Not quite TAO but--front load washers and STEAM function? Please?

[Essie]

I had a thread on my own debating on whether or not to get a front loader to save on water and money and bills. I really want one, and think it would save a ton on our water bill.

So now my next question; who here has one with the steam function, and if so; are you glad you got it? is it worth the extra $ ? Also, what does it mean in the specs when they say it has "sanitary" function?

Thank you so much

[Caneel]

I am one my second front loader washer.  

The first one was a very basic model that we purchased shortly after they started to become more mainstream in the US market.  Loved it and we saw a noticable difference in our water bill immediately.   A major part went bad and it literally would have cost more to fix it then replace it with a comparable model.

We then upgraded to a super-fancy front loader.  I did not get the steam function and don't know if that was a mistake or not as I think I would have used it for freshening woolens and dry-clean only clothing.

I will say, I never use the different wash cycles so paying extra for all the bells and whistles was a waste (for me)

[mamadelbosque]

We are on our second front-loader as well. Our old one was a basic fridgidaire (sp?) model that went kaput a couple months ago. It was about 8yrs old... My dad decided to go for a Miele W4840, and thus far we're very happy. I use a couple of the different wash cycles, though I'm honestly not sure if it has steam or not, considering how much we paid I'd kinda think so, but I honestly haven't looked I do use and love the Sanitize function for diapers though!!

[thtr4me]

Ours has a steam cycle function, and the few times I have tried it as opposed to a regular water wash, I have had to rewash.  The only time I have found the steam function helpful is the "Steam Fresh" cycle, which is just a warm steam cycle with no soap.  It runs about 20 minutes, and works great to avoid ironing.

[Essie]

Originally Posted by thtr4me 

Ours has a steam cycle function, and the few times I have tried it as opposed to a regular water wash, I have had to rewash.  The only time I have found the steam function helpful is the "Steam Fresh" cycle, which is just a warm steam cycle with no soap.  It runs about 20 minutes, and works great to avoid ironing.

Hmmm... Thank you so much for commenting. This is kinda what I was thinking the steam function would end up being like. It would be nice, but I don't think it's needed for us. Besides, it seems to add much more to the price.

[Essie]

Also, does anyone mind sharing what brand you have? I looked at the Sears outlet and they have a Bosch which is about $300 or so off the reg price. I like the idea of their warranty and their good products, but wonder if I can get by with a Maytag or LG for $200 less than the Bosch.

???

[mamadelbosque]

Apparently most washing machines are now built to last only 5-10 yrs, at absolute must. The one and apparently only exception to this is Miele's which apparently are still built to last 20-25 yrs. Supposedly. Thats why we (ok, my dad!) bought a miele... in the serious hopefulness that he'd never buy another. We've only had it for a couple months now but so far we like it.