Time Will Tell, but For Now . . . It's Great!

No product I’ve ever purchased has come with more mixed reviews than my new Cabrio washer, and although the negative reviews were compelling, I went ahead and purchased it anyway and had it delivered and installed January 18, 2008.

After my faithful Kenmore washer of 19 years died, I knew it was time for a new one. Having had wonderful success with all my Kenmore appliances that we initially purchased with this house, and along with speaking with several repairmen who were convinced only Kenmore or Whirlpool were worth purchasing, I began the search.

Obviously, there were more choices than 2 decades ago, and I had to decide between a front loader or top loader. I began the search at Sears and compared various models. I was drawn to the Kenmore 4.5 cu foot top loader mainly because it was ‘prettier’ than the equivalent Cabrio but could not justify the additional cost because of its ultra stylish look. I also liked the Kenmore and Whirlpool front loaders, especially their high energy-efficiency, but I am very tall and did not feel like stooping down to put in laundry and take it out, nor do I have space (or money!) for the expensive pedestals. Plus, I tried putting the size bottle bleach we purchase and it didn’t come close to fitting in the drawer.

Also, we are a family of 8 and have many big blankets and sleeping bags. I was fed up with taking them to the Laundromat to be cleaned and dried, and was attracted by the 4.5 cubic feet of space with no agitator like my former model had. So in the end, the Whirlpool Cabrio won.

I actually bought it at Lowe’s (both the Lowe’s and Sears salespeople noted that the once common UL (unbalanced load error code) the Cabrio’s had had been fixed) and had next day delivery, set-up and take away. It was quickly installed and leveled, plus a test run was done, then drained. All seemed well.

After the delivery people left I saw that my new washer which you are supposed to only use HE detergent with did not even come with a sample nor coupons. I had to run out the 20 mile round trip to get HE detergent (still trying to find out if ALL HE compatible is OK) I got home to do the MOUNDS of laundry that had piled up. I have to admit, I was terrified after all the reviews.

Well, it is fascinating to watch, and the glass lid obviously can verify whether or not the machine uses water. I love the 3 compartments for detergent, bleach, and softener. It is interesting how it mixes and dispenses these, which seems to use each more efficiently. I was at first VERY skeptical of not being able to adjust water level, but after using it for several weeks now I can say that it does a very accurate job matching water level to amount of laundry in it. I have not once had an item that wasn’t saturated. Clothes seem to be more gently agitated than with my former model, and although it would seem that they may not come out as clean based on that, so far they have come out way better than with my former washer, making me wonder if the clothes were ever clean before! Also, it is ULTRA quiet. I can run it at night and no one has been woken by it.

The high spin is very fast, and I can dry one GIANT load of laundry in the same time as the largest load from my former washer in my still 19 year old drier.

One of the things I feel is very important with this machine is to actually match the cycle to the type of wash you are doing or you may indeed be disappointed. (Read the manual!) I have had some issues with twisting/wrinkles, but no worse than in my former agitator-based top loader.

I have had one unbalanced load before, and it was a heavy sheet/towel wash. Most of my washes are huge and none of the others have caused an issue. I love the delay wash feature taking advantage of my lower night electric rate.

One potential concern is somehow a pocket of change missed inspection and when loading clothes to the drier I picked up some change from the bottom of the washer. I eyed a coin stuck between the crevices of the washplate and went to retrieve it with tweezers. Unfortunately, it appears that that tactic pushed it under the washplate. I have no idea the structure of the washer, and the potential complications, although I did call Whirlpool today (unfortunately having to give my name/number—I wanted to be ‘anonymous’) and they said it could get into the plumbing or something and cause problems and want me at my expense to call a service technician. I realize we should not have loose objects like that in washers, but it is unrealistic that it will never happen, so this may be a design flaw.

I have only had it a few weeks and I doubt it will last 19 years. I will be happy with 10 years or so. If I wind up having any issues I will update.