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One thing to understand about buying large appliances for off-grid use is that some models may not be suitable for reasons that aren't apparent until you try them out. Modern appliances are in a constant state of evolution and the design focus is usually more on marketing than on solid construction and longevity. More and more items that go under a well-known brand name are actually generic imports that are sold under several common brands with only cosmetic alteration.
If you are using a sinewave inverter of sufficient capacity and your backup generator is a quality unit with a clean waveform, you can probably power most any washer you choose. But there is no guarantee of that. A safe choice is to buy a machine that has been proven in off-grid use, or to buy from a local store that has a "no questions" return policy. You might also search the internet to read the experiences of others who have used a particular model on off-grid power. In any case, choose appliances that are energy efficient, since the only electricity you have is what your system makes. Both of the washers shown on this page will work with both sinewave and modified sinewave inverters.
Also consider that if you pump water from a well, it takes electricity to pump that water. In most cases, the energy required to pump a gallon of water is proportional to the depth of the water and the pressure settings of your water delivery system. The point I'm making is that the more water you use, the more electricity you will use too. So appliances that save water also save energy. If your water source is limited, that is another good reason to buy appliances that use less water. Drum-type washers usually consume signficantly less water per pound of laundry.
Frigidaire Gallery washer is a possible alternative for your off-grid needs, although I do not offer it for sale at this time. I use one myself and have a friend that uses one too. It has low water and energy consumption and can be purchased in a local appliance store, such as Sears. Like the Staber, it has mechanical switches and cycle-timer instead of microprocessor based switching. It does use a circuit board for motor control, but that is part of the energy-saving nature of the motor. It does work fine on a modified-sinewave inverter, but I have experienced "stalling" (failure to move between cycles when batteries are at high voltage- full charge). This is easy to remedy by using more power such as starting a dryer. The down side of this machine is that it is made with chinese main bearings and seals. They will fail. Mine lasted about 5 years, and that's about the same for my friend's washer too. If you are mechanically inclined, it cost me about $50 dollars for new German or Japanese (good quality) bearings and seals, and it is about a 4-hour job for replacement. Make no mistake, it is an involved job, but possible with only common mechanics tools. Retail price is between $500 and $700. Aside from that, it does a good job, has a large capacity (you can stuff it full and it still cleans), and it is energy and water efficient. A matching dryer is available which would also make a good match for a staber washer. Gallery washers and dryers can be stacked.
Back to APPLIANCES page
One thing to understand about buying large appliances for off-grid use is that some models may not be suitable for reasons that aren't apparent until you try them out. Modern appliances are in a constant state of evolution and the design focus is usually more on marketing than on solid construction and longevity. More and more items that go under a well-known brand name are actually generic imports that are sold under several common brands with only cosmetic alteration.
If you are using a sinewave inverter of sufficient capacity and your backup generator is a quality unit with a clean waveform, you can probably power most any washer you choose. But there is no guarantee of that. A safe choice is to buy a machine that has been proven in off-grid use, or to buy from a local store that has a "no questions" return policy. You might also search the internet to read the experiences of others who have used a particular model on off-grid power. In any case, choose appliances that are energy efficient, since the only electricity you have is what your system makes. Both of the washers shown on this page will work with both sinewave and modified sinewave inverters.
Also consider that if you pump water from a well, it takes electricity to pump that water. In most cases, the energy required to pump a gallon of water is proportional to the depth of the water and the pressure settings of your water delivery system. The point I'm making is that the more water you use, the more electricity you will use too. So appliances that save water also save energy. If your water source is limited, that is another good reason to buy appliances that use less water. Drum-type washers usually consume signficantly less water per pound of laundry.
Staber Washer Model HXW2304 (White Cabinet) The most efficient washer available based on energy, water, and detergent usage.This is our base model with a white cabinet, control panel decal and knobs. It has a powder coat painted steel base, and stainless steel inner and outer tubs. Made in Groveport, Ohio, this is our most popular washer model. It is a commercial quality washer for both commercial and residential markets. There have been numerous design changes and improvements based on customer feedback since our Staber washer was first introduced over 13 years ago. It costs about $0.75 less per load to use compared to traditional top load agitator washers. This can save the average family of three doing eight loads per week around $300 each year by using less water, energy, and detergent. What Makes Staber Different Compared to Traditional Washers? Although it looks like a standard washer from the outside, Staber operates differently on the inside. Using a patented geometric cleaning action, Staber's six-sided inner tub rotates inside a stationary half of an eight-sided outer tub. As the shape between the inner and outer tub changes while the inner tub rotates, a passive pumping action is created between the two tubs which gently pumps water through the holes of the inner tub and through your laundry. The inner tub can usually hold more laundry than a traditional agitator washer (up to twice as much) because we do not have an agitator and you can utilize the entire tub volume. Up to a king size down comforter can be washed (depending on the thickness of the material).
Benefits for Consumers Using Solar Power
Staber
gives alternative energy users the most efficient washer available for
handling their laundry needs. The Staber washer runs very efficiently,
operating on only 110–150 watt-hours of electricity per wash load. It
uses about 5-6 amps during the wash cycle, and surges to about 11 amps
when the motor starts. We recommend a minimum of a 1,500 watt inverter
to be used with our Staber washer, with adequately charged batteries
and an output of between 115-120VAC and 60Hz. to operate correctly.
Unlike other washing machine manufacturers, the warranty is not voided
when used on a solar power source. This, while using an average of only
15 gallons of water per load make the Staber the most energy efficient
washer available and the best choice for consumers living "off-grid."
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Frigidaire Gallery washer is a possible alternative for your off-grid needs, although I do not offer it for sale at this time. I use one myself and have a friend that uses one too. It has low water and energy consumption and can be purchased in a local appliance store, such as Sears. Like the Staber, it has mechanical switches and cycle-timer instead of microprocessor based switching. It does use a circuit board for motor control, but that is part of the energy-saving nature of the motor. It does work fine on a modified-sinewave inverter, but I have experienced "stalling" (failure to move between cycles when batteries are at high voltage- full charge). This is easy to remedy by using more power such as starting a dryer. The down side of this machine is that it is made with chinese main bearings and seals. They will fail. Mine lasted about 5 years, and that's about the same for my friend's washer too. If you are mechanically inclined, it cost me about $50 dollars for new German or Japanese (good quality) bearings and seals, and it is about a 4-hour job for replacement. Make no mistake, it is an involved job, but possible with only common mechanics tools. Retail price is between $500 and $700. Aside from that, it does a good job, has a large capacity (you can stuff it full and it still cleans), and it is energy and water efficient. A matching dryer is available which would also make a good match for a staber washer. Gallery washers and dryers can be stacked.
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Washer Features
Wash/Rinse Cycles
Installation Options
DimensionsWidth: 26 3/4" Height: 36" Depth: 29-1/4" Approx. Shipping Weight (Lbs.): 218 |
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