Modern Washer/Dryers

adb3da

I have an issue with my 15-18 year old Maytag Neptune washer. It works but it constantly stops mid-cycle. It stops on average 3 times per wash and I need to hit the start button again to advance the cycle. It's a major PITA. Internet research suggests that it it likely a problem with the water inlet valve. It's ~$100 part which I could potentially replace myself (but who knows). Or it could be something else completely. So I am considering biting the bullet and buying a new unit. There are alot of 4th of July sales going on, so it seems to be not a terrible time to buy. However....how do these newer units compare to the older ones? They certainly look nicer but is it a case of "they don't make them like they used to?" We have 3 kids so our laundry is plentiful and we could certainly benefit from a higher capacity unit. If we do buy new, what are the better units? Front load or top load? Just looking for recent buyers to chime in with advice. I don't plan on replacing the dryer as it works like a champ, but a mismatched set may trigger some OCD for me. But I think I can live with a mismatched set for now. Anyway, hit me with wisdom.

txcoastal1

Speed Queen
Old School top loader...wouldn't even think about going back to front loaders

Speed Queen is a little pricey, probably no 4th of July sales...but its a beast

They have an upgraded model with more fancy settings, but I wanted something simple....no processor boards, no DC conversion etc

https://www.speedqueen.com/products/top-load-washers.aspx?mn=AWN432SP113TW04#build-your-own

adb3da

txcoastal1 wrote: »

Speed Queen is a little pricey, probably no 4th of July sales...

Can you share a ballpark price range? I don't see any pricing on this website.

But they do have several dealers near me within 10 miles.

txcoastal1

$1600 for the pair if i recall, may have paid $1400

txcoastal1

Yep2 wrote: »

txcoastal1 wrote: »

Speed Queen
Old School top loader...wouldn't even think about going back to front loaders

Speed Queen is a little pricey, probably no 4th of July sales...but its a beast

They have an upgraded model with more fancy settings, but I wanted something simple....no processor boards, no DC conversion etc

https://www.speedqueen.com/products/top-load-washers.aspx?mn=AWN432SP113TW04#build-your-own

The guy has the best audio on this forum & can fix your washer/dryer issue!
NICE!

I have 2 project houses, my daughters house, and my own
Owned 3 sets of front loaders, and 2 sets of speed queens

Wife told me if I brought another front loader into the home....she'll move out..

motorhead43026

TX is right on with the Speed Queen.

Dabutcher

Bought the Speed Queen set myself. $1600.00 with five year warranty .Just like great audio. Quality comes at a price. Those that know,choose Speed Queen. Peace. D

Airplay355

I've got Samsung front loaders. It's just my wife and I and we love them. They have a redesigned gasket that doesn't trap water and the washer has a door to add something during s cycle, which we use as a way to air out the washer without having the door completely open. They were $500 each. We've only had them for a year but I've got 0 complaints. My parents still have their LG front loaders from 15 years ago. I also looked at speed queen but they were pricey and we maybe use ours once a week so it wasn't really worth it. With a house full of kids maybe that kind of power is more necessary.

kevhed72

I dunno....I would but the part and fix it myself. I did that twice with our dryer until it completely crapped out.

gudnoyez

After I bought a other pair of speakers and the wife rolled her eyes with that really look, she kindly reminded me of a new washer and dryer that I told her we would eventually get. I don't do big box stores when it comes to appliances, we went in the store i went to the back side of the store where they are reasonably priced she fell for the salesman pressure and proceeded to give in on a pair of Maytag Maxima's I could not say no 2100 smackers delivered a front loader I have yet to figure out and the dryer will steam clean your #****# clothes come on who needs all that I rolled my eyes at her she just smiled. Good luck if your wife decides!

pitdogg2

adb3da wrote: »

I have an issue with my 15-18 year old Maytag Neptune washer. It works but it constantly stops mid-cycle. It stops on average 3 times per wash and I need to hit the start button again to advance the cycle. It's a major PITA. Internet research suggests that it it likely a problem with the water inlet valve. It's ~$100 part which I could potentially replace myself (but who knows). Or it could be something else completely. So I am considering biting the bullet and buying a new unit. There are alot of 4th of July sales going on, so it seems to be not a terrible time to buy. However....how do these newer units compare to the older ones? They certainly look nicer but is it a case of "they don't make them like they used to?" We have 3 kids so our laundry is plentiful and we could certainly benefit from a higher capacity unit. If we do buy new, what are the better units? Front load or top load? Just looking for recent buyers to chime in with advice. I don't plan on replacing the dryer as it works like a champ, but a mismatched set may trigger some OCD for me. But I think I can live with a mismatched set for now. Anyway, hit me with wisdom.

It's most likely not a water valve issue, it's a computer board issue. I had one chased it put all the parts the tech kept saying it was nothing fixed it. Luckily a very good friend owned the parts store most of the local repairmen used so i was able to return the parts. In the end the board was 450$ no way was i dropping that on the machine. Count your blessings many of those never made it 5 yrs.
The Speed Queen's ARE the same machine used in laundry mats. I concur when my machine's are done I will also drop the coin for a set. There is nothing out there now that has the dependability that the Speed Queen has.

charley95

I have a repair guy who also sells used appliances that I get all my parts from. I have a Crosley [Whirlpool] washer/dryer from 2003 pair which has no frills and work just fine. Advice from him is to never get rid of those units and keep repairing because the new units will never last as long as the units I have now. If I have a problem I just call him and give him the model/ser.# and he advises what the problem is no charge.

charley95

If you want to PM me I can give you his #. He doesn't charge for repair advise. He has been spot on every time I've had a problem. Units from the era that you have are simple to fix if your inclined to do so. His parts prices are very reasonable and he also has used parts too. He's located in central Illinois.

tonyb

txcoastal1 wrote: »

Speed Queen
Old School top loader...wouldn't even think about going back to front loaders

Speed Queen is a little pricey, probably no 4th of July sales...but its a beast

They have an upgraded model with more fancy settings, but I wanted something simple....no processor boards, no DC conversion etc

https://www.speedqueen.com/products/top-load-washers.aspx?mn=AWN432SP113TW04#build-your-own

Took that advice from someone else awhile ago on a dryer....been rock solid for years. When the washer goes, Speed queen will be at the top of the list.

adb3da

Wow, Speed Queen is a darling among Polk Audio fans! I will check them out later this week. There is a dealer 3 miles from my house.

Thanks for the replies thus far!

Gatecrasher

Airplay355 wrote: »

I've got Samsung front loaders. It's just my wife and I and we love them. They have a redesigned gasket that doesn't trap water and the washer has a door to add something during s cycle, which we use as a way to air out the washer without having the door completely open. They were $500 each. We've only had them for a year but I've got 0 complaints. My parents still have their LG front loaders from 15 years ago. I also looked at speed queen but they were pricey and we maybe use ours once a week so it wasn't really worth it. With a house full of kids maybe that kind of power is more necessary.

Those Samsung front loaders are nice. Real nice. I know several people who have them and have never heard any complaints about them. They have direct drive digital motors and a 10 year guarantee. I used one the other day and they have more features than the units in professional laundromats and look to be built just as good. They have a lot more features than a top-loader does.

Most top professional washers in laundromats are front loaders. Front loaders wash clothes better than top-loaders and can get dirt out that top loaders can't. They also have a lot more cycles for specialty washing.

Top loaders are nice too and can't be beat if space is tight but if you have nice solid floors with the space to put a front loader in I would take the front loader over a top-loader any day.

Maytag used to be an excellent brand name but not so much anymore. Now they are part of the same corporation that makes Whirlpool I think. Still decent but not really any better than any other brand. Still, getting 18 years of hard use out of any appliance is pretty-good. I had a Maytag washer that didn't last that long. The drive motor went out after only a few years. The dryer still works. I gave it to my Mother.

Jimbo18

Our 20 yr. old Maytag dryer finally died about a year ago. I bought a Samsung to replace it. It's not nearly the dryer the Maytag was. Lots of settings but it doesn't dry as well as the Maytag if you put more than half a load in it.

Only thing I like better, is the wrinkle release, or whatever they call it, where it will keep tumbling the clothes for an hour or so after they are dry.

Gatecrasher

I never had one of the Speed Queens but they definitely have a good reputation.

Does anyone know what kind of warranty they come with?

I'm going to be looking for a new washer and dryer here in the not-too-distant future too and will definitely be checking them out.

txcoastal1

https://www.speedqueen.com/products/top-load-washers.aspx#warranty

pitdogg2

Chances you'll never need the warranty. They are heavy duty steel geared to the max.

Our local mom and pop appliance store told me that on Speed Queen gear they will offer a 5 year extended warranty over all Speed Queens manufacture's warranty because they are that confident they will never need to cover it. If they do need to do it no problem because our service will ensure you keep shopping with us. When I asked if there was any other makers they apply that to he laughed and said NO. They have been in business for 60+ years and their grandsons are now running it. My family has been buying from them as long as I have been alive.

Speed Queen did stop selling to the public for a while IIRC

https://speedqueen.com/

txcoastal1

One of my sets has been moved to 3 houses and storage twice. Trailered back and forth across Texas

Used by a house full of guys for 3yrs now...not a single hiccup

Gatecrasher

Wow there's a dealer right down the street from me here. I'll have to go check them out.

Stew

Speed Queen washer here. 4 kids, many loads per week. Got tired of replacing cheap washers. I'll buy their dryer when the old one goes out.

Toolfan66

Speed Queen here as well... Never looked back, screw the other manufacturers they can't compete!!!

scubalab

We were in a very similar situation a couple weeks ago. Had a set (Kenmore) for 17 years of heavy use. Washer stopped spinning the clothes well and they were very wet going into the dryer. Then the dryer would stop several times during a cycle. I know Speed Queens are among the best, if not the best. We went to a local store that sold Speed Queen and some other brands. Not sure why the sales people weren't recommending them. I asked our sales person and she recommended a front load Electrolux. I asked her why and she said that front loaders (when used properly) wash better than any top load washer. I asked her why she recommended it and she said that there were 5 appliance salespersons and 4 of them have the exact Electrolux.

We've had the washer for over a week and have done several loads of laundry. No complaints here, and it washes a lot better than our no-frills Kenmore it replaced. We just ordered the matching gas dryer.

Hopefully the Electrolux perform well... the Speed Queen was actually what I thought they'd recommend, but again, they said good front loaders wash better.

I honestly don't think you could go wrong with the tried and true Speed Queen washer. Just wanted to throw another out there based on what I researched

Dennis Gardner

You got the Electrolux sales pitch due to the features and sales meetings that their rep has given. Samsung gets the same attention in the big box stores. Front load, computer controlled, bells and whistles that you will never need. Speed Queen is about reliability and length of life, like most other brands abandoned for the price and feature wars.

I foolishly purchased eco friendly Whirlpool to replace our Whirlpool that lasted 20 years and the wife is about to pull her hair out over how poorly it washes. It sits in there clicking and ticking while it goes through its program more than it ever washes. I won't make that mistake again, I'll save up for the last washer dryer set that I will most likely own, a Speed Queen if they still sell to consumers.

pitdogg2

I'm not saying in this instance this is what happened. Working retail for many years we were taught to recommend the best profit margin product and or the product that had the best profit on repair parts. Some companies would really drag their feet to reimburse the store for warranty parts, those we would discourage. Others we could get much more profit on extended warranties. Speed Queen will be one of those you will get neither.

My eye opening was talking to the repair tech's that serviced appliances. Out of 5 the same names came up LG ,Samsung and GE. GE was because the replacement parts are priced very high. Samsung and LG were reliability issues. Whirlpool and maytag are the lower end in parts because they have common parts used forever over the years.

Gatecrasher

IMO if any washer and dryer lasts 17-20 years of daily use, you got your money's worth.

Willow

Jimbo18 wrote: »

Our 20 yr. old Maytag dryer finally died about a year ago. I bought a Samsung to replace it. It's not nearly the dryer the Maytag was. Lots of settings but it doesn't dry as well as the Maytag if you put more than half a load in it.

Only thing I like better, is the wrinkle release, or whatever they call it, where it will keep tumbling the clothes for an hour or so after they are dry.

The possible reason your washer is not getting enough water out during spin cycles. That's what we were told many years ago. We had whirlpool duet at our old house worked well. New house we have Samsung, the clothes come out almost dry from the washer.

Mikey081057

LG front loaders. Work great very efficient, washer has high speed spin cycle that remove more water from clothes . a full load of towels dry in 32 minutes making them very water and energy efficient with electric dryer.

Speed wash and dry cycles can do clothes in 40 minutes.

Uses way less water and detergent.