Criterion washers offer budget-friendly laundry solutions with mixed customer reviews. While praised for affordability and decent performance, users report durability concerns and inconsistent customer service. Best for budget-conscious buyers seeking basic functionality.
Understanding the Criterion Washer Brand
When you walk into a Menards store looking for a new washing machine, you’ll probably notice the Criterion brand sitting right there among the other options. Maybe you’re wondering who makes these washers and whether they’re any good. Well, let me tell you what I’ve learned.
Criterion washers are made by Menard Inc., that giant home improvement company based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. They created the Criterion brand specifically to give people an affordable washing machine option without completely breaking the bank. The idea was simple: make a washer that works well enough for everyday families but costs way less than those fancy brands we all know.
These washers come in both top-load and front-load styles, so you’ve got choices depending on what fits your laundry room better. You can find them primarily at Menards stores, which makes sense since it’s their own brand. The company aimed to fill a gap in the market for folks who want something better than the cheapest option but can’t afford those premium washers that cost over a thousand dollars.
What Makes Criterion Washers Stand Out
Let’s talk about what you actually get when you buy one of these machines. Criterion washers do have some nice features that make doing laundry a bit easier. The stainless steel tubs are probably the best thing about them. Unlike those plastic tubs you find in super cheap washers, stainless steel actually holds up better over time and doesn’t hold onto weird smells or stains as much.
The machines come with automatic water level sensing, which sounds fancy but basically means the washer figures out how much water it needs based on your load size. This feature works most of the time, though some users have mentioned the sensors can get confused occasionally. When it works right, though, you’ll notice your water bill going down a bit.
Most Criterion models give you around eight different wash cycles to choose from. You’ve got your normal cycle for everyday clothes, a heavy-duty option for really dirty stuff, and gentler cycles for delicate fabrics. There’s also a delay start feature that lets you set the washer to start up to 24 hours later, which is handy if you want to take advantage of cheaper electricity rates at night.
The control panels are pretty straightforward. You don’t need a manual to figure out how to start a load of laundry. Everything’s labeled clearly, and there’s usually a display showing you how much time is left in the cycle. For people who just want to throw their clothes in and get clean laundry out without dealing with complicated settings, this simplicity is actually refreshing.
The Capacity Question
One thing Criterion washers do well is size. Their top-load models typically come with a 4.1 cubic foot capacity, which is pretty decent for a family. You can fit a good amount of clothes in there without having to do a million loads every week. The front-load versions are even bigger, ranging from 4.5 to 5.2 cubic feet. That means you can actually wash a king-size comforter or a bunch of towels all at once.
Having that extra space saves time and energy because you’re running fewer loads overall. For bigger families or people who just hate doing laundry constantly, this capacity makes a real difference. However, here’s something to keep in mind: some users have reported that stuffing the drum too full can lead to problems with cleaning performance and extra shaking during the spin cycle.
The Real Talk About Build Quality
Now we need to have an honest conversation about how these washers are actually built. Criterion does use some quality materials, especially that stainless steel drum I mentioned earlier. The machines look solid when you first see them, and they feel sturdy enough. But here’s where things get complicated based on what real customers have experienced.
Many people who bought Criterion washers report that the machines started showing problems after just a few months of regular use. We’re talking about things like excessive shaking, weird noises, and parts that feel cheaper than they should. Some folks mentioned that control knobs felt flimsy or that water control wasn’t as precise as they’d hoped.
The design itself is pretty basic. Don’t expect anything sleek or modern looking like you’d get with high-end brands. These washers look functional, which is fine if you don’t care about aesthetics. But if your laundry room is visible and you want something that looks nice, you might be disappointed.
Performance: The Good and the Not-So-Good
How well do these washers actually clean your clothes? The answer is: it depends. When everything’s working right, Criterion washers do a decent job with normal laundry. Your everyday clothes come out clean, and the different cycle options handle most situations pretty well.
The problem is consistency. Some users love their Criterion washers and say they’ve had great experiences with cleaning performance. Others report that their clothes didn’t come out as clean as expected, especially on tougher stains. The heavy-duty cycles seem to work better than the regular cycles for most people.
Water temperature control is another mixed bag. The machines are supposed to maintain consistent temperatures throughout the wash cycle, but some customers have noticed variations. This matters because water temperature affects how well detergent works and how clean your clothes get.
One thing multiple reviewers agree on: these washers can get noisy, especially during the spin cycle. If your laundry room is near bedrooms or living spaces, this could be annoying. The noise seems to get worse if the machine isn’t perfectly level or if you’ve overloaded it.
The Durability Dilemma
Here’s where things get really interesting, and not in a good way. If you search online for Criterion appliance reviews, you’ll find a lot of frustrated customers talking about durability issues. These aren’t just isolated complaints either. Many people report their washers breaking down within the first year or two of ownership.
Common problems include the washer stopping mid-cycle, error codes popping up frequently, drainage issues, and spinning malfunctions. The E4 error code comes up a lot in customer reviews, which usually means the machine detected an imbalance too many times. Sometimes this is user error from loading clothes unevenly, but other times it seems to be a sensor problem.
What’s particularly concerning is how many people mention their washers completely dying after just a couple of years. For comparison, a decent washing machine should last at least eight to ten years with proper care. When you’re replacing a washer every two or three years, even a cheap one ends up costing more in the long run.
The customer reviews on sites like PissedConsumer tell a pretty grim story. Criterion Appliances has an average rating of just 1.5 stars based on hundreds of reviews. That’s really low. People use words like “junk,” “cheaply made,” and “disaster” pretty frequently. Many reviewers straight-up tell other shoppers not to buy these appliances at all.
Customer Service: A Major Pain Point
Even good appliances can have problems sometimes. What matters is how the company handles those issues. Unfortunately, customer service is one of the biggest complaints about Criterion. Multiple customers report having terrible experiences trying to get help when their washers broke down.
The warranty process seems particularly frustrating. Even though Criterion offers a standard one-year warranty, actually getting warranty service can be a nightmare. People talk about being passed around between Menards and Criterion customer service, having trouble understanding service representatives, and dealing with repair companies that have terrible ratings themselves.
Finding parts for repairs is another major issue. Several customers mentioned they couldn’t find the parts needed to fix their machines, even when they were willing to pay for repairs themselves. Some were told the parts were on backorder with no clear timeline for when they’d be available. A few people even said technicians told them these are essentially “throwaway” appliances that aren’t meant to be repaired.
When customers reach out for help, they often describe the process as requiring excessive documentation, multiple phone calls, and weeks of waiting. Some people gave up entirely and just bought a different brand washer instead.
How Much Do Criterion Washers Actually Cost
Let’s talk money. Criterion washers typically range from about $400 for basic top-load models up to around $800 for the more feature-packed front-load versions. That puts them firmly in the budget to mid-range category. You can definitely find cheaper washers out there, but you can also spend way more on premium brands.
At first glance, these prices seem attractive. You’re getting a washer with decent capacity and some helpful features for less than you’d pay for similar models from brands like LG, Whirlpool, or Samsung. The question is whether that upfront savings is worth it if the machine doesn’t last very long.
Here’s how I’d break down the value question: If your Criterion washer lasts five years or more and doesn’t need major repairs, you probably got a good deal. But if it breaks down after two years and you end up buying a replacement or paying for expensive repairs, you didn’t really save money at all. Based on customer reviews, the second scenario seems to happen more often than the first.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact
On a positive note, many Criterion models are Energy Star certified. This means they meet certain standards for water and electricity usage. The load-sensing features help reduce water waste by only using what’s needed for each load size. Over time, this can lead to lower utility bills.
The company does seem to make some effort toward environmental responsibility in their manufacturing process. However, the durability issues we talked about earlier actually create environmental problems. When appliances break down quickly and end up in landfills instead of lasting for years, that’s not great for the planet no matter how energy-efficient they were while they worked.
Who Should Consider Buying a Criterion Washer
After looking at all this information, who are these washers actually right for? Criterion washers might make sense if you’re a renter who needs something temporary, a college student setting up their first apartment, or someone who needs a backup washer. They could also work if you’re on an extremely tight budget and need something right now, understanding that it might not last as long as more expensive options.
These washers are probably not the best choice if you’re a homeowner planning to stay in your house for years, if you have a large family doing tons of laundry, or if you want an appliance you won’t have to think about or replace anytime soon. They’re also not great if you need reliable customer service or easy access to repair parts.
Alternatives Worth Considering
Before you buy a Criterion washer, it’s worth looking at other options in a similar price range. Brands like Amana and Hotpoint often have entry-level models that cost just a bit more but tend to have better reliability ratings. You might also find older model GE or Whirlpool washers on sale that would give you better long-term value.
Sometimes spending an extra couple hundred dollars upfront gets you a machine from a brand with better customer service, easier access to parts, and a stronger reputation for durability. It’s worth checking what’s available at other stores beyond just Menards.
Tips If You Do Buy One
If you decide to go ahead with a Criterion washer despite the concerns, here are some things that might help you get the best experience possible. First, make sure the washer is perfectly level when it’s installed. Use a level tool to check, and adjust the feet until everything’s balanced. This helps prevent excessive shaking and noise.
Don’t overload the drum. Even though these washers have good capacity, stuffing them too full can cause cleaning problems and put extra stress on the machine. Leave some room for clothes to move around during the wash cycle.
Clean the drain filter regularly, maybe once a month. This prevents clogs that can lead to drainage issues and error codes. Also, leave the lid or door open after each wash to let the drum dry out and prevent mildew smells.
Most importantly, consider buying an extended warranty if one’s available. Given the reliability concerns, having extra coverage could save you money if something goes wrong after that first year. Just make sure you read the warranty terms carefully and understand what’s actually covered.
The Bottom Line on Criterion Washers
So what’s the final verdict? Criterion washers are a mixed bag. They offer affordability and some decent features that work fine for basic laundry needs. The price point is attractive, especially for budget-conscious shoppers. When these machines work properly, they get the job done well enough for everyday use.
However, the durability concerns and customer service issues are hard to ignore. Too many real customers have had bad experiences with these washers breaking down quickly and being difficult to repair. The extremely low ratings on consumer review sites tell a pretty clear story about widespread dissatisfaction.
If you’re looking for a washing machine that you can depend on for years without headaches, you might want to save up a bit more and invest in a brand with a stronger track record. The initial savings of buying a Criterion washer could end up costing you more in frustration, repair bills, and early replacement.
That said, for very specific situations like temporary housing, extremely tight budgets, or when you just need something basic to get by for a while, a Criterion washer could serve its purpose. Just go in with realistic expectations about how long it might last and what kind of support you can expect if problems arise.
The appliance market offers lots of choices, and what works for one person might not work for another. Consider your specific needs, budget, and how long you need the washer to last before making your final decision. Read recent reviews, compare prices on other brands, and think about the total cost of ownership rather than just the sticker price.
In the end, a washing machine is something you use constantly, sometimes multiple times a day. It’s worth putting thought into the purchase and making sure you’re comfortable with your choice. Whether that ends up being a Criterion washer or something else entirely depends on your individual situation and priorities.
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