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Community => Non-audio hobbies and interests => Home Improvements and Renovations => Topic started by: finsup on 15 Jul 2017, 03:57 pm

Title: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: finsup on 15 Jul 2017, 03:57 pm
I have a Samsung front-loader purchased in 2007 whose electronic board has gone bad.  My [very] reliable appliance repair guy has not been able to locate a replacement.  I'll probably have to live with mismatched colors for the washer and dryer so color isn't important.  More problematic perhaps will be finding a front-loader that fits the pedestal for a machine purchased 10 years ago.

While not exactly a first-gen machine, it still suffered from some of the problems common to them, mainly obnoxious odors and mold along the gaskets.  Even though I was told it was high efficiency and it would clean clothes, I am old-school, I guess, and never really did trust it put enough water into the tub.  This was further reinforced by the fact that I had to give up completely using bleach because, no matter how many rinse cycles I ran without clothes after running a load of whites, there was bleach residue that ruined the color loads that followed.  There goes the efficiency argument.  I don't remember having that issue with top-loaders.

Performance (removing stains) is top priority followed closely by reliability.  I know the arguments in favor of front-loaders:  Efficiency - less water used, lower water retention due to faster spin cycles so drying times are shorter, and front-loader do a better job of cleaning clothes using less water. 

Still, I am leaning toward getting a top-loader BUT am willing to consider the arguments in favor of the new-gen front-loaders.  Has anyone recently gone from front-load back to top-load?  Or, has anyone taken the other route recently, especially if you have gone from front to top back to front.

I have heard negative things about LG, Haier, and to a lesser degree, Samsung although this is the first problem I have had with the washer.  The Samsung Fridge?  Don't even get me started. My appliance guy recommends something in the Whirlpool family.

Price range is $600- $1000.  I have a gas hot water heater.  We are a family of 4 so lower-capacity machines are out.


Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: avta on 15 Jul 2017, 04:00 pm
We'll be buying a new washer soon. I've decided that Speed Queen is the one I'll try.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: finsup on 15 Jul 2017, 04:02 pm
Why?  Thanks.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: avta on 15 Jul 2017, 04:09 pm
did some online researches as well as heard from a friend that a dealer she knows who sells many brands suggested Speed Queen because of their reliability.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: restrav on 15 Jul 2017, 04:20 pm
I will be buying a pair washer dryer in two months and I was thinking of buying maytag just like the ones that they had in my college dorm. They seem to take shower very well :)
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: Tomy2Tone on 15 Jul 2017, 04:24 pm
Careful now, it all starts with an innocent request for a recommendation and then you end up like these guys.... :lol:

https://youtu.be/jmmmxI-Y_6U
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: DaveC113 on 15 Jul 2017, 04:31 pm
I've had a middle of the line LG front loader since '09 or '10, it's been excellent and performs perfectly. I love the high speed spin cycles, I don't use a dryer. Here in CO it doesn't take long to dry on a rack and it makes clothes last MUCH longer. 
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: JohnR on 15 Jul 2017, 04:40 pm
Has anyone recently gone from front-load back to top-load?

We have, a couple of years ago. Honestly the top loader was like a quarter the price of replacing the expensive German machine with the current model, and it works just fine. Water usage of top loaders is nowhere near as bad as it used to be.

We mostly air dry with the top loader, even in winter.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: DaveC113 on 15 Jul 2017, 04:49 pm
We have, a couple of years ago. Honestly the top loader was like a quarter the price of replacing the expensive German machine with the current model, and it works just fine. Water usage of top loaders is nowhere near as bad as it used to be.

We mostly air dry with the top loader, even in winter.

A friend got a top loader a few years ago too and it seems to perform a lot like a front loader, it's nothing like the older machines.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: Brettio on 15 Jul 2017, 05:53 pm
Mid level LG front loaders here almost 9 years old.  They've worked flawlessly and aside from having to keep the washer door open when not in use (an odor if left closed, I'm assuming from the tight seal) I recommend them.  I think the odor issue has been resolved through evolution...

Another plus for me was when I called LG customer support (an error on my part led to the call), I was quickly connected to a very helpful person that stayed on the phone until she was sure that the problem was resolved.  I also appreciated that she was located in the United States and spoke fluent English.

I have also purchased two French door LG refrigerators and had an excellent experience with them as well.
Brett
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: Russell Dawkins on 15 Jul 2017, 06:08 pm
We got LG front loaders in 2012 and have been really happy with the performance of both washer and dryer. The washer gets things discernably cleaner than the old top load Maytag it replaced. Caveats are the seals around the door and the filter near the floor are not so easy to clean. The dryer is excellent, too, in the degree to which it dries clothes when left to its own devices. They are as perfect as I can imagine a sensor-based system to be—almost, but not quite, bone dry.

Not so happy with the LG fridge we got at the same time. It works well, even if it is running too great a percentage of the time, but the mechanism on the french doors which holds them closed has failed twice in rapid succession; the first time under warranty, the second time out of warranty but fixed free by a sympathetic service man who knew of the design flaw. It failed a year after that. We have learned to live with the fact that if you close one door, the other opens slightly and you have to nudge it closed again. Newer LGs with french doors use the same mechanism everyone else does, do the problem is now fixed.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: mcgsxr on 15 Jul 2017, 06:15 pm
+1 on the Speed Queen.

Had Maytag V1 front loaders for 10 years or so.  Should have repaired it but decided to replace it.

Went through 3 sets in a month trying to replace the Maytag.  Ended up with 5 unsatisfactory years with a Samsung top loader.  Repaired 2x under warranty.  Once it died earlier this year I asked my wife's cousin who repairs appliances what to buy.

He said Speed Queen.  Pricey but actually worth it.  5 months in and it does everything.  Not quite as large as the older Samsung but it is excellent.  We kept the Samsung dryer as it has not caused any issues. So I am living with the mismatched colour but that's ok for now.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: twitch54 on 15 Jul 2017, 08:28 pm
New Top Load LG HE, mama's happy .......... that's all that matters  ... :D
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: JohnR on 17 Jul 2017, 10:36 am
mama's happy .......... that's all that matters  ... :D

 :thumb: :thumb:
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: JLM on 17 Jul 2017, 01:32 pm
Front loading technology works well in the commercial market (35 - 100 pound loads), but are expensive marketing hype in residential machines.  Tried to follow the happy wife - happy life axiom, with a high efficiency top loader.  We're on a new well/septic system, so really don't need to worry about water use.  Maytag washer/dryer both failed.  Top seal on washer drum failed within 2 years, after 10 years the bearings went, and it was cheaper to replace than fix.  Dryer fried the logic and relay boards after 10 years, would have been $700 for parts, when factory got around to build more, plus labor.  Sales people said 10 years is "about right", I said hell no. 

When shopping for top loaders check to make sure you and wife can reach to the bottom of the tub (high capacity means deep tubs).  Check with a reputable repair guy as to what brands he'd recommend.  Some companies (like LG) do a very poor job stocking replacement parts.  Some just aren't reliable. 

Wife likes electronics, I like simplicity, so we bought entry level Speed Queen washer and dryer, both rated for 10,000 loads (which should last the two of us 50 years).  No plastic, no electronics, simple and well made in the U.S.  This doesn't have to be rocket science.  Washers and dryers don't need to be reinvented, the basic function isn't complicated.  The extra features can all be ignored with a little common sense.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: Russell Dawkins on 17 Jul 2017, 02:14 pm
I didn't know any washers and dryers were made in the USA! That's good to know and I'll keep it in mind next time I buy. I sure agree about simplicity. It's getting harder and harder to find.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: Don_S on 17 Jul 2017, 02:33 pm
I looked up Speed Queen and all I could find were commercial products and a "local" distributor that is at least 2 hours away.   :scratch:
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: Bemopti123 on 17 Jul 2017, 02:39 pm
LG front loader washer owner here.  Have had it for about 6 years, impeccably reliable and washes well with minimum water.  The only issue I have had is that the electronic latch sensor sometimes does not engage when wash cycle begins giving an error signal...I just use my knee to keep it a little closer to the latch when the wash cycle begins and no problem.  I do not use a dryer....making clothes last much much longer.  Dry rack everything either outside or inside with a foldable dry rack.  10 year direct drive motor warranty.  It cannot be beat for the price I paid which was $399-for a floor sample. 

Samsung washers and appliances are very unreliable.  This from the mouth of a Korean born person. 

LG technology has always been much more reliable than Samsung's.

 :thumb:
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: thunderbrick on 17 Jul 2017, 02:44 pm
I didn't know any washers and dryers were made in the USA! That's good to know and I'll keep it in mind next time I buy. I sure agree about simplicity. It's getting harder and harder to find.

Just bought a Maytag FL dryer to replace a Samsung that lasted only 4 years.   The Maytag is made in the U.S.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: bummrush on 17 Jul 2017, 03:00 pm
We have a Whirlpool. Works great. Super quiet . Seems plenty sturdy.We went from kenmore front loader,that died on us after 8,9 yrs. Also developed mold on rubber seal. Plus the kennmore would get down to a minute left on cycle and still run for like 10 more minutes, that got old quick. Service person couldn't give answer.Dont know what else i can add.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: Don_S on 17 Jul 2017, 03:09 pm
Bought my mother a Whirlpool HE top-loader with almost no agitator to replace an ancient beast that failed. On her old machine she complained that sheets and blankets would get caught around the agitator and were hard for her (in her 90's) to remove. The Whirlpool was the only top-loader I saw that had a short agitator. The agitator is short and wide.

I do not like the fancy electronic controls that take 5 minutes of pre-wash nonsense before they get down to business. I see it as more things to fail. I miss the simplicity of being able to add a dropped sock once washing has started. I know it is still possible with new machines but you have to know the secret handshake and it disrupts the cycle. I get bullied enough by my computer, I like my washing machines stupid and obedient.  :lol:
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: Tomy2Tone on 17 Jul 2017, 03:14 pm
I do not like the fancy electronic controls that take 5 minutes of pre-wash nonsense before they get down to business. I see it as more things to fail. I miss the simplicity of being able to add a dropped sock once washing has started. I know it is still possible with new machines but you have to know the secret handshake and it disrupts the cycle. I get bullied enough by my computer, I like my washing machines stupid and obedient.  :lol:

That's a big +1
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: Folsom on 17 Jul 2017, 03:41 pm
I looked up Speed Queen and all I could find were commercial products and a "local" distributor that is at least 2 hours away.   :scratch:

They have them at my local Fred's Appliance. They are pretty cool, all metal parts for gears and stuff. All mechanical option.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: Don_S on 17 Jul 2017, 04:24 pm
They have them at my local Fred's Appliance. They are pretty cool, all metal parts for gears and stuff. All mechanical option.

Found them at RCWilley.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: Mike B. on 17 Jul 2017, 04:31 pm
I have a White Westinghouse washer and dryer I bought back in the 1980's. They both still work fine and I hope they will outlast me. I have several friends who bought new units and have already had to have repairs done. Put me in the mechanical controls camp also.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: Don_S on 17 Jul 2017, 04:50 pm
I have a White Westinghouse washer and dryer I bought back in the 1980's. They both still work fine and I hope they will outlast me. I have several friends who bought new units and have already had to have repairs done. Put me in the mechanical controls camp also.

Yes, and ancient beasts are easier to repair.  I replaced the pump and something else on my washer and the heating coils on my electric dryer.  Getting the drum back in by myself was a challenge but I persisted.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: macrojack on 17 Jul 2017, 05:10 pm
Last month was the 20th anniversary of out Asko washer and dryer. There have been a few repairs over the years but we did at least one load of laundry every day during those years. It's a front loader with an electric dryer for a partner. We buy one box of detergent about every 8 months for maybe $12. The problem has never been about reliability. There have been some service issues over the years but the only problem there is in finding local repairmen who know what they looking at.
While the Asko stuff is still working, I'm looking into replacing them as part of my 5 year plan to design a trouble free retirement. I'm considering Miele which I perceive to be the world's best, but at $3500/pair for washer and dryer, I want to turn over every stone before I make a move. Does anyone here have Miele experience? Or Asko?
Overall, Miele has the most appealing profile. They are vertically integrated, meaning they manufacture nearly every part in house. It is a German family owned company. These facts are meaningful to me (ever more so) as I watch our corporations spend lavishly on cosmetics, advertising and lobbying while squeezing as much material and labor as they can out of the product they are lying about.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: Bemopti123 on 17 Jul 2017, 05:46 pm
I do not trust premier brand stuff made overseas, especially European ones.  Perhaps is me reading a lot about German car brands that have expensive repair costs in comparison to their Japanese luxury counterparts.  I once spoke to a repairman who said the worst of the worst are those things that are filled with sensors and internet connections.  I consider an appliance that is simple in execution or spartan in look, something that will give you less issues than those with all the electronic bling.  But then, some people like Mercedes and some do like their Toyotas. One thing Miele I have is a vacuum.  It is excellent indeed but it was expensive in comparison to all the other standard Hoovers etc...
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: bummrush on 17 Jul 2017, 08:15 pm
Whirlpool  USA
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: datman on 17 Jul 2017, 10:14 pm
+1 on Whirlpool. I won't buy any of their other appliances but their washing machines are terrific.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: timind on 17 Jul 2017, 11:07 pm
I recently replaced a 4-year-old Maytag that the transmission replaced under warranty. This time I bought the extended warranty as I don't expect it to last 5 years. It's the first extended warranty I've ever purchased. Kind of see it as mandatory the way things are built now.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: Don_S on 17 Jul 2017, 11:36 pm
I recently replaced a 4-year-old Maytag that the transmission replaced under warranty. This time I bought the extended warranty as I don't expect it to last 5 years. It's the first extended warranty I've ever purchased. Kind of see it as mandatory the way things are built now.

If you purchased the extended warranty you won't need it.  The Maytag will work just fine----until the extended warranty runs out.   :lol:

Some credit cards automatically extend the warranty but there is a limit. People tend to forget that.  That is one of the reasons I don't buy extended warranties.  The other reason is the rate on most of them is ridiculous.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: timind on 17 Jul 2017, 11:40 pm
If you purchased the extended warranty you won't need it.  The Maytag will work just fine----until the extended warranty runs out.   :lol:

Oh no it won't. I'll see to that. :wink: :wink:
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: mresseguie on 18 Jul 2017, 12:02 am
I didn't pay attention to capacity, but I was in Costco a couple days ago. There was a GE top loader $569, a (maybe) Whirlpool top loader $599(?), and another models, but I forgot the brand(s). Costco automatically extends the warranty by 1 year, I believe.

Back in December, I bought a washer/dryer combo for a rental property. The washer's agitator was in the bottom of the tub. If I recall correctly, the washer cost $499 after whatever sale was going on at the time. I'm pretty sure it was a Whirlpool. While I was looking at that combo, I also paid close attention to the Speed Queen washer/dryer combo, and followed up with a bit of research. Excellent reviews; really good quality; really good service, and very happy owners is what I came away with.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: thunderbrick on 18 Jul 2017, 12:57 am
If you purchased the extended warranty you won't need it.  The Maytag will work just fine----until the extended warranty runs out.   :lol:
  That is one of the reasons I don't buy extended warranties.  The other reason is the rate on most of them is ridiculous.

I'm the same way, but when we bought a Samsung washer and dryer we bought the extended warranty at Lowes, maybe a 15% add-on.  The dryer bit the dust right before the warranty expired.  They simply refunded the total cost of the dryer because the fix was $$$.   One time I glad I bought the warranty.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: Doublej on 18 Jul 2017, 01:11 am
How can you beat Costco's 4 year warranty on appliances?

https://www.costco.com/concierge-two-plus-two-warranty.html
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: Archguy on 18 Jul 2017, 03:35 am
One thing I learned with washing machines, which also applies to cars, audio, and much else.
Never buy the top-of-the-line ANYTHING. 
Took me years to learn this.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: Archguy on 18 Jul 2017, 03:37 am
Which reminds me.  Read recently: never buy the next-to-cheapest wine in a restaurant.
They know what you're doing and that's always their cheapest, crappiest wine. 
Cheapest to them, I mean.  Always the top seller too.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: JLM on 18 Jul 2017, 11:12 am
I looked up Speed Queen and all I could find were commercial products and a "local" distributor that is at least 2 hours away.   :scratch:

Yes, Speed Queen washers/dryers are commercial products (the same models minus the coin box found in laundromats), which is why they're so simple/reliable.  I have two dealers in our town of 25,000.  Their cost is higher than the cheapest plastic junk but less than the electronics filled plastic junk everyone sells.  Recommended by my appliance repair guy.

And why would you want to mix water with electronics anyway (if there's an alternative)?

Note:  put washer in a shallow spill tub and add a battery powered water alarm ($25 total) to avoid nasty surprises.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: djbnh on 18 Jul 2017, 12:23 pm
I don't want to come down firmly on one side v. the other in this discussion, I'll  just throw out some things. I used front loading Miele washers in Germany for three years and loved them. Bought one for us that had its own built in water heater, gave us nicely washed clothes but it lasted only 8 years, the post that held the drum gave way and it would have co$t ob$cenely to repair it. So we went to a front loader Fridgidaire and my wife prefers most of its features, including it continuing tumbling the clothes after the load is done to start air drying them - good if you're not around and don't want things to wrinkle. We've had it for 4 years and no issues. Then again, we've had our Sears propane dryer for 23 years and I've replaced out a belt and a switch, still running strong. As is my dad's Sears top loader of 25+ years.

Had a Mustang back in the day and loved the look of the car. Been running an Accord coupe for 8 years and wouldn't trade its handling, features, performance, low maintenance cost, etc. for that Mustang, or even a Model T. YMMV

Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: Brettio on 18 Jul 2017, 12:25 pm
Note:  put washer in a shallow spill tub and add a battery powered water alarm ($25 total) to avoid nasty surprises.

Even less expensive advice....if you're going away from the house, even for a weekend, turn off the washers water valves.  Had a coworker who didn't...came home to a flood.  Their insurance put them up in a hotel and brought in a restoration company to repair the damage.  All was going well until one of the companies fans or heaters started an electrical fire. The house burned enough that it had to be demolished. True story.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: JohnR on 18 Jul 2017, 01:07 pm
Does anyone here have Miele experience?

I have....

Perhaps consider calling the Miele repair center and finding out what their callout fee is and how long before they can come out (maybe invent a fictitous problem).

Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: twitch54 on 18 Jul 2017, 04:58 pm
  We're on a new well/septic system, so really don't need to worry about water use.

while maybe true, how do you dispose of your waste water from the washer ? NEVER let it go directly into laundry tub or a stand pipe. Wash water and the lint it carries is one of the primary killers of a septic system.

We drain ours through a food colander(in the laundry tub) which removes the lint.

 
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: TomS on 18 Jul 2017, 05:13 pm
while maybe true, how do you dispose of your waste water from the washer ? NEVER let it go directly into laundry tub or a stand pipe. Wash water and the lint it carries is one of the primary killers of a septic system.

We drain ours through a food colander(in the laundry tub) which removes the lint.
We always used a lint filter on the washer before the septic system. Worked great as long as you kept an eye on it. It was also amazing how much got trapped in there  :o

http://www.septicsafe.com/washing-machine-filter/ (http://www.septicsafe.com/washing-machine-filter/)
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: twitch54 on 18 Jul 2017, 05:21 pm
interesting device Tom ! ....  :thumb:
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: djbnh on 18 Jul 2017, 06:17 pm
We always used a lint filter on the washer before the septic system. Worked great as long as you kept an eye on it. It was also amazing how much got trapped in there  :o

http://www.septicsafe.com/washing-machine-filter/ (http://www.septicsafe.com/washing-machine-filter/)
We also have a septic system, but are fortunate to have the washer on a gray water system that our rural town allowed. Still I like that we use a lint filter.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: macrojack on 18 Jul 2017, 06:17 pm
I have....

Perhaps consider calling the Miele repair center and finding out what their callout fee is and how long before they can come out (maybe invent a fictitous problem).
I would need fictitious problem because I don't own a Miele yet.
I called Miele's closest center in Logan, Utah. Spoke to Mike, who was very congenial and informative, and learned of a local repair option. I'm going to check them out. It seems that the reliability of appliances, warranties, and service people are well along a declining pathway. Perhaps our best option this way is the most reliable and least expensive product we can buy. The less you invest, the less you can lose. Any other course seems to lead you right into their lair. I think it's because of my lifelong involvement with hi-end audio, but I always lean toward the highest quality that I can both afford and appreciate. Nowadays, and for the foreseeable future, it seems that this is just another ploy to bring unjustifiable profit to the manufacturer (and everyone else in the supply chain) at the expense of consumers. The New World Order is proving to be pretty expensive for ordinary citizens.
I think I'm going to pursue a new record for Asko laundry longevity. They  are working well currently. May as well ride them as far as I can. You can buy a lot of repairs for what new Miele's cost.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: Wind Chaser on 18 Jul 2017, 06:37 pm
We always used a lint filter on the washer before the septic system. Worked great as long as you kept an eye on it. It was also amazing how much got trapped in there  :o

http://www.septicsafe.com/washing-machine-filter/ (http://www.septicsafe.com/washing-machine-filter/)

I'll have to check that out. We've got a 500 gallon septic tank and it's very clean in the sense it doesn't stink; moreover it's never been serviced (pumped) since being installed 15 years ago. Instead of treating it with chemicals, we flush down some cut up pork liver every month.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: twitch54 on 19 Jul 2017, 12:29 am
I'll have to check that out. We've got a 500 gallon septic tank and it's very clean in the sense it doesn't stink; moreover it's never been serviced (pumped) since being installed 15 years ago. Instead of treating it with chemicals, we flush down some cut up pork liver every month.

LOL, it's not your septic tank you need to be concerned about, rather your leach bed.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: TomS on 19 Jul 2017, 02:35 am
LOL, it's not your septic tank you need to be concerned about, rather your leach bed.
The idea of thE filter is it keeps it out of the weep holes in the leach field piping, as well as the pump.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: Brettio on 19 Jul 2017, 03:26 am
Instead of treating it with chemicals, we flush down some cut up pork liver every month.
Okay, I'll ask.....you're kidding about the pork liver aren't you?
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: twitch54 on 19 Jul 2017, 02:07 pm
The idea of thE filter is it keeps it out of the weep holes in the leach field piping, as well as the pump.

Tom, I know that, my response was directed at Wind Chaser ...........
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: MaxCast on 19 Jul 2017, 07:50 pm
I have heard very good things about speed queen also.  Neighbor bought a set.
Just bought a Whirpool dryer.  There HQ is right down the road and I got the employee discount  8)
We will see about the washer when it goes.  This set was in the house when we bought it and must be 11 years old.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: Archguy on 20 Jul 2017, 12:34 am
Wow, thanks for the advice about washer lint filters re: septic systems.
I had no idea.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: Wind Chaser on 20 Jul 2017, 12:40 am
Wow, thanks for the advice about washer lint filters re: septic systems.
I had no idea.

Yeah, I walked into two different big box hardware stores and they had nothing in the way of product knowledge or advice concerning this matter.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: dolsey01 on 20 Jul 2017, 03:09 pm
Just bought the Whirlpool Cabrio 5.3-cu Ft Top Loader HE and we are pretty happy so far.  The washing drum is HUGE, I mean fit a whole dead body in it HUGE.  My wife has a hard time reaching the bottom to get the clothes out. 

We were going to keep or dryer since it was still working fine even though it was 15 years old but we HAD to replace it because one load of wash was taking two loads in the dryer.

We ended up buying the matching 8.8-cu Ft Whirlpool dryer.  We have cut the amount of loads in half but having to fold all that laundry...... :roll:
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: Archguy on 22 Jul 2017, 12:31 am
We use a clothesline, the old-fashioned way.  In inclement weather or sometimes just for convenience, an indoor drying rack.  Obviously it saves a ton of energy over the course of a year, but since things are hanging as they're drying they also often don't need folding.  Depends on what they are, of course.  Yeah, the Depends always need folding.  Wait..
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: finsup on 26 Jul 2017, 11:43 pm
First of all, thanks for all the info.

Careful now, it all starts with an innocent request for a recommendation and then you end up like these guys.... :lol:

https://youtu.be/jmmmxI-Y_6U

That's a pretty funny video...

When shopping for top loaders check to make sure you and wife can reach to the bottom of the tub (high capacity means deep tubs).  Check with a reputable repair guy as to what brands he'd recommend.  Some companies (like LG) do a very poor job stocking replacement parts.  Some just aren't reliable. 

I did exactly that when the repair guy came over to troubleshoot the Samsung.  He recommended Maytag and said to avoid LG and Samsung for those very reasons – difficulty in sourcing parts after a few years.  So it is interesting to see all the happy LG owners.  I'm guessing maybe no repair issues yet?

I do not like the fancy electronic controls that take 5 minutes of pre-wash nonsense before they get down to business. I see it as more things to fail. I miss the simplicity of being able to add a dropped sock once washing has started. I know it is still possible with new machines but you have to know the secret handshake and it disrupts the cycle. 

One reason I was looking at top loaders.  You can add more clothes after the cycle starts.

I get bullied enough by my computer, I like my washing machines stupid and obedient.  :lol:

Best argument maybe for the Speed Queen.  I thought about Miele but it is out of my price range.  Maybe I’ll get one of their the vacuum cleaners once the Dyson bites the dust.
Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: jtwrace on 26 Jul 2017, 11:49 pm
  Maybe I’ll get one of their the vacuum cleaners once the Dyson bites the dust.
Go to Ex. 25 and take a look at them and the Riccar.  I purchased the Riccar. 


http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=143291.0



Title: Re: Washing Machine Recommendations
Post by: finsup on 11 Aug 2017, 08:50 pm
After taking into account a lot of the ideas here, I ended up getting a Maytag 5.3-cu ft top-load from the local Lowe's store.  American designed and assembled with a 10-year warranty on the drive and some other parts.  They had a special on a machine normally at $1169 but had it marked down to $750 which was near the top-end of my budget.  Delivery was set 4 days later.

Delivery date came and no call from Lowe's the night before to firm up the delivery window so I called customer support and was told the delivery date had been moved back a week.  Thanks for telling me.

So another trip to the laundromat.  I really liked the idea of a Speed Queen after reading comments here and I nearly changed my mind about getting a front-loader again.  The laundromat uses commercial Speed Queens and you have to figure those machines get no care from the clientele. 

A week later, another delivery date come and gone.  This time, Lowe's was kind enough to call and let me know it was pushed back another week.  They said they have been having major problems with their warehouse in Charlotte getting product out the door.  My superstitious side was really kicking into high-gear at this point, thinking the Universe was trying to tell me something. 

This was going to mean yet another trip to the laundro.  I went and looked again at the Speed Queen prices but they (front-loaders) were between $1300 - $1630.  I was thinking about Macrojack's words above that for some things, maybe the better way in is to find something reliable and inexpensive, investing less and losing less.

For my troubles, Lowe's knocked another $110 off the price, which basically ended up paying for the laundro trips. 

It has a huge, deep tub.  The lower water level takes some getting used to.  So far, so good.  Unlike some reviews, I do notice the clothing shifting position in the basket and getting pulled under the water.  And the clothes are coming out wet with no soap film. It is pretty quiet but I think my old Samsung was a little quieter. 

A funny thing about online reviews - at least for washers.  People either like a given product or hate it.  It's either 5-stars or 1-star with hardly any middle ground.  I settled on looking only at machines that had a minimum number of 200 reviews on at least two different web sites.  I'll try and remember to come back some months from now for an update.  It seems pointless to write a review just after purchase.