New Washer/Dryer

[Mommy Poppins]

One of our Christmas gifts from my in-laws is a new Washer & Dryer. We just have to pick it out. I know that I want front-loading, but other than that, no idea where to start. Does anyone have a front-loading washer and dryer that they love or that they hate?

 

[fkj2]

My last washer (front-loading) was an LG and I'd buy another one.

 

[floridafam]

If I could pick out a new washer and dryer I would get the Cabrio line from Whirlpool.

The washer isn't front loading but it sure looks nice-it doesn't have the thingie in the middle (can't remember what it is called.)

Good luck with your purchase. I would be so excited if I got to pick out new ones.

 

[Bren's Mom]

We just started looking at new washers/dryers. Here's what Consumer Reports had to say:

For a competent, inexpensive top-loader:

• Whirlpool WTW5540S[W] , $400
• Admiral AAV7000[W] (Home Depot) , $300


Such prices won't get you Energy Star certification or, generally, as much energy efficiency as you might want. What you do get are two choices that we judged good or better across most of our tests. (At average energy prices and typical washing routines, the Whirlpool should cost about $1,900 to run for 12 years, including the initial purchase price; the Admiral, $2,400.) The Admiral was also noisier and less roomy than the Whirlpool. Matching Dryers: Whirlpool WED5500S[Q] Gas:WGD5500S[ ]; Admiral ADE7005A[W] (Home Depot) Gas:ADG7005A[ ] (Home Depot)

For better performance and efficiency:

• Bosch Nexxt 500 Series WFMC3301UC , $1100
• Whirlpool Duet GHW9150P[W] , $1000
• LG WM0642H[W] , $1000


These three front-loaders scored very good for washing and were reasonably quiet; only the Whirlpool is stackable. All three models comply with 2007 Energy Star standards, though the Bosch is the most energy-efficient. It also conserved water well, but it had a smaller capacity. For long-term costs, we compared this Whirlpool (almost $2,800) and the Bosch ($2,300), which would cost slightly less than the Admiral AAV7000[W] over 12 years. Matching Dryer: Bosch Nexxt WTMC3300US

 

[Ladyw/theTramp]

We just got a new set from Sears this Spring... we went with Kenmore HE2 (though, I think the HE3 is what 's out now) I really like it, and decided to go with it instead of another brand after talking to the repairman trying to fix our old ones... He said if you have a Sears brand.. it is up to 75% less expensive to fix if you have any issues, because they have all the parts available and don't have to send out.. then mark them up.. then make another trip back to fix it , essentially doubling the labor cost...

The only thing I'd change now is that there is a dryer that has a steam feature... to de-wrinkle clothes.. get them smelling fresh without "washing them"

I'd love that!!!

But isn't that always the case... as soon as you commit to get one thing, a newer better thing comes out. (At least that hasn't happened with my marriage! LOL)

 

[ducklite]

I have the Whirlpool Duet pair and absolutely LOVE them. One of the best features is the "Sanitize" cycle. I threw a load of pet laundry and rags that DH used to wash/wax the cars with the other day in on that cycle as I left for work. It gets even the grimiest, stinkiest fabrics clean.

Anne

 

[corndog]

I'm not sure why you want front loading, but I wouldn't buy anything other than the Fisher & Paykel. It uses the least water and has the fastest spin so you use very little energy to dry to.

 

[Boston Tea Party]

I love my front loaders. I have the LG models.

Two items that might be of interest:

If the house is NOT on a slab, I wouldn't get front loaders. When it goes through the spin cycle it sounds like it is going to lift off!

The door to the washer should be left ajar when not in use or an odor will develop. I close the door to the laundry room so it doesn't bother me.

 

[mickeyfan2]

We have the Whirlpool HT front loaders and love them. The amount of water they save and the time to due laundry has been reduced to a few hours once a week.

 

[claudia]

we just got the Whirlpoot Duet set....love them so much, does a beautiful job on everything, plus I can now get in much larger loads with very little water usage...which was important for us because of the cesspool. Consumers has rated them both very highly as well

 

[My2Cinderellas]

I have an old 1st generation Maytag Neptune - and while it has problems, they say they have fixed them in future models. It is on it's last legs (8.5 years old) and I'm looking ahead to when it quits working. I will absolutely get another front loader, but am leaning towards an LG or the Whirlpool Duet this time.

My Neptune Dryer is still going strong and so I'm just going to buy a washer.

 

[jonestavern]

...
The only thing I'd change now is that there is a dryer that has a steam feature... to de-wrinkle clothes.. get them smelling fresh without "washing them"
I'd love that!!!
But isn't that always the case... as soon as you commit to get one thing, a newer better thing comes out. (At least that hasn't happened with my marriage! LOL)

Yes, have been wondering about the steam cleaning, but I thought it was a washer??? My impression is that it does not require laundry detergent, but is it energy/water efficient? Is steam rough on clothes? Can you 'steam wash' all sorts of fabrics? Here I am thinking about delicates, woolens or some synthetics? Is LG the only manufacturer with a steam washer--or dryer--out?
Yep, as soon as you make the plunge, you just know something better is going to turn up1

Jean

 

[cinderlexa's mom]

Just purchased a LG set. Front loading stackable. Love them and love the extra space!

 

[deanainnc]

We have the • Bosch Nexxt 500 Series WFMC3301UC washing machine and the matching Bosch Nexxt series dryer. I think we paid right at $2000 for the set and I love them.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

We have the whirlpool duets with the pedestals and love them. Got them at Lowes.

 

[blackforest]

We just bought a Cabrio, and I LOVE it! Of course our old washer was down to only washing a half a load at a time, so it took forever. After reading all the info in Consumer's Digest, I was all set to get a front loader, but after looking at the features on the Cabrio, I went with it. We have a well and a septic system, so I was glad that it used much less water. Also, it weighs the load, so it only uses the amount of water necessary. You can pre-load the detergent (that expensive HE stuff!), the softener and the bleach (if you will be using it). It is also very, very quiet compared with my old washer. All around I am pleased with it. The price was a shocker ($1,000), but to get the almond color, we had to go with the new model (DH insisted it match our old dryer!) The latest version has a see-through lid, which is fun for the kids and the cats, but I get sorta dizzy! Now I'm just waiting for the old dryer to bite the dust so I can get the matching dryer. FYI - we went to H.H. Gregg and were very pleased with the service and the next day delivery!

 

[Kimmumum]

We just bought the Cabrio by Whirlpool. I love it. It is just like a front loader but on top. If that makes any sense. It used to take 2 days for me to do laundry per week and now I'm down to about 8 hours. 1 load equals 3 old loads. I love it!!!

 

[junglejoy]

I highly recommend a front loader but steer clear of Maytag. It's reliability is questionable at best (mine is 6 yrs old and I've spent $800 keeping it running). Many people on here have recommended LG and from what I hear that's the way to go. Check out epinions.com and consumerreports.org.

How fun! I love new appliances!

 

[1of6]

We have the Cabrios by Whirlpool. I love how big they are. It has really cut down on the time it takes me to do laundry. We have a second floor laundry and were afraid to put a front loader up there. My neighbor's kitchen light shakes when her front loader is running. We are happy with our choice.

 

[barbmouse]

Whirlpool Duet with pedestal being delivered today!! So excited! I really hope it saves time like I've read!! I'm usually not this excited about doing laundry!!