Washing Machines

The washer that came with this house broke right before I closed. So for some time, I've had a lonely dryer that needs a mate.

My 2-month supply of underwear has been holding strong, but it won't last forever. And shopping for large appliances is not fun.

I've decided to go for a simpler, more economical machine, but those are harder to find with all these new fandangled front loaders and high-efficiency machines. However, I definitely want to save energy and water, so am looking towards Energy Star qualified machines.

There are loads of sales around this Black Friday weekend, but there don't seem to be as many for large appliances. I've been looking at this top loading Maytag MVWC6ES[W] at Home Depot, well-priced at $299 (originally $549) until tomorrow.


What a good price, but in reading the mixed reviews, I need to decide whether I can live with the following:

1. Auto load senser. There is no manual load dial. The machine automatically senses the load size and adds the appropriate amount of water, thus minimizing water waste by using just the right amount of water. However, you can't open the lid once the cycle has begun. Otherwise, that will reset the senser, and you'll end up getting a full tub of water regardless of the load size.
   


2. Mover and a Shaker (mixed). I've read mixed reviews regarding the vibration and noise of this machine, with folks indicating both ways.

The Home Depot and Consumer Reports websites have the most comprehensive reviews of this product.

• Home Depot has 46 customer reviews that have rated this machine on average 4.5 out of 5 stars. The main complaints speak to the auto load senser, but if you know what you're getting, that's that. Some have indicated that the machine doesn't wash well (e.g., agitator not strong enough).
  


• Consumer Reports has tested and rated this machine with 63 out of 100 points. Excellent in washing performance, capacity, and vibration. Good in water efficiency and noice. Fair in energy efficiency. Poor in gentleness. Of the two reviewers on this website, one noted the poor vibration and shaking, in constrast to CR's "excellent" rating.

I will spend the day mulling over this.