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GE has added two new assembly lines to its plant in Appliance Park and for the first time will manufacture front-loading washing machines and their matching dryers in the U.S. The folks in Louisville, Kentucky are happy because the move creates 200 new jobs. The matching machines are GE's new RightHeight models, which are elevated on seven-inch risers to reduce the back-bending job of doing laundry.
The matching washer and dryer also have larger door openings. "Approximately 59 percent of consumers purchase a washer based on its opening and how easy it is to access," said Paul Riley, marketing manager for the GE Clothes Care team in the company's announcement. GE is touting other features that get clothes clean but because the duo is so new, Consumer Reports hasn't yet gotten the taller machines in for testing. They will retail for $1,400 each.
When we get the machines in our labs, we'll be interested to see how they stack up to other matching washers and dryers in our tests. Currently, no GE front loader has made our list of top washing machine picks but the GE Profile PFWS4600L made a respectable showing with very good washing performance and excellent energy efficiency. It vibrated more than many and was not as gentle on clothes as some. The matching dryer, the GE Profile PFDS450EL, was also middle of the pack although drying performance was excellent.
Four GE high-efficiency top-loaders made our list of recommended washers including the GE Adora GHWN8350DWS sold at Home Depot and the GE GTWS8650DWS. Washing performance for both was very good. We also recommend the GE Adora's matching dryer, the GE Adora GHDS830EDWS as well as the mate for the other washer, the GE GTDS850EDWS.
Our top-rated front-loader is the Samsung WF457ARGS[GR], which offers excellent wash performance and superb water- and energy efficiency. The matching dryer, the Samsung DV457EVGS[GR] is also a top pick. The Samsung WA422PRHD[WR] high-efficiency top-loader holds the top spot for that type. The matching electric dryer, Samsung DV422EWHD[WR], isn't a top pick, but did a superb job drying our laundry and is relatively quiet.
