washing machine?

PhantomOG

So it seems like my 15+ year old washer that I inherited from my parents has died. Any brand/model recommendations?

I have a 4 year old Kenmore elite dryer (nothing fancy) that works just fine but I don't know if it makes sense to replace it just to have a new set.

Anybody have one of those new fangled High Efficiency front load washers? You gotta use a special type soap?!? Damn, I hate shopping for crap like this. No matter what I feel like I'm getting ripped off Researching for a purchase I don't want to make sucks... :mad:

Seems like maytag is no good

ND13

Don't buy a Maytag. I did, on reputation, which was a mistake. While they still work, the washer makes a very shrill noise when it brakes from the spin cycle and I've had to replace the agitator, too.

My next washer will be a frontloader...probably a Whirlpool or Frigidaire. I might spring for a Bosch or highend LG.

ohskigod

if your going the chreaper route, I've heard to avoid westinghouse like the plague. I've never had a problem with the whirpools

schwarcw

ND13 wrote:

Don't buy a Maytag. I did, on reputation, which was a mistake. While they still work, the washer makes a very shrill noise when it brakes from the spin cycle and I've had to replace the agitator, too.

My next washer will be a frontloader...probably a Whirlpool or Frigidaire. I might spring for a Bosch or highend LG.

I second this motion! DO NOT BUY A MAYTAG!!!!! THEY ARE JUNK!!!!!!!

Kenmore has very nice machines. My daughter has their front loader. Fron loaders cost a lot more. Plus the pedestal costs a bunch more money. Conside the old fasioned top loader, and buy a new amp with the leftover money:D

Ricardo

I'd go with a normal heavy duty top loader, Frigidaire/Kenmore/Whirpool....

These things last forever

Ron-P

All I've ever owned is Maytag. My first went 12+ years. My new one has been going strong for over 2 now with no problems. I have the Atlantis line washer / gas dryer.

bobman1235

Definitely go with the front loader. Much more efficient, and supposedly they do a much better job. Plus, since they can spin faster, they "dry" your clothes a lot more, so you spend less time with things in the dryer.

ND13

Frontloaders are supposed to use about half the water that the toploaders use.

univera

bobman1235 wrote:

Definitely go with the front loader. Much more efficient, and supposedly they do a much better job. Plus, since they can spin faster, they "dry" your clothes a lot more, so you spend less time with things in the dryer.

Bobman, glad to see you are once again espousing the truth:) I don't have a brand recommendation, but front loaders are nice. Stainless inside and less water as mentioned. I think it is even less than half the water. Something like 9or 12 gallons/cycle compared to 50 (if memory is correct.) They do spin your clothes out quite well. Plus, they really look cool which is always the most important factor....Especially if they are in plain view. I use regular soap, just about a quarter or half of what is recommended. I'm not paying more for special soap. Plus, it limits your options. Since the machines are more efficient, you need less soap. The only downfall I can find is that I can't figure out a way to soak my clothes. When turned off, the water drains down.

I also recommend a front loader dryer. I have a Euro 220V model. I called the place that used to sell them to get their opinion on whether they were worth the effort for 220 volt, and they said "yes." Front loader style dryers are suppossed to be easier on your clothes and suppossedly won't cause "pilling" over time.

Last thing-My repair guy for all things appliance recommends staying away from digitally controlled items. He said dishwashers and washer/dryers are prone to electrical strikes and that if those displays get zapped, their are toast. He specifically mentioned Bosch as one to avoid. Sometimes, simplicity and dials are the way to go.

bobman1235

The thing that sucks about front loaders is how TALL they are - I could never have one in my apt, because my washer and dryer are in the kitchen, and their tops are pretty much my only counter space for preparing meals and such

PhantomOG

do most of the front loaders have reversible doors? they all seem to open from the right side, however, my washer sits on the right so I'd prefer it to open from the left.

petrym

We have a Kenmore washer and dryer; the electric dryer is from 1990 and still works fine, the (toploader) washer was replaced in June 97 when the movers dropped it and bent up the frame. I've had to have it repaired twice since then, but it still cranks and washes great. They don't visually match, but I really don't care, functionality over beauty!

univera

Mine's a Frigidaire. I'm the second owner, no problems so far in over a year of ownership, one person home. I don't see any signs of it being reversible.

unc2701

Kenmore, front loader. Not a single problem or complaint since I've had it.

PhantomOG

damn... my house is setup backwards my dryer/vent is on the left, while my washer/water is on the right. I wonder if there are any models that have reversible doors.

brettw22

univera wrote:

I also recommend a front loader dryer. I have a Euro 220V model. I called the place that used to sell them to get their opinion on whether they were worth the effort for 220 volt, and they said "yes." Front loader style dryers are suppossed to be easier on your clothes and suppossedly won't cause "pilling" over time.

What other kind of dryer is there?

ND13

Yeah, I've never seen a toploader dryer.

Gaara

I sold washers back in the day at my last job, I can provide some insight but it will take a little time. Expect a post on this by myself over the next week.

And you can get top load dryers, off the top of my head I believe Hotpoint (GE) makes one. It is a very small unit to match thier very small washer, made for apartments.

Jared

PhantomOG

Gaara wrote:

I sold washers back in the day at my last job, I can provide some insight but it will take a little time. Expect a post on this by myself over the next week.

And you can get top load dryers, off the top of my head I believe Hotpoint (GE) makes one. It is a very small unit to match thier very small washer, made for apartments.

Jared

looking forward to the post...

I do have a limited supply of clean laundry and I'm too lazy to go to a laundromat so my purchase is imminent

Mike682

Many different manufacturers make products for kenmore.

If you are thinking about buying a Kenmore, here are two internet links that list original manufacturer codes for their products.

I have a kenmore fridge and Whirlpool actually made my fridge. Look at the first three digits of the product code on the product itself (the three digits before the decimal point). Mine is 106. which equals whirlpool.

http://www.owwm.com/craftsman/Manufacturers.asp

http://www.professional-power-tool-guide.com/Craftsman-Sears-Manufacturing-Source-Code.htm

PhantomOG

hmm... none of the kenmore's i'm looking at seem to match up

Systems

I've had a Hotpoint heavy duty washer and dryer for about 4 years with zero problems.
Interestingly this summer we were shopping for a fridge and several sales people that sold Maytag products mentioned that they had more problems with them than any others they carried.

PhantomOG

hmm... my boss just recommended LG. looked at best buy's site and they seem nice as well.

Willow

we just bought 5 new Kenmore Elite appliances. One of them being the HE2 washer.
Yes you must buy the HE soap, it's not more expensive, I don't find. What I do love is that I can shove 3 loads in that puppy. We got the matching HE2 front load dryer which kicks major A$$.
the washer on spin..hell sounds like its about to take off, but the clothes come out lightly damp. One of the best appliance purchaces ever for us.


http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?bidsite=KENM&cat=Washers+%26+Dryers&pid=02647561000&vertical=KENM&subcat=Front-Load+Washers&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

univera

ND13 wrote:

Yeah, I've never seen a toploader dryer.

Brett and Noel, I can't get anything past you two...I was referring to a high end, glass front dryer, not the typical cheapo one with a metal door. You know, the kind you can see the cat spinning around in:)

ND13

Oh, your talking about the kind at the laundry mat.

dkg999

Whatever brand of washer you get make sure it has a detachable power cord. I've seen studies where using an aftermarket higher quality power cord will help reduce the ultrasonic vibrations that prevent the full flow-through of the water through the fabric and get your clothes 10% cleaner.

univera

Good suggestion! Have you seen the double blinded studies suggesting Signal Cable risers will actually make the dryer run quiter and reduce static cling?

Anyone remember that commercial with the quote "Ancient Chinese Secret, huh?" You have to be at least in your twenties to have a clue. "Calgon, take me away....."

MSALLA

I like to buy my appliances from sears weather they are kenmore or not. They have an excellent service dept. and the extended warranties are great. After they run out you can repurchase the warranty.

pearsall001

Go to a Sears Outlet store. You'll save yourself a pretty penny. If you don't mind a ding here or there they are a flat out bargain.

hearingimpared

We purchased a Kenmore Elite washer from the Sear Outlet (scratch & dent) last week. Triple loader, energy effient, water saver, forty five million options. We got $500 off the tag because it had a little nick on the corner.

I don't know if there are any Sears Outlet stores in Austin but you may want to check. You can save 50 to 70% off a new washer.

Edit: you won't feel like you're getting ripped off at those prices. There is nothing wrong with the appliances there, they just have a scratch or a dent, some worse than others.