i believe it. They said that they were not interested in it, that they were doing just fine they way that they were, thank you. I would still ike to play with one sometime anyway. I have never seen one in person.

So it is because of distribution purposes that Staber washers are not sold in stores. If they say it is too expensive then that gives away the fact that Staber is a family-owned company.

It got wet twice and was replaced by them both times then they sent a piece of plastic to put over it. The last time was just before I junked them! You would think they would have found a better place to put them besides under the fill valves that leaked from day 1

A computer control panel? Is that what you mean?

No , On the machines that we had there was a board that controlled the then 2 speed spin and temp. Then it connected with the motor controller board.. They did away with the next model year and the machines then only had 1 spin speed. The models we had had a 1200 spin and a 750 spin.. The 1200 beat the machine to death!

Am wondering if building anything larger than 5kg (11lbs) just causes more problems than it's worth with top loading H-axis washers. IIRC Miele and others stop at that range, and there seems to be no one in any rush to develop any thing along the uber-sized units simliar to Staber.

There are commercial H-axis washers, but they mainly load from the front, and, IIRC don't offer super high rpm final extraction speeds.

The famous V-Zug Unimatic H-axis toploader has a capacity of 6kg.

Besides that overhere in Europe some brands have 6 or 7kg topload H-axis machines. Not that the drum is much bigger than the 5kg models though...

Usually the drum is 3 to 6 litres more than a standard 5kg machine.
Candy as an example says that the drums are 56 litres and hold 7Kg of laundry but I can't remember the model number now.

have a Family TLHA model...which reaches 7,5 Kg but is not the usual 40cm wide but 45!

My Ignis is said to be a 5Kg capacity but honestly I can fit in it more than my 5Kg Whirlpool...so it could now be called quitely a 6,5Kg capacity washer