Thread Number: 66705  /  Tag: Modern Automatic Washers
CR Tweaks Washer Ratings Formula
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Post# 893658   8/12/2016 at 15:14 (2,785 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

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CR has tweaked its formula for rating washers, removing (although still listing) capacity from the mix. The decision was made (with the help of member input) because capacity isn't directly linked to a machine's performance. They now list the size of the drum or tub in cu. ft. but don't count it in rating a washer. Noise was left in the rating, as it was deemed important by surveyed members (me included). They also alert you to machines that are wider/deeper than most (the behemoths from LG and Samsung, for instance), as they may not fit through doorways in older homes.

The ensuing recalculation of scores moved some machines up or down a few steps in rank.

Three Maytag models now top the chart (total scores of 86) while the former rank-topping Samsung has dropped to fourth with a score of 84. A minor shift since the most heavily weighted area (Washing Performance) obviously didn't change, but it was fun to peruse the reshuffled list.

Speed Queen's front-loader bumped up a bit. I'm assuming the comparatively short cycle time (55 minutes; shorter than most others by 15-45 minutes) stopped the Cleaning Performance score from crossing from Very Good to Excellent.

Clicking on any machine in the list brings up a page with more info and the Highs/Lows for that model. The only discernible 'Low' for the SQ was noise, rated at only Good. The info page also lists warranty and country of origin information.

CR's magazine has added a feature in which, using an app called Blipp, you can scan your device over any page with the Blipp logo on it and get a complete list of ratings for that appliance/item, rather than just the 'top picks' listed in the mag. I've used Blipp a few times, though for me it's just easier to go to CR online.

I received a survey from CR a few months ago, asking members their ideas and opinions. Those changes, including easier-to-read ratings charts, are now showing up in both online and magazine formats.




This post was last edited 08/12/2016 at 18:32



Post# 893667 , Reply# 1   8/12/2016 at 17:05 (2,785 days old) by marky_mark (From Liverpool. Now living in Palm Springs and Dublin)        

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It's interesting that they now list the manufactures' claimed capacities.  They previously tested this for themselves.  I know that with agitator TLs they used to continue to add laundry until they considered that the machine had reached its maximum capacity.  This could be affected by various factors including agitator design etc.  Clearly this is no longer considered a necessary test to perform for the subscribers. 


Post# 894258 , Reply# 2   8/16/2016 at 23:55 (2,780 days old) by speedqueen (Metro-Detroit)        

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I believe that while they should test capacity and compare it to the mfg's claimed capacity it should be listed to the side and not in the ratings formula.


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