Front Loading Washing Machine Advice

[CalvaryMike]

Check this thread:

Best price on a front loading washer/dryer?

Also the "Disboards" of Washing machines and Dryers:

Gardenweb - Laundry Room

 

[majimikate]

Just another happy Kenmore Elite Ht3 owner here...I would highly recommend this washer. I did not buy the matching dryer, but bought a Kenmore dryer that I have also been very happy with. We've had them about 15 months and have no complaints. When I lat checked, the price was still consistent around $1000.

Good luck!!!

Chris

 

[punkin]

Also the "Disboards" of Washing machines and Dryers:

Gardenweb - Laundry Room

OMG, this site is amazing. I can't believe what you cn find on the internet.

 

[momsully]

We bought an LG front loading washer and dryer this summer from Best Buy. It works great, the clothes are much cleaner although a load does take longer to wash.

 

[PaulaSue]

I just got my kenmore on Saturday, I believe it is the elite model. I am not happy with the water getting trapped in the seal by the door after the wash cycle is over. Other wise so far so good.

Is this normal for front loaders?

 

[Kramer]

I just got my kenmore on Saturday, I believe it is the elite model. I am not happy with the water getting trapped in the seal by the door after the wash cycle is over. Other wise so far so good.

Is this normal for front loaders?

We have a pair of LG front loaders and have stacked them in the laundry room... just got them about 2 months ago. We are pretty happy so far. And yes... from what I've heard the water in the seal is common. When I am doing a load of wash I usually take a dirty t-shirt from the load and wipe out the seal and then just toss the shirt in with the load.

 

[TENNDVC]

I work for Whirlpool buy the Duets either our brand or Kenmore brand as they are both manufactured for us. Check consumer reports for the good ratings on the units. I don't own them as I won a different set we manufacture but have several friends with the Duet pair and you couldn't pry them out of their homes. Especially if you kids and teenagers that play sports.

 

[amarberry]

We've had the Kenmore Elite (manufactured by Whirlpool...basically a repackaged Duet) for almost three years and, so far (knock on wood), no problems. All of the front loaders seem to have mold issues, but the Neptune is notorious for having a lot of problems. The good thing about Kenmore products is that they are generally a repackaged version of a pretty solid product manufactured by Whirlpool, Maytag, GE, Electrolux, etc. that has been screened by a Sears buyer.

 

[punkin]

I went out and bought an LG last night at Best Buy. Man those things are expensive. It has a sanitary wash cycle and spins dry at 1200 rpm. As far as features, it looked comparable to an h4 top of the line Kenmore Sears was selling for $1499. It cost $1049 and I bought a 5 year maintenance contract because I am very wooried about repairs after my Maytag experience.

My husband said we should buy a matching dryer at the same time because ours is liable to break at any minute (also Maytag Neptune 7 years old), so that's what we did. We have a gas dryer, so it was as expensive as the washer when you include installation.

Now I need to strat another thread on "how can I cut expenses enough to make up for the $2300 I spent on my washer and dryer" or maybe "All my vacation money went for laundry, but I'm going to Florida next week and can't afford to hit a park"

 

[Aneille]

We have a Bosch washer and dryer. I like them a lot.

 

[LIFERBABE]

I Googled "Maytag Neptune Problems" after reading this thread and turns out there is a class action lawsuit!! I didnt even know it! They were replacing these machines with top loaders or vouchers.


http://www.maytagfrontloadsettlement.com/faq.html

http://blogs.msdn.com/johnmont/archive/2004/09/15/230169.aspx


I am definitely going to take action now that I know the washer was defective and really should have lasted longer than 8 years!

 

[punkin]

I Googled "Maytag Neptune Problems" after reading this thread and turns out there is a class action lawsuit!! I didnt even know it! They were replacing these machines with top loaders or vouchers.


http://www.maytagfrontloadsettlement.com/faq.html

http://blogs.msdn.com/johnmont/archive/2004/09/15/230169.aspx


I am definitely going to take action now that I know the washer was defective and really should have lasted longer than 8 years!

It's too late. The filing deadlines have passed.

 

[LIFERBABE]

It's too late. The filing deadlines have passed.

Yes, I called the 1-888-4Maytag and that is what they told me. My machine was covered under the class action, but I never received any notification. They said I didnt send back the registration card, I can't remember if I did or not that was the year I had my first child.

All I know is when I purchased it, I fully expected it to last longer than 8 years and knowing what I know now, I will never purchase another Maytag anything, and I will make sure I send in the card of the new machine I do purchase.

I will look at the LG and HE4 this weekend. Does anyone know who manufactures these?

Thanks for posting Punkin! If I had not seen this thread, I would have purchased another Neptune Front Loader in the next 2 weeks because I wanted my Washer and Dryer (also a neptune) to match. Now I will follow your lead, and replace them both! Like your Dh said, the Dryer cant be too far behind!

 

[MELISAZACK]

the H4 is Kenmore (whilpool) and the LG is lifes good.

 

[dnbent]

For what it is worth, I have the Whirlpool Duets. I love them and since I have a group home for handicapped adults I do LOTS of laundry. I run at least 4 and usually more loads each day. I purchased the high end washer with the sanitize cycle but would not do that again. The cycle runs almost 2 hours and I don't think gets the clothes as clean as the heavy duty or whitest whites cycle.

We've had the washer almost 2 years and the dryer one year. Use so much less soap and all the water I used to waste....

We have a very good store in town who service what they sell so I always purchase from them because if I have a problem with any appliance I can call and know they will be out here the same day. Maybe not a big deal for some but for me with the group home it is a absolute must.

Good Luck

 

[welovedis]

As mentioned in the other thread that was posted here, I have the Frigidaire front loader & matching dryer that can be set on top. I don't have the one that comes with the dryer already attached, this is a different set.

I've averaged about 18-20 loads of laundry a week and have been thrilled with the Frigidaire. It was one of the least expensive front loaders & we've been really happy with it!

 

[ducklite]

For what it is worth, I have the Whirlpool Duets. I love them and since I have a group home for handicapped adults I do LOTS of laundry. I run at least 4 and usually more loads each day. I purchased the high end washer with the sanitize cycle but would not do that again. The cycle runs almost 2 hours and I don't think gets the clothes as clean as the heavy duty or whitest whites cycle.

I have the Duet pair as well--I can't say enough about them! I've had mine for about 14 months, and no problems. I do leave the door on the washer ajar when not in use to let the seal dry. I also love the sanitize cycle--I do the pet laundry on that cycle, and although other cycles would get it visually as clean, I like the additional heat boost to truly sanitize their bedding.

I had a Whirlpool Gold set in NJ, which were very nice, but you can fit a lot more in the front loader Duet.

It's worth the money!

Anne

 

[My2Cinderellas]

WOW!! This is right on time!

I also have a Maytag Neptune Front Loader that is currently on a load to load basis. It was a great washer, but it only lasted 8 years! It is making this awful sound during the spin cycle like a jet engine about to take off. I just hope it doesnt take off with my clothes in it!! LOL! It's in the garage, so the sound doesnt bother us too much, but it can't be much longer now.

you have just described my Neptune washer. It is 7.5 years old, and I replaced the motherboard for $350 last winter. The repair guy said he'd done the same fix to his Neptune. All was well until a month or 2 ago and now it's crazy noisy. We have started researching as I am not sinking any more $$$ into this one. I'm sold on front loaders and won't get a top loading machine again, so far DH likes the Kenmores several have mentioned.

 

[MELISAZACK]

I am loving my H4 set....I have had them about 2 wks now and besides being hugh they wash with less water -ring the clothes out better and dry in 1/2 the time -- large load of wash w/jeans in there is about 45min to dry max..
it is so great - it has cut my wash amount in 1/2.....
If you have a sears scratch and dent near you go there to get them though
1/2 the cost will be saved...if you are in pa/md/de there is one in Christina De right of i-95

 

[LIFERBABE]

you have just described my Neptune washer. It is 7.5 years old, and I replaced the motherboard for $350 last winter. The repair guy said he'd done the same fix to his Neptune. All was well until a month or 2 ago and now it's crazy noisy. We have started researching as I am not sinking any more $$$ into this one. I'm sold on front loaders and won't get a top loading machine again, so far DH likes the Kenmores several have mentioned.

Did you receive any info on the lawsuit? There are people that have replaced motherboards 3 times or more. Ebay even sells them!
It just makes me angry that they sold defective machines and didnt recall them, but now want to hide behind getting sued. Boo on them!!

They are now owned by Samsung, so they are definitely off my list now.

The Maytag repairman is gonna be really lonely now!

I called my favorite local Appliance Dealer this afternoon and he said that today, don't expect more than 8-12 years from any appliance. Even the builder quality Akso, and Fischer/Paykel. I asked what he recommended and he said the Duet or the Frigidaire Front Loader. The Frigidaire is about $500 less than the Duet with heater, but Im leaning towards the Duet for the capacity. He gave the Frigidaire a really good report though and I trust him, because I have purchased every appliance in my home from them (range, micro, refrig, dishwasher) in the last 6 years. The Neptune I purchased at BB.