F&P Load

mulls -- There are two F&P models currently on the U.S. market, GWL11 and IWL12. GWL11 is known as the EcoSmart. IWL12 is called the Intuitive Eco. Being top-loaders, they do have to fill and submerge the load for agitation, so they aren't as thrifty with water as HE front-loaders. They do well, however, in terms of energy savings. As Gizmo mentions in another thread, F&P's SmartDrive motor itself is very energy-efficient compared to other washers. Both machines have F&P's "EcoActive" wash action. The two machines have slightly different default wash programs for purpose of water savings. The GWL11 defaults to a shower rinse. A "softener rinse" (deep rinse) option is available. IWL12 defaults to a deep rinse. IWL12 is not rated very well for water usage compared to GWL11, as EnergyStar ratings are based on the default settings. However, IWL12 has several options for water saving on shower rinses, so it can do just as well as GWL11 in that respect, the user just has to program/use the options.

mattywashboy -- Yes, there is a minimal fill for the EcoActive wash phase, less than the actual low level. Just enough water to saturate the clothes and keep the pump primed for recirculation. The wash basket still rotates during fill, of course. When fill begins, the recirculation divertor valve is energized. It's a wax motor, so takes a minute or so to heat up and activate. When the target minimal level is hit, fill and rotation stops for a couple seconds. The pump turns on and rotation starts again. The divertor valve should be fully activated at this point, so water is circulated through the shower port at the upper right rear of the tub. Fill starts up again for a brief time to compensate for the amount of water that's "in the air" and flowing through the clothes during recirculation. The basket stops rotating for few moments every 15 to 20 seconds or so, presumably so various points throughout the load can get a good soaking. There is no agitation, just the recirculation spray of concentrated detergent solution and slow rotation of the wash basket. EcoActive wash lasts for several minutes, longer or shorter depending on the selected soil level. Then the machine fills the rest of the way for an agitated deep wash.

Energy savings comes from this: The initial saturation fill is the ONLY time hot water is used, for whatever is the selected wash temperature. The remainder of the fill for the deep wash is with cold water, as are the rinses. Well, a bit of hot water may be used if necessary to keep the cold wash water at no less than 70蚌.

IWL12 has a 'traditional wash' option that eliminates the EcoActive phase and fills for a deep wash with water at the selected temperature. GWL11 doesn't have an 'official' traditional wash option, although the Perm Press cycle does skip EcoActive and go straight to a deep wash. Normally Perm Press on the GWL11 is limited to no hotter than a warm wash, but a hidden cycle option (outlined in the user manual) allows for a hot fill.

Another water saving aspect that may come into play is the automatic water level sensing. This can reduce water consumption for some people who may have a habit of selecting too high of a level for the load size. And there is also the 1000 RPM spin, which contributes to reduced dryer time.


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Post# 89906 10/20/2005 at 19:42 (6,759 days old) by dadoes (TX,𡠻.S. of A.)
Checkrate/Likes A comparison was brought up in bpetersxx's Haier thread to the agitation action of F&P. Thought these few pics and short video clip might be enjoyed. No underwear in this load, but there are socks with a few dishtowels. EcoActive Wash This is a view looking from the left side. Rear of the machine is to the left. EcoActive spray comes from the right rear. Agitation video 3.32 MB It had just gotten started so there doesn't appear to be much rollver. I have a much longer (9 minutes) clip of the agitation, but the file is 47 MB. The longer clip clearly shows rollover, lethargic though it may be! There's also a progressive indexing that alternates between clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Dry Finished Folded

Post# 89916 , Reply# 1 10/20/2005 at 20:44 (6,759 days old) by brent-aucoin ()
Checkrate/Likes Glen, Thanks for the videos and pictures. I think that this is such an interesting pair! I am shocked also after you folded your clothes, how much you actually washed in it. Is this a typical load, or considered a small load? It seems to clean so darn well! And I just love the dryer! That is so now, it is not funny! Thanks again. Brent

Post# 90019 , Reply# 2 10/21/2005 at 17:36 (6,758 days old) by dadoes (TX,𡠻.S. of A.)
Checkrate/Likes *Brent, it was a large load. Possibly could have gotten a leeeeetle* more in, maybe a few more socks or washcloths. Doesn't look like as much folded as it does piled in the basket, though!**

Post# 90100 , Reply# 3 10/22/2005 at 11:03 (6,758 days old) by mulls ()
Checkrate/Likes *water savings* I think these machines are fascinating!They are said to be very efficient,but how can this be when they fill completely with water? Tom

Post# 90177 , Reply# 4 10/22/2005 at 22:08 (6,757 days old) by mattywashboy (Perth, Western Australia)
Checkrate/Likes In the Eco Active phase, does the washer fill up to a low level and then recirculate that water and soap over the clothes? The only Fisher and Paykell i have seen in action is an older model and the basket just rotates while filling with water.

Post# 90193 , Reply# 5 10/23/2005 at 00:48 (6,757 days old) by dadoes (TX,𡠻.S. of A.)
Checkrate/Likes mulls -- There are two F&P models currently on the U.S. market, GWL11 and IWL12. GWL11 is known as the EcoSmart. IWL12 is called the Intuitive Eco. Being top-loaders, they do have to fill and submerge the load for agitation, so they aren't as thrifty with water as HE front-loaders. They do well, however, in terms of energy savings. As Gizmo mentions in another thread, F&P's SmartDrive motor itself is very energy-efficient compared to other washers. Both machines have F&P's "EcoActive" wash action. The two machines have slightly different default wash programs for purpose of water savings. The GWL11 defaults to a shower rinse. A "softener rinse" (deep rinse) option is available. IWL12 defaults to a deep rinse. IWL12 is not rated very well for water usage compared to GWL11, as EnergyStar ratings are based on the default settings. However, IWL12 has several options for water saving on shower rinses, so it can do just as well as GWL11 in that respect, the user just has to program/use the options. mattywashboy -- Yes, there is a minimal fill for the EcoActive wash phase, less than the actual low level. Just enough water to saturate the clothes and keep the pump primed for recirculation. The wash basket still rotates during fill, of course. When fill begins, the recirculation divertor valve is energized. It's a wax motor, so takes a minute or so to heat up and activate. When the target minimal level is hit, fill and rotation stops for a couple seconds. The pump turns on and rotation starts again. The divertor valve should be fully activated at this point, so water is circulated through the shower port at the upper right rear of the tub. Fill starts up again for a brief time to compensate for the amount of water that's "in the air" and flowing through the clothes during recirculation. The basket stops rotating for few moments every 15 to 20 seconds or so, presumably so various points throughout the load can get a good soaking. There is no agitation, just the recirculation spray of concentrated detergent solution and slow rotation of the wash basket. EcoActive wash lasts for several minutes, longer or shorter depending on the selected soil level. Then the machine fills the rest of the way for an agitated deep wash. Energy savings comes from this: The initial saturation fill is the ONLY time hot water is used, for whatever is the selected wash temperature. The remainder of the fill for the deep wash is with cold water, as are the rinses. Well, a bit of hot water may be used if necessary to keep the cold wash water at no less than 70蚌. IWL12 has a 'traditional wash' option that eliminates the EcoActive phase and fills for a deep wash with water at the selected temperature. GWL11 doesn't have an 'official' traditional wash option, although the Perm Press cycle does skip EcoActive and go straight to a deep wash. Normally Perm Press on the GWL11 is limited to no hotter than a warm wash, but a hidden cycle option (outlined in the user manual) allows for a hot fill. Another water saving aspect that may come into play is the automatic water level sensing. This can reduce water consumption for some people who may have a habit of selecting too high of a level for the load size. And there is also the 1000 RPM spin, which contributes to reduced dryer time.

Post# 90220 , Reply# 6 10/23/2005 at 07:15 (6,757 days old) by mattywashboy (Perth, Western Australia)
Checkrate/Likes cool, thanks for that info, i an considering purchasing an F&P if the Whirlpool ever blows, just gathering other users opinions, as i've heard mixed opinions i don't quite know wether or not to go for one.

Post# 90226 , Reply# 7 10/23/2005 at 08:05 (6,757 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)
Checkrate/Likes A bit off topic, but I must say that I'm very impressed by the quality of the pictures. Especially picture #1. It's like the machine was here in my room. I know there is a thread about digital camera's but I wanted to say that here. Thanks for sharing the pictures!

Post# 90255 , Reply# 8 10/23/2005 at 09:41 (6,757 days old) by mayken4now (Panama City, Florida)
Checkrate/Likes Glenn: I wanna come play with your machines! they look like a ton of fun. Do you have the washer lid switch overidden? Steve

Post# 90300 , Reply# 9 10/23/2005 at 15:33 (6,756 days old) by dadoes (TX,𡠻.S. of A.)
Checkrate/Likes Steve, there's a lid-lock on the IWL12, I don't want to risk skrewing up the electronic circuitry by completely bypassing it. Dunno if there's something contrary about it, like Maytags with the fuse or whatever that blows if bypassed. But it's easy enough to trick the latch into thinking the lid is closed when it really isn't. ;-) The latch activates only during spin. My older GWL08 has a magnetic lid switch, doesn't lock. Easy to trigger it by placing a strong enough magnet in the right place.

Post# 91317 , Reply# 10 10/30/2005 at 02:49 (6,750 days old) by knitwits1975 ()
Checkrate/Likes Thanks for the video clip. The F&P machine agitates surprisingly slow for a modern machine, more traditional. I think this is one of those that doesn't have a transmission and supposedly has only like 37 moving parts in the whole machine. My Kirkland Signature by Whirlpool probably has that many just in the transmission. Anyway, I would like to see a spin cycle clip and maybe some other if not too much hassle for you, and I'm probably not the only one. Thanks again. Yours Truly Jason

Post# 91318 , Reply# 11 10/30/2005 at 02:53 (6,750 days old) by knitwits1975 ()
Checkrate/Likes Thanks for the video clip. The F&P machine agitates surprisingly slow for a modern machine, more traditional. I think this is one of those that doesn't have a transmission and supposedly has only like 37 moving parts in the whole machine. My Kirkland Signature by Whirlpool probably has that many just in the transmission. Anyway, I would like to see a spin cycle clip and maybe some other if not too much hassle for you, and I'm probably not the only one. Thanks again. Yours Truly Jason