Rated 
Great While It Lasted...
Started Sep 18, 2006
Strengths: Large capacity, easy to operate controls
Weaknesses: Larger than most conventionals, expensive to repair, worrisome first-time reliability
We saw the Cabrio washer/dryer demo pair at Sears and were so impressed we placed an order immediately. Due to it being new and not in stock in the warehouse, we had to wait 2-1/2 weeks for delivery. That should have been our first signal to cut our losses and run, because I never buy the first year model of ANYTHING--there's just too much chance for problem.
We received our Cabrios, and were in heaven--for all of 6 days. We enjoyed almost a week of high capacity washing and drying. The washer did a great job of cleaning, and the dryer was a joy to unload--the slanted angle of the opening put clothes at your fingertips. The electronic controls were simple to use--for most loads, it was push the power button, turn the knob to colors, and hit start.
But, 6 days later, in the middle of a load, the machine suddenly stopped and the computer froze up. The display just sat there blinking all of the LEDs on and off, and no button press did anything. I unplugged the unit and replugged it in to reset it, and received no response at all--the machine was dead. No LEDs, no keys worked, no beeps, nothing. What's worse, because of the Cabrio's lid lock system, I couldn't even lift the lid to get my half-washed clothes out.
So we call the Sears repair center, and the next day a repairman arrives at our house. This machine is so new, there's not even a repair history on it to help him troubleshoot. After half an hour on the phone with tech support, he checks the computer module and tells me what I suspected all along--the computer is dead and needs replacement. However, I almost had to be pulled off the floor when he told me that the parts alone (computer and keypad assembly) were over $500. At that point, I had to decide to go without a washer for 2 weeks while the part was being ordered, or return the washer for a replacement. I obviously went for the latter.
Several things the mechanic said bear noting here. First of all, he is obviously a Whirlpool/Kenmore conventional washer/dryer fan (Series 70, 80, etc.). But that means a lot when it comes from a repairman, who has to work on these appliances every day. He said the Kenmores hardly ever need repair, because they're so reliable, and when they do, they are not usually very expensive. Plus, he has parts for the Kenmores right on the truck. He makes a lot of sense, so much that I actually returned both the Cabrios for a Kenmore washer/dryer pair instead.
Several things about the Cabrios concern me. First of all, they were larger than the conventional pair they replaced, not much, but enough for us to have to specifically sit them off-center in the closet to be able to open the dryer door and closet door at the same time.
Secondly, I would avoid any machine that is new like the plague. But what I didn't know is that Whirlpool already appears to have a class-action lawsuit in place against the earlier version of the Cabrios--the Calypso.
Thirdly, I would never buy new "non-conventional" washer/dryer anymore. With a conventional pair, even I could do much of the repair work. I'm not much of a handyman, but with our old Hotpoints, I changed the belts, the thermostats, and the agitatior coupling. These newer units are almost like foreign cars--you have to get a specialized repairman to perform the simplest of repairs.
Lastly, I would never buy an appliance that has parts that cost more to replace than the appliance originially cost. On both the Cabrio washer and dryer, if the computer gets fried, it costs over $500 just for parts. On our old Hotpoints, there wasn't a part in it that was over $100. And the computer could get fried for something as simple as a lightning strike or power surge. You expect VCRs and small microwave ovens to be "throw away" appliances, where the repair costs more than just buying a new one. But you certainly don't expect a $700 washer to be a "throw away" appliance.
Perhaps I just got a bad unit. Perhaps these units would have lasted 20 years had I gotten a good one. But with the excellent track record of conventional washers/dryers, and the great repairability of them, I'm just not willing to take the chance again.
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