40 out of 40 people found this review helpful.
Woosh woosh, Not RUMBLE BUMBLE
Date of Review: Jun 23, 2003
The Bottom Line: To save money, reserve out natural resources and enjoy an otherwise maniacle task you should purchase this machine.
Hi there,
As promised, this is the next part of "Mrs. Schlamozzel's spending spree" Epinion.
Remember that refrigerator review I did a few weeks ago? The one where I said we purchased another item? Well that item is:
Maytag MAH5500B Washing Machine
You'll probably remember that we purchased this item also as a close-out from Home Depot. So we paid a nicer price than what others might have. I'll address that later folks.
The Basics
This machine is a front loaded type. It has a top area, which is divided into 3 sections, to put in your detergent, bleach and softener. I learned very fast that you put liquid "color safe" bleaches in where you put the detergent, or it gets foamy.
The machine can accomodate larger loads of VERY dirty laundry well. However I would advise delicates to be washed without the usual "guy packing" into it. I learned this the hard way also, much to "Mrs. Schlamozzel's" chagrin.
The machine came with standard rubber connection hoses, washer inserts for same to guard from leaking, and a standard discharge hose. This hose is corrugated plastic, and although it is "genuine Maytag" I don't trust them. I'd advise getting a better hose eventually.
This machine plugs in to standard 110 vac house current.
Getting Fancy
Wow, when I first plugged this machine in I wasn't sure if I was looking at an appliance or a Christmas tree. There are several settings for Cotton, wash and wear, delicates, amounts of soil (heavy, medium, light, quick wash, rinse, extra spin, extra long wash, soak etc.
This machine has a timer that shows from the options you have selected, just how long the program will last. It also has an OFF button, that when you finish doing your laundry loads I'd reccommend you push. Otherwise it will remain ready for another load.
How it works
Technically speaking, I have absolutely no idea. However I'll give a lay persons asessment. It begins rotating and counter rotating while putting in some water. Then adds more a couple minutes later. I don't really hear anything else until rinsing. Anything at all except a very faint woosh woosh sound never comes out of the thing, until the "finished" signal sounds.
About The Sock Thing...
I noticed that the barrell is articulating (moves back and forth to accomodate for load balance) also the hard way. Apparently a sock got down by the front of it and was just shy of completely vanishing into the murky depths of machine land before I found it sticking out. So I gently pushed the barrell back and snatched up the sock. God only knows what might have happened if I had not noticed it.
Final Comments
Ths machine has reduced our electric useage for this chore by about 1/3 and our water consumption for cloths washing by about 44%. It is "Energy Star" rated, so you can get rebates from your electric utility supplier, if they participate in the program. An added extra!
That is all I can tell you for now. As time goes by I'll update if I can with longer term use information if applicable.
Please take a moment to rate and leave a comment if you can.
Cheers,
Schlamozzel
