Washer and Dryer

[MrsPete]

I need a new washer/dryer set, and I could use some advice:

Should I buy a standard-type set like I've always had, or should I buy the energy-efficient front-loader washing machine? The price difference between the two choices is about $700. Details:

I average 8-10 loads of wash per week. Would I save enough energy and water to make the price difference worthwhile?

I understand these machines spin more efficiently so that there's less water left in the clothes; thus, the dryer can work faster. True or false? I'd love to shorten the time involved in drying.

We'll be in this house probably ten more years (until the kids are all in college), then we plan to downsize to a townhouse. At that point, I probably wouldn't take an old washer/dryer set with me, plus by then they'd have better machines and I'd probably want to get a smaller set anyway. Bottom line: I consider this washer/dryer set a ten-year purchase.

I'd appreciate any information on these machines -- good or bad -- that would help me make up my mind.

 

[ducklite]

I have the Duet pair with the pedestals. Best investment I ever made. They hold more than a top loader, get the clothes sleaner, use less water, and yes, spin more water out. My dry time is about half what it would be if I had a top laoder, and that's for a larger load as well.

I did 12 loads of laundry last weekend. Had it been in a top loader it would have been more like 18. (I did throw rugs and comforters on top of regular laundry--it was one of those days, the pets were nervous LOL!)

Anne

 

[mickeyfan2]

We are going to replace our working washer and dryer with the front loader types.

 

[klj27]

Which front loaders would you recommend?

 

[mom2grace]

We have a Fisher-Paykel set. I bought it after the advice on these boards. It's top loading, energy star rated and FABULOUS! And, the washer is about $600!

It uses magnets instead of belts, and spins at 1000 rpm. I dry everything except for towels on low heat now, and it takes about 40 minutes.

Their website is http://www.fisherpaykel.com/.

If you search the community board for fisher paykel there might be more info. Some had a link to more info on them.

My uncle works for Proctor and Gamble, they make Tide and other detergents. He says that you NEED water to get clothes clean, and the front loading machines are really designed for Europe and other areas where water is really expensive.

Good luck!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

We just bought the whirpool duets this summer from Lowes. We love them. We got the pedestals too. You do have to use the HE (High Efficiency) detergent because we found that regular makes too much suds/bubbles etc. The dry time is really short.I fit a queen size comforter in them too. Beats going to the laudromat for stuff like that. Even the ds dont mind doing laudry now. We do about 8-10 loads a week. I really cant say about the energy savings because they raised our normal rates anyway so it would be hard to figure that one out. I usually only but the spin on medium for the washer. It is a little loud during the spin time but the clothes come out damp and not dripping wet etc, hence the dry time is about 30-40 min. I think I could get about 12 towels in it at once too. I havent actually counted. Good luck deciding.

 

[MrsPete]

So it sounds like most of you are generally in favor of the front-loaders.

I'm still not too sure on the savings though. Since I estimate we'll own this house (and this washer) for 10 years, I'd have to SAVE $70/year or .18/wash load to BREAK EVEN from the larger initial purchase. The front of the machine says "saves up to $150/year in energy costs" -- well, $10 is UP TO $150. I'm still undecided.

Certainly the time savings would be nice, and that is worthwhile.

I know I don't want the pedestals; I'm not quite 5' tall, and I don't want anything in my house to be taller than it already is -- I hate my upper kitchen cabinets. When I do laundry, I usually open my dryer (standard size) and stack them on top as I fold. That's comfortable for me, so I don't think I want things to be taller. I also have a nice-sized laundry room with shelves and cabinets, so I don't need the pedestals for their storage.

I've never seen high effeciency detergent (but then again, I've never looked). Is it more expensive? Is it easy to find? That could be a deciding factor; what's the point of saving money on energy/water if you just spend it on detergent?

I appreciate the input thusfar and would love more!

 

[momof2sons]

I've never seen high effeciency detergent (but then again, I've never looked). Is it more expensive? Is it easy to find? That could be a deciding factor; what's the point of saving money on energy/water if you just spend it on detergent?

I appreciate the input thusfar and would love more![/QUOTE]

The HE detergent is the same price as regular detergent. I have never had trouble finding it at the grocery store. You can also use regular detergent in the front loaders just cut the amount down to 1/3 of what you usually use in a tub washer.

I have had my Duet from whirlpool for 4 years this Feb and love them. We are on a well and septic tank system and they do save us alot of water (only 15 gal. for full load compared to 30 or 40 gals.) The time in doing our laundry was cut in half. I do 2 loads a day and can be done in 2 hours wash, dry, folded, and put away.

Front loaders are easyer on your clothes. Your clothes last longer as they aren't being agitated. My uniforms look brighter and cleaner.

I also love the sanatizer wash when one of the kids have been sick. Just pop bedding into the washer and no stains or smells left behind.