Whirlpool LSQ8000

...review is more specific to WHIRLPOOL in general than this specific model, (though I will accurately display all the specs about this particular model), as I do not currently own this brand or model. That being said, before I came to U.K. to live, my hubby and I also bought a Whirlpool as our first washing machine! We had to sell it when we came back here to live though : - ( I HONESTLY nearly cried! I was very upset. Why then the review you ask? ...
...and Grandmother have used ONLY Whirlpool machines since I was a child.

For the past 36 years, my mother has had three Whirlpool washing machines. And no others of any brand. It hasn't been necessary. And, I can only remember ever having repairs ONE time on ONE of those washers. The repair was a broken belt from wearing out. In fact, the ONLY reason she has ever had hers replaced is because the first was replaced by an updated model ... more

Ok, you should know from the outset that this review is more specific to WHIRLPOOL in general than this specific model, (though I will accurately display all the specs about this particular model), as I do not currently own this brand or model. That being said, before I came to U.K. to live, my hubby and I also bought a Whirlpool as our first washing machine! We had to sell it when we came back here to live though : - ( I HONESTLY nearly cried! I was very upset. Why then the review you ask? Well, the only reason I have NOT bought this model, is because I would have NO WHERE in my flat to put it. BUT, I can honestly VOUCH for this name brand, and as this is one of their latest models, I have to say, IT WILL BE RELIABLE with ALL the latest features. How can I be so sure then, you ask? Not just because the word American is in the name. Oh no! In fact, not to be horrible or insulting, but American doesn't really mean quality at all, sadly. But, because my Mother and Grandmother have used ONLY Whirlpool machines since I was a child.

For the past 36 years, my mother has had three Whirlpool washing machines. And no others of any brand. It hasn't been necessary. And, I can only remember ever having repairs ONE time on ONE of those washers. The repair was a broken belt from wearing out. In fact, the ONLY reason she has ever had hers replaced is because the first was replaced by an updated model with modern features, even though it was still working fine itself. The second, became 20 years old, and she finally gave it to my brother when he grew up. I have no idea what he ever did with it. And, of course there is the one she has now. She bought this one after giving the other to my brother about 4 or 5 years ago.

Its all well and good to say it has lasted without repairs, and that is good enough. BUT, what about that all important factor of PERFORMANCE? Anyone who has read my other reviews KNOWS that for a product to get my highest rating it HAS to PERFORM to its suggestions and expectations. Well, let me tell you. We had a family of 5 when I was young. I got older, and my Aunty and her 12 kids came to live with us for about a year. Then, at one point, after they moved out, my Gran came to live with us and we became a family of 6 instead of 5. SO, you can see by the numbers, THIS MACHINE GOT ITS USEAGES! I have never been dirty, or had dull clothes, though most of that is because my Mum and Gran know to separate the clothes and to use quality soaps. But c'mon, the washer that we had for 20 years was the same washer that we had when my Auntie came with her 12 kids to live with us. It lasted 12 more years after that, when finally she gave it to my brother. Mind, this was also the one that needed the belt replaced. Heck, if I had to wash clothes for 18 people everyday I think I would need more than a belt replaced in 20 years! But, the clothes were always clean and never suffered from things like, getting caught and 'eaten' up. THOUGH, there is one down side, either our Whrilpool washer, or Whirlpool Dryer had a NASTY habit of stealing SOCKS! Come to think of it, so does my present washer and dryer! Hey, what is it then??? I can only ever find one! Other than the appetite for single socks, though, I can not think of one fault with this Name Brand of washer.

Lets talk features. Well first of all, you will find that no matter which machine you choose, they are all very simple to use, and come with varying degrees of options according to which features you need in a washer. Personally, if it has a quick cycle and an extra spin, I could do without all that other stuff, I NEVER use it. One nice thing, speaking of options, is that American washers like this one, come with a dial that has TIMES on it, as compared to preset programmes. This means you can stop a wash early, or start a rinse early if you are in a hurry, or you just want something only lightly washed. I find this to be quite handy and preferable to preset programmes. Another great feature in this particular machine (which comes standard in machines in America, you will find), is that it is a TOP loader. This may not be too convenient in England in most cases. As, this means you need space UP and OUT. As the drum is sat UPRIGHT and not on its side. BUT, if you have the space, it is nice! You can always (except during the spin cycle) pop that lid right open, and toss in the odd forgotten item, without worrying about stopping the program for several minutes and waiting for the machine to unlock. As I stated, this doesn't work with the spin cycle, because the machines automatically lock the lid during these unsafe high speed moments. I will talk more about safety in a moment. All that, and we still haven't touched on the BEST feature (in my opinion) the 18 lb CAPACITY! WOOHOO. You can fit nearly a whole week's worth of clothes in here in one wash, take them all out, hang or dry them in a dryer, and you are ready to fold and put away. Though, if you don't have a dryer to match this size, I suppose that can also serve as a problem. (But see, Whirlpool DOES make dryers that can take this capacity as well, but I don't know if they are sold here, and even if they are, their is still the problem of size.)

Downsides:
Well not a lot really, other than size. However, most models do use QUITE A BIT of water. And though they do have automatic fill-ups according to load size, they still use more water than the latest washers here in England. While conservationists see this as a negative, I don't really. To be honest I prefer for my clothes to have plenty of water to move about in. I just think in some ways they SEEM cleaner, although I can't honestly say that they are. Its an eccentricity of mine I think. But, this machine certainly won't get any water saving bonuses. The only other negative I can think of, is that the center tube used to swish and clean the clothes, is quite a bit harder on your clothes durability. And therefore, the more delicate clothes will need the 'hand wash' cycle, if not literally be hand washed. Also, you will have to make sure items with belts or long hangy bits, are put in some sort of linen washing bag, so as to not get tangled in this part of the machine. THAT WILL damage the clothes!

Safety
Though the lock doesn't work during the wash cycle, and thus you will want to keep an eye out for very young ones, it is still relatively safe around the young ones. These machines are too tall and smooth on their four sides for them to climb iup and into and the washing action tube in the center makes it difficult for them to get inside and get hurt. BUT, this same tube can hurt them if they climb on top and get the lid open. But, with supervision it is really nothing to worry about. My son was quite creative at two, but he never tried, or managed to climb inside or get hurt. And remember those 12 kids, they had age ranges from baby to about 16 and none of them ever got hurt either. So, I find them as safe as your standard machine, as LONG AS, you NEVER RUN THE RINSE CYCLE without the lock in place! THAT IS DANGEROUS! There are no other specific safety features on this machine I don't believe, but then, the design itself is a safe one.

Warranty
We never had to use ours. BUT, they do come with them. These days they can be upgraded as well, but with a Whirlpool you WOULD be wasting your money to pay for any extra warranty bits.

All this being said, I think you can see my opinion of these machines is VERY HIGH. So, now I will list below the specs with regards to the LSQ 8000 and from there you can make your decisions.

SPECS for LSQ 8000:
* Colour coded controls* Soft Line Styling* 'Accuwash' automatic temperature control*Double Duty Agitator* Very short wash cycle times (approx 25 mins)* 8 wash cycles* 2wash ans 2speed combos* 4 wash/rinse temp options* 3 water levels* Extra Rinse Option* Bleach and automatic Fabric conditioner dispenser* Spillguard top with wider lid opening* Self-clean lint filter* Quiet wash sound installation* Ripcord install. and self leveling feet* Guaranteed for domestic and light commercial use* 3.0 cubic feet, 18lb/8.2kg max capacity drum* 15psi min. water pressure* Max electrical load 3amps (with 13amp plug fitted)* Req. hot and cold fill* 650RPM high spin/ 435RPM low spin* 1/2hp motor size* Type A air gap* 2 rear self-levelling and 2 front adjustable manual levelling feet (all four with moulded rubber coverings)* White pre-treated steel cabinet with acrylic enamel paint finish* Speckled porcelain on steel drum* Polypropylene outer tub* Dimensions: H109.22cms (including the control panel) x W68.3 cm x D64.8 cm* 79kg packed weight* 70.7kg. net weight* 143kg weight when full of water

Whew! Thats a mouthload! Anyway, that's that. And, as you can see, these specs pretty much back up most of what I said. You will find all these stats on the Electric Shop. Com, where this model is sold for £460 inc. VAT and Del. Of course, I will remind all readers TO SHOP AROUND for prices. For instance, if you find a Whirlpool with the right specs on e-bay, it might be looking into for a couple hundred diff in price. 

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