bit-tech Shopping: Amana NFW7200TW 27-in. Washer

• Adjustible Leveling Legs
• Bleach Dispenser
• Delay Start
• Door Lock
• End of Cycle Signal
• Fabric Softener/Dispenser
• Noise Reduction
• Stackable
• Status Indicator

Rating: 2

Time with product: 6 Months

Strengths: Good washer except that lock cannot be manual overriden

Weaknesses: No way to open door manually once locked

Summary: This washer has a FATAL defect in its design: if the washer fails to drain, there is NO WAY to override the door lock. So Amana warranty service will tell you, wait 4+ days for service or force the door. Then the service people will tell you they don't preorder parts, so won't come with a new lock when they do show up. So wait again. Otherwise, let clothes sit in dirty water for days. DO NOT buy this machine: first time it goes wrong the door is locked and can't be released. Plus the serial # and model # are, you guessed it, inside the locked door that can't be overriden. FATAL DESIGN FLAW. DO NOT BUY THIS WASHER.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 5 Days

Strengths: Easy to use dial with lights, automatic water level, detergent dispenser.

Weaknesses: The machine is a little low to the ground for my comfort.

Summary: After my washer/dryer set of 10 years gave out I went looking to upgrade to a front loading set. I have been pleasantly surprised with this set. My clothes have come out so clean! I love the song the machine makes at the end of the cycle and now actually enjoy doing the laundry! I highly recommend this washer

Rating: 8

Time with product: 4 Days

Strengths: Clothes seem almost dry when finished. Adjustable delayed start. Ease of use. Nice alerts

Weaknesses: Bulky. Cycle times lengthy when adjusted for heavily soiled items.

Summary: Installed quickly and easily. It is amazing how quiet this washer is. We will never go back to a top loading washer again. I would say the only complaint would be the size. It is bulky and very heavy, but once in place it works without a hangup.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Weeks

Strengths: Very quiet. Easy to understand control panel.

Weaknesses: Cycles take longer than a traditional top loading washer.

Summary: This is my first top loading washing machine. I am so impressed with the quiet operation of the unit, and the selection of cycles. I especially like the "hand wash" cycle, using it for woolens and fine lingerie with perfect results. I also like that there is minimal tangling of sheets and towels after the spin cycle. Very happy with the machine on all points.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2

Strengths: High efficiency, musical tones when done, variety of settings, self-adjusting water level, countdown timer.

Weaknesses: Price of HE (High Efficiency) laundry detergents are higher than regular detergents at this time in our area.

Summary: Once this heavy washer was transported and properly hooked up, it became a musical luxury! The drain hose is supported with a strong adjustable plastic bend strap for less worry about it moving away from the drain pipe. Both hoses are marked several times with 'hot' or 'cold' to ensure proper hookups. The manual comes with a special wrench to adjust the four corners to level the machine. Despite many available settings, the digital interface is easy to use. Clothes come out much better from this washer than they ever did from our old washer or from local laundrettes. Added 4 years fix-or-replace warranty to give us a total of 5 years coverage. This is the best that Amana offers, and to date (ok it's only been 2 days!) we are extremely pleased with our purchase - the extended warranty should help keep that feeling going.