Panasonic Advanced Econavi NA-140VG4WAU / NA-148VG4WAU
Verified18 reviews
Reliable machine with large capacity – This is a bit of a long term (after 4 years) review of the Panasonic 10kg front loader washing machine. Background Like most, I have had a number of washing machines, both top loader and front loader) over the years, the second last and this (current) one are the most memorable. My last machine is a LG 8.5kg [1] which had served me well for… Read more
several years. It has large capacity (8.5kg), very simple interface. I loved the fact that it didn't use a lot of water, not that I was so environment conscious but being able to pause cycle and open the door at early stages if I want to add one more item to the load.
However, we moved house a 4 years back and it came with a laundry with a nice cabinet. What we didn't realise is that the washing machine space is a little shorter than the standard height (and probably depth too). Instead of remodelling the laundry, I chose to shop for another washing machine instead.
Requirements 1. Decent size washing machine that could take a photo background 10'x20' size hence wasn't content with such as 7kg machines. 2. Machine with removal top plate without compromising structural integrity given machine can take a lot of stress spinning at load. 3. Fits into the laundry cabinet cavity that used to take a LG 7kg machine.
Options available Based on my requirements, there were only a handful of machines that fitted the bill, such as 7kg LG, Miele 7kg and this Panasonic 10kg NA-140VG4. Miele turned me away since they demand their machine to be placed on concrete floor and cabinet is unacceptable. LG 7kg is too small and I finally landed on this Panasonic 10kg machine. It is not as heavy as the Miele at 74kg (vs 85kg of the 7kg Miele).
Good 1. This Panasonic NA-140VG4 10kg has such large capacity I am able to wash 2x 10'x20' (thin) background at the same time or a good weight 10'x20' muslin background. 2. Filling the machine is a good idea to ensure load is balanced. It does detect uneven load and stops the machine with U13 error code if adjustments are required. 3. There is memory function which we mostly use. Therefore, "On" and "Start" are all we press most times. 4. On demand, can just run specific function such as spin cycle. 5. Like the LG, it doesn't need a lot of water allowing door to be opened and more item/s to be added if required. 6. It doesn't need hot water but heats up water by itself. This is good and results in cleaner results. 7. It has removal top plate and you can purchase a separate plate which requires 14 screws to attach and the end result is very sturdy, much better than all other machines I looked at with removal top plate. 8. Panasonic is not known for water knocking. LG on the other hand is well known for that and I had double water hammer arrestors in place to reduce that effect. This Panasonic has no such issue at all. 9. Hinge and door closing mechanism feel sturdy.
Bad 1. Top metal plate is not built-in but had to be purchased separately directly from Panasonic, which had to be shipped from Japan, taking a couple of weeks. But I couldn't be more happy with the result. Finish on the metallic grey painted dial knob is not as premium as that on the chrome plated rubberised LG dial. 2. The clear cover on the window is plastic and prone to scratching. Given my tight fit, I have a couple of light scratches on it due to the laundry cabinet door. Inside is glass of course and no scratches. 3. The drain pipe door is at the bottom. A shallow pen is required for draining. If required, the door can be removed for easier access.
Perhaps we have been lucky, this Panasonic NA-140VG4 10Kg washing machine has served us well so far and never missed a beat. I have run washing machine cleaner a couple of times and I do check the drain and clean the rubber seals from time to time.
Conclusion I am happy with this machine. Given it sits inside a cabinet with stone top with tight fit. It is steady as a rock and doesn't walk around at all as my old LG had done a few times.
[1] LG 8.5kg front loader review https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/lg-wd14030d6
It was good but then – Worked great until the bearing failed then it wouldn't spin, error code U13. Due to the bearing failing the machine rotates as if the load is out of balance and it stops spinning after several attempts it stops and shows error code U13. I have contacted Panasonic about the early failure of the bearing and are hoping they will put it right.. .
Less than average – Cleans clothes well and large capacity is great.. Reasonably quiet. Intermittent leaks, usually from the powder tray but sometimes from the door. Leaks so much it has stained the floor where is sits. Smells bad even with lint filter cleaned and vinegar wash. Had a good run with other Panasonic items but won't be buying their washing machines again. Show details
Worst Machine Ever – This is the worst washer I have ever owned. Over priced piece of rubbish. 3.5 years old and I need to buy a new machine. It's noisy, clothes don't feel clean, constantly things are blocking the drain (definitely a design fault, that anything can makes way into the drain). Don't waste your money on these machines. Show details
Eats my bras and takes forever to do a load – I bought this machine with great excitement because of it's large capacity and Panasonic's good name. I've been disappointed so much since then. It has destroyed two of my bras completely ($60 each!) even when they were in the prescribed delicates bags (which also get chewed up). It also takes ages to do a load due to it spending sometimes an… Read more
hour trying to balance it. I have rung Appliances online and complained twice and they said they would contact Panasonic who haven't even bothered to call me. I wish I never bought this machine, my last machine (Electrolux) lasted for over 10 years without a problem.
Hi Alison, sorry to hear about the problems you have… Read more
Wouldn’t buy again. This machine drives me crazy – We have had this machine for nearly 2 years now. I hate it. I definitely would not buy one again. Being a Panasonic I purchased it over other brands thinking it would be amazing. It is the most expensive machine I have purchased. I loved the idea of it’s big capacity and the auto load sensing, and generally it’s quiet spin speed. It’s let… Read more
down by its filling and draining to balance. Sadly my laundry is off my living room, behind a door. I have to continually listen to it trying to balance.
I absolutely hate its finicky balancing mechanism. I’ve read the book, used a spirit level and called customer care, who were completely unhelpful. Just spin and be a bit noisier! I’m over it! The finicky spin cycle is getting worse. It just won’t balance and spin more often than not now. If it can’t achieve the set spin speed, it just stops. It doesn’t select a smaller speed and carry on. The time left in the cycle means nothing. 19 mins could actually last for 45 min.
It won’t spin small loads of just one or two towels, at all sometimes! This machine can’t handle a thick bath mat mixed with towels. It can’t handle one towel and one small pillow. It just can’t balance. It continually adds water and drains water to try and balance. It has no soft fill solenoid like my dishwasher. The constant harsh turning on and off of water and draining water to balance drives me nuts.
For some reason the clothes come out really stiff. I seem to need a lot of fabric softener for the first time ever.
I probably won’t be able to tolerate this machine until it is end of life. I will probably buy a Bosch next time.
Update. We have just about reached the two year mark. I regret not sending this piece of garbage back to Appliances Online early on. It isn’t fit for purpose. It has been a complete waste of money.
Not very good – The panasonic washing machine from what my partner says is the worst machine she has ever used i level it with a spirit level but continous to fail to finish loads due to being an uneven load she can try washing towels 5-6 times per load even with only 3 towels not going to purchase one next time Show details
Use this machine twice a day, every day and it's fantastic – I find this machine to be excellent. It has a fast 50 minute cycle which is great and cleans most everything. If clothes have stains you can let it fill up and mix the detergent, then hit pause and just let the stained clothes soak for a while. The spin speed is pretty good at 1400, but I tend to use 1200 for most things. I love the way you can… Read more
tweak your wash program easily, changing spin speed, water temp, extra rinse, eco mode and so on. Very simple and intuitive to use. I've had this machine for several years now and hasn't given me any problems whatsoever. i love and recommend this machine highly.
Nothing worse that I've bought in my lifetime – It did break down a few times by now. Twice the door rubber seal started to leak, requiring replacement, also flooded the whole laundry, it has no idea how much water got inside itself. Got bra stuck in the drainage system as well. All those repairs Panasonic doesn't want to cover cost for. Had BOSCH before this one and I'm going to buy BOSCH… Read more
again, Panasonic washing machine is complete rubbish and waste of money, one would expect better from such a brand name, but not - service support is even worse than the quality of this product. Honestly - stay away!!!
Fantastic,I use it every day and can't fault it – I love how it leaves the clothes nearly dry. Cuts out lots of time in the dryer. Cleans really well, no need to redo anything and I can wash my king bedspread in it instead of doing it in the bath tub with my feet! I am a real clean freak so it suits me really well. Show details
Great until bearing went – Lasted 6 years until recently. Had no problems until the front bearing went. It slowly got louder and louder and now water is coming out through the front bearing and down the bottom of the machine. No one in town fixes panasonic so i am now going to turn it into a boat anchor. Show details
Don't buy if you wash small items! – Owned machine for less than 6 weeks when noticed a strange sound on the fast spin cycle. Contacted Panasonic and sent them a video of the problem. They were able to diagnose that something was caught behind the drum. Technician came out to fix the machine, but this was unable to be done in home, machine was taken for an entire week. Technician… Read more
found 4 separate cotton items (roughly the size of a coaster), in the space of 6 weeks, had somehow worked their way out through the seal to the outside of the drum and were caught. Panasonic did not consider this a flaw or fault in the machine design (saying 'small items' should be washed in a wash bag - they were unable to clarify what constituted a 'small item') and the cost of the repair was not covered under warranty. As such, I have spent almost half the cost of the entire machine on repairs at only 6 weeks old. I now have concerns about washing any 'small items' (?socks, ?underwear, ?baby clothes,,,???) in the machine without sorting and placing them in a wash bag.
The worst washing machine and customer service I have ever experienced – I bought this machine from Masters (now closed down) on the say so of the sales man that said this machine was really good and heavy duty. I am so upset by the lack of compassion Panasonic Australia have shown me. When the machine was 5 months old I opened the door and the ring had come off the door and the seal was hanging out (AND NO I DID NOT… Read more
DO ANYTHING TO THE MACHINE), I got in touch with Panasonic Australia and was shoved from one person to the next as they blamed me for the washing machine. Needless to say because it was the seal and ring it wasn't covered under warranty, I argued the point and argued the point, I even went to fair trading and they didn't listen to them either. I was told I would have to take them to QCAT, I don't have time to go through court to get my small problem fixed. Panasonic informed me that they would organise a repairman to come out to take a look at it and I would have to pay, I said why should I pay when it's not my fault, in the end they no longer answered my emails, I had no choice to pay a man to come out and fix it, that lasted 7 days and it happened again so I had to get the repairmen out again and it cost me the service fee again. To be told in the end it wasn't me it was the draw that the salesman at masters said I should buy as I wouldn't have to bend that much anymore, it was sending the drum out of round and the ring was popping off, so NO I WILL NEVER BUY ANY PANASONIC PRODUCTS EVER AGAIN.
Find out how Panasonic Advanced Econavi NA-140VG4WAU / NA-148VG4WAU compares to other Front Loading Washing Machines
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I love my machine and now I hate it – This a great machine I have had it over 2 years and I can't fault it. It's quiet. I love time delay setting. The clothes are always washed well. You can fit so much washing into the machine. It has so many washes to choose from. Two years on from the above review the bearings have gone in it and I am really disappointed. I am just using it till it… Read more
blows up. It’s now super noisy and not cleaning that well. My sister has the same one and it keeps chewy up her clothes.
Hi Easy, please contact our customer service team on… Read more (+1 reply)
Terrible machine with even worse service accountability! – Absolutely shocking machine and what makes it even more shocking is the wait and delays for a Panasonic technician to attend to look at the machine..two weeks and waiting with no machine and zero care factor from Panasonic.. The back and forth crap between the dealer and Panasonic ridiculous. You make me sick to my stomach Thought that you get what you pay for but not here.. Out of pocket by nearly 2000 dollars Thanks!
The purchase and delivery experience was as good as the appliance – Purchased a Panasonic NA-148VG4WAU F/L WM 8KG/1400RPM through AppliancesOnline. Based the decision on reviews on this website and the price offered for Boxing Day special ($927) - yep, its discontinued but has all the kinks ironed-out. Closest competition was ~$1200. Have to say Appliances Online were easy to deal with, provided good email and… Read more · 1
text info re the delivery and the delivery guy was on time, really polite and helpful. Received it 2 working days after purchase at a time to suit me. I was replacing an LG combined F/L washer/dryer which carked-it just outside warranty. Irresolvable electronics issue. Not Happy LG.
The Pana was easy to install, is easy to use, lets you decide how to wash the clothes if you want (rather than our LG that had hard-wired inflexible very long programs and you couldn't just do a rinse). The energy saver mode reduces the wash cycle time and drops the temperature 10`C (unless you chose cold wash). You don't need a 50 minute cycle to rinse a shirt with a bit of body odour. There is a kiddie safe button to prevent littlies from tampering with your settings or washing the cat 8-(
You can choose from a quick wash 15 minute cycle all the way through to the industrial cycle for washing the winter baseball or football uniform with a pre-wash and extra rinse. The 1400rpm spin is like a centrifuge. Anything not meant to be attached, including microbes, has no hope and only one way out through the plentiful drain holes in the drum. There is a spray system in the drum as well, the washer does not just rely on water filling into the base of the front loader. I think this is a better wash than the last two front loaders.
The Pana is quieter and much smoother that our last F/Ls. A GE we had years ago was too loud to put on at night and vibrated the house down. Keep in mind that most F/Ls have very long wash cycles - up to 2 hours+. But the GE lasted 21 years.
When the spin cycle finishes it doesn't spend ages spinning down, Pana has some form of braking (seems more reverse electrics than friction braking). The controls make sense. Really dirty stuff washes properly. and it will wash quilts and blankets folded in a special way.
One thing I noted is that it heats its own water. It does not have a hot water inlet. I usually dissolve the detergent in some warm water and add it to a cold wash anyway to save energy, unless the situation calls for a warm or hot wash. Yes, you can open the detergent tray while it is running.
It has a 4.5 star energy rating and a 4.5 star water use rating. We are on tank water so water efficiency of a F/L is important to us (especially in the drought). F/Ls use only a fraction of the water of a top-loader. One feature I like is the Pana seems to fill to where it "needs" water, and not just fill to a pre-set level. The sprays should also mean less water is needed as the wash is not relying on enough water in the drum to splash on the clothes.
The door opens from the right and is a larger door that a lot of other F/Ls so easier to get stuff in and out.
There is a bit of a rubbery smell but the manual says this will disappear in time.
I will re-visit this report once I have had it a few months and after warranty. We have other Panasonic appliances that are reliable so I am trusting the brand at the moment. If I get the reliability I will re-rate it to a 5.
I love my machine – I put washing through about 4-5 times per week sometimes twice in one day if i am washing colors separately with good results – clean every time with no scum. My machine is 2 years old and running as smoothly as new . Tip remember to clean lint filter .I am very happy with this machine .
Great Front Loader – Bought an Panasonic Advanced 10kg ECONAVI Front Loader Washing Machine 4 weeks ago. This is the replacement of a 7 years old Bosch 6.5kg front loader. Totally different quality. This new machine is incredibly smooth and quiet like the Japanese bullet train - Shinkansen. Things we have noticed were: - Front door is very light and easy to open… Read more
and close (you do not need much force)
- Front door is also very wide, so very easy to load laundry
- Front door unlocks as soon as you turn it off - Bosch required a few minutes...
- 10 kg capacity is quite handy - you can wash large and thick bed cover without a problem
- You can choose spinning speed which can be quite handy
- Has great selections of program and if you choose ECONAVI it automatically detects and choose the best wash time, water amount, spin speed
- Some setting can be changed during the operation such as rinse and spin setting by pausing it
It is a great front loader and we love using it!!
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