Steam is the latest trend is washers and dryers and it’s being used to clean, de-wrinkle, refresh clothes, and to remove tough stains.
The Good Housekeeping Research Institute tested several brand of new washers and dryers to evaluate their ability to clean clothes.
Washing machines were evaluated based on the following factors:
- cleaning ability
- gentleness to fabrics
- removal of 20 stains with and without steam
- water use
Clothes dryers were evaluated on:
- drying times
- wrinkle removal
Both washers and dryers were also evaluated on their ease of use, energy usage, and customer service.
The winning washer was the Samsung 4.5 Cu. Ft. Steam Washer (retails at $1,400-$1,500. The Good Housekeeping Research Institute judged it best overall for general cleaning, stain removal, care of fabric and it also used the least amount of water.
A high-performing clothes dryer, taking only 45 minutes to dry a small load of laundry, was the Maytag Performance Series Front-Load Dryer, (retails at $1,499-$1,679.)
Read about the washers and dryers evaluated and how they ranked.
Thanks for this little blog. Gave a decent link which did help out a little. I just wished there was somebody who compared steam dryers/washers to non steam dryers/ washers.
Really, how big of a difference is there?
Hi Chris,
Here are some advantages that steam washers and dryers have over the non-steam types.
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-testing/from-the-lab-blog/full-steam-ahead?click=main_sr
I also found this article which might prove helpful.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/laundry-and-cleaning/washing-machines/washers-2-08/overview/washers-and-dryers-ov.htm