New washing machine needed

[HM]

Anyone absolutely love their washing machine and want to recommend it?

How long have you had it? What do you like about it and are their any drawbacks?

Unexpectedly, it looks like I'm getting a new one for Christmas as ours died just after Thanksgiving and repairs cost too much to consider.

 

[2minnies]

I've had my front loader for 6 1/2 years and I wouldn't recommend one unless they have improved the rubber gasket. It is very difficult to keep clean and dry.

 

[HM]

The one that just died is a front loader and I had it for 6 yrs 9 months. (Kenmore HE2)
I am thinking top load might be the way to go this time.

 

[tink fan]

I'm going to follow this thread because I'm in the same boat. My machine died after Thanksgiving, too.

I waited a couple days to see if it could get repaired and found out it would be too expensive. Unfortunately I missed the Black Friday weekend sale on the washer I am looking at.

I've been asking around and reading reviews and have come to the conclusion not to get a front loader. In fact, I think I want a top loader with the agitator. I don't remember the model number I was looking at, but it was a GE with a 3.9 capacity and priced originally at $650. The sale price was $500.

I'm interested to hear what others post.

 

[SalandJeff]

I have an LG high efficiency top loader ... love it! I've had it for about a year. I previously had a Whirlpool front loader. I can fit a lot more laundry in the LG, find the laundry comes out cleaner, and like that I can pause the cycle to add an item.

If possible, you might want to get a matching dryer. I could never have fit the clothes that fit in the washer in my old dryer.

 

[kt_mom]

I'm going to follow this thread as well. My washer hasn't completely died but the spin cycle is having issues. If I wash a really full load it will spin but I can't do a small to medium size load of laundry or it stops with about 12 minutes left in the spin cycle and water in the bottom. It will spin with just one or two things in it though. It's become a real pain to have to either wait for a super full load or just wash one or two things at a time. So we'll be in the market for a new washer soon.

Sounds like people are moving back to top loaders. That's all I've ever had.

 

[lovemygoofy]

I have a top load LG set that I really like. I have had it for about 7 months now and it has no agitator but I have the "diamond" plating inside to help protect the clothes. It is also an HE set but the cycles are long. A traditional cycle is 51 minutes long.

I love my dryer. It has a sensor that notices when the clothes are dry and just shuts itself off instead of continuing to run the entire dry cycle.

We bought our set at Sears. The only down side I don't like is that is the LG set is a "smart" set that can speak through my cell phone to customer service when something is wrong. I tested it one time and it's like R2D2 talking on my phone.


This is the set I have:

http://www.lg.com/us/dryers/lg-DLE4801W-electric-dryer

http://www.lg.com/us/washers/lg-WT4801CW-top-load-washer

 

[wickersham]

My washing machine died in Sept. and I replaced it with an LG model that has worked out very well. It is a 3.7 cu feet top loader HE model with no agitator. The total cost from Home Depot, including about $40 in new hoses, was $770. This included delivery, installation and hauling away the old washer. I'm super pleased with the new washer, although I wish I could have spent the money on something more fun!

 

[Bungle]

Speed Queen top loader. I LOVE this washing machine, granted its not a front loader or very pretty but it cleans like no ones business, doesn't cost a mortgage payment and is really built to last.

 

[bjscheel]

We got a Fisher Paykel on Craigslist after an appliance store friend recommended the brand. It is top loading and has an agitator. It works fine, we've had it for a year or so. I think they are pretty highly rated in reviews. It is so much quieter than our old one that used to shake the house and walk across the laundry room floor!

I believe Best Buy sells them, among other places.

 

[Kathi OD]

I bought an LG front loader in August when my 20 year old washer finally bit the dust. It was last year's model and I got both the washer and dryer for less than the washer alone. So far, so good. I have not yet experienced the problems that other people have complained about re: smell and mold.

I love how much water is spun out of the clothes. It makes the drying time so much less. I also like the steam option.

 

[akcire]

5 years ago I was washer dryer shipping on Christmas Eve, both my kitchen aids had finally died their last death. At the suggestion of the salesperson I bought top of the line LGs and extended warranties. The washer was replaced twice (with many repairs in between). The dryer was replaced once with an lg and I now have a whirlpool dryer. Yep mixed pair (glad I spent big money on my set).

Around the same time my neighbor bought a set of whirlpool duets. At the time we were both married households of 2 and have pretty equal washing habits. My neighbor has had no repairs no problems since day one. The only thing she did was add the pedestals after a year, not a defect just choose to add them. In comparison my LGs were constantly broken. Any time the LGs are down I do laundry at her house, needless to say now that we are out of warranty if the LG washer dies I am buying a whirlpool washer to match the dryer.

 

[HM]

I ended up getting a Samsung 4 cu gal top loader. Regularly $699' marked down to $499 at both Lowes and Best Buy. Most people gave good ratings online. I like that I didn't pay a whole lot and it's Energy Star rated. I hope I made a good choice. Delivery is delayed until Dec 12, as they are backed up from Black Friday sales at Lowes. BB was even further out at Dec 17 delivery.

 

[Sadie22]

I've had my front loader for 6 1/2 years and I wouldn't recommend one unless they have improved the rubber gasket. It is very difficult to keep clean and dry.

I've had my Kenmore HE frontloader a year and a half now. We just leave the door open for a while after using it. If there's actual water we dry off the gasket, but usually it's just damp. I love the washer. The clothes are clean, I can fit more than with the previous Kenmore HE toploader, and the cothes dry more quickly.

It is important that the washing machine be level, that the proper (smaller than you think) amount of HE detergent be used, and that the maintenance procedures be followed (leave the door open to let the gasket and drum dry out between loads, and if there is a pump drain, drain that as instructed).