Last updated on June 11th, 2017
This is not a paid advertisement. I simply wanted to tell you that I finally purchased a high-efficiency washing machine!
Since a washing machine is a major investment, I conducted tons of research before hitting the appliance stores. For instance, I studied the appliance ratings at Consumer Reports. More importantly, I asked you — my dear readers — to weigh in about your own front loaders, top loaders, and old-fashioned agitators. And holy cannoli — more than 300 of you answered my call!
I learned that some of you swear by front loaders, but that many more of you have ditched your front loaders in favor of top loaders. Roughly a dozen readers said that Speed Queen — a commercial-grade, low-tech, low-efficiency machine — is the best machine of all.
I almost purchased a Speed Queen!
For the sake of the environment as well as my budget, I purchased the moderately-priced Whirlpool “Cabrio.” So far, there’s nothing about this high-efficiency gadget that doesn’t make me smile. I even like the tinkly tune it plays when the wash is complete.
According to purchaser reviews I found at Lowes.com, Cabrio is loved by some and loathed by others. Some purchasers said the appliance was thunderously loud. Others bemoaned the fact that the tub doesn’t fill up with water. (Uh, isn’t that the point of high-efficiency washers?) Some reviewers complained that the 800 rpm spin cycle left their clothes plastered against the tub’s walls.
My take? Cabrio is very, very quiet. So quiet, in fact, that I had to enter the laundry room to make sure the machine was running. The spin cycle was no louder than a whisper. By comparison, my old agitating model vibrated with the ferocity of a helicopter.
At 5.3 cubic feet, Cabrio’s tub is huge! If I ever purchase a king size comforter, I know the machine will accommodate it.
I washed 5 loads on the day the machine arrived. And even at the “quick wash” setting, everything came out clean.
Wash time is no longer than that of my previous model. With the tub half full, the entire cycle is completed in half an hour, give or take 5 or 6 minutes. The machine actually weighs the load, and then tells you the required cleaning minutes. How frickin’ cool is that?
Lots of readers mentioned that with high-efficiency machines, clothes can not be added after the wash cycle begins. Actually, this is not true. The Cabrio has a “pause” button that unlocks the lid. When a new item is added, the machine simply resumes its cycle.
Would I recommend the Cabrio to others? Absolutely not! I haven’t lived with the machine long enough to properly evaluate it. Also, your idea of “dirty laundry” might differ from mine. I’m a food blogger who deals with flour, butter, and the occasional wine stain. I don’t know if the machine will adequately clean an auto mechanic’s overalls.
For the moment, at least, I’m happy with my washer. Thanks again for helping me to make an informed purchase!
xKevin
R Clapp says
Congrats on the wonderful decision! I love mine, and know you’ll love yours as well 😀
Just FYI, I do wash my Queen sized comforters as well as my hand-made crocheted afghans (which are HEA-VY when dry, so inCREdibly heavy when wet!!!!) I love the pause feature as well.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi R Clapp – Good to read that the Cabrio works well for you!
VV says
Congrats!…… this is a good choice, I know this machine.
….and Kevin,
your next purchase should be a ROOMBA, basic model, will just vacuum for you while you are baking and taking the shots to document for us! Basic model on sale, you may still find it now! I have one and I swear for it!
MaryAnn A Pichacz says
Now for Dryers, mine just stopped working. I’ve resorted to using a clothes line until further research.
The good old fashioned clothes line is taking me back to wonderful childhood memories!
cindy corriveau says
I do have a front loader and yes it is true that you can pause and add a forgotten sock etc BUT you only have the first 5 min or so of the cycle to pause and add. With your new machine can you pause and add at any point ? or just quickly in the frirst 5 min like so many front loaders can???????? Many thanks for your reply
Tracy says
Not to sound too saccharine, but every time I do a load of laundry (in my glorious low tech top loader, as well) I am so grateful for the invention and commercial production of this appliance. Along with the dishwasher and clothes dryer, these machines remove so many hours of household drudgery that previous generations of mostly women had to endure. I’m never not grateful. Now, don’t get me started on the miracle of the combustion engine and the beauty of the simple low tech Jeep in my garage that takes me anywhere I point it…still can’t get over it. But then I still marvel in appreciation of the clean, sweet smelling and tasting water that flows from my tap every time I turn a simple handle. I’ve never been deprived of any of these things, nor lived in an area where they were scarce, but for some reason, I’m just grateful. Just about every day. (Those of you needing insulin, step to the left…)
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Cindy – I’ve only used the pause button within a minute or 2 of starting the machine. However, according to the manual, the machine can be paused at any time during the wash or spin cycles.
Hi Tracy – Saccharine? I think not! Like you, I fully appreciate our modern conveniences. The 19th century owners of this house employed a staff of 10 to tackle the household chores, which, among other things, included beating the rugs and boiling the water for laundry!
Arlene says
So glad your research was fruitful. Your fans love you and provided their honest opinions. Thanks for including us in your decision. Now on to Spring!
Myrtle Miller says
Don’t forget the wisdom of getting an extended warranty. And congratulations on your new washer!
Beverly, zone 6, eastern PA says
Thanks for this follow up report, as I have been very curious about what you decided upon. I really hope some washer manufacturers will take a look at your other post where hundreds of “home laundry experts” weighed in.
Follow up to Tracy at #6: I remember as a little girl visiting rural Virginia, assisting my grandmother with her wringer washer. We are all totally spoiled by modern conveniences, and some of us by inordinately helpful husbands.
Angela Bonanno says
I am only 5 ft tall so I was not about to toss out the front loader idea when replacing my former set a Maytag Neptune set. I am too short to reach into the top loaders. I love my new machine it is a front loader again, but has so many options. The only thing I worry about is the touch control key pad going out. Congrats on your new machine!
Brian in Cleveland says
Thank you KLJ. Do you think you might be able to give us a 3 month update? I need to get a large capacity for our vacation property in Orlando and I am inclined to go with your decision.
Barb Baker says
Does the Rpm shake the floor? My machine, a whirlpool spins so fast that I have to adjust it pack in place every few loads. Service tells me because it is not on cement floor.
Susan Owens says
Thanks for the update Kevin. I am a Speed Queen girl myself, which I did recommend. Mine came with my house and I have been very happy with it. However, I understand and respect your reasoning. Would like to know how your machine does along the years. Best of luck with it. I hope it turns out to be a winner.
Gay ayyagari says
I also have a new top loading machine. Complaint – tub is so deep I have to use barbecue tongs to reach clothes at bottom of tub, esp. Socks!
Barbara Agostino says
Great choice! I bought the same washer (and companion dryer) in the grey color a few months ago and just love them.
Eve Robinson says
My husband, who used to work at Lowes, bought me a cabrio washer and dryer about three years ago. I am totally satisfied with both of them and would recommend to others.
Judy says
I have the same machine and it has usually worked very well for general laundry. I find that the worst of my gardening clothes may need two times through, which was not true about the previous machine with agitator. I hope yours doesn’t. It might be due in part to our infamous Georgia clay, but you have a lot more of that reasonable Northern soil working for you!
Jan Reid says
Tracy and Kevin, I’m with you in appreciation for modern conveniences! My grandmother gave me one of her old cookbooks, which included instructions on how to black a stove. Never having used a wood-burning stove, I hadn’t realized that this was necessary for maintaining her big old cast-iron stove. Ugh. My electric oven has a self-cleaning feature, which is about all you need to do for maintenance.
And in those days, “spring cleaning” included washing the accumulated soot off the walls, taking the rugs outside to beat the grime and dust off (I did help my grandmother with that), etc., etc., etc.
And Granny did a lot of that by herself. I am grateful to be able to spend my time on better things.
— and Judy, North Carolina red clay is just as persistent. In college I wore a pair of “wheat jeans” on a biology collecting trip. We waded in a muddy pond, and the resulting dirt line remained visible for the life of those jeans. aah, the joys of laundry … Kevin, may your new helper continue to serve you well!
Janice says
Does the machine cause your laundry to be all tangled up together? That’s the case with my mom’s washer.
Sonja Jones says
I must have missed the first article. Here’s my late response but you seem to have made a good choice all the same.
I bought the top loader LG. It seems to do the same as your new machine; quiet, weighs the clothing so it will put just the right amount of water, the spin is quiet and it plays a little song at the end of the cycle. The only difference I see is that the LG is completely flat. The buttons are at the front of the machine and are flush which gives it a better look in my opinion. I’ve had mine for 2 years and still love it!
After 6 months I wanted the dryer to match. And I found great deals on both so that was a plus each time.
The dryer is flat as well (buttons are flush and at the front of the machine). And the dryer detects if the clothes are dry and will shut off sooner than the allotted time. That’s an energy saver too!
Congrats on your new purchase!
georgeann says
Thanks Kevin for your opinion on the washer. I might need one soon so I’ll be looking for one of those washers.
Peggy says
Gay ayyagari-
I had the same problem and also learned that the tongs get bored and leave the area, causing me to waste time searching to find them so I could reach those pesky socks.
My solution was to go to a cheapo big box store (that will remain unnamed) to purchase lingerie bags for u-trows and socks and that has cut down on my problems with missing or unreachable small clothing items as well as the roaming tongs!
BEv Hastings says
I bought my daughter a washer like yours, Kevin. She just stands over it and watches the cycles through the clear top. The things that amuse us!
ingmarie peck says
Congrats, lovely machine, when I am ready for a new one this will probably be it.
loved Jan Reeds comments, my mom used to treat our old stove too.
thank goodness for modern advances. Enjoy the new machine.
Donna says
Congrats on the new washer. BTW, a bamboo backscratcher with it’s curved fingers at the end works great for reaching the small stuff in the deep top loaders.
Maureen says
I’m so happy for you. It was your decision and with so much thought and research put into it, it’s so nice to know it paid off. Like you say, for the clothes you wash, it’s perfect. I do like the idea of only as much water as is needed. If and when mine goes out, that’s a thought that has to be considered.
Keep us posted as time goes on. Maybe on it’s birthday:)
Pat Green says
Kevin,
I started several seeds after reading your winter sowing article and many of my jugs have little plants coming up. Problem is a severe winter storm in the Northeast and single digit temps. What now?
Joanne says
Kevin–right after I gushed over the wonders of my 32 year old Maytag washer in the comments it decided to empty all the water out over the bathroom floor (located in master bath) and into the carpeting in the bedroom. Used every towel I owned to mop it all up. Then washed the towels in the same washer. I don’t know why it did it.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Pat Green – We’re having the same storm here on Tuesday, with 9-13 inches of snow expected (ugh). Winter-sown perennials shouldn’t require protection. But if you have tender annuals sprouting in your milk jugs, you’ll need to throw a blanket over them or move them to a cold garage or shed. More details in this post: What to Winter-Sow…and When.
Dennis R says
As far as the original owners of your beautiful home (having been a visitor, I can speak from experience)… I’m wondering whether the laundry help had to climb down the hill behind your woodland garden to access the Kinderhook creek?
Also, we are buying a new Kenmore oven & converting from electricity to LP gas….>>> majorly psyched for that!
Dorthey says
Sonja Jones, so glad your LG works for you. I hate my. I load it like I was told to. Once in awhile it will work just fine. But most of the time it is a nightmare. I don’t have time to babysit this sorry machine, but that’s what I do. I put all light weight clothing together with no heavy ones. It is always over balance. Can’t save water when it is filling up every time it’s OB. I will never have another one like this. Kevin- Congratulation on your. Pray it last you a life time. Maybe I’ll have a Speed Queen one day.
pk says
A basic washing machine that gets your clothes clean is all that is needed! But… I have to agree with VV – Get a Roomba! Best “appliance” purchase we’ve ever made! Ruby (she needed a name since she was now my new housekeeper) sweeps the kitchen, DR, LR, Bedroom & bath flours every morning at 7. The best thing about Ruby? We have to keep things picked up so she can do her job, and my house has never been cleaner! Clean floors feel just as nice as clean clothes!
Amber Huttner says
I hope you do not have the “FI problem” that is famous with these. I had one of these and just about lost my mind with that issue. I vowed never to purchase a Whirpool again. There’s even a Facebook page about it. Fingers crossed this doesn’t affect your new baby!
Susan says
What on earth is a “FI problem”?
Barb says
Hi Kevin! Congrats on the new washing machine! A couple of years ago, we went through the same thing. I had a Bosch front loader that was a gift from a client. Was so excited to get it but grew to loathe it. Too small at the door opening and difficult to get larger items into the tub. We did the research and were torn between the Whirlpool and Maytag top loader. Love the fact both models don’t have an agitator. I think you’re gonna love your machine for years! Please…Stay safe during the upcoming storm! And here we thought Spring had sprung! Oh well….
Bonnie says
Thanks for this post. We just bought the next smaller size cabrio. It hasn’t been delivered yet and I’ve been nervous wondering if I would like it. The range of reviews was confusing with so many people hating it and others loved it.
Naomi S. says
Hi, Kevin. I am a person who HATES doing research for purchases. I need a new dishwasher. I am wondering whether you or some of your readers have researched this topic and what conclusions they have reached. Price is a consideration here. I need something under $400. And I don’t want stainless steel unless it is the tub inside the dishwasher. My first choice in color is off-white or biscuit but I know it is really hard to find that color now. My second choice is black. If any of you have opinions or information regarding dishwashers I’d love to know what you know!
BTW, your new washing machine is lovely and I hope it will prove to be well-behaved and a good friend as long as you have it.
Elizabeth Breslin says
My husband and I have a 30 year old Whirlpool dryer and a 30 year old Matag washer! They STILL work! I can’t wait to purchase new ones later this year (or early next) when we finish construction of a first floor laundry room! Due to space, we will need to stack them, which means front loaders. Any recommendations out there? The washer definitely wants to be replaced, and tells me more often than not, but we can’t do that yet. Thanks heavens those old Maytags held on for dear life!
Cathy says
I am an inveterate clothes line dryer… The smell of clothes dried on the line is one of my top three favorites (wood smoke and balsam being the other two). My toploader does a great job of spinning clothes very dry and makes the time on the line that much shorter. And yes, I hang clothes all year ’round! Sublimation, people. And line drying saves about $25 per month on your electric bill (according to Project Laundry List). Sometimes my laundry room is decorated with clothes that didn’t quite dry all the way on the line. I do have a dryer and use it in a pinch, but I make my mom smile down from Heaven every time I put those clothes out!
Raina says
I would love to hear other people’s opinions on dishwasher models too. Our Maytag is only 4 yrs old, but it’s never cleaned the dishes well, and now the control panel is doing weird things so that I can’t always get it to start, sometimes it just starts on its own, and sometimes it cancels the cycle in the middle. If anyone has had good or bad experiences with a certain dishwasher, I would like to hear about it.
Nancy says
Congratulations!
Penelope Roberts says
Hi Kevin: Congrats! on the new washer. I also have a top-loading, HE washer and recently learned all about HE detergent from a repairman. I was tod that there are only 4 types of HE detergent that are truly HE. I was surprised (guess I’m just too trusting) & asked about all the lables that sport HE on them. In no uncertain terms, the gentleman said: “Don’t b’lieve everthin’ ya read lady. Tide, Persil, which is made by Tide, Gain”, here my age shows as I can’t remember the fourth brand, “are the only real HE brands, and will do the job and not harm your machine”. He explained that while others boast HE,they don’t contain the enzymes necessary for a clean and sanitary job. For what it’s worth Kevin I thought I’d pass on this information and wish your new machine a long & happy life!
Penelope Roberts says
Comment to Elizabeth Breslin : you’ll be purchasing a new stackable washer & dryer for your new laundry area, how exciting. May I just suggest that you hold onto your old duo, perhaps a corner of the garage that is not being used or a little space in the basement? My sister has a 30 year old set as well and loves them! I’ve gone through 3 washers and 2 dryers within the past 12 years – while new is groovy! they just do NOT make ’em like they used to.
Janet Metzger says
Kevin,
re washing machine. thanks for the helpful news. we will be looking at new machines in the near future. My repairman suggested GE mechanical action timer top load with tall agitator b/c that is the prototype of all the other mechanical action timers on the market. I had not considered a Speed Queen commericial.
will the Speed Queen hold a queen or king size comforter?
good to know that the cabrio does!
Congratulations,
Janet
P W says
So funny just purchased this same washing machine two weeks ago! So far so good !!!!
Emily says
Congratulations! I hope you love for a long time.
As far as dishwashers go, we love our low-end Bosch. It was pricey (for us), but so worth it.
Blue says
Hello, I’ve owned top loading, front loading. I’ve owned Whirlpool, LG , Samsung, Frigidaire, and Kenmore..
I missed to op to give advise, but I rarely do, so no harm no foul. I will say, that I also greatly research. I I immediately ck out. Stainless steel tub , energy efficiency, user friendlyness, water consumption and cleaning abilities.. cost us a factor true, but it will cost 10 times more if you buy junk for less.
…
next I type in fraud, failures, recalls, and the such. And follow, watching closely who says what and WHY. because there is always an agenda.
…
I once worked for Whirlpool, in the customer care– warranty dept. I heard — everything. Here is were I give advise. I lived it. I worked it.
…every single time you experience even the slightest problem. . Let me emphasize “slightest” . This is important. Document it. Write it diwn. Date. Time. Issue and if possible photograph it and ask a friend to not it with you and have her/him sign your notes. NEXT — call warranty and describe the ussue. You may record the call but not use it in court, but it is a reference. Nite time date and the full name and possibly employee number. Note the telephone number and any extention you had to use. They will ask, how us it resolved. You may have resolved ut. You may need service. Hopefully you are up to date on recalls.
…
next mail a copy of the notes, photos to that warranty dept with signiture reguired.
… now you might be unassuming and humble and say to me. Tisha tosh. Too much for a small thing.
. You are wrong.
Every company so notes every issue you experience. And after a certain amount of issues will duly help you ALOT more than the person who waited thru all of it to only call once at the end of the limit screaming upset.
Why you ask. . ?
It’s called Warranty History. When you build a repore– nice but informed. You build a hustory, upon which they will act. No history. You waited. Now they nickel and dime you to death.
… so that’s it.. my advise. Some take it. Most dont. And having worked in warranty. . I know..
Sonja Jones says
To Naomi and Raina – I was doing research for a dishwasher at one point. Wanted a stainless steel tub and outside too. Here’s a bit of advice. Do your research, reading reviews from a bunch of different sites. For the life of me I can’t remember what brand we got (it was exactly what we wanted though) but here’s my money saving tip – Go to Lowe’s or Home Depot and check out their clearance items. We bought ours for half the price of a new one, and it was NEW! The only reason it was so cheap was because it was a return! But it was never used. The salesman said this happens quite often.
And check out scratch and dent too. People don’t want a dented item so they have them return it and bring them another one. They dented my new fridge while delivering it and instead of returning it they took $100 off the price and it was already half off! The dent was small and near the bottom so it didn’t bother me any.
There’s my two cents. 🙂
Lee says
I am still waiting for the washing machine that washes with sound waves. No agitation and no washing powder needed. The sound waves go through the material taking the dirt with it. An inventor over 20 years ago invented it. I was so excited! I waited and waited to see it come out in the shops. Nothing, I eventually rang the TV program who interviewed the man. They said he was from China. I tried to follow it up but got no where. They shelved it!!!! So much for wanting to keep the earth clean. Imagine all the soap not being used? All the clothes that would last so much longer, without the agitation? I have recently heard they clean rings and metal with sound waves, so it is used for cleaning, just not clothes. Don’t want to upset the washing powder companies do we.
Tracey says
Hi, Kevin. Are you still in love with your Cabrio washer? I will soon need a new machine, so I thought I’d ask now that you’ve had your new one for a while. Thanks in advance!
Blue says
Ooo.. what a good question Tracey, I’ve been wondering that as well ~~ so.. how is the new washer?