Greener top-loading washing machines

Just in time for Earth Day, Whirlpool has two new weapons in the ongoing front-load vs. top-load washing machine wars. The company has upgraded top-loading washers that it claims are on par with front-loaders for both energy and water savings.

Front-loaders have long been touted as the greener option. A standard top-loading machine uses three times as much water as some newer front-loading styles. Though energy usage varies widely between brands, the water savings automatically translate to energy savings because less energy is used to heat water.

For sustainability-minded consumers, the green benefits outweigh the cost and convenience advantages of top-loaders. However, The Whirlpool Corporation commissioned a Harris survey this year that found two-thirds of consumers prefer top-loading washers, and roughly the same number want to be sustainable while maintaining the convenience of easier loading and the ability to add clothes mid-cycle. Also, top-load launderers don't need to worry about the odor that can build up in a front-loader's water seal. New energy-efficient top-loaders offer these advantages, though they still don't match the energy savings of front-loading machines.

The Whirlpool Cabrio line has updated its so-called 6th Sense technology that adjusts water and energy according to users' needs. The latest models also have a new H2Low wash system that Whirlpool claims uses 76 percent less water than a standard top-loading washer. It also offers a digital pat on the back for energy-conscious consumers - the Eco Monitor display with an eco-friendliness rating from good to best based on cycle choices.

Likewise, Whirlpool's Maytag brand will launch an updated line of Energy Star-qualified washers and dryers in July. The newest Maytag Bravos washers' have an upgraded IntelliFill sensor, which automatically adjusts amounts of water based on load size and fabric types.

The new models are not on the market yet, so there is no independent testing available to verify Whirlpool's claims. The companies also do not list the Modified Energy Factor and Water Factor ratings, which are used to determine the Energy Star rating and to compare washers.

However, older models of both the Cabrio and Bravos topped the Consumer Reports green ratings list for top-loading machines. Both got high scores for energy efficiency. However, neither model earned top marks for washing performance, and no Bravos model got the highest energy-efficiency grade.

By comparison, a pair of Kenmore front-loaders earned top marks in all three categories, and has a total overall score 10 points higher than the top Cabrio model. Both types of energy-efficient washers are eligible for popular new energy rebates that many states are implementing this month. For example, Colorado offers a $75 rebate for washing machines. State officials expect all the rebates for all appliances to be reserved and sold out within three days.

There may still be an ongoing battle between front-load and top-load washing machine fans, but both camps appreciate energy savings, especially when they come with government rebates.

Posted by: Steve Graham