Topic: Opinion on best washer machines? (Read 2606 times)

NJAntman · « **on:** November 06, 2009, 02:24:47 pm »

Our 12yr old GE bit the dust last night.

I want a bare basic replacement top loader (<$600), of course the wife wants new fangled front loading, steam option, digital controls, and coffee making capable (>$600).

What say you fellow consumers?

P.S. Of course the closet the old washer/dryer pair sat in is so narow we needed to special order 32" units which no one seems to make anymore. Going to have to lift the new whatever it is up and over the dryer, oh joy!

Brush Wolf · « **Reply #1 on:** November 06, 2009, 04:00:01 pm »

If your budget can handle the added cost of a front loader that is the way to go as they use much less water than a top loader does. Depending on your water & sewage rates and your usage of the machine you could payback the difference in just a couple of years.

Sirgod · « **Reply #2 on:** November 06, 2009, 04:36:12 pm »

That is odd Antman. Ours went up also last week, along with our Microwave.

Just waiting to see what goes next as we bought them all around the same time.

Stephen

FPF-Tobin Dax · « **Reply #3 on:** November 06, 2009, 04:43:47 pm »

Just don't buy maytag. It's a good thing we bought a warranty plan for it. The dryer has been pretty good but we have had lost of service calls on the washer.

NJAntman · « **Reply #4 on:** November 06, 2009, 08:43:06 pm »

I want to trust GE, but I was annoyed with this one. When the control knob broke off two years ago the only replacement option was the whole control assembly at >$200. Freaking control box was held in place with plastic clips to a metal back plate, planned obsolence at its' worst. Bought a $5 vice grip to serve as the knob instead. This one started to sporadically not spin out a few months back and last night it started leaking bad.

I've seen some nice LG models but have never bought an LG appliance. Anyone have LG experience?

Whatever the model a few of the national big box stores are running buy it now don't pay interest for a year deals on their credit cards so that's the budget.

Hey Sirgod, didn't your computer video card burn out about the same time as mine? Some kind of jinx going on?

Fedman NCC-3758 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 06, 2009, 09:41:13 pm »

The best value is the Whirlpool. Direct drive, and top loading.

Front loaders are more expensive to purchase and need repairs more often.

BTW, Maytags and now made by Whirlpool. The key to both machines is load them before filling them with water.

Czar Mohab · « **Reply #6 on:** November 06, 2009, 09:56:27 pm »

Have an LG Tromm washer and dryer, love the heck out of 'em. Only issue is that the washer usually takes longer than the dryer to do its job (this is actually probably a great thing, I see it as so-so). Had them for two years with no regrets, except that now, two years later, the design has changed to be more pleasing to the eye.

Unsure about the dryer, but the washer is direct drive. Both can hold a rediculous amount of clothes (I suppose that it is the new standard, though) as well as being able to self adjust the timer to a smaller load (say, your shirt that the dog just puked on).

They were purchased with a 3 year protection plan, so maybe shortly after it expires I will let you know how well the are indeed holding up

Czar "isn't that the way with things now? They break just after the warranty is up?" Mohab

P.S. Yes, a bit more pricey than a top loader, but none of those that I had seen had a steam setting, which was a requirement at the time of purchase.

Sirgod · « **Reply #7 on:** November 07, 2009, 10:50:11 am »

Quote from: NJAntman on November 06, 2009, 08:43:06 pm

I want to trust GE, but I was annoyed with this one. When the control knob broke off two years ago the only replacement option was the whole control assembly at >$200. Freaking control box was held in place with plastic clips to a metal back plate, planned obsolence at its' worst. Bought a $5 vice grip to serve as the knob instead. This one started to sporadically not spin out a few months back and last night it started leaking bad.

I've seen some nice LG models but have never bought an LG appliance. Anyone have LG experience?

Whatever the model a few of the national big box stores are running buy it now don't pay interest for a year deals on their credit cards so that's the budget.

Hey Sirgod, didn't your computer video card burn out about the same time as mine? Some kind of jinx going on?

LOL pretty much, although my video card problems where a bit earlier. I've spent more time with RMA's then I have using the computers.

Anyways, More good luck. Woke up in a slight sweat, got to looking at the AC, and it had froze up. First time this year though, my sis in laws broke on her the other day also.

So I have the panel open, and just gonna see if after it thaws out, It works. If not, that's another added expense, however, I may wait on it a little bit, as winter is coming on.

Stephen

Fedman NCC-3758 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 07, 2009, 11:31:13 am »

Was the AC set on "energy saver" ?

Sirgod · « **Reply #9 on:** November 07, 2009, 12:42:09 pm »

LOL, nah, I don't think so. I knew our thermostat was going out, and I haven't checked the Freon levels on it. They have really cracked down on the home owners doing repairs them selves when IT comes to Freon out here.

Got about 2 inches of ice to go, then I'll dig into after lunch.

Stephen

Dracho · « **Reply #10 on:** November 09, 2009, 10:25:58 am »

Hrm.. I hope I don't jinx myself, but I'm running a Kenmore (Sears Brand) washer and dryer I bought sometime around 1988. I've had to replace the belt on the dryer a few times and that's it..

Fedman NCC-3758 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 09, 2009, 04:54:58 pm »

When changing the dryer belt, it's usually a good time to also replace the drum supports.

Especially if the belt was dried or frayed when it came out.

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