FAFW3574KA Review

Companion Dryers:
Electric - FAQE7073KA Review
Gas - FAQG7073KA Review

Washer Pros and Cons

Cleaning

Cleans with a high-efficiency (HE) wash system, but does not employ an internal heater. HE wash systems use gentle wash motions that are easier on your clothing, require less water, and have more internal space without a central agitator.

 

Spin

Maximum spin rate is about average for a new washing machine. Higher spin RPM removes more moisture from clothing and reduces dryer cycle time. Can significantly save on energy costs, especially when coupled with an electric dryer.

 

Energy

Energy Factor is 22% lower than average. Clothes washers with lower Energy Factors are less efficient and will cost more to operate because they use more energy. Ranks in the lower 20% of new washers for FAIR energy efficiency.

 

Water

The FAFW3574KA Water Factor is 27% higher than the average new washer. Higher Water Factors indicate the washer is less efficient and will use more water to operate. Ranks in the lower 20% of new washers for FAIR water efficiency.

 

Cycles

Cycles and options are 20% higher than average. Operating flexibility can be important if you have diverse fabrics and soil conditions within your family. Ranks in the top 40% of new washing machines for BETTER program variability and selection.

Price

Based on the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), the cost per cubic foot of capacity is about average for a new clothes washer and is rated GOOD for price efficiency. Washers can often be purchased on-sale 10%-20% under MSRP.

 

Performance Ratings

Steam

No Steam Cleaning – Does not have the capability to produce high-temperature steam. Steam can gently penetrate fabrics and is very effective on soil removal. Steam cycles are now available on about 50% of newly manufactured washers.

 

Sanitize

No Sanitize Cycle – Does not have the option to sanitize clothing by raising water temperatures to high levels that kill many types of bacteria. Bleach or OxiClean may be a partial alternative depending on your chemical sensitivity.

 

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

No Internal Water Heater – Water temperatures cannot be increased beyond your home’s hot water tank supply. Internal heaters are necessary for steam cleaning capability and are the preferred method to sanitize clothes with high temp water.<

 

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

Drum w Paddles – Front load washer with a rotating drum and paddles that lift and drop clothes. Very effective washing mechanism compared to the older agitating machines. Gentle on clothing and uses significantly less water.

MSRP

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is 16% lower than average. You should save about $166 compared to the average-priced washer. Ranks in the top 40% of new washers for BEST overall price. Also check the cost per cubic foot.

Motor

This model has been discontinued by the manufacturer but may still be available at some stores that sell Frigidaire washers. Most appliance stores will provide at least the standard one-year part and labor warranty on the drive motor.

Convenience Ratings

Capacity

Interior capacity is about average for a new washing wachine. Smaller washers generally cost less, but if you want to minimize the time you spend in the laundry room, a larger washer will likely save both time and money in the long-run.

 

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

Delay Start / End> – You can program the wash cycle to start or end several hours later when you wake up or arrive home. Allows you to organize laundry chores around your schedule, or take advantage of lower, off-peak, utility rates.

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

12 Temp-Soil-Spin Settings – 4 Temperature, 3 Soil, and 5 Spin settings. About average number of settings for a new washing machine. The more settings available, the greater the flexibility in caring for a wide range of fabrics, stains, and conditions.

 

Quick Wash

No Quick Wash – This washing machine does not have a fast wash cycle that can have your clothing ready in much less time than regular cycles. Some washers can have a small load ready in just 15 minutes.

 

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 Federal American Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. Controls and operating mechanisms are not within the defined reach distances, or they cannot be easily operated with one hand.

 

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 – Like most front load clothes washers, the door is fixed and cannot be changed to open from the other side. Only a few brands such as Electrolux and Kenmore offer washers with reversible door capability.

 

Stackable

Stackable – Front load washers can be stacked vertically with a companion front load dryer. If you have a small laundry area this is a very convenient feature. It also places the dryer at shoulder level for easier loading.