Laundry is a chore—in name and in deed—and in a market flooded with high-tech appliances featuring the latest gadgets, I recently made a choice that might seem unconventional: I opted for a mostly mechanical washer and dryer with minimal electronics. These machines lack Wi-Fi connectivity and touchscreen controls. Instead, they rely on more straightforward mechanical components.
As Machine Design’s technical editor who writes a lot about automation, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and the benefits of connectivity, this choice might raise some eyebrows. I find my choice to be sensible and empowering, though, as the return to simplicity in the laundry room holds value for me.
Making a Case for Simple
As colleagues do, Rehana Begg, Machine Design’s editor-in-chief, and I were finishing up a meeting when I told her how giddy I was about our new purchase. She asked why I selected a model that was twice the price of other options, and my rationale—much like the machines—was simple: When the five-year warranty is up, I want to be able to fix them myself, and the units I chose have only a few moving parts and are accessible through the front of the machine. This perspective comes from my belief that mechanical appliances, which forego all the bells and whistles that require electronic components, offer great long-term reliability and ease of maintenance. Her response was that I should write an editorial about it and hear what our engineering audience has to say.
Our existing front-loading washing machine, which at the time of this writing has one more day in our home, is mechanically sound and has the bells and whistles that top-of-the-line models from nearly 20 years ago would have. (The set was already in place when we moved to our home nearly five years ago.) That said, it’s a legacy model that suffers from a poor design, as access to the filter is only available through the back—really a horrid design for maintenance.
Because of this, the filter is not cleaned as regularly as it should be (those front-loaders are heavy and difficult to move) so the unit tends to have drainage issues. If more than a day passes without the unit being used, we have to run an empty cycle just to remove the standing water, which quickly becomes “funky” and develops a mildewy smell that lingers on our clothes, particularly those made of synthetic fibers. Of course I use washing tablets and/or bleach to aid in killing the bacteria, but the funk returns quickly.
To add to the frustration, the gasket around the door that keeps water in the machine and off the laundry room floor consistently gets moldy, no matter how diligently we try to keep it dry. From the hundreds of reviews I read during my research, mold is the No. 1 issue with front-loading machines.
The Value of DIY
My affinity for fix-it-yourself videos on YouTube has taught me a lot about troubleshooting and repairs. I have successfully tackled several appliances over the years, including changing out a heating component on our gas oven, replacing a worn-out dryer belt (had to enlist the hub’s help for that one) and swapping out old washing machine parts—twice, one was a simple drain hose and the other a motor coupler. There is a rewarding feeling that comes with diagnosing and repairing an appliance on your own, and I value that sense of accomplishment.
When things break, I prefer to try to handle the problem myself—the independence not only saves money but offers a sense of control—and if I am unable to figure it out or fix it on my own, then I will call a technician. I have attempted to diagnose and fix electronics, as well. I was successful with an older model TV but had to enlist professionals for the newer TV, laptop, cellphone and tablet. Could my success with the mechanical fixes be swaying this decision? Probably.
I researched all the different types and brands of washers before making this decision, and while it’s true that my choice came with a higher initial price tag, I view the machines selected as a worthwhile investment in peace of mind. Other options might promise advanced features, but I chose a set built for longevity and durability.
Did I Make the Right Decision?
As a reader of Machine Design—where we cover the advanced design, manufacturing and industrial automation for OEMs and system integrators, covering the fundamentals of mechanical design and updates on emerging technologies—what feedback can you offer about this decision? Is simple better, or should I have opted for the fancy features? And if we broaden the conversation to machine design in general, how do you balance innovation with simplicity in your own work or experiences?
I really am curious. Please take the survey below and let us know! After I have utilized my new appliances for enough time to know if I made the right choice, I will report back to you with my findings.
