Stack units or side by side? Was: I need a new washer and dryer, recommendations please!

[Turn the Page]

I have a Samsung set that we have had for 6 years now. There was a recall on the washing machine so we got a different model about a year in so I guess that is 5 years old but I love it. It gets stains out of clothes my mom's washer couldn't get out.....but that was about 30 years ago so maybe the detergent is better now?

I will say, DS4 was in cloth diapers that I washed in my front load washer and it did a great job with them. Laundry doesn't really get dirtier than that.

 

[barkley]

My SIL has a speed queen set in his house and she loves it. They aren't cheap but I hear they are the best.

Whatever you do, do not buy your appliances from a big box store like Home Depot or Lowes. Just because it says Samsung on it doesn't mean it's the same Samsung you get from the appliance store. The model from the local appliance store will cost more but it is a better quality and they will likely be able to service it if need be.

on the flip side-even if a local appliance store has had a decades long reputation of being the top, best, most reliable for sales/servicing-do a current on-line search for reviews. we had a nightmare experience within the past couple of months over appliances that were in stock when we bought them only to find one was missing parts, and after 3 separate visits to install that the store had grossly misrepresented their contractor's installation fee. fortunately after the second incident i demanded an in writing guarantee that if anything went wrong on the 3rd try we would be fully refunded w/no restock fee. later i went on-line and learned that the company has had a dramatic decline in customer satisfaction over the last few years (not pandemic related-all issues within their scope of control).

 

[robinb]

Thank you everyone! Your answers have been very helpful!

I went to Costco yesterday and browsed some of the laundry appliances they had on display. I noticed that they had top loaders with tubs (no agitators) that looked the same as the front loaders. Are they the same except for the orientation? Does the top loader prevent the mildew that people have been reporting?

I don't think I want a washer with an agitator, I think the one I have has been pretty tough on my clothes and I'm ready for a change.

 

[jrmasm]

Thank you everyone! Your answers have been very helpful!

I went to Costco yesterday and browsed some of the laundry appliances they had on display. I noticed that they had top loaders with tubs (no agitators) that looked the same as the front loaders. Are they the same except for the orientation? Does the top loader prevent the mildew that people have been reporting?

I don't think I want a washer with an agitator, I think the one I have has been pretty tough on my clothes and I'm ready for a change.

My HE top loader is TERRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!! It simply doesn't get get clothes clean because it doesn't use enough water. There are options to add more water but using more water and more time is NOT efficient.

As soon as it dies I buying an agitator machine.

 

[HeatherC]

My suggestion would to be to get one with the least amount of electronics. They always seem to have problems and are hard to get someone to come and fix it and never seem to last as long. Everyone I know who has gotten one with a lot of electronics has had multiple problems and/or had to replace them.

 

[chipndale16]

I also got a Speed Queen washer/dryer set in late 2016, after hearing many great reviews and recommendations for them. The dryer died in less than 5 years. Of all the major appliances I’ve ever owned (washer, dryer, fridge, oven, etc), I’ve never had one die in such a short time. I went to the Speed Queen web site to see their list of local appliance repair companies to find somebody to come out and fix the dryer. Upon calling several companies, they all said that they do not service Speed Queen. I called Speed Queen customer service and explained my problem. She listed off several repair companies who I had already spoken to, who all said they don’t service Speed Queen. It was really frustrating! After calling about 10 other companies, I finally found somebody to come out and look at it. He determined what was wrong, but because of supply chain issues, the replacement part was not available! I contacted Speed Queen again to see when the part might become available, but they could not give me any time frame. Unfortunatly, we went ahead and ordered a new GE dryer from Costco and got rid of the broken Speed Queen. I actually like the new GE dryer better, but I still have the Speed Queen washer, and it still works fine. Because of the short life span, and the difficulty finding somebody willing to work on Speed Queen units, I would not buy another Speed Queen.

 

[tvguy]

We bought LG washer and dryer 9 years ago, so still covered under the 10 year factory warranty. Our first front loaders. Washer does such a better job that our old top loaders did. With front loaders you just have to make sure to drain and clean the filter on a regular basis.
My wife's other trick to extend their lives is I'm not allowed to touch them without specific written instructions, LOL.

My mom used to go into Sears every 20 years and buy the cheapest Kenmore washer and dryer they had. She never had to fix anything, and at about 20 years they would start making funny noises, so they got replaced. I don't think she ever paid more than $400 for the pair.

 

[Moliphino]

Thank you everyone! Your answers have been very helpful!

I went to Costco yesterday and browsed some of the laundry appliances they had on display. I noticed that they had top loaders with tubs (no agitators) that looked the same as the front loaders. Are they the same except for the orientation? Does the top loader prevent the mildew that people have been reporting?

I don't think I want a washer with an agitator, I think the one I have has been pretty tough on my clothes and I'm ready for a change.

The top loader doesn't have as much of a mold/mildew issue because the door doesn't need to be water-tight like on a front loader. If you leave the door of a front loader open when not it use, that lets it dry out and keeps stuff from growing.

I have a top loader with no agitator and it works fine for me.

 

[auntfrannie]

About a year ago I got a GE top loader without the agitator and I HATE it. It doesn't get the clothes clean. Even though I use a liquid detergent it still leaves a residue on dark clothes.

I miss the LG frontloader that I had for 8 years. I won't be getting another GE product, that's for sure.

 

[Cadiewampus]

Yes, do not even think of getting a Maytag set! They definitely do not last anymore. The commercials today would have "Ol' Lonely" the repair tech saying, "Hiya! So glad to see you again--so soon."

We've gone through 2 Maytag Bravos HE top loader washers in less than 10 years. The dryer has lasted about 10 but is showing signs of sensor failure. Both washers had 2 repairs each before dying. The last one gave out at 2-1/2 years. My previous Maytag agitator top loader held up for 20 years even with being moved twice.

The HE washers also make loud, weird noises with the most-used cycles lasting an hour or longer. They may save water and energy but will drive you nuts if your hookups aren't in a basement.

I suggest looking at the Speed Queen line of plain old agitator washer and dryer. That's what I'm considering as the Speed Queen washers in our complex's laundry room have gotten out dried-in stains the last HE couldn't when fresh.

We did have the Maytag Bravos as well. Had 5 service calls in 13 months. They finally basically told me I did not know how to wash clothes. Imagine that I have been doing it wrong for over 40 years.

 

[_19disnA]

Have the LG front loader washer & dryer, think they are about 8 yrs old and work great. Never had the need for any type of service. Washer has a revolving drum and clothes have always come out clean. I do leave the door open on the washer for an hour or two when they wash cycle has completed so the seal can dry out and not form any mildew. I would avoid the models that connect to the internet (honestly who needs that?) and just something else to go wrong that requires service. Only run the washer/dryer when at home so I really don't need it to send me a text/email when the cycle has completed !!!

 

[QueenIsabella]

I've only ever had top loaders. I like them fine. Our current washer/dryer came with the house (7 years ago). The washer works fine, the dryer seems to be on its last legs--it has crapped out on me twice on laundry day, leaving me to hang stuff outside. Which isn't the end of the world, but I'm sure the golfers appreciated it--we back up to a golf course.

DD19 has a front loading washer in her on-campus apartment. I'm curious to see what she thinks. Only problem is, they've had problems from Day One--the washer door didn't close right, then there was a leak in the wall (their hot water heater is installed directly over the washer--not sure which leaked). Now, the dryer's broken. It was supposed to be fixed by Tuesday--she's still waiting. Lucky for her, we're only 3 miles away--I'm expecting her and her laundry to darken my doorstep, any minute now.

 

[DL1WDW2]

Just started to shop… the area I live in has a lot of 3 rd floor level Washer& Dryers…Worry non stop about flooding or fires in lint hose.
But thought of moving up & down in & out heavy equipment and wood floors !!!
They say they will remove old machines for $ 40 each… I would have to tip those poor guys a lot!
You should have seen the guys that carried that refrigerator up just one flight to kitchen .
Anyway Do not ignore your washer if it is agitated and off balance.
Apparently many homes with PVC plastic pipes are cracking and whole house replacement for pipes. So that bouncing could crack your pipes.
I just read this about Electrolux Washers … Did not know they are still in business :

 

[DL1WDW2]

I also really want a dryer with a hamper door that opens different than the regular dryer doors that Open left to Right.
That way I don’t have to bend down when I am removing socks if I drop them .
Definitely buy the extended warranty if your area has frequent surge problem, etc.
That jolt to your appliances , over time, destroy the electronics for Wsher Dryer water heater dishwasher ice maker etc. Not just bad for computers but for all major appliances.
And future probability of more frequent Power Surge …!!!

 

[DVCjj]

I despise my Energy Saver washer. Having no middle agitator is nothing but a pain in the neck.
I have to constantly rearrange sheets which were puffed up like huge parachutes around the non existent agitator. I greatly regret not simply fixing my old washer. Stupid not to have an agitator. To me, that's the main principle part in washer clothes.

 

[NannyBeBe]

I have a GE top-load washer that has a Deep Fill feature. It does not have an agitator and does an excellent job.
One thing I would advise is to be sure that the bleach dispenser has no metal parts. My former washer started dripping spots of rust onto my clothes that I found was coming from the bleach dispenser that had rusted. I got rid of that washer, which was an LG. My GE washer has a dispenser that is totally plastic and I have had no issues.

 

[seven dwarfs]

Be very careful with speed queen. I bought a set last year. It would not clean my clothes. If you look online on utube and read reviews you will see many issues. Basically seems like not enough water comes in. It kinda stinks. I'm all for saving the planet but I'd the washer doesn't actually clean the clothes what's the point. They also had issues with the dryer leaving burn marks in clothes. I fought with them to get it resolved and they were very nasty about it. They tried to say my water was hard and I was using it outside of normal wash?? It wouldn't even clean my sheets. I finally got the dealer to I take it back. I replaced it with a Electrolux. It is doing amazing. Just really read reviews. It seems like all these new laws make it very hard for these companies. Also, be careful not to read speed queen reviews on certified dealers pages. Dealers were saying speed queen threatened them if any neg reviews were posted. It was an awful experience. Good luck!! You will really miss your old set.

 

[_19disnA]

Wherever you are shopping for new washer/dryer be sure to ask: 1) do they take the old ones away from your property? and 2) is there a charge to connect the new machines? Some cities are very picky about what you can put out for trash so if all they do is put it on your lawn for trash pick-up, you might have issues getting it taken away. Some places charge for these services while others do not. Be sure to consider that when doing comparison shopping.

 

[DisneyTeacher]

Speed Queen. Has a great warranty and is a work horse. I love that it doesn't have a ton of bells and whistles to break. I can do laundry SO FAST now, I actually don't hate doing laundry!

I agree. We bought a Speed Queen in the spring of 2020 and love it. It wasn’t cheap but after going through two washing machines in 15 years it was worth trying. So far I have no regrets.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I also really want a dryer with a hamper door that opens different than the regular dryer doors that Open left to Right.
That way I don’t have to bend down when I am removing socks if I drop them .
Definitely buy the extended warranty if your area has frequent surge problem, etc.
That jolt to your appliances , over time, destroy the electronics for Wsher Dryer water heater dishwasher ice maker etc. Not just bad for computers but for all major appliances.
And future probability of more frequent Power Surge …!!!

I've always had those hamper doors and LOVE them. I think the only company that has the hamper door is Whirlpool, and perhaps Maytag. But definitely Whirlpool, which is OK with me, since I'm a dedicated Whirlpool buyer. We just replaced our washer, after my Whirlpool washer of 18 years died. Talk about basic-I remember going into the store to buy our new washer, seeing the one I wanted, and yelling over to DH "Hey, I found the one I want-it doesn't do anything except wash clothes". I throw the clothes in and just hit start. Top loader, agitator (at first I thought I wanted no agitator). Our dryer is about 17 years old-I already know-go buy the most basic Whirlpool with a hamper door that I can find.