Trying to decide what washer and dryer to buy...

[Keli]

We know we will be buying a washer and dryer in 2016. We're doing some renovations to the house and will be replacing our washer and dryer. I have been doing research and it's really hard to decide what brand to buy. We intend to get a front loading washer and we'd like to stack the washer and dryer if possible. I've looked at reviews from consumer reports as well as other organizations but in the comments after the articles I always read dozens of horror stories about the very appliances that were hailed as a marvel in the article above. And it's worrying me that we will pick a brand/model that isn't that great and will be unhappy. Is there anyone who has bought or researched washers and dryers recently have some words of advice or recommendation?

 

[Disneylover99]

We bought a large, stackable Maytag front loading washer and dryer about 5-7 years ago. We had so many problems with the washer, we finally replaced both with large, stackable Samsung appliances 4 months ago. So far, so good.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

I have always had Kenmore washers and dryers from Sears. Bought a new Kenmore dryer about a year ago and have been unhappy with it. It takes forever to dry clothes. I have to run it through 2 cycles to get things dry.

 

[FINFAN]

two words:
Top Load~
two more words:
Speed Queen
last two words:
Good Luck!

 

[Southernmiss]

Another Speed Queen owner. Speed Queen

 

[Kitty 34]

Do NOT buy the Kenmore washer.......I have had more clothes just ripped to pieces after about 5-7 washes but that was the 2013 brand; hopefully they have fixed it.

 

[GaryDis]

Check out the Houzz laundry forum.

We have Electrolux stacked, for about a year and a half now, and so far, so good. I had a wonderful experience with Electrolux customer service, the result of which was that they replaced the hinge on the door for being misaligned. It was wonderful because my first call was before the warranty expired, the second one after, and the support rep made sure we were still covered based on the date of the first call.

Since then, we no longer keep the door open whenever it's not in use, as I believe the weight of the door was causing it to go out of alignment. Instead, we'll close the door after it's had a day to dry out.

Beyond that, it's really wonderful being able to do large loads.

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

Anything but Whirlpool. I had a "nice" Whirlpool front-loader that lasted barely longer than the warranty. I have fairly new (the stickers say 2011) Whirlpool old fashion top loading type that leaks. The matching dryer makes a gosh awful noise and will occasionally leave black marks on stuff.

 

[diznymom]

I have an LG front load washer. Love it.

 

[RC Fan]

I'd avoid GE at this point. My Profile dryer has quit twice in 5 years.

 

[shoney]

My parents recently went shopping for a washer/dryer. The salesperson talked them out of a front loader and into a top loader speed queen.

We purchased a top of the line whirlpool front loader about 11 years ago. It lasted about 6 years and the motor blew.
We replaced it with another whirlpool front loader but without all the bells and whistles. 2 1/2 years later the rubber gasket needed to be replaced. Fast forward another 2 years and it happened again. It was under warranty both times, but the guy said it would be around $250 to replace. He told me I was too rough taking the laundry in and out! I'm not sure the front loaders are worth it!

 

[RC Fan]

He told me I was too rough taking the laundry in and out!

Spoken like someone who hasn't done a load of laundry in his life

 

[smokeyblue]

two words:
Top Load~
two more words:
Speed Queen
last two words:
Good Luck!

I manage a bunch of rentals as part of my job. I've got to know the delivery/repair guys from our local appliance store really well. They cadidly told me Speed Queen's required the least repairs and last the longest.

 

[goofy4tink]

Well, after living with my Whirlpool w/d for 6 months now, I recommend staying away from them. Granted they are both mini-size, but that shouldn't really make a difference. Front loaders both....love the dryer, but that's probably because the washer spins the clothes so well. BUT...the noise and the moving around of the washer is unbearable. We paid about $1600 for the pair, and I'm seriously considering just dumping them and starting over. My issue is that I have a very small laundry area, with an even smaller door to get the machines through. Might be time to relocate them to the basement.....the cement floor should take care of that vibration that now rocks the entire house!!!!

 

[lorimay]

I have owned 2 front loaders, And I can tell you they are a pain. If you don't leave the washer door open, the machine stays wet and gets a horrid smell. Your clothes will smell bad. If you have your heart set on one, keep the door open and wipe the inside down after every wash and get the rubber inside really well (thats were the smell comes from and it gets black and icky.
We just sold our house and are in the process of building a new one, I will be getting a top loader for sure this time.

I saw a really nice Samsung top loader at Costco, that I am considering. The set was around $2,000.

 

[MillauFr]

I have an Electrolux that I bought on Amazon. Been working great for the last 5 years. I would avoid buying anything from Sears. I can't seen them staying in business at the rate they are going and then you might be stuck with it.

 

[FINFAN]

I manage a bunch of rentals as part of my job. I've got to know the delivery/repair guys from our local appliance store really well. They cadidly told me Speed Queen's required the least repairs and last the longest.

and quiet!

 

[Kellykins1218]

We've had to replace the heating element on our Samsung dryer 3 times in 4 years. The next time it goes, so does the dryer. Biggest lemon we ever bought.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Have an LG, mid-range, non-stackable.
It has been good, as far as front-loaders go.
Much better than my old (years ago) Whirlpool.
Only issue I have had is that the brake on the washer drum does not always disengage completely at the end of the cycle. So, sometimes harder to spin the drum around to make sure that you have all misc. socks and small items.
Not sure if this issue still exist or not. But, I think I am happier with this LG than most other brands.

I would be afraid to stack a front-loader. Even the best can experience some vibration.

PS: the lame guys who delivered ours did not even make any effort to level and secure the washer. When we checked, on of the feet was not even touching the floor. These washers can be very heavy, and not fun to have to try to pull it out and try to level it and lock down the nuts on the feet.

Next time I ever buy an appliance, I am going to print out the delivery specifics, on paper, and speak to appliance floor manager to insure that somebody will make sure that the appliance is installed completely and correctly!!! To many issues with delivery in the past.

 

[nkereina]

Unlike a couple posters above, we love our Whirlpool washer & dryer. Ours are about 8 years old now and work just as good as they did on day 1. I've only had one issue with the dryer that I needed repaired, and it was something that was my fault (I broke it). I do find the washer noticeably loud, however, compared to my parent's brand new LG top load washer which is remarkably quiet.