MetaEfficient Reviews » Washing Machines

New Washing Machine Uses Plastic Chips Instead of Water

Justin — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 03:09:40 +0000

A washing machine that cleans clothes by pounding them with plastic chips could save billions of gallons of water a year, its inventors claim. The Xeros uses less than 2 per cent of the water – and energy – of a conventional model and leaves clothes almost dry, doing away with the need for a dryer. The machine uses thousands of reusable plastic chips to remove and absorb dirt. Tests have shown the machine can shift virtually all types of everyday stains, according to a team at Leeds University. (more…)

The Most Efficient Washing Machines Of 2008

Justin — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 04:13:25 +0000

At MetaEfficient, I evaluate appliances based on a number of factors, namely: energy efficiency, effectiveness, reliability, and price. This holds true for washing machines, because all of these factors need to be considered and weighed against each other (I’d also like to include lifecycle analysis, but there’s no information available for washers). For raw efficiency data, one can turn to the Energy Star ratings, to work out which machines use the least amount of energy and water overall. Based on the Energy Star data, the most efficient washing machines for 2008 are made by LG Electronics and Kenmore. (more…)

Steam Cleaning Washer For the Home

Justin — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 20:38:48 +0000

This washer from LG Electronics uses steam to clean your clothes. Steam washers are common in the industrial world, but this is the first one available for the home. LG says the washer “remove creases from your garments, eliminating the need for ironing” and steam-cleaning “reduces shrinkage and extends the life of your threads”. They also claim it uses 35% less water and 21% less energy than a conventional model. One drawback is that the entire cycle takes two and a half hours.

We don’t have the specs on the washer, so we can’t compare it to some of the very efficient washers we’ve featured previously.

Available in the U.S. from Absolute Home for $1600.

Staber Washer: Highly Efficient

Justin — Fri, 23 Dec 2005 07:00:48 +0000

The Staber Washer is good washer if you are interested in saving electricity, water and detergent. It is the only top loading, horizontal-axis clothes washer made in the U.S. It operates in a similar way to an efficient front load washer, but you get top loading convenience. Compared to conventional vertical-axis agitator washers, the Staber uses 66% less water, 50% less electricity, and 75% less detergent. It uses only 12-16 gallons of water per load and 265 kWh of electrical power per year. See this comparison of electrical costs over 3 years.

(more…)

Waterless Washing Machine

Justin — Thu, 24 Nov 2005 03:46:37 +0000

A waterless washing machine that removes stains from garments in a few minutes has been developed at the National University of Singapore, the facility said on Wednesday. The appliance uses negative ions, compressed air and deodorants to clean clothes. Industrial design students Wendy Chua, 21, and Gabriel Tan, 23, said they were inspired by the technology in air purifiers, which uses negative ions to clump dirt and bacteria, making it easier for the particles to be sucked out. The ions are a natural cleaning agent. More info here.

Energy Star Washer: Ecosmart GWL11 by Fisher & Paykel

Justin — Mon, 24 Oct 2005 07:01:37 +0000

This washer is no longer recommended, due to the lack of service and support.

This washer from Fisher and Paykel is very efficient in terms of water use and electricity consumed, costing only about $21 annually in power, and using only 26 gallons per laundry load. The CEE (Consortium ForEnergy Efficiency) rates this washer as the most efficient of its kind.

(more…)

Efficient Prototype: Washman Washer and Dryer

Justin — Fri, 21 Oct 2005 19:30:42 +0000

This washer, created by Jan Čapek and Kryštof Nosál, was designed to look attractive anywhere in your home. It’s called the Washman, and it finished second in the Elektrolux Designer Competition. The washer is targeted at younger users who don’t have space, or only need to do small loads of laundry. It features low water usage, and a high speed spin cycle to reduce the energy needed in the drying cycle. It also has an integrated removable clothes basket with separate areas for socks, shirts, and pants. Still in prototype stage though.

More info: Prague Tribune, story via Treehugger

Contender for Most Efficient: Nexxt Washers by Bosch

Justin — Fri, 30 Jul 2004 00:52:55 +0000

If the published specifications for this Nexxt washer are correct, it
is a contender for the most efficient AC powered washer available. Bosch
also claims it is the quietest on the market, running at 60 decibels.
This would allow you to install it near your bedroom, due to the low
noise it generates.

Power Consumption: 186kWh/year
Average Water Consumption: 13.2 gallons
Spin: 1200rpm
Drum Capacity: 18 lbs.

Home Page: Bosch
Purchase from: US
Appliance ($1099) or ABT Electronics ($1099)