Washer and Dryer opinions please...

[clh2]

DH and I have been casually looking at the "new breed" of washers and dryers recently. Last night, we had a lint fire in our dryer, eventhough we regularly clean the part of the dryer where the burner is. Needless to say - that has me a little spooked. The washer and dryer are 12 years old, and while we could probably get a little more life out of the washer - I am not sure I want the dryer to stay.

So - I am looking for any opinions people may have on the front loading washers and dryers - as well as Maytag's top loading Neptune.

Thanks all!

 

[Elwood Blues]

While I'm not currently in the market for either I do have my sights set on the new Whirlpool line. The Calypso series. I would highly recommend a stainless steel tub for the washer and the dryer. The reasoning for SS is it never gets rough like porcelain does after years of use. It only gets smoother. At least that's what I've read. Plus it doesn't rust like a chipped porcelain tub does.

http://calypso.whirlpool.com/home.asp

 

[m&m's mom]

I just bought the Neptune set.
W/ all the wires and extended warranty, delivery etc. it was $2,012.26 at Lowe's.
I never thought I would have spent that much and I am not entirely convinced they are THAT much better but I do like them.

 

[mom2grace]

Have you thought about Fisher-Paykel? Do a search, there are some threads about this brand on the CB. I think their website is FisherPaykel.com.

My uncle works for Proctor & Gamble, they make Tide, etc.

He told me that clothes need water to get clean, and having enough water is not a major concern in the US, it is in Europe.

Front-loading washers use very little water, so your clothes might not be a clean as you want them to be.

The Fisher-Paykel is top loading, but gets an "energy star" rating (relatively rare for washers & dryers).

There is a great review at epinions.com about why this washer is so cutting-edge. I'm not good at attaching links, so you'll have to do it. Sorry!

It spins at 1000 rpm so your clothes come out damp instead of wet, it automatically adjusts the water level based on the amount of clothes (but you can override this). In a word, it's awesome, for about $600!!

My MIL has the fancy front loader, it holds less than my old Amana washer and our clothes were not clean. I could not believe it!! Squashed all of my dreams about what type of washing machine I wanted when mine died about 6 months ago. Of course, she would never admit this!!

While may of the issues surrounding the front-loading washers have been overcome, I don't think they can correct the mold/mildew issue.

And now, your public service announcement is over!!!!!!

(Disclaimer: I am a SAHM, I do not work for F-P!)

 

[campingcorgi]

We have the Whirlpool Duet set and love them! You can really wash the huge loads that it says, and our water bill dropped 25% the first month (and every month since!)

Very clean clothes, quiet, large loads--works for me!

 

[H&Hmommy]

I love my Whirlpool Duet

 

[mmks]

It's probably not the right time to ask... I have a Neptune set that we have had since 12/2001, it just stopped working two days ago, hopefully not a big problem. Until that time, I have loved it, and would definitely recommend a front loader. They seem much more gentle on clothes. I get much less lint in dryer than I did with my top loader. I found a website that may be of some use: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/laundry/ I think if I had found this before I may have opted for a different frontloader, but you can look for yourself!

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

Another thumbs up for the Whirlpool Duet. I have used them for two years and love them.

 

[Az Pirates]

I have a front loading neptune washer and matching dryer.
Bought it in 2000 - so I'm sure it's an outdated model by now.
I would not buy another one unless they've made improvements.

It does get the clothes clean and uses less water - hard to tell if there is less wear and tear on the clothes without having another washer for comparison. (one of the big sales pitches at the time)

I do love the timer feature.... but, it is incredibly noisy and I HATE trying to keep the inside rim clean so we don't get that lovely mildew smell!

I know when we bought ours they had a special # for neptune owners to call for service and the one time we had to call, they were at our house and had things fixed within just a few hours. That was great - but again I have nothing to compare with - so don't know how fast service would have been without the priority #


Good Luck deciding!

 

[mudnuri]

Nothing but Kenmore Elite appliances in our house.

My new Kenmore Elite dryer is the companion to my washer (6 mo old)...King capacity, can keep up with my washer, 16 bath sheets- 14 pair of jeans etc...

Has moisture control- no time dry needed, turn it on, it shuts off when stuff's dry. All but 1 time, with a comforter it was correct.

Sears and Kenmore stand by their products 100% and I will NEVER buy anything but them. The Elite line is wonderful! From my washer to my outdoor gas grill...Kenmore Elite is the way we go.

I have heard nothing but problems with the Neptunes....??? Maytag as well. Whirlpool is a good brand, thats what we've replaced with Kenmores.

Brandy

 

[WDWAurora]

I just have a boring old washer that works fine, so no worries, but my mom has one of those Calypso washers, and it is GREAT! I love it....It has all kinds of settings and it's really easy to customize your wash for what you need. Everything gets very clean and I've seen very little wear and tear from it on my newer clothes.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

When my parents moved, they had to replace thier Maytag washer and dryer that they had had since before I was born (the washer and dryer were 30 years old, I'm 22). They replaced them with the new Maytag Neptune front loading washer, and matching dryer, and seem happy with them so far.

 

[Bildmouse]

I've had the Whirlpool Calypso set for two years and love it! Although it's top load it still uses less water and is gentle on the clothes. Makes it easy for the kids to use because they don't have to worry about what water level to use.

 

[diznygirl]

Whirlpool Calypso here too - and loving it! DH was in charge of shopping for the washer/dryer so of course we get one that can launch rockets (well, not really!) but it does have lots of buttons.... I usually press "normal" LOL!

I like that it doesn't have that big doohickey in the middle that clothes and blankets always get wrapped around - makes it sooo much easier to load/unload and fit clothes into. And it automatically adjusts water levels so I have no guilt for washing just one thing.

They are more expensive than most, but I know I won't be replacing for a loong time. Hope this helps.