Thursday, October 30, 2008

Kenmore HE5t Washers available in great colors!

Kenmore Elite HE5t Steam Washer: First Look
The addition of steam makes this washing machine one hot performer

Kenmore Elite HE5t Steam Washer
GETTING STEAMED The Kenmore Elite HE5t washer does an excellent job cleaning clothes.
Price we paid: $1,600

Date of Consumer Reports full report: February 2008

What it is. This front-loading washer, model 4778[1], is an updated version of the HE5t model we’ve previously tested, but it adds Steam Treat, which is supposed to enhance cleaning performance.

When you push the button to select the Steam Treat option, available for five of the machine’s wash cycles, the water temperature is automatically set to warm. As the wash cycle progresses, the water is slowly heated and steam is introduced into the tub. Sears claims the steam washer will provide "optimal removal of organic stains" (food and blood) and "temperature-sensitive stains" (oil), and is designed for "heavily soiled loads that need improved stain treatment, loads with multiple types of stains, or loads you suspect as having stains, but are afraid may have been missed."

This Energy Star–qualified appliance is available at Sears stores nationwide. It comes in white or red (shown; Sears calls it Barolo) and has a stainless-steel wash basket, a sanitize temperature, and a clean-washer cycle to keep the interior clean (we haven’t tested those features).

In initial testing, the HE5t has delivered excellent wash performance with and without the steam option. However, when using the steam option, performance has been somewhat better. Among its appealing features are an extra-large capacity (a claimed 4.0 cubic feet), quiet operation, and high marks for water and energy efficiency.


Our initial take. Our preliminary testing shows this washer to be a top-notch appliance, though it is expensive. Indeed, you can get similar washing performance from the nonsteam HE5t for several hundred dollars less.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Looks fantastic. I will read it