Kenmore Elite Oasis vs. Whirlpool Cabrio WTW6200VW

1: Why rule out the high-efficiency Oasis and Cabrio (and Maytag Bravos) models? If it's based on reviews, note that all the negative reviews mention the machine being around 2-3 years old. Those machines did have issues which have been remedied and no longer occur. Any current Oasis/Cabrio/Bravos machine is a great choice (I wouldn't have recommended it to store management and their families if they weren't!).

2: The Kenmore Oasis is usually priced lower than the similar Whirlpool model. The Energy Star sale we were running put the Cabrio at a lower price than the Oasis temporarily. Expect to see the Whirlpool Cabrio agi lose its Energy Star status, just as the Oasis recently did. Its water consumption didn't change, the rules did. If you can override the load sensor, it's not Energy Star-qualified. Let the load sensor do its thing, though, and it will give Energy Star-level savings.

3: The Oasis and Cabrio are, for all intents and purposes, the exact same machine (Whirlpool manufactures the Oasis, Cabrio, and Bravos). They are like the Ford Crown Victoria and the Mercury Grand Marquis. Their failure/repair rates are the same, and they were introduced within months of each other. There is no significant, meaningful difference between the two, except for cosmetics and very tiny cycle time variations (for what that's worth).

An academic comparison:

Whirlpool Cabrio WTW6200VW (Sears item #39032) = Kenmore Oasis 28032

WTW6800W (Sears item #66632) = Oasis 28081

Check out the Maytag Bravos MVWB300VB, currently on sale for only $679.99! The lowest price HE top loader. 4.7 cu. ft. Official launch date is 9/19, but you can order on from your local Sears store right now (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02669402000P)

Thanks, I do know WP mfrs. these machines.   So the energy star status will change for these two machines because you can override the load sensor???- so I will not be able to take advantage of that program through my local gas company???  If I purchase an EStar appliance, my local gas company is offering a $50.00 rebate. 

Not sure I want to go with the agitatorless machines, primarily because they don't have a real track record, new design, and having read the issues with the knotting of the clothing (which might be a user issue, don't know since have not read the manual, perhaps there is a certain way to load the washer)???  I am also wary of all the "gadgetry" and more to go wrong with this high-end machine.  I would be extremely disappointed if I spent nearly 1,000.00 on a washing machine and had the plethora of problems many consumers have had in a one-two year period. 

I will probably rule out the Maytag only because I felt certain my Maytag would last longer than 12 years.  I am extemely disappointed in its short life span. I would consider the Maytag Bravo if is had been around longer.  It is being introduced September 19...no thanks. 

I can't speak for your gas/energy company regarding their program versus the dates of Energy Star disqualification.

The agitatorless machines have a redesign that remedied issues that existed with knotting, which does not occur anymore. Any "gadgetry" that you're afraid of is present in the agitator Oasis/Cabrio/Bravos as well. And, almost every negative review for the agitatorless machines are the models that had the old washplate and circuit panel.

It's like complaints about a car that had a certain version of brakes on it that weren't very good, and the company changed the kind of brakes to a better kind that didn't have problems. Would you continue to consider the car a bad choice because of bad brakes when it's been proven that the brakes are no longer a problem?

As for ruling out Maytag, it's a name, not a company. They're made with the same engineering and same designs and same components in the same factories by the same people. The main differences are cosmetics and some non-function-based features (multi-position lid, Clean Washer reminder, etc.).

Ruling out the Maytag is like ruling out a Dodge Neon because you had a bad experience with a Dodge in the past, but you being willing to consider a Plymouth Neon or Chrysler Neon (back when each badge had its own Neon). The Bravos is the same machine. Forget about when it's debuting; it's the exact same machine with a different cabinet.

Maytag was a company and every service person who has serviced any of my appliances suggests Whirlpool over Maytag...yes, I know, WP mfrs. Maytags, but these people repair them and see more than I will ever see in terms of repair rates/records.  Since my machine is working (just noisey) and I don't need to rush out today and purchase a machine, I will continue to do my research and weigh the pros and cons and, hopefully, make a good choice.  I may just go with a less $$ WP without the push buttons and all the bells and whistles.  Sorry, but the reviews of these machines still indicate error codes, etc still appearing on these newer machines and repairman not knowing what to do, another serviceman checks it out, orders parts, more waiting by the consumer and the consumer is without a washer for weeks. 

Washers have been around foreve - this is not a new invention.  It is amazing that these engineers can design a machine with so many failures and repair issues.  Consumers spend thousands of dollars on many of these high-end machines and it is very disconcerting to read so many issues with these high-end machines.  Makes me almost want to go ahead and spent the money on the repair of my Maytag.  Thanks for your input!

Washers have been around for a century, and even the simplest conventional washer can still be a dud. No machine technology is ever perfect. :)

theyre basically the same machine...go with the cheaper priced unit because your not losing anything between the two

We recently purchased a new home that did not have a frig. or washer & dryer. I have dreamed of a front load washer for years, but after all the news about the mold issue and limited space to leave the door open I opted for the new top loader. It was either the Maytag Bravo or the Whirlpool Cabrio. Since the Cabrio was on sale I chose this model  #WTW6300WWW and matching dryer model # WEDZ6200SW, also  a Whirlpool side by side frig. model #ED5LHAXWQ.  They haven't even been delivered yet. I have never owned a Whirlpool product. Lowes and HH Gregg both said Whirlpool were top of the line. I sure hope I made the right decision.

I recently purchased the Elite Oasis agitator washer and matching dryer.  It cleans good howver, after usinf the machine I find that it does not have a separate rinse drain and spin cycle and as a matter of fact  can not do a simple rinse at any time.  This is very important to me and so am considering returning the machine and exchanging for the cabrio 6200vw.  But all reviews I have read seem to say stay away.  Any thoughts on how I can just rinse with the Elite or do you suggest going with the cabrio.  I did purchase the 5 year warranty and do believe in Sears repair service but do prefer not to have to use them.

I liked the Samsung front loader 4.0 cf washer and dryer. The door on these models can be moved. My dryer door was moved to the other side so I could throw items directly from the washer to dryer. So models have movable doors. I waited 2 years ago and purchased the pair for $1100 around Thanksgiving.

more and more consumers are going with the stackable washer and dryers to save on space for the most part

 Most of the front loaders allow you to switch the door for left handed or right handed options.

Most of these units use elctronic door lock switches mounted to the inside of the panel so i don't know about switching the swing on a front load washer but find it hard to believe it would be an easy task or even possible. Dryers on the other hand are usually reversible.

dotjur said…

I am trying to decide between the above two washers.  My Matag, only 12 years old, needs a  major repair to the tune of 405.00, so I am doing my research on various washers.  I have ruled out the front load and the top load agitatorless machines.  As much as I woul dlike a front loader, I have space and door limitations in my laundry room and 99% of the front loaders are hinged on the left.

 What are the differences to justify the Kenmore Elite Oasis higher price?  Which has a better repair record and when were each introduced?  Both are 4.5 cu. ft, right? 

Thanks.

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I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHO CARES ABOUT THE PLANET? AND I CAN GIVE YOU AN IDEA WHAT TO DO TO SAVE THE PLANET

Wstarc5 is right. Most front loaders (including Samsungs) do not have reversible doors on the washers due to the placement of the door locks, but the dryer doors are reversible on all current Samsung models.

- Ms. Samsung

Thanks for the reassurance on that issue I was pretty sure that was the case but it is always good to have a second opinion.

Currently, Electrolux is the only major manufacturer for the American market that has a reversible washer door. For the rare customer who needs it, they do have a few options with Electrolux.

So are you saying oasis, cabrio, bravos. . . . .all the same machine?  Then I can just buy the one I can get the best deal on.  Can the water level be overridden on all three of these models?  That low water level really scares me. . . . .How can it rinse well?  Anyway, I am willing to try it but should I not be satiesfied, I will want to be able to override that feature.  Does anybody make a color other than white?