Need new front loader washer - is LG good?

[mieuxmew]

My 8 1/2 year old whirlpool duet needs to be replaced. I have made minor repairs myself, but to repair the current problem would cost $800-900, so I am shopping for a new one. Sad to say the average lifespan for a $1000 washer is only about 8-9 years!

I was considering another Whirlpool duet, but the reviews on reliability are horrible! Lots of machines 2-4 years old needing $600-1000 repairs!!

I am looking at an LG. Consumer Reports (CR) gives them favorable reliability ratings and the two machines I am considering are near the top of CR's ratings chart. I am very interested in the 5.1 cu ft model (the largest capacity).

Anyone own an LG front loader washer? Are the LG front loaders reliable? Should I purchase an extended warrantee? I don't mind spending a bit more to buy quality (and avoid a costly repair). I have read reviews of people claiming it was difficult to find an LG repairman.

Thanks in advance.

 

[disneymomto5]

I have an LG toploader HE washer and absolutely LOVE it. I don't know the model but it has a glass top and washes tons of clothes in one load. It's been the best washer I've ever had. I've had a front loader before and don't care for it due to the accumulating smell but the toploader is awesome.

 

[mrssmith06]

We don't but I'm sure LG is a good brand to buy.

I agree with the pp though, top loaders are so much better!! We got rid of our front loader machines over a year ago and got the top loading HE Maytag Bravo's with windows and I love them. And yes they hold much more than front load washers!!

 

[punkin]

I have a 9 year old LG. At about the 5 year mark (a month before my extended warranty expired-thank goodness) we had to replace the motor. It would have been about $500-600 at the time. With the price of copper going through the roof, I figure the same repair now would be lot more.

Other than that, I really like it.

 

[bcinohio]

We have a frontload LG washer and I hate it. We have had a lot of trouble with it. I don't think I would buy a front loader again. They really smell. You have to leave the door open and with a small laundry room it is a pain.

 

[pocomom]

I have a top loader LG HE machine. It is huge, easily fits what would have been two loads, very quiet. I've even washed a king size comforter in them. We actually have two sets- bought when we had 4 active kids at home. They are 3 years old and one needed a repair. Very quiet ,cleans great. We have LG appliances throughout our house bought at the same time and we have had a problem with the fridge shelves breaking, and the dishwasher had a motor replaced twice along with other repairs, all in the first year. LG used to be a great name , I don't know if we were just unlucky with our other appliances, or if the quality of their products have gone down but I wouldn't purchase the brand again despite being happy overall with the washers thus far.

 

[cvjw]

I have a beautiful red LG front loading washing machine and the matching dryer. The washer is very pretty to look at, but it is just junk. We paid over $2000 for the set, and it has been a pain to use since the first load. I have had the LG repair people out multiple times, and it is just over a year old.

I had to buy the extended warranty, because I know it is going to completely tear up in the near future.

FYI - the LG dryer is awesome!

 

[jen1977]

We have the LG perfect steam front loaders, largest capacity, and we adore them! We barely leave the door open, just close it, but not latch it if that makes sense. Never had a problem with smell at all. We do run a tub clean cycle about once a month, and my husband makes sure to drain the bottom like the manual said to do. Super quiet, holds a ton, and cleans very good. No problems with the dryer either.

 

[mommy2twingles]

We have a nice green set that is 5 years old. We have moved 3 times since they were purchased and we have not had any issues

 

[Tiger926]

The quality of LG appliances has gone down, and so we don't purchase them any longer either.

If I recall, LG front load washers have been recalled at least 1x, and possibly more over the past couple of years. HE front loaders are sensitive, and there are lots of different models out there, so I would consider looking at most of the name brand ones by asking others for real life reviews (we don't like Consumer Reports at all) and even talk to an appliance repair person if you can.

As mentioned, front loaders do require daily maintenance - you must leave door and detergent drawer open after each wash, frequently clean the bellows (seal on inside of door - we clean with a baby wipe), clean the washer with bleach or cleanser (no clothes) and frequently clean trap (lint, hair, soap, etc.) as mold and mildew is a growing concern with these appliances.

Good luck shopping, Tiger

 

[ToodlesRN]

I'm in the market for a new set and found that this Maytag has great reviews on Sears, Home Depot and Maytag website. The model numbers are MHW6000XG granite MHW6000XW white Dryers; MED6000XG granite, MED6000XW white. I'm going with the granite, but most reviews are from the white.

 

[piratemamaof3]

we got a LG front loader washer/dryer set, and have them stacked. It's 4 yrs old and still works great, I have not had any issues with mine

 

[jgreco]

We move a lot and I have had several front loaders, and the Whirlpool Duet has been my favorite.

I currently have an LG set and it tends to smell weird if you don't leave the door open (which I can't since its stacked in a closet). The smell does not transfer onto the clothes or anything, it just has a really weird (almost like mothball smell).

 

[disneymagicgirl]

we got a LG front loader washer/dryer set, and have them stacked. It's 4 yrs old and still works great, I have not had any issues with mine

So can you stack any of these front loaders?

 

[jgreco]

Yes, mine are stacked. They squeak something terrible though.

 

[havaneselover]

I have the big steam lgs (in silver with pedestals). I love them. Mine are almost four years old and I have had zero problems. I wipe the washer down after use. If it vibrates it stops right away. These machines to an amazing job cleaning clothes. Also, I wash cashmere and wool sweaters in them and save a lot on drycleaning and it is better for the sweaters (no chemicals). I also wash comforters regularly.

 

[vacationer1954]

We've been reading lots of reviews and comments from owners of laundry machines as well as kitchen appliances and it seems that all the old American brands are very cheap and unreliable except Kenmore while many of the foreign brands are very expensive but very high quality.

 

[Tiger926]

We've been reading lots of reviews and comments from owners of laundry machines as well as kitchen appliances and it seems that all the old American brands are very cheap and unreliable except Kenmore while many of the foreign brands are very expensive but very high quality.

Kenmore is not a manufacturer. They source their products from major manufacturers/brands: LG, Whirlpool, Maytag, etc... Just like Costco's Kirkland brands.

You can find out from salesperson who the manufacturer of your appliance is. We can usually tell though as sometimes they look identical to the more expensive name brand version.

Tiger

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Tiger926]

Sorry, double post.


Tiger

 

[Tiger926]

Sorry, double post.


Tiger