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.
Here are some reviews and comments on the Staber Washer from Samurai Appliance Repair Man.
This washer is best suited for solar power systems. It requires only 5-6 amps during washing, surges to 11 amps when motor starts. Can run on a 1500W inverter.
Here are some more specs:
Power Consumption: 110-150 Watts per load (265 kWh/year) 1.48 MEF
Water Consumption: 15 gallon per average load
Capacity: 2 cu. ft tub, 18 lb. load
Dimensions: 27″ W x 26″D x 42″ H
Warranty: 25 years on outer tub module, 5 years on bearings & suspension, 1 year on all else.
It costs about $1200.
Product Home Page: Staber.Com
Available from: Alternative Energy Store
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I have had a staber washing machine for about 5 years. Most it’s claims prove to be true, but I do have a couple complaints. Instead of a timed spin cycle, I guess it is gaging how much water is left in the item being spun, so it spins until it is “dry.” So, the first time it happened, I checked my laundry about 30 min. after the load should have stopped. But it was still spinning. So, I checked back in 10 min. and it was still spinning. I called staber and they walked me through the steps to open the washer and redistribute the items. I had a rug and a few towels, so the rug was the culpret, I guess. Next time it happened, it had been spinning for ~45 min. With a traditional machine, when the time is up, the washer stops. So, that is a draw back to me. The other complaint I have is that my clothes are not as dry going into the dryer as with my other washer. It is supposed to spin clothes dryer, but I have not found that to be true. So I may be spending a little more electricity to dry my clothes.
On the positive side, it is more gentle on my clothes. It is easy to add the sock the dropped on the way to the washer after the load starts. It can handle pillows, blankets, comforters, sleeping bags and other big items that I would never have been able to wash at home.
Hi Ellen,
I am considering purchasing a horizontal axis washing machine. I would like to buy an American made product if possible (Staber fits). I was wondering if you had looked at other horizontal axis washing machines? The top loading feature is not that big of a concern for my family (there are 6 of us). I like the simplicity of the Staber. The other ones I have been researching on the web seem to have too many settings and options. We basically do normal full cold/cold and warm/cold. Small loads occasionally. If you have any additional insight on all the other models available I would appreciate hearing from you.
Many thanks
Ken
I’ve had a Staber for 2 years and have replaced the engine twice, a pulley and a few screws. It has needed a lot of repair and with a family of 5, it’s a bummer to have a washer that isn’t working. It is true that is uses very little water and detergent, but beware that Stabers are prone to break. There is a repairman in my town who tells similar horror stories of Stabers breaking down…
We’re a family of ten, and we give our washing machine a real work out. We have had our Staber for a year and it’s such an improvement over our old, wasteful, noisy, clothes-eating beast. To be fair, the “beast” deserved retirement after 40 years (yes, 40!) of service under three different owners.
We have had our Staber for about 3 years. What a piece of junk. A total waste of money. The spin cycle is a mess. Does what it wants. Constantly have to redistribute the clothes. No positive interaction with the company. So much for American made. DON”T buy one of these ! You will be very sorry. Control board replaced after 2 years. They were downright nasty to me. They wanted another $250.00 for another. We took it off a friends machine that he had to junk. It kept falling apart after each repair. A very bad company to do business with.
I don’t recommend a Staber. It is not a good value. When it breaks after the 1 year warranty, parts are very expensive. Mine broke 3 years after I bought it. Customer service was friendly, but the parts cost over a 25% of the original purchase price of the machine and they have to be back ordered. It’s not a very good value to pay out four hundred dollars every three years to keep you washing machine working. On the plus side, they are very easy to work on since there is only a motor, pump, flywheel, and controller board and all the parts are accessible. Good idea on paper but poor implementation. Not worth buying under any circumstances.