YONKERS, NY — Consumer Reports’ latest tests of washers reveal improvements in performance compared to the models tested last year — some of which underperformed due to the struggle by manufacturers to meet new energy standards. CR’s ratings of washers, featured in the February issue, include some budget-friendly options, including a top-loader by Estate (ETW4400T[Q]), $400, that cleaned nearly as well as the LG Tromm SteamWasher WM2688H [WM], $1,500, CR’s top-rated front-loader. 

Despite improvements and declining price tags, top-loaders continue to use more energy and water than front-loaders.  If this is a concern for consumers and they are on a budget, CR found that more front-loaders are hitting the market under the $1,000 mark as manufacturers widen their product lines.

Frigidaire’s Gallery GLTF2940F[S], $650,  a CR Best Buy, is an efficient and gentle-on-the-clothes front-loader. Consumers who can spend a little more on a front-loader should consider the LG WM0642H[W], $900, which rated “Excellent” in many categories including energy and water efficiency, capacity, and gentleness. Front-loader models from Whirlpool, Miele, Samsung and Kenmore also rated well, and are available from $800 to $1,900. 

If cost is a priority, top-loaders are the most affordable type on average and with improvements in midwash soaking and more aggressive agitation, they are a fine alternative to a front-loader.  The best high-efficiency top-loaders with excellent capacity include Maytag’s Bravos MTW6600T[Q], $950, and Whirlpool’s Cabrio HE WTW6600S[W], $1,000.  Although the Maytag Bravos performed well in CR’s latest tests of washers, there are more reliable brands to choose from. The GE WJRE5500G[WW], $480, a CR Best Buy and the Estate ETW4400T[Q], $400 are available for hundreds less than the top rated models and were very good at washing and are reasonably efficient.  Although CR lacks repair-history for Estate, it is made by Whirlpool, a reliable brand.

CR’s latest report on washers also discusses the rise of new features such as steam modes that claim to boost cleaning, design elements that are billed as being gentler on clothes, and the use of silver ions to fight germs in the water.  Below are some tips for consumers to keep in mind before purchasing a new washer and spending money on those fancy extras:

Take living space into consideration.  Before hitting the store, measure the location  that  will house the washer because many new units are deeper. A front-loader, because of the higher spin speeds, might vibrate too much for living spaces.

Top- or front-load washer?  With better, more efficient performance, front-loaders spin out more water, so clothes dry more quickly. However, they generally cost more and have longer cycles. The best high-efficiency top-loaders are improving wash performance, though conventional top-loaders, while typically less adept at washing, cost much less and have shorter cycles.

Amortize costs.  Washer and dryer owners tend to keep their units 10-13 years according to a study by the National Association of Home Builders, so high-efficiency models can end up costing the same or less than standard models.

Be choosy about features.  In general, consumers may never need more than four or five wash cycles.  Extended-spin cycles don’t extract much additional water.  Porcelain tops are more durable and scratch-resistant, but pricey.  While color adds pizzazz, it also adds about $100 more per unit when available.

New washer, new dryer?  Consumers should not assume they must replace their dryer when buying a new washer. However, most new dryers have moisture sensors that automatically stop the dryer when the laundry is dry. If a unit does not specify whether it has a sensor, look for bare-metal bands in the drum.  Consumers should also consider a dryer that lets them lower or mute the volume of an end-of-cycle signal.

As always, skip the extended warranty.  Consumer Reports survey data shows that major appliances tend not to break during the typical extended-warranty period.  When they do, repairs tend to cost the same as the warranty.  Instead, check whether buying with a credit card extends the manufacturers warranty.

CR’s full report on washers and dryers, plus advice on how to cut the risk of a dryer fire, is in the February 2008 issue of Consumer Reports, which is available wherever magazines are sold. The full story is also available to subscribers online at www.ConsumerReports.org. Portions of the online story are available free.