COMPACT LAUNDRY BUYING

Transcription

1 1 COMPACT LAUNDRY BUYING GUIDE A step-by-step guide to learn about and choose the perfect compact laundry set for your home Published by Yale Appliance + Lighting Updated September, 2016

2 2 Overview Space saving laundry is defined as 24 width or less. This niche is dominated by the European manufacturers as it is the standard in Europe. Brands to consider are Bosch, Miele, Asko, Blomberg and Whirlpool. Stick to recognized brands because parts and service issues will plague the lesser known brands. The dimensions are standard at 34 High, 24 Wide and 24 Deep so they can be stacked or placed side by side under a standard counter. They are perfect for smaller closets and can be placed in the kitchen under the counter in a 24 cabinet. Photo credit: Cathy Schwabe Architecture via Houzz

3 Table of Contents 3 Click the circles to move between sections What s New We discuss new developments and innovation in compact laundry Dryer Fire Prevention New UL fire codes have caused changes in how many brands offer this product

4 4 Terms We explain common terms you will see while researching these products Brands We feature the most popular brands offering compact laundry How to Buy Honest opinions and insights on how to by compact laundry products About Yale A little about us

5 5 WHAT S NEW We discuss new innovations in the compact laundry segment Photo credit: Roomscapes Luxury Design Center / Houzz

6 What s New Steam 6 In 2015, Electrolux introduced the first compact washer and dryer with steam at a decent price. In 2016, Samsung followed suit with steam, a speed cycle and less vibration.

7 What s New Heat Pump Dryers 7 Photo credit: Kate Johns AIA / Houzz Heat pump dryers are 50% more energy efficient than regular dryers by using a high efficiency compressor rather than traditional heating elements. Blomberg has the technology available now, but every major European manufacturer will be marketing heat pumps by 2018.

8 8 DRYER FIRE PREVENTION New UL fire codes have changed the way these products are designed and brands offering them Photo credit: Darren James Interiors / Houzz

9 9 Dryer Fire Prevention New Regulations for Dryers This guide has been updated because of new regulation. The UL will now only approve dryers which will contain a fire for 7 hours. Dryer fires have been well documented but this regulation has become a burden for manufacturers. In order to comply with new regulations most companies only produce non-vented dryers. Photo credit: Dcamera Group

10 10 TERMS We discuss common terms you ll encounter during your search Photo credit: Serrao Cabinets & Design / Houzz

11 11 Condenser Ventless drying. The dryer turns the heat and steam into water. Condenser drying is a great option for consumers who are on an inside wall or are unable to vent. Condenser dryers are also popular with builders who do not want to drill holes for vents, which is better for LEED and Passive Home certifications. There are two ways to buy a ventless dryer. You can buy a combination washer/dryer in a one piece unit or a separate washer with a ventless dryer. Photo credit: Brindabella via Houzz

12 12 One Piece Stack The advantages are using one power source and a less expensive price tag, but one piece stacks have a smaller capacity. The top mount washer style agitator also uses more water and electricity. Photo credit: Tourfactory

13 13 Washer / Dryer Combo Combination washer and dryers are popular on boats and other small spaces. However, with only a 110V power source washing and drying a load of clothes can take a significantly longer period of time. Service incidents are much higher as well.

14 14 BRANDS We feature the most popular brands in the compact laundry category Photo credit: Oakwood Homes / Houzz

15 15 Bosch Bosch is the most popular compact washer and offer three models. They will have similar cycles but different controls. Their best machine has a 15 minute wash cycle. Bosch is the most recognizable compact laundry brand and generally very reliable. Photo credit: Brindabella via Houzz

16 16 Asko Asko was actually the first compact laundry widely sold in the U.S. The company has changed hands many times recently and is now owned by Goranje of Slovenia. The high RPM spin speed on the washer is good for pre-drying clothes. They also have an interesting graphite gray finish if you want a departure from white. Photo credit: Brindabella via Houzz

17 17 Blomberg Blomberg is the only company marketing a heat pump dryer in the U.S. Blomberg produces mostly for other companies, like refrigerators for Bosch. We started carrying Blomberg is 2013 after Bosch stopped manufacturing vented dryers. Photo credit: Brindabella via Houzz

18 18 Miele Miele is definitely the quality leader with the fewest service calls and issues of any appliances sold. They offer a few models, condenser drying, good features and the highest spin speeds. Their Honeycomb drum doesn t allow the clothes to touch the drum wall during the wash, offering the gentlest wash cycle. Miele is the only company with the ability to wash silks and other gentle clothing. Photo credit: Brindabella via Houzz

19 19 Electrolux Electrolux is new in 2015, but has been manufacturing compact laundry in Europe for quite some time. It has a high RPM spin speed and the price is $300 less than Bosch. Electrolux is also the first compact laundry with steam capability for refreshing clothes and powering out stains. Photo credit: Brindabella via Houzz

20 20 Samsung Samsung is a Korean manufacturer and the fastest growing appliance company in the world. Along with Blomberg, they are the only company with a vented compact dryer. Steam and a 40 minute speed cycle make it a consideration along with the more well established brands. Their reliability is good for a new brand, but their technical support and service lag a bit. Photo credit: Studio 76 Kitchens and Baths via Houzz

21 21 HOW TO BUY How to choose a new compact laundry product. Photo credit: WL Interiors / Houzz

22 22 How to Buy Buy the washer and dryer separate. The dryer will more powerful at 220V compared to 110V for the combination unit. We also see far less service on the separate pieces. Blomberg seems to be good lower priced solution in the limited time we have sold them. Bosch has a good condenser dryer at an affordable price and Miele is the quality leader with the ability to wash nearly every fabric. Unfortunately, there are not the same rebate opportunities available for compact laundry. The new Electrolux should be considered for the price. Make sure to check online reviews before you buy a cheaper brand. Photo credit: Dawn Hearn Interior Design via Houzz

23 23 How to Buy With ventless drying you can place a washer and dryer anywhere there is water, power and a drain. Many clients are placing the laundry near the bedroom. You have to consider the higher RPM spin speed in terms of more vibration. You can build a laundry room around the washer and dryer or just live with the vibration. Ventless drying does take longer to dry and may leave the room a bit warmer as a result. Photo credit: PlaceDesign Kitchens and Interiors via Houzz

24 24 Brand Reliability Based on our service departments 20,000 service calls each year. It s calculated as sales divided by service calls completed over the first year. Bosch looks great at 4.52%, however many of these units are builder jobs. It is hard to know if the units are occupied and if people are calling us with the issues (they might not know). Still a great percentage. Miele is typically reliable. If you never want to call for a repair, buy a Miele washer and dishwasher. Then again, it is double the money. Blomberg is impressive for a newer brand as well. Photo credit: PlaceDesign Kitchens and Interiors via Houzz

25 Wisdom of Crowds 25 Buy where you re comfortable There are tons of stores and products, but a limited number of consumers. Check review sites like Yelp, CitySearch, Google and the Better Business Bureau before you purchase. Remember, any store can sell an appliance; the biggest issues are shipping and service.

26 26 ABOUT US Proud to be family owned and operated since Photo credit: Cugini Cabinets & Design / Houzz

27 About Us 27 Since 1923 Family owned and operated since Now with two locations. Yale has been based in Boston for over 90 years and operates two showrooms; in Boston and Framingham. We operate the largest independent service and repair department in New England with 50 people and 21 service technicians. Our sales staff has an average of 7 years experience, and our staff chef can help you learn to use your new appliances. Schedule a Free Consultation with our Appliance Experts

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