The budget-friendly Amana NFW7200TW front-loading washer is one of the least costly ways to get in on the front-loading washing machine craze. Although this model doesn't offer everything the more expensive models do, it packs a lot of value into a great-looking and well-performing machine.

The biggest benefit of this Amana washer is its energy efficiency. It easily qualifies for the federal energy rating and offers variable water levels, but unlike the automated levels of more expensive machines, these levels are chosen manually by the user. When it comes to temperature selection, this model offers automated control based on the cycle selected. It has five temperature combinations, which is quite typical of what is found on newer machines. The capacity of this Amana is a generous 3.5 cubic feet -- as large as many models costing far more.

Unfortunately, this model lacks is some very specific upgrades that may or may not be a factor for you, depending on your washing needs and budget. There is no Pre-Soak feature, which would be useful for dirt-packed clothes. It also lacks an onboard heater that would help prevent using water from your hot water tank. For this reason, this model doesn't control water temperature as well as some of the other choices. While many front-loaders boast incredibly high spin speeds that remove tons of water from clothes to shorten drying times, this model spins at a more moderate speed.

Manufactured for Amana by Samsung, the NFW7200TW offers the SofSound III package, a system that eliminates much of the noise and some of the movement that caused concern on previous versions of this model. We would be comfortable recommending it for upstairs use, but would note that it does not offer Vibration Reduction Technology (VRT), which is a more expensive, more sophisticated and more effective method of reducing vibration. This feature can be found on higher-priced Samsung units and will do a better job of eliminating the shaking common to front-loaders used upstairs.

However, for the price, we like the convenience features that Amana has included on this machine. A delay timer, an extra rinse, a quick wash and a rinse/spin setting are all conveniences we've come to expect on newer models. We also applaud the choice of a stainless steel tub.

Generally speaking, this washer offers most of the convenience settings and cycles of the higher priced selections. Where Amana's NFW7200TW differs from the pricier pack is in terms of expensive precision components and high priced technological features. You just don't get all of the latest and greatest engineering at this price.


Pros: Great price, excellent value for a front-loader, has many convenience features
Cons: Lacks some of the internal components that drive up the cost of front-loaders

Warranty
1 year