Thread Number: 39538
New GE 3.9 cu ft. Agitator Washer
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Post# 585875   3/30/2012 at 08:08 (4,381 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)        

I was on the GE website yesterday when I noticed that GE has added two new wahers to their line up and they actually advertise on the console that they are agitator washers! They claim a 3.9 cubic foot capacity and to have a "power rinse" option, and they claim to be energy star washers. I dunno, maybe GE got alot of complaints from consumers and this is a last ditch attempt to appease die hard top load washer fans? Any thoughts?




Post# 586010 , Reply# 1   3/30/2012 at 21:47 (4,380 days old) by kenmoreBD (Mass, usa )        
Nice washer

This is like my mothers washer, only bigger. It is an he washer, but it uses enough water to get the job done. Everything comes out nice and clean with no damage and no issues at all. The only difference seems to be this power rinse and the 3.9 cu ft. I think that if this washer works at all like the one my family has top load washer lovers will love this washer. The power rinse on this washer looks to be the true deep rinse, vs the shower rinse( no deep fill) Also like the control lay out with the soil level clealy marked, vs our famlies ge with no real markings on soil level.

-Andy


Post# 586023 , Reply# 2   3/30/2012 at 23:38 (4,380 days old) by toploader1984 ()        
ge

i found some pictures

Post# 586025 , Reply# 3   3/30/2012 at 23:39 (4,380 days old) by toploader1984 ()        
ge

another

Post# 586027 , Reply# 4   3/31/2012 at 00:28 (4,380 days old) by tolivac (greenville nc)        

What kind of drive mechanism does it have?May have potential-as is the new WP belt drive.The new SQ just isn't available in my area.

Post# 586050 , Reply# 5   3/31/2012 at 07:08 (4,380 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

The interior of this machine looks pretty much like the tube of my 2004 vintage GE Top loader. Same agitator, same tub.. Different cycles though.

Post# 586072 , Reply# 6   3/31/2012 at 10:18 (4,380 days old) by macboy91si (Frankfort, KY)        
Hydrowave

macboy91si's profile picture
The control panel reads that its a Hydrowave machine. Also since when is "COLORS" a temperature. Also what strange increments in the control for the temp and I recall the switch clicks for phantom positions that aren't marked. Looking at that seam/joint in the SS tub I'm not terribly impressed there. Also many of these I see the SS is very dulled with use.

However, certainly seems to be a flexible machine and has a full-range water control dial. I question the reliability but with the crap shoot that overall recent GE laundry appliances have, it could last 2 or 10 years. Get out your dice...


-Tim


Post# 586110 , Reply# 7   3/31/2012 at 12:53 (4,380 days old) by dogboy44 (Los Angeles)        
I am sad

This looks cheap. All the new stuff looks so discount.

Post# 586125 , Reply# 8   3/31/2012 at 16:44 (4,379 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

Macboy, because it's a Hydrowave, I have no idea how long it'll last.

They did have issues with the mode selectors jamming in one position, so they'd be stuck in spin mode. As a result, the agitator wouldn't work properly and the inner tub would just spin back and forth.

I do agree that these tubs do dull with use, I think that's just a fact of life. I think any Stainless Steel tub will. In saying that, don't let the tub weld discourage you, these tubs are built very well. Whether or not they could withstand a 1000 RPM spin is a whole other matter though.

I don't really see a point to the ribbing on the inner tub though, I don't honestly see how it makes clothes cleaner.

I also have to admit that the selection for "Colors" as a temperature is kind of unique. Maybe it's just a way to make things easier for the housewife.

I will admit that is one thing that always bothered me about the GE's is how they have these dials with multiple detents that don't really do anything. For example, the "Super" cycle on my machine actually has three detents which can select the super cycle, even though it doesn't need them.

My guess is that it's cheaper to put in multi-detent selectors and then set up the programming so that those positions all do the same thing.


Post# 586126 , Reply# 9   3/31/2012 at 16:46 (4,379 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

Here's a picture of the inside of the tub of my 2004 GE. (I apologize for the shmutz everywhere, it does need a good cleaning.)

You'll notice how much duller it is compared to the one in the photo.



Post# 586144 , Reply# 10   3/31/2012 at 17:57 (4,379 days old) by nmassman44 (Brooksville Florida)        

nmassman44's profile picture
I sent GE a message on Facebook about the Power Rinse and asked them what does it do. There is no info on the website about it nor in the instruction manual. I hate when they don't explain what a feature does.

Post# 586162 , Reply# 11   3/31/2012 at 19:47 (4,379 days old) by ptcruiser51 (Boynton Beach, FL)        
@ qualin

ptcruiser51's profile picture

According to my GE factory rep, the raised ridges in the tub have nothing to do with cleaning.  Their purpose is to add "area" to the tub so that more fabric comes in contact during the spin to maximize liquid removal.  We don't have these models yet, they're supposed to come in to our THD within weeks.  Some LG TLs use the same concept with raised circular bumps instead of ridges.


Post# 586173 , Reply# 12   3/31/2012 at 20:39 (4,379 days old) by supersurgilator (Indiana)        

The "bigger" tub doesn't surprise me a bit, in fact that is going to be the only thing to save toploaders. If the tub has more cubic feet and the water consumption stays the same, the water factor goes down and therefore it will still meet the energy guidelines.

Post# 586185 , Reply# 13   3/31/2012 at 21:17 (4,379 days old) by petek (Ontari ari ari O )        

petek's profile picture

Yeah it's all fine and dandy BUT WHERE'S THE MINI BASKET !!  Innocent


Post# 586236 , Reply# 14   3/31/2012 at 23:50 (4,379 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

To Petek:

You know, that was one of the things that bothered me about the new GE's.

When I bought my washer in 2004, I was ignorant enough to think that I was going to get my hands on a Filter-Flo, without realizing that they had revamped the entire line about 6 years ago.

It's kind of sad when you consider that rather than improving on the Filter-Flo technology and using computer aided design to make it all that much more better, they instead got rid of it all and just made conventional machines.

It's like a step backwards in technology because they got rid of the lint filter completely. (Either that or it's an automatic one that I can't see?)

I think with the advent of energy star, they could have fudged it a bit by keeping the Mini-Basket for those smaller loads.

I think the move to Stainless Steel tubs is a really good move though. Back in 2004, only the TOL machines had them. Now it seems almost every GE Top loading machine has them, except for the cheapo plastic tubbed machines.

I don't think that removing the Filter Flo tray was a bother at all...

I certainly would like to hear from the GE engineers why the redesign didn't include this technology.. Maybe they didn't feel it was all that effective?


Post# 586248 , Reply# 15   4/1/2012 at 01:04 (4,379 days old) by laundromat (Hilo, Hawaii)        

laundromat's profile picture
worst washer I've seen since the old F/WCIs dissapeared.

Post# 586421 , Reply# 16   4/1/2012 at 16:01 (4,378 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

The pre-hydrowave machines seem to do a decent job.. but my FL does a much better job of cleaning since I switched. Mine always had a huge problem with dealing with lots of pairs of jeans. They'd just sit there and swish back and forth with no turnover. I'd actually have to underload the machine so I could get turnover.

I think part of the problem was the really short agitator stroke.. I think it's only about 30 degrees with the pre-hydrowave models.. Actual hydrowave models I think do a 360 degree stroke I think. I'm not sure how much better the turnover would be, but I can tell you, I wouldn't want to own a washer that sounds like a car alarm.


Post# 586463 , Reply# 17   4/1/2012 at 18:12 (4,378 days old) by aldspinboy (Philadelphia, Pa)        

aldspinboy's profile picture

I like the hydrowave wash system ..just wished it was made again more sturdy.

And thats everyones wish with other brands as well.

Anyway Bud according to GE the ribes in ther baskets which is not new ..

is to squeez more water out of the clothes 20 percent more at 640 rpm's.

Now there 700 rpm's.

 

In spit of the HE type water saving spray rinse system which is a Fisher & Paykel trait.

The washer could be better if more water was not restricted... and it is a 360 arc in the agitation mode.

Hey it is a washer that does not lock and easy to see with a magnet.

The styling is today weather you like it or not.

Again the QUIT thang people want unfortunetly.

 

Darren k


Post# 587026 , Reply# 18   4/3/2012 at 22:45 (4,376 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

Well, I have to admit that the "Chug chug chug chug" noises of my GE kind of wore on me a bit... but I'd rather have that than "Weeeeooo Weeeeeeooo Weeeeeeooo" ... IMHO!

Post# 587287 , Reply# 19   4/4/2012 at 22:43 (4,375 days old) by jerrod6 (Southeastern Pennsylvania)        

Under options it says to use power rinse when you are going to use fabric softener.  I guess this means that this is the only time you will get a deep rinse.  I have 1 load where Fs is not used...the rest of them get a bit of Fs.   Then there is the option for a 2nd rinse?  So is this 2nd rinse a 2nd spray rinse or what?

 

Perfect temp wash?  What is this?   I know what temperatures I want to use. Whose perfect temp are they using and what are they?.

 

 


Post# 587643 , Reply# 20   4/7/2012 at 01:45 (4,373 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

Jerrod, here was my experience...

Perfect Temp (At least on my 2004 vintage machines) meant that the machine would adjust the overall water temperature in the tub during the fill stage by cycling the hot or cold water solenoids on and off for a short period of time to make sure that the water temperature was proper. It didn't use a bi-metal strip to adjust temperature. I'm assuming there was a thermometer somewhere inside of the outer tub which sensed the water temperature.

In my experience, when I selected a warm wash, it would occasionally cycle the cold water solenoid on and off, switching between a warm water fill and a hot water fill. However, if the lid was open, it wouldn't do this. During a cold water wash, it would cycle the hot water solenoid on and off, switching from a cold fill to a warm fill.

I don't know the EXACT temperatures the machine uses, but my guess is about 140 F for hot, about 90 F for warm and about 45 F for cold.


Post# 587715 , Reply# 21   4/7/2012 at 12:59 (4,373 days old) by estesguy (kansas)        
Perfect temp...

Perfect temp is exactly as he said above. My 2005 all electronic has it shown on the front as Hot=100, Warm = 70, and cold is tap water. These two 3.9 machines differ a lot. The lesser priced machine appears to be a pre-hydrowave machine with a 2 speed motor, steel transmission, mechanical timer,and is non-energy star compliant, which means..this tub will fill all the way to the top on both wash and rinse cycles. The more expensive one is the electronic reverse controlled hydrowave with electronic cycle selections, and load sense washing. I'm not sure, but the fact that it is energy star rated, means that it will use less water on the wash cycle probably, and a rain shower rinse, unless you select a fabric softner rinse, then maybe it fills up more traditionally? I personally like the hydrowave model, as I was fortunate enough to get a TOL WPRE8100 NON-energy star model in 2007. I love it, and have had no issues with it whatsoever (or the 2005 for that matter), and I hope to keep it going for many years. Just the ridiculous price of the pedestals alone, is enough for me to want to keep my top loaders going

Post# 594752 , Reply# 22   5/6/2012 at 23:48 (4,343 days old) by cami ()        
Model #

can you please specify the GE model# being discussed here...and is it available for purchase in Canada? This sounds like the machine I am looking for...I'm not sure which one it is on the GE Canada website.

I sold my Brand New GE Front Load set with our house (I hated them...we have 3 dogs and 2 cats...pet hair did not come off laundry or bedding) I opted to take my old Kenmore set to our new home...but it is so old...takes off pet hair no problem still...but it just isn't doing the deep clean or smell clean anymore!!

I need a top load because of space and I believe the agitator is a must for pet hair! I also read in this forum and in another about putting the machine on the fabric softener setting for a deep fill rinse...I think this is a must for removing pet hair too...I so hope this is the machine I need.

I would just like the model# for a little more research! A low noise is also a must have (not that we have that now) but our new home has a main floor laundry...not downstairs where I can set it and forget it!

(any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated too)

Thanks so much!


Post# 594816 , Reply# 23   5/7/2012 at 08:55 (4,343 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney)        
In order to be energy star compliant...

...why can't they use the mini basket and also re-introduce the sudsaver option?

Post# 594829 , Reply# 24   5/7/2012 at 11:27 (4,343 days old) by Maytagbear (N.E. Ohio)        
Partly because

NEWLY built American homes (1970 onward) generally DO NOT have room in the laundry area for storage tubs that one needs for suds return. You're lucky to get enough room for side-by-side installation.


Lawrence/Maytagbear


Post# 595367 , Reply# 25   5/9/2012 at 19:13 (4,340 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney)        
That's an interesting point Lawrence,

Here in Oz laundries have always been small, never big enough for a side-by-side placement of washer/dryer, but a large laundry tub was standard issue. Now, homes are bigger and so are laundries, but the tubs have shrunk to sinks, they still don't really allow for side-by-side placement and it's all about cupboards and storage space. When I look at contemporary laundry design, I would even go so far to say that the placement and purpose of laundry equipment is almost incidental. There is a space for it, but the functionality of that room has very little to do with the execution of related tasks or improved ergonomics.



Post# 595621 , Reply# 26   5/10/2012 at 22:53 (4,339 days old) by bwoods ()        
warm rinse

Just out of curiosity, is there any General Electric model (or any brand for that matter) that has a "warm rinse" setting.

Question 2: Aren't the U.S. Government Energy Star ratings based on a machine's performance in the "normal" cycle. Couldn't GE and other brands offer a warm rinse in a special cycle without losing their Energy Star Rating??

Apparently this concept works for a "2nd rinse option" as Energy Star machines, such the Ge in this discussion, have one.


Post# 596786 , Reply# 27   5/16/2012 at 04:41 (4,334 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

To the best of my knowledge, no modern top loader made today has a warm rinse option.

However, my front loader has it, which kind of struck me as odd..

The whole entire point to a warm rinse was to prevent wrinkles in synthetic fabrics. It was especially handy on permanent press cycles.

These days, if you want a machine with a warm rinse, you either have to go vintage or you have to buy a front loader with that feature.



Post# 596796 , Reply# 28   5/16/2012 at 06:19 (4,334 days old) by cuffs054 (MONTICELLO, GA)        

My Frigamore stack has a warm rinse option, but it is all for show. Only the spray rinse is warm. The deep rinse is cold.

Post# 597119 , Reply# 29   5/17/2012 at 18:02 (4,332 days old) by rapunzel (Sydney)        
'no modern top loader made today has a warm rinse option

Speed Queen still does.

Post# 597195 , Reply# 30   5/17/2012 at 21:21 (4,332 days old) by Pulsator (Saint Joseph, MI)        
"Speed Queen still does."

pulsator's profile picture

Not anymore! Not in the US at least. The front load washer does, but not the top loader.


Post# 597249 , Reply# 31   5/18/2012 at 02:47 (4,332 days old) by qualin (Canada)        

My Huebsch front loader has a warm rinse option, but even the highest end Huebsch machine they sell in Canada doesn't have a warm rinse option.

Heck, even my GE top loader from 2004 doesn't have a warm rinse option.

The last time I saw a warm rinse option on a machine was on our 1982 vintage Inglis.. and it was very rarely used.


Post# 598096 , Reply# 32   5/21/2012 at 21:49 (4,328 days old) by kqkenmore (memphis tn)        

kqkenmore's profile picture

My Speed Queen does not have a warm rinse I wish that it did fabric softner works better in warm.


Post# 598151 , Reply# 33   5/22/2012 at 06:58 (4,328 days old) by estesguy (kansas)        
Now at Lowes

I saw both of these machines now on sale at Lowes. At least they will make a much better alternative than the infusor models that just bounced clothes around on the bottom of the tub. The one infusor model they had was on clearance sale. Both models are hydrowave, even though the lesser priced machine doesn't state that. It also is not energy star rated and has a much higher energy tag, so I'm thinking this machine might do a true fill up on wash and rinse.


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