Applinace Magazine

Thor Launches Largest Capacity Washer/Dryer Available in North America

February 14, 2002 - Thor Appliance Company, a Los Angeles, CA-based manufacturer and retailer of specialty appliances, unveiled on Wednesday its new front-loading SoftLine(R) laundry system, reportedly the largest capacity washer/dryer combination available in North America.

Available immediately online at the company's web site, www.thorappliances.com, the new SoftLine washes and dries 14.5 lb. of laundry, nearly 20-percent more than any other combination washer/dryer available in the U.S. or Canada, the company claims

"We found that consumers like the compact dimensions offered by washer/dryers, but are not willing to sacrifice capacity," said Matt Lee, vice president of Product Development. "The SoftLine offers the best of both worlds by combining compact dimensions, with the capacity to handle bulky items usually off-limits to washer/dryers."

The company says SoftLine offers a variety of space-saving advantages over laundry machines with similar capacities. As an all-in-one machine measuring 23-in wide by 33-in tall and requiring no dryer vent, Thor said it can fit where traditional laundry appliances cannot. The new washer/dryers can be installed, under-counter in a kitchen, free-standing in an extra closet or in a traditional laundry room. The company also claims the machine is practically silent during operation, allowing for installation in bedrooms or other living spaces.

Using a front-loading design, the new machines eliminates the agitator found in traditional laundry machines. The company says this allows for complete cleaning without stretching or abrading fabrics. Sensors inside the machine determine the correct water level, water temperature and load saturation, and use this data to ensure fabrics receive the right care on all cycles.

The SoftLine machines reportedly consume almost 70-percent less water and 65-percent less electricity than standard washing machines. According to the company, this means an annual savings of 600 kilowatt hours of electricity for the average U.S. home and enough water to fill a typical backyard pool -- nearly 14,000 gal.