Washer and Dryer Opinions Needed

[SA53]

Well, my 20 year old washer went more than a little bump in the night, more like shake, rattle and roll so we have decided to get a new washer and dryer (the dryer is also 20 years old but doesn't stop by itself much anymore so it is time...). I did a search but the latest discussion on this was a year ago so I thought I would see if there were any new ideas out there.

I know this is the budget board but I am not as worried about the initial cost as buying a set that will last--that is the true budget part of the equation for me. I want another set to last 20 years so my budget will stay low in the long run.

I am open to front or top loading.

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated as I have a half done load in my washer as we speak and a boat load of holiday laundry to do

TIA,

K in SA

 

[sdchickie]

We got the LG top load washer and dryer this spring and I love them. I can now fit 3 of my old size loads into 1 it's a major time saver! I have heard that alot of the front loaders get mildew smell in them alot thats why I went with a top loader without the center agitator.

 

[Sadie22]

I went with a Kenmore front loader recently to replace my broken toploading washer due to what I read in Consumer Reports and elsewhere. It is important to use the right amount of the right kind of detergent, to let the washer dry out after use, and to follow any other maintenance procedures indicated. The new washer takes a little longer to wash clothes than the old washer did, but they come out of the washer with less water left in them so they take much less time to dry. I figure we're using less electricity overall.

 

[findmewdw]

We bought a front loader washer a few months ago after our old one tore up. We bought a whirlpool duet because my repairman recommended it. However, I wish I would have went with a top loader. It takes forever for a load of clothes to finish and since I purchased a big one, it is hard to get the wet clothes out. I do lots of squats trying to reach inside to grab them! Another extra task is having to dry out the drum after every wash. I don't enjoy adding tasks to my chores!! We haven't had any smells so maybe this is an extra precaution, but salesman told us we need to do that. Every few weeks, I have to clean it out with Afresh, again something I never did with my old washer. I miss my old machine! Good luck with your choice!

 

[SandrA9810]

We bought a front loader washer a few months ago after our old one tore up. We bought a whirlpool duet because my repairman recommended it. However, I wish I would have went with a top loader. It takes forever for a load of clothes to finish and since I purchased a big one, it is hard to get the wet clothes out. I do lots of squats trying to reach inside to grab them! Another extra task is having to dry out the drum after every wash. I don't enjoy adding tasks to my chores!! We haven't had any smells so maybe this is an extra precaution, but salesman told us we need to do that. Every few weeks, I have to clean it out with Afresh, again something I never did with my old washer. I miss my old machine! Good luck with your choice!

Just think of all the exercise you're getting doing those squats.

I came across some really bad youtube videos of people taking apart their duet since it was beyond repair (well repairs went beyond the cost of the machine). I was doing the initial search to find out how to get to the water pump/filter to clean it out.

It does a decent job, but the wash cycle can take anywhere from 40-60 minutes each load. But I usually end up with three loads when I do laundry, lights, darks, socks and undies. Although I do have a problem with small items like socks getting stuck in the rubber gasket around the door. And it's AMAZING what can actually get sucked down the drain. There's videos of people pulling kid's socks out of the filter. I managed to clean out over $10 of change from the filter.

My aunt has an awesome top loader and dryer set she bought about 6 years ago when she moved into an apartment. Last year, when she bought this house, the owner left a new set. She's been bugging me since day 1 about wanting to get her washer and dryer into the house and putting these in the storage shed.

She says I get to keep one set, as to why she has not gotten rid of them.
Tomorrow, I'll tell you which two brands they are, as I don't remember off the top of my head.

 

[spacemountainmom]

I just bought the LG front loaders with steam last month and so far I love them. I don't really like leaving the door open, but I haven't had any smell issues and believe me........we have done a ton of laundry since we got them. I hang most of my clothes to dry and it is nice that they come out of the washer less wet than the old one. DH and the kids stuff goes in the dryer and seems to get done much faster.

As for 20 years.....I don't know. My friend just had the repairman out to fix her 7 year old fridge and was told that most appliances have an expected life of 10 years. My parents were out fridge shopping yesterday and the Sears salesman told them that appliances are expected to last about 5 years now. My old w/d were about 15 years old and the dryer had two expensive repairs within the last two years and it was starting to go again. That's pretty sad in my opinion. My parents are looking to replace the 40 year old fridge in their basement. It still works pretty well, they just want a smaller one since it sits half empty most of the time. I think it's rather sad how disposable the world has become.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Samsung VRT 4.5 is what we bought a few years ago and I love it. it does the equilant of 2 loads at once. Takes 54 minutes to wash 20 minutes to dry. It also has the option of a quick load which I use for small loads and it take 38 minutes to wash. I use two 170 oz. tide bottles a year. I write on the bottle the date I first use the tide so I know exactly how far one bottle goes. I love the fact my machine does not vibrate that much unlike the LG models that several coworkers said would move as much as 4 inches during a wash. I also saw on the LG website they recommend installing the machine on a reinforced floor because of the vibration. Got my machine at the Sears outlet.
Oh and my water bill went down from 4 ccf to 2 ccf when we got the new machine.

 

[Katy Belle]

I did a lot of research before purchasing a set last year. I was too freaked out by the # of people that had the new style washers die after 5 years. I bought the old agitator kind. Matag. Much cheaper. If i need to replace it in 5 years, fine, it wont hurt as badly.

 

[spacemountainmom]

So far I have not had any issues with my LG moving. My old kenmore moved every single load. Ours do sit on concrete so maybe that helps.

The LG also came with a 10 year warranty on the motor so I hope I get at least that much out of it.

 

[Sadie22]

When I bought my new machines I got them on pedastals to put them at a better height for loading and unloading and for the storage beneath. The disadvantage is that I cannot set a laundry basket on top of the machines while loading and unloading; it would be up too high for me. I have to leave the baskets on the floor. I'm thinking of getting a rolling cart for that purpose.

It is very important to level the machines or they may walk across the floor. With the pedastals, the machine will vibrate more if the pedestal drawer is empty. I used to use a stick to get laundry out of my old pedastal-less dryer, but that is not necessary with the new machine.

I always put small items in zippered mesh bags for washing.

 

[herdtoDisney]

I have the Kenmore He3 front loader washer and a Kenmore superduty dryer. Both purchased in 2005. Washer has NEVER needed a repair, and dryer had a heating element replaced (by dh, about $50). Considering we are a family of seven (about to put in load 4 for today ) and have moved the machines 3 times, I'm very happy with the reliabillity.

I was looking at water bills from before and after I had the front loader, and it really does save water. I've been happy with the machines, they are not the most loaded, bells and whistles models-but do what I need and are reliable.

 

[Lehuaann]

I'm a Maytag convert (prefer top loaders ). Never been disappointed, and their dryers dry HOT. I can't stand a dryer taking a long time to dry and coming out warm...so this a huge plus.

 

[ANNABETH]

I spent $140 about 2 months ago on repairing my 5 year old dryer. I was talking to the repair man about how surprised I was that it needed repair when it wasn't that old. He told me he wasn't because all appliances are made to only last 5 years now. He said I would have been better off to not replace it 5 years ago and just keep getting my old dryer fixed even though it was 20 years old too. He also said that my 4 year old washer, will probably need to be replace in the next few years too. Not too happy about that either. But more importantly, we updated our kitchen last summer and we bought all new applicances and he told me those too will only last about 5 years or so .

One other thing he told me was to never buy LG appliances because most repair men won't service them because their parts are really hard to get.

 

[SA53]

Wow, thank you all for the great replies. Now I am torn about just getting my machine fixed but it sounds like there are actual pieces of it going around (it broke during a spin cycle) so I figured that since it was so old it was a no brainer to replace.

I do have a very small laundry room off my kitchen so it is not on concrete which now has me a bit concerned. I actually could not leave a front loader door open without a lot of contortion on my part and that would not be pretty for anyone involved

I have thought about getting a HE top loader to help with the water bill but have heard they don't clean as well as the front loaders or the old agitators. The more I research the more confused I am which is why I am so grateful for all your help.

Decisions, decisions...

K in SA

 

[LilMamiBella]

I have a whirlpool duet front loading washer and dryer that I hate! I have had to clean out the filter 3 times! Fortunately, I found out how to do it myself online instead of hiring someone to fix it but still it sucks to have to do it. We use cloth diapers and I find that I have two do 2 complete regular washes to get them washed really well. ALso everything that I need to dry takes at least 90 minutes! I wish I could talk my hubby into buying a different set as we've had these for 6 years but I think he wants them to die first.

 

[mom2grace]

My uncle works for Proctor & Gamble, the makers of Tide (& probably others). He knows everything about washing machines and he says you need WATER to get clothes clean!

We have a Fisher Paykel top loader, it's energy star rated and AWESOME! We also have their dryer, it's super efficient, I can get a whole load of king sheets, pillow cases & blanket dry on LOW in about 40 minutes (gas heat). They also now have a top loading DRYER so you don't have to stoop over.

These machines are reasonably priced & are consistently top rated.

 

[LilMamiBella]

My uncle works for Proctor & Gamble, the makers of Tide (& probably others). He knows everything about washing machines and he says you need WATER to get clothes clean!

We have a Fisher Paykel top loader, it's energy star rated and AWESOME! We also have their dryer, it's super efficient, I can get a whole load of king sheets, pillow cases & blanket dry on LOW in about 40 minutes (gas heat). They also now have a top loading DRYER so you don't have to stoop over.

These machines are reasonably priced & are consistently top rated.

Wow! Seriously to dry my sheets and blankets takes 180 minutes on high!

 

[SandrA9810]

My aunt's top loader/agitator set is a Kenmore 90 series, and the set she hates is an admiral.

The thing about washing machines, is the amount of friction between the clothes to rub the dirt off. Too few clothes, not enough friction, and they don't come clean. Too many clothes, not enough room to move, and they don't come clean. The ones without an agitator require more clothes to fill in the gap of the agitator. The agitator actually helps create that friction with the clothes.

With front loaders, the clothes are being brought to the top and dropped back down again, creating that friction needed to clean. Even half loads come clean, since they all sit on top of each other at the bottom of the machine. There's no place for them to float around like in a top loader.

 

[BoardWalkBelle]

I purchased a basic, and least expensive Kenmore W and D Sears sells last yr.they better last longer than 5 yrs I actually used to be an appliance sales person at Sears a few yrs ago. The last W and D set i had, my parents purchased and they lasted forever, in fact the only reason i dont have them anymore is becasue i sold my home and left them in the house for the new people. I did buy the extended warranty so if it breaks, Sears will fix it

 

[bunky8384]

I have a Whirlpool Cabrio (top loading HE)set and love them! They get my hubby's NASTY work clothes just as clean, and sometimes cleaner than any other washer I've ever used and it uses a fraction of the water.