New Washer/Dryer! Any suggestions/warnings?

[~Kathie]

I have Fisher/Paykel set, I've had for about 5 years and I love them. The washer is top loading and doesn't have an agitator. It works like an HE machine, I use less detergent and it uses less water. A great feature is I can program it to start in the morning.

The dryer is also top loading and has a wrinkle guard feature which is great. If I know I won't be home when the dryer finishes, I set it for wrinkle guard and they clothes are perfect when I take them out. I love taking the clothes out of the washer and putting them into the dryer without bending over.

I did a lot of research with consumer reports and reviews online. At the time, quite a few people here on the DIS had the set and recommended it. I'm very happy with my set. I also went to several stores looking for them. Lowe's had them but a lower model than the one I was interested in. I found them at a small local appliance store and they told me they couldn't keep them in stock. Mine had to be ordered.

Good luck making the decision.

 

[tinatark]

I have Fisher/Paykel set, I've had for about 5 years and I love them. The washer is top loading and doesn't have an agitator. It works like an HE machine, I use less detergent and it uses less water. A great feature is I can program it to start in the morning.

The dryer is also top loading and has a wrinkle guard feature which is great. If I know I won't be home when the dryer finishes, I set it for wrinkle guard and they clothes are perfect when I take them out. I love taking the clothes out of the washer and putting them into the dryer without bending over.

I did a lot of research with consumer reports and reviews online. At the time, quite a few people here on the DIS had the set and recommended it. I'm very happy with my set. I also went to several stores looking for them. Lowe's had them but a lower model than the one I was interested in. I found them at a small local appliance store and they told me they couldn't keep them in stock. Mine had to be ordered.

Good luck making the decision.

That's the set I have! I do wish it had a quick wash cycle... The one with the agitator, a LED screen (the one with words is LCD, I think) - does have a quicker cycle - you can "arrow" through cycles to end them. My only real problem with it is that I am just over 5 feet tall - the things are deep!

I do like that you can wash HE or conventionally.

 

[4mickey2]

yes, leave the door open to dry out. we have been doing this from day one. not because we read it, we just thought it made sense. we always left our top load open, too. i love my lg front load.

 

[KarlaG4Kids]

I have the Kenmore front loader washer/dryer combo for almost 4 yrs with no problem until recently. This may go for all front loader type washers...the other day I ran a load and it started to make a load whistling type sound but finished normally. I put my next load in, turned it on and went to go in the shower. Thank god I was taking my time- all of a sudden it sounded like a waterfall was coming from the laundry room. I went in and saw water pouring from the front top drawer where you put the detergent and fabric softener in. I was quickly shut it off but my laundry room was flooded- the scary thing is our laundry room is on the 2nd floor It took like 10 bath sheets to sop up all the water! Thank god i was home- I always set my washer for when I am out to be done by the time I get home. not anymore. Turns out that when the sears repair guy came he knew exactly what the problem was. He opened up the washer, pulled a couple of things off by the door to get his hand to reach on the outside of the drum and pulled out a sock that was lodged. he said it happens ALL THE TIME and this keeps him in business! I was furious. He said it is very common- baby socks and underwire bras keep him in business! Basically the sock was a dress type sock- very thin and it somehow got under the rubber by the door and back into the machine rotating on the outside of the drum- does that make sense? then it lodged where the water enters into the drum- basically forming a blockage and diverting the water outside of the machine via the drawer. UGH! I told the guy that if this is a common problem then Sears should recommend or even include one of those net lingerie type bags that you can get from the dollar store with their machines. This visit cost me $135! I was soooo mad! Also because our warranty had just expired- isnt that the way it always works! Well now I am paranoid and stay home every time I do the wash- and I went out that day and bought 3 of those lingerie bags and now all socks and small items go in there. Just thought I would share this- and I have to say other than that these machines have been great- no mold or smells- although sheets to get knotted up and tangled. Good luck with your decision- it is a tough one!

I think you meant "top load"

I have this set as well and love it. It has many of the same water/energy saving qualities as the front loaders without the hassles of the vibration problems.

OP where are you going to put the units? I was told that front loaders do best on solid/foundation floors. That is why I got the Cabrio - my laundry is on the main level on a wood/tile floor.

I have heard that you must put small items in bags...guess there is a lot of truth to that. Thanks for the info.

We are putting ours in the basement, so on cement floor. So no problems with the front load.

After looking and comparing features we decided to go with the new Kenmore models as they are now made by LG and they are direct drive with no belt. It was a hard decision and I read good and bad about almost every brand out there...but when push came to shove price and features are what swayed me. Guess I will see how it goes, the new machines come Wed. I have sure gotten a lot of good info here. I know to leave the washer door open after use, and put small items in bags. Thanks so much and if you have more hints about those front load machines bring them on!

 

[TammyAlphabet]

I've had my Whirlpool Duet for about two years now, and I love-love-love it. No problems with it shaking or "walking". The secret of the faster drying is in the washer; it spins so much more effectively that the clothes come out of the washer so much more dry. If this set suddenly disappeared for some reason, I would go out and buy the same thing all over again.

You do need to read the instruction manual and follow the instructions about the once-a-month cleaning and keeping the door cracked.

We bought ours at Lowes Home Improvement because it's always fairly easy to find a 10% off coupon.

One note about frontloaders: The HE detergent is waaay cheaper at Sears. It comes in huge buckets. I think I'm only on my third bucket (it's getting pretty empty). They sell for $20 and go on sale for $15.

I love my duet too.

 

[LeslieG]

I think you meant "top load"

I have this set as well and love it. It has many of the same water/energy saving qualities as the front loaders without the hassles of the vibration problems.

OP where are you going to put the units? I was told that front loaders do best on solid/foundation floors. That is why I got the Cabrio - my laundry is on the main level on a wood/tile floor.

I am looking at the Whirlpool Cabrio set right now. I liked the one with the see-through lid. Do you have the steam dryer? Length of cycle time is not something I've checked into yet. How long does it take to wash a load? They seem kind of pricey. I think Lowe's had them for $999 each.

 

[disneylove69]

I have a Maytag with no issues. I would keep the door open after washing. The rubber gets moldy. I just wipe with bleach once in awhile.