Electrolux Top-Loading Washing Machine Reviews

In the CIS countries, 80% of potential washing machine buyers first consider front-loading models, and only then top-loading ones. Meanwhile, virtually every reputable washing machine manufacturer offers dozens of top-loading models in the hope that the situation will change, and indeed, it is gradually changing.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at top-loading washing machines produced by Electrolux. How good or bad are these machines? Which models should you consider, and which ones are best left alone, and why? We'll answer all these questions from experts and regular users.

Expert opinions

To answer the above questions, we reached out to several technicians at one of the most renowned Electrolux washing machine repair centers. The results of our conversation are summarized below, of course.

Sergey Alekseevich, washing machine repair technician, 17 years of experience

We rarely, but often, encounter problems with Electrolux top-loading washing machines. Most often, customers contact us after what's known as a "drum jam." This occurs when the user accidentally manually rotates the drum with the flaps open, causing the flaps to become stuck and prevent the drum from rotating back. This prevents washing, and we have to correct the problem.

I'd like to take this opportunity to address users of vertical washers: if the drum jams, don't try to force it back. This will only cause further damage to the machine. Contact a professional.

Alexander Vladimirovich, washing machine repair technician, 22 years of experience

Electrolux machines with manual controls, manufactured in the late 1990s, are considered the most reliable. They're only now starting to be brought in for repairs. In about half of the cases, after a thorough cleaning and replacement of some inexpensive parts, they can be revived, so they'll likely continue to work for an unknown amount of time. Also considered good are vertical guns with primitive electronics, produced in Europe before the mid-2000s. Even if they break, repairs are relatively inexpensive. Personally, I've replaced heating elements, wiring, control boards, and motors in these machines many times.

Of the modern models of vertical washers, I personally like the washing machine the most. Electrolux EWT 0862 IDWIn terms of price, quality, and functionality, this model is the best. We've had this machine serviced several times with minor issues (mostly user-caused), so I've gotten to know it well. High-quality Polish assembly and high-quality spare parts ensure it will last a long time with proper maintenance.

Nikolai Ivanovich, a washing machine repair technician with 12 years of experience

The quality of such washing machines is worse. At least, I've had to "delight" owners of vertical washing machines quite often with the news that repairing their "home helper" will be very expensive. And that it's most likely not worth it. That's my opinion as a specialist.

The main problem with Electrolux washing machines produced after 2010 is the motors and electronics. Control modules burn out very often, and only a firmware update can fix the problem in a third of cases. So I'm skeptical about buying any automatic vertical-loading machine, at least for my home, I bought a front-loading one. Spare parts are cheaper and easier to find, should something go wrong.

Opinions of ordinary users

Julia, Moscow

I've had an Electrolux EWT 1062 IDW washing machine for two years now, and I love it. Recently, I stumbled across an online forum where people were writing negative reviews about my machine, saying it constantly breaks down, doesn't pick up detergent, and other such nonsense. Well, maybe they got defective machines, so they should contact the sellers. Why slander the manufacturer? It's just rude.

I poured all sorts of nasty powders into it, especially at the end of last year, when my husband was laid off from work and the family was short on money. Even with the cheapest powder, the machine washed the clothes bravely and rinsed them almost perfectly. People also report that the machine is damp and that mold grows quickly. I've never had any mold in my machine, probably because I air it out after every wash, leaving the door open.

Electrolux EWT 1062 IDW washes better than many front-loading machines, I have confirmed this from personal experience.

I prefer top-loading machines, specifically. There are many reasons for this, and I'll try to list them.

1. Loading laundry into the machine is convenient because you don't have to bend over to reach the loading door.
2. The top-loading machine has a narrow and tall body, which allows you to place the washing machine in places where a front-loading machine would not fit.
3. The control panel is more securely protected from children because it's located on top, making it difficult for every child to reach. Even if they do reach it, a standard key lock is available to help.
4. Water won't leak through the hatch. Watching front-loading machines in action can be a bit scary, as the only barrier between the soapy water and your floor is the rubber-sealed hatch. If anything happens, water will spill through this hatch onto the floor, which could easily lead to flooding your neighbors. Top-loading machines eliminate this problem.

Larisa, Krasnodar

I'd like to share my impressions of the Electrolux EWT 1377 VOW washing machine. This machine is top-loading, which was crucial for me when I decided to buy it. Our bathroom has a narrow corner where we can barely fit anything, and there's no room for a washing machine. A front-loading machine wouldn't fit, so after much measuring, my husband and I decided to buy a top-loading machine.

The machine wasn't perfect, but it was still quite solid. It's quiet, washes laundry well, even large items, and rinses and spins well. It has a decent selection of programs, simple controls, and hasn't let us down once in a year (it hasn't frozen or broken). Its main drawback is the lid. It's very flimsy, and it's prone to breaking at any moment, but if you handle it carefully and don't place anything heavy on it, there won't be any problems.

Alena, Novosibirsk

My husband and I were given an Electrolux EWT 1064 ERW washing machine as a wedding gift by our relatives. We've been happily living together for three years now, and the washing machine has been working flawlessly, washing clothes for three family members. We've had no problems during this time, with only a couple of power surges causing the program to crash, but otherwise, everything is perfect. Although they say, "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth," I really like this "horse."

Elena, Moscow

We bought an Electrolux EWT 1066 EDW washing machine over a year ago. During this time, we only had to have the power cord repaired once, after the dog had chewed it up. I have no complaints about either the manufacturer or the machine, it washes well, it would be nice if the drum capacity were larger, as some items don't fit. When we decide to change the machine, I will definitely buy a model with a larger drum.

So, it's probably unnecessary to cite hundreds of expert and user opinions on top-loading washing machines to understand their overall essence. The above examples alone make it clear that users generally have a positive attitude toward these machines, while experts who express opinions on these machines are largely skeptical. Whom to trust in this situation is up to you to decide, but we wish you good luck and happy shopping!

   

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