Need to buy a New washer & dryer

[Oldmoparguy1]

Motor burned up on the washer. We bought this set when we moved here in 97. I rebuilt the washer about 4-5 years ago. We didn't need this expense right now. Oh well.. These units are mid range Whirlpool units.

We have a 0% interest CC at home Depot, so that will have to be the vendor. Looking for personal experience from recent buyers.

What are the experiences with top loaders vs. front loaders?

Thanks bitogers, we do appreciate your advice.

 

[racer12306]

When we bought our set earlier this year, we advised away from Samsung because of after sale issues.

We have an LG front. Nice set. Biggest thing is, if you get a front loader, don't keep the door closed. Ours has a magnetic catch that keeps the door ajar but not closed so it can breathe.

 

[rshaw125]

Did this over the Summer. Bought a Whirlpool dryer. They're all pretty much the same. Maytag Bravo washing machine. We wanted a top loader high efficiency washer. The washer took some getting used to. Read the manual and it works very well.
Our previous washer and dryer were just worn out.

 

[JayhawkRoy]

We prefer front loaders and have had good experiences with Whirlpool front loaders, mid-range in price. Purchased the first one in 2003 and have handed one down to our daughter. Primary advantage is that our clothes no longer get torn up with the old agitator units we previously owned. Our son (who has a larger family of six) has a 12 year old Whirlpool top loader that gets a real work out. Our Whirlpool dryer is 18 years old and still works extremely well, with no repairs yet.

Check out Home Depot online soonest as they have several special buys, etc going on right now (Cyber Monday continues, or something like that). Whirlpool top loader for about $399 or so, as an example.

 

[Al]

Speed Queen

 

[nthach]

Originally Posted By: Al
Speed Queen

This, or Dexter. Is this a apartment or condo complex you're trying to outfit?

If you must buy from Home Depot, stick to Maytag or Whirlpool and not a high-end machine. Reason being is that the "lower-end" Maytags/Whirlpools for home use are similar to the their commercial relatives. Meaning basic but rugged. Maytag did get a black eye from the Neptune series, my parents had one and I replaced it with a Samsung that's going strong after 6 years, only thing that went out was a control board.

If it's for you or a really good tenant, front loader of any persuasion - Samsung's front loaders are actually pretty good, LG seems to be decent. Not sure about Haier-era GE.

 

[cptbarkey]

if you are on a budget go craigslist and look for a low end GE/roper etc

with a family of 5, we basically do laundry the entire day sunday and some on saturday, I find little value in overpriced LG/Samsung garbage.

 

[Dan55]

I just recently bought a top loader, much higher capacity, spin cycle gets clothes drier, less noise. Front loaders are actually better but cost more, I bought Samsung W+D for a little over a grand, they replaced Kenmore from 97. Consumer Reports did an article in May 16 which helped a lot. My model has no agitator, gets clothes cleaner but their is a learning curve, drier nothing special.

 

[Mr Nice]

Originally Posted By: Dan55
I bought a top loader, much higher capacity, spin cycle gets clothes drier, less noise. Front loaders are actually better but cost more, I bought Samsung W+D for a little over a grand, they replaced Kenmore from 97. Consumer Reports did an article in May 16 which helped a lot


Since I get a big employee discount, I buy Mid range GE washer / dryer. No problems in the last 12 years with either one.

 

[AlanColorado]

We have a HE front loader LG. My wife says we bought when we moved into this house. So that would make it 20+ years old. I don't think it's quite that old... but since she is always right i will defer.

Anyways, does a fine job and have never had any issue whatsoever.

 

[Dorian]

I have a Whirlpool Duet washer that is 6 years old and it is hands down the best washer I have ever owned and used. Our old Kenmore dryer finally bit the dust a few weeks ago, and we replaced it with a new Duet dryer as well. It is another fantastic machine. I know quite a few people who will highly recommend the Duet lineup. LG machines are great as well. I will never recommend a newer top load to anyone as they do not clean worth a [censored]. Just make sure to regularly use hot water washes, keep the door open between washes, and occasional cycles with bleach. This will keep things fresh. Best of luck!

 

[Pop_Rivit]

We have two sets of Samsung front load washers and matching dryers-both sets are now around 8 or 9 years old. Our set at home gets used for 3-4 loads of wash per week, and is large enough to clean our king size comforters and bedding. Our set at the lake house doesn't get used as often, but when we (or guests) are there they'll get used regularly, and it wouldn't be unusual to see lots of sand and dirt from around the lake.

Both sets have been flawless. We always make sure the washer doors are slightly open when not in use; after the washer is run the door gasket is wiped dry and I spray a bit of Lysol in the tub to prevent mold/mildew (especially important on the lake house washer since it sometimes sits unused for 3 weeks at a time).

I like the Samsung's ability to smooth out an imbalanced load. The VRT system lets it spin at a seriously high speed-clothes come out almost dry-and neither of ours have ever shook, walked or been unbalanced. We also saw a noticeable drop in our water consumption when we went from the old top loader to the front loader. Since our dryers are both LP, it the ability to spin the clothes nearly dry saves on drying time (I usually run the dryer for just 20 or 30 minutes to completely dry most loads). The old dryer would take 45-50 minutes.

Originally Posted By: Al
Speed Queen


Which Home Depot doesn't sell, so it's not an option for the original poster.

 

[bioburner]

Consumers reports seem to do a good job of the high and low point of washers and dryers. I got a Neptune in late 05 and was advised to get a extended warranty and they were right. But company stood behind the machine after the period as the last issue was safety issue. It was coming on all by itself. Managed to even come on when the repair guy showed up and scared him. Basically all new electronics except for the motor and up till last week has been nearly silent. Will have to take pump apart and see what is starting to make noise. Love front loader as the clothes last much better and use half the detergent.

 

[Oldmoparguy1]

Ok folks, thanks a bunch. We have 19 y/o whirlpool W/D set. They got used hard. The washer had some repairs a few years ago. The drier has been completely trouble free. I expect we will buy more of the same. Off to H/D.. Wife is ready! She loves to shop!

 

[Tdbo]

For what it's worth: This advice from a repairman who was at my home to work on our new freezer.
Stay away from Samsung and LG. Parts are almost impossible to get.
Regarding high efficiency units: top loaders have fewer problems and parts are cheaper than front loaders.
He says he sees fewest issues from Whirlpool/Maytag. I'm not sure about that given the issues that I have had with this freezer, but I do know that parts are easier to get and they are the last American owned appliance company.

 

[double vanos]

+2 on the Speed Queen. Soon as my LG Waveforce passes out ( I'm sure it won't be long) it'll be Speed Queen all the way. The LG cleaning is horrible, not terrible,which is worse than horrible.

 

[4WD]

Maytag with MCT ... (better driveline) ...

 

[DBMaster]

My GF bought a new LG HE top loader last year and already replaced it due to inadequate cleaning. My current washer is a 25 year old Hotpoint large capacity conventional. If it ever dies I am going to try to buy another conventional washer. I have just not found anyone yet who doesn't have some sort of complaint about their HE washer, either top or front loading. For my measly two loads per week I just need to go cheap. I've seen plenty of people selling barely used conventional washers because they wanted to "upgrade" to front loaders. You might want to watch out for new-ish conventional stuff because people sell them CHEAP.

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Buy a couple more Whirlpools. Let the wifey decide the front or top-loader option.

 

[fxrider]

Kenmore - just bought a set for $450 from K-Mart - there great..