Prices include delivery to shipper, packing, shipping, marine insurance for Israel replacement--$100 deductible, installation of major appliances, 1-3 year service parts and labor (where charged) , commissions, and value added tax. Service Contracts are optional except where they are included from the export wholesaler. One time fees per total shipment: clearing, delivery, port fees, foreign and local documents, devanning, communications. ~$315-$550 + vat. Taxes without rights are 44% with certificate of origin, 60% without.

WASHING MACHINES

Unless you want a high end European machine, such as Miele, or an American machine, but in Israel without rights. American washing machines are top loading, hold 18-22 lbs. of laundry, do not heat their own water, and have cycles that last between 12-20 minutes. Israeli and European machines are front-loading, hold 9-13 lbs., heat their own water, and have cycles that last anywhere from 50 minutes to two hours. The American machines clean by means of a powerful agitator that rocks back and forth on a vertical axis with many water changes; the European machines roll in one direction from top to bottom. You cannot add clothes to front-loading machines while the cycle is running.

Maytag makes a fancier, front-loading machine and matching dryer, called Neptune. Since the clothes are in constant friction, they are supposed to come out much cleaner. Consumer Reports found no significant difference. They cost 60% more than the standard models, and do not heat their own water. None of our customers have fallen in love with them, as they usually do with the standard models.

European machines use more water and more electricity-- American machines depend upon your having hot water available. The quality of the detergents and the softness of the water in America make cold -water washing feasible; in Israel it is best to wash in warm water. Many Israelis believe that you cannot clean your clothes without ‘boiling’ them as the European and Israeli machines do. There are magnetic devices available in Israel that give an electrical charge to the sediments in the water and prevent them from precipitating in the machine.

Both American and European machines can have matching dryers mounted above them. (See Dryers below.) Maytag is highly rated by Consumer Reports for sturdiness and efficiency. It has a reputation for long life and is the most commonly imported American appliance. All models have adjustments for temperature, size of load, and permanent press. The freestanding –not stacked—export models have a 22-lb.capacity, though the manufacturer recommends putting in 15 to maximize cleaning efficiency. The cheapest of the standard range has a plastic tub, worth avoiding. One model has a choice of spin speeds. The freestanding models all have the same external dimensions, and they are constructed of panels which can be taken apart to ease them through narrow entries. Maytag also has a stacked apartment size washer and electric dryer. Beware: there are now some in-expensive water-heating Maytags made in Italy and Maytag Performa series sold in Israel. Best to avoid both.

General Electric is less expensive than Maytag and less durable. GE offers 14-18 lb. capacities with temperature, size, and cycle selectors. One model has two spin speeds and a compartment for tennis shoes or delicate items. They do not come apart easily for passage through narrow doorways. GE also produces European style compact units, which are inexpensive and of reasonable quality. Whirlpool has often been the top-rated of US washers. In Israel, however, the unavailability of quality service and it’s inability to be taken apart makes Maytag the first choice.

European Washing Machines European washers are similar to Israeli units but more sophisticated and sturdy. They are expensive in the USA. Unless you are buying Miele, the prices in Israel including taxes are very competitive with shipping them tax-free from America. Bosch, LG, Dedietrich and Miele have the best reputation for design, features, and quality of construction.

Most of the European machines have an 11-13 lb. capacity, a stainless steel drum, and a variety of fabric programs. A stacking kit for a dryer is available.

US washing machines	European/Israeli washing machines
25 minutes to complete a cycle	45-120 minutes
Use far more water	Use far more electricity
Clean by agitator	Clean by friction and heat
22 lbs capacity	Up to 13 lbs
Lasts 25 years	Except for Miele, lasts 10 years
Clothes last much longer	Whiter whites
1 year service contract included	1-2 years included
Can be dis- and re-assembled to fit through the narrowest doorways.	Can fit more easily in a small apt.

DRYERS

American clothes dryers come in gas and electric models. All are front-loading. Gas dryers are slightly more expensive to buy than similarly sized electric dryers. But unless you have a very strong electrical system, it will not be practical to use an American electric dryer as they require too much electricity (See Electric vs. Gas Dryers, below). The American models are similar in size to American washers (18-22 lbs. capacity), and the European dryers are 7-13 lbs. American dryers work more quickly because of their size, and clothes are much less likely to wrinkle because of the larger internal space.

Combining Washers and Dryers Both American and European dryers can be mounted above washing machines, and combined units are available in both categories. Since 1993, Maytag has offered a highly recommended, made-for-export unit of a stacked full-size washer and a slightly smaller electric dryer with completely separate motors. This stacked unit is 20% smaller than the extra large Maytag machines and its specifications are for 26 amps. Actual usage is much less. The machines can be separated if one breaks down.

Some European manufacturers produce a washer and dryer combined into one machine, using the same drum to wash and dry. You cannot dry more than half of the load that you wash.

Mounting racks can be built for the big Maytag gas or electric dryers above a washer, leaving clearance for access to the top-loading washer and transferring the dryer’s control panel to be within reach. The rack and the labor go for about $355. When mounted, the dryer is quite high up, requiring a stool for access. The European machines usually stack without the need for a stacking kit.

ELECTRIC VS GAS DRYERS

Gas and electricity in Israel are now similarly priced per heating unit. A gas dryer is the first choice for most olim, because the electric dryers require 25 amps. Maytag now comes with this electric ignition included.

Full-size American electric dryers are less expensive to purchase than gas models, though they use up to 5,000 watts/25 amperes. In households where there is insufficient power, one of the two heating coils can be disconnected. Both gas and electric models require venting, unless you plan to leave your dryer on a partially covered balcony (not recommended!). Venting material is not included in service/installation contracts. For a Maytag the maximum recommended distance from the dryer to the venting exit is 5 meters, with each right angle counting as 1.5 meters.

Maytag and Whirlpool make the only “factory original export model” gas dryers. As with washers, the Whirlpool is excellent but less well supported in Israel. The latest Maytag available for export is the mdg16 commercial, and the Neptune Maytag –both of which have pilotless ignition. Maytag also makes an electric dryer. General Electric makes gas dryers that can be converted for use in Israel. They are of comparable quality to the Maytag and not much cheaper when you add the cost of conversion. GE also makes full-size electric dryers, which are a high-quality bargain if you have the electrical system to operate them.

European-size dryers have timed cycles lasting up to 120 minutes. Since Israel does not manufacture clothes dryers, you must pay full taxes or import from your last country of origin. There are small, low quality European machines available in Israel starting at $300 including taxes—best to avoid. These offer no competition to the American machines.

Dryer tip: There is a good reason why many dryers have an alarm at the end of the cycle. If you take your clothes out immediately, give them a shake, then hang or fold them, many will require no ironing.

Kef can (nearly) always match/beat your best price.
All information subject to change without notice