Buying a HE washer and dryer

[TiggerTails57]

I'm looking at the Bosch 500 series at Sears (they will match the price from other stores).
I also like the Whirlpool duet series. I want to have a 'quick wash' cycle.
Any tips on the best place to buy these?

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

I just had to buy a new washer and dryer and I got an HE model. I got the LG 2050 matching set at Best Buy, they had the best price $539.99 each and I got the Geek Squad protection.

I was just not happy with any other stores that I went to, and I went to Sears, Home Depot, Lowe's, & HHGregg. Their prices were higher, the warranty was more expensive and didn't seem to cover as well and they just relly weren't interested in answering my questions, so I went to Best Buy and because I have a rewards card, I got points on purchase and if we don't have to use our Geek Squad, we get either double or triple points, that was just a nice bonus.

I think my washer has a quick wash option, I just haven't used it and it take a long time for a load to wash, but that doesn't bother me. I have cut way back on the amount of soap I use and my drying time is cut in half because the washer spins out alot of the water.

Suzanne

 

[sherry7]

FYI...if you stop by the post office and ask for a Moving Kit, there is a 10% off Lowes coupon in it. Home Depot will usually match that coupon as well if you take it in.

My front loader (GE) is over 2 years old, so I'm not up to date on the most current models. I do have a Quick Wash setting though, but I rarely use it. Unless your clothes are almost clean already, it really doesn't work as well as the regular settings because the clothes don't get washed as long. I only use that setting when I am washing brand new baby clothes (which is just to get the starch, etc out of the clothing). The only other things I use it on are things that really aren't dirty like curtains, shower curtains, etc.

 

[fakereadhed]

I have a similar model(lowe's) and after a little over a year I hate it. The mold is a real problem. I have used the refresh tablets and tried everything, but it is gross even though we prop the door open between washes. I also think with so little water the clothes pill sooner. Really wish I wouldn't have gone front-loading HE!

 

[taylor3297]

I have a similar model(lowe's) and after a little over a year I hate it. The mold is a real problem. I have used the refresh tablets and tried everything, but it is gross even though we prop the door open between washes. I also think with so little water the clothes pill sooner. Really wish I wouldn't have gone front-loading HE!

I bought the Kenmore elite from sears 5 years ago and I love it! Now I have never had a mold problem in my washing machine due to the fact that I leave the door on the washing machine open between washes, not just propped. Also I have had less pilling on my clothes than before.

The important thing to do is to read the whole manual before using the HE machines. I am usually one of those that doesn't read the manuel on anything but I am so glad I did.

 

[sherry7]

I had a problem with mold at first too, when I was closing the door. I now leave it open all of the time, and the mold problem is gone. To get rid of the mold, I had to run it through a couple of Sanitize (super hot water) washes, along with about a gallon of vinegar.

I think ours clothes are wearing less, since there is no agitator to rub against them. Also, our water bill went down about $10 a month.

 

[fakereadhed]

I bought the Kenmore elite from sears 5 years ago and I love it! Now I have never had a mold problem in my washing machine due to the fact that I leave the door on the washing machine open between washes, not just propped. Also I have had less pilling on my clothes than before.

The important thing to do is to read the whole manual before using the HE machines. I am usually one of those that doesn't read the manuel on anything but I am so glad I did.

That's what I meant- open. The door tends to swing shut so we prop it into a completely open position. Water tends to pool along the inside of the rim, even though I wipe it out with a dry towel. I haven't changed detergents so I'm pretty sure the pilling is from the clothes tumbling around with less water. I can't speak for your model, but even though I was initially impressed I'm no longer happy with my Bosch washer.

I like the dryer except the lint area under the filter fills with lint over time even though I clean it every time and it's impossible to get to it.

 

[sam_gordon]

We shopped around and ended up with a Maytag set from Lowe's. I can't remember how, but the set was originally ~$1000 and we got it for around $500. I remember it had to do with a discount and two price matches within three days after we ordered. At the time, Lowe's price matched PLUS 10% of the difference. There was also a mail in rebate at the time.

What we like... less water, quicker washes (a "normal" wash is 48 minutes and "normal" dry 45 minutes... compared to an hour each on the old), and they're QUIET. We can't even tell their running unless we're in the laundry room.

What we don't like... we have yet to find a good way to get clothes from the washer to dryer without dropping something on the floor.

I haven't changed detergents

It's my understanding you MUST change detergents to a HE version. All the brands have them, so if you're just saying you didn't change brands, ignore this part.

We simply don't close the door all the way when we're done... have had no mold issues yet, and it's been about 9 months I think.

 

[sherry7]

That's what I meant- open. The door tends to swing shut so we prop it into a completely open position. Water tends to pool along the inside of the rim, even though I wipe it out with a dry towel. I haven't changed detergents so I'm pretty sure the pilling is from the clothes tumbling around with less water. I can't speak for your model, but even though I was initially impressed I'm no longer happy with my Bosch washer.

I like the dryer except the lint area under the filter fills with lint over time even though I clean it every time and it's impossible to get to it.

Are you sure it's perfectly level? Because your door shouldn't swing shut.

 

[fakereadhed]

Are you sure it's perfectly level? Because your door shouldn't swing shut.

I have 2 large dogs and a cat that walk past constantly. The cat also lays on the dryer when it's running and lays on the pause button.

 

[mhsjax]

We shopped around and ended up with a Maytag set from Lowe's. I can't remember how, but the set was originally ~$1000 and we got it for around $500. I remember it had to do with a discount and two price matches within three days after we ordered. At the time, Lowe's price matched PLUS 10% of the difference. There was also a mail in rebate at the time.

What we like... less water, quicker washes (a "normal" wash is 48 minutes and "normal" dry 45 minutes... compared to an hour each on the old), and they're QUIET. We can't even tell their running unless we're in the laundry room.

What we don't like... we have yet to find a good way to get clothes from the washer to dryer without dropping something on the floor.

It's my understanding you MUST change detergents to a HE version. All the brands have them, so if you're just saying you didn't change brands, ignore this part.

We simply don't close the door all the way when we're done... have had no mold issues yet, and it's been about 9 months I think.

I have had mine for about 2 years and I was fussing tonight about dropping clothes on the floor on the way to the dryer. I just jot back from a trip to DSIS house and she has a new machine but it is still a top loader and I didn't drop anything. I so miss my top loader.

Also in regards to HE. I was told just use a lesser amount of laundry detergent, so this is what I do. I haven't had a problem yet.

 

[Miniefan]

I purchased the whirlpool cabrio in 2008 and I love it! It is a top loading HE machine, it also has a quick wash cycle, it is super super quiet and it has one of the largest wash tub capacities available. I have not had any problems with mold or any malfunctions so far, I am very pleased with it and love the fact that it is still a top loader. If having a front loader is important to you I would definitely check this one out, the dryer is also a steam dryer which you set to refresh. Hope this helps.

Kim

 

[tavettava]

I have a Kenmore set (not sure what model though), we have had it for 2 years and I love it. Less detergent used, uses only 8 gallons of water (the old washer used 40.) I have not had a mold problem in mine at all and my ds most of the time shuts the door after he does some laundry (i try and keep it open.) Our dryer only takes 20 minutes to dry a huge load, not an hour an a half like the old one.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

I have had mine for about 2 years and I was fussing tonight about dropping clothes on the floor on the way to the dryer. I just jot back from a trip to DSIS house and she has a new machine but it is still a top loader and I didn't drop anything. I so miss my top loader.

Also in regards to HE. I was told just use a lesser amount of laundry detergent, so this is what I do. I haven't had a problem yet.

I have heard that you can use less regular detergent, but I changed mine to the He after reading the manual and some other information. There are more chemicals in regular detergent that can mess up the new machines and I am not willing to take that chance with my new machine.

I am going to give my small stockpile to a co-worker of DHs, she has an older machine.

Suzanne

 

[DVC-Don]

We bought the Bosch washer you are looking at about 3 years ago. It replaced a Maytag front end washer that was nothing but trouble. That said, we still have the matching Maytag dryer (now 9 years old) and that one has never given us any trouble. Love the Bosch though. Very quiet like our Bosch diswasher. We bought ours from a small family store that price matched any of the big box stores.

 

[TiggerTails57]

OP here, thanks for all the great comments and tips......

 

[rangermom]

I just had to buy a new washer and dryer and I got an HE model. I got the LG 2050 matching set at Best Buy, they had the best price $539.99 each and I got the Geek Squad protection.

I was just not happy with any other stores that I went to, and I went to Sears, Home Depot, Lowe's, & HHGregg. Their prices were higher, the warranty was more expensive and didn't seem to cover as well and they just relly weren't interested in answering my questions, so I went to Best Buy and because I have a rewards card, I got points on purchase and if we don't have to use our Geek Squad, we get either double or triple points, that was just a nice bonus.

I think my washer has a quick wash option, I just haven't used it and it take a long time for a load to wash, but that doesn't bother me. I have cut way back on the amount of soap I use and my drying time is cut in half because the washer spins out alot of the water.

Suzanne

This is the set that I have and I am very ahppy with it. It does take a while to wash, but I use less water than my older set and less drying time.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

This is the set that I have and I am very ahppy with it. It does take a while to wash, but I use less water than my older set and less drying time.

You are so right about that. I have even noticed the dryer doesn't throw off quite as much heat as my old dryer, which we couldn't run during the day because it would make the house really hot.

I also love the 10 year warranty on the motor.

Suzanne

 

[pennymom]

Last spring we got a Kenmore front load HE washer and new dryer and love them. I don't remember which model, but we always use the information from Consumer Reports when making decisions on any major purchase, and for washers they have ratings on energy efficiency, how well each machine washes, repair history of various brands, average retail price, and lots more useful info. The Kenmore was their top-rated model. Just make sure that you only use HE detergent in the HE washer or you can void the warranty.