Great Thing in a Small Package. Review on Kenstar Tumble Top LF 2008 E ( e -Wash)

We had purchased a Kenstar Tumble Top just after it was introduced in India in the year 2000. Given the compactness it offered for our Mumbai apartment, it was a revolutionary concept at that time. Though it was new in the market, but we went with our gut feelings- and voila! For 5 complete years we had a regular supply of fresh, clean and odorfree laundry without calling the technicians even once. The design is a unique one with the same tumble top spinning effect as conventional front loading machines, but without the backbreaking efforts of loading from the front. The drum opens at the top and loading clothes is really a child's play. The ultimate compactness of size, top-loading and the relative economy of price really makes this model a winner by a long distance. Last year, along with thousands of Mumbaikars, we also faced the brunt of the great deluge and it was this unfortunate incident that finally made the machine to go awry. Though immersed in grimy water for almost 12 hours, the machine started functioning after some change of parts. The after sale service was finally tested and pleasantly, it was quite swift and spare parts were quickly despatched.

After waiting a couple of months with the effected machine, we finally decided to swap for the ''same'' model- such was our feeling for this loyal friend! We were informed that Kenstar has come out with this new e-wash model, which was actually the same one that we were using with a nice electronic console- so no knobs or push buttons. Instead there is nice array of touch switches with a good LCD display giving almost all required information like Temperature, Time, Rinse speed, Capacity of load etc. There is even a child lock which makes it a really safe appliance at home.

The temperature control is very effective and is quite intelligently programmed to suit different wash cycles. The new model boasts of a 'Speedy' and 'Economic' cycle specially required in areas facing electricity and water shortage. Though there is only one additive dispenser, but one good way of adding blue to white clothes is to put the machine on Rinse-Hold for about 15 min and then go for rinse and drying.

The maximum spin speed of 1100 rpm may cause the machine to vibrate during drying but then that is a very small price when you urgently require your favourite shirt to be ready for wearing or during those long, wet monsoon days. Moreover, unlike most machines, this model is hinged on two shock absorbers, one at the front and the other at the back, giving it good stability. The castors provided makes it really easy for our maid to move the machine and clean the floor.

With all these features plus a difference of about 4000/- from all the comparable models, I think Kenstar has given a winner to the market.