31622 Review

Companion Dryers:
Electric - Kenmore-61622 Review
Gas - Kenmore-71622 Review

Washer Pros and Cons

Cleaning

Steam-cleans and sanitizes clothes. Steam is very effective in gently removing tough stains, sanitizing garments, reducing allergens, and getting clothes really clean. Helps soften clothes and prevent wrinkles during high speed spin cycle.

Spin

Maximum washer spin rate is 12% lower than average. Lower spin RPM usually leaves more water in the clothing and requires longer, more costly drying times. Ranks in the lower 25% of new washing machines for FAIR moisture removal.

 

Energy

Energy Factor is 7% higher than average. Washing machines with higher Energy Factors are more efficient and will save you money by using less energy. Ranks in the top 30% of new clothes washers for BETTER energy efficiency.

Water

The Kenmore 31622 Water Factor is about average for a new washing machine and should provide GOOD water efficiency. Water Factor is defined as water consumption divided by capacity; the lower the factor, the less water it uses.

 

Cycles

Cycles and options are 35% higher than average. Operating flexibility can be important if you have diverse fabrics and soil conditions within your family. Ranks in the top 15% of new washing machines for BEST program variability and selection.

Price

Price per cubic foot is 1% lower than average. Based on the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), each cubic foot costs about $1 less than the average new washer. Ranks in the top 45% of new washing machines for BETTER price efficiency.

Performance Ratings

Steam

Steam Cleaning – Generates steam that deeply penetrates clothing to remove grime and achieve a cleaner wash. Gentler on fabrics than other stain-removing wash cycles. Produces a softening affect that reduces wrinkles from high spin rates.

Sanitize

NSF Sanitize Cycle – Certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) P172 Protocol to effectively sanitize clothes. Reduces 99.9% of microorganisms and ensures there is no significant carryover of bacteria into future loads.

Allergen

Not certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) or the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) to reduce allergens such as dust mite and dander with high temperature water.

 

Temp Control

Auto Temp Control – Automatically regulates the hot and cold water supply to ensure that the wash water is at the proper temperature for the cycle selected. On cold winter days the hot water runs longer or more often to compensate.

Heater

Internal Water Heater – Includes an internal water heater that can boost water temperature beyond your home’s hot water tank. Helps maintain optimum temperatures throughout each cycle. Hot water is the key to really getting your clothes clean.

Water Level

Automatic Water Level – Designed with sensors that detect the load size and then adjust the water level to achieve the best cleaning and rinsing performance. Convenient feature that eliminates guessing and saves water costs.

Drum

Stainless Steel Wash Drum – Stainless steel is a durable wash basket material that resists corrosion, stains, and chipping. It is superior to porcelain or plastic. Over 90% of new washers produced today have stainless steel drums.

Vibration

Added Vibration Control – advertised to have advanced features to help control vibration and related noise. Details of these anti-vibration features are not readily available and the true effectiveness is unknown.

Wash Type

Impeller – High efficiency top load washer that uses an impeller to lift and rotate clothing in varied wash motions. Provides for more usable drum space than the older agitator models and uses much less water to clean clothing.

MSRP

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is 22% higher than the average new washer. Expect to pay about $234 more than average. Ranks in the lower 40% of new washers for FAIR overall price. Also check the cost per cubic foot.

 

Motor

Standard one-year parts and labor warranty on the washer drive motor. The drive motor is one of the more expensive components to replace and several brands offer longer part warranties of up to 10 years. Warranties are subject to change.

 

Convenience Ratings

Capacity

Interior capacity is 35% higher than average. Larger washers generally cost more, but if you have a big family, or want to do your wash less often, they can save you time and money. Ranks in the top 15% of new washers for LARGEST load size.

Periodic Tumble

No Periodic Tumble – After the wash cycle completes there is no extended tumbling of the clothes. Periodic tumbling, especially with circulating air, keeps the clothes fresh if you are delayed in transferring them to the dryer.

 

Time

Remaining Time Display – Includes a digital time display at the top of the washer that shows estimated remaining cycle time. Just glance at the display while you’re working and plan your time accordingly.

Delay

No Delay Start / End – Cannot be programmed to start or end at a later time. Over 80% of new washing machines produced today have a delay feature that allows you to better schedule the laundry around your busy life.

 

Dispenser

Bleach, fabric softener, or detergent can be preloaded into the dispensing trays and automatically released by the washer at the optimum time in the wash cycle.

Settings

13 Temp-Soil-Spin Settings – 5 Temperature, 3 Soil, and 5 Spin settings. Higher than average number of settings for these key items on a new washer. More settings provide added flexibility for a wide range of fabrics, stains, and conditions.

Quick Wash

Quick Wash – In a hurry? Forget to wash a garment for today’s special event? This washing machine has a fast wash cycle that can have your clothing ready in much less time than regular cycles.

Wash-Dry

No Overnight Wash & Dry – Like most washers, this model does not have the unique capability to both wash and dry your clothes overnight. A few washers can continue to tumble the clothes and circulate drying air after the wash cycle has ended.

 

Drum Light

No Drum Light – There is no internal lighting of the wash drum area when loading or unloading clothes. Sometimes shadows or an unlit laundry room can hide a stray sock that remains missing until the next wash cycle.

 

ADA

Not ADA Compliant – Does not comply with American Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. Most top loading washers are not ADA compliant because of the door location and the controls are higher from the ground than front load washers.

 

Wi-Fi

No Wi-Fi – This washing machine is not Wi-Fi Enabled or Wi-Fi Ready. It cannot be remotely programmed, operated, or diagnosed through a home Wi-Fi Internet connection or Smartphone. It is not Smart Grid or Smart Meter capable.

 

Detergent

No Detergent Reservoir – Like most washers, this machine does not have a reservoir that holds a large supply of detergent. A Few brands such as GE, Maytag, and Whirlpool offer new washers with multi-day detergent and fabric softener storage.

 

Reverse Door

No Reversible Door – Reversible doors generally do not apply to top load washers as they usually open from front to back. They are available on some front load washers where an open door can sometimes block the dryer.

 

Stackable

Not Stackable – Most top load washers cannot be stacked vertically with a dryer to save space and make dryer loading easier. This is a handy feature with front load washers if your laundry room area is small.