Washer/dryer

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supton

supton

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Shopping for front loader and dryer. Our current Kenmore (Whirlpool?) made it nearly 15 years with little drama but the washer needs shocks, has done 1-2 loads per day, and are staying with the old house. Any reason to avoid Sears? Seems like 5-10 years is all I should expect from anything new these days. Have a well and septic so high efficiency is probably better than long life anyhow.

Also, is it worthwhile to switch to a gas dryer? Wife wants a gas stove installed, so the gas line install will be "free". [Yes I'm paying for it--but having the stove swapped out is good money spent IMO as I rather enjoy my wife's cooking--and she hates electric stoves with a passion.] Costs a little extra, but quick look shows it might have a shorter drying time, so perhaps easier on clothes.
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Originally Posted by supton
Our current Kenmore (Whirlpool?) made it nearly 15 years with little drama but the washer needs shocks, has done 1-2 loads per day,

1-2 loads per DAY? Why do you run? A hotel? Or only own one set of clothes?
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Family of 4...
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For a while we had both in diapers and we did use reusable diapers when home.
 
Wow I-2 loads a day, you running a Laundr-O-mat out of the basement?
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We've gone back to a clothesline during the Summer, saves tons of electricity from a amp hog - and the stuff smells nicer.
Personally I'm afraid of a gas dryer - though we have a gas range off a bottle - but I can monitor that and know when its running off.

Years ago I went with a front loader - a cheap GM but a long running model. Its still going. Just don't pay $$$ for the base they try to sell you. I paid less for my large Whirpool dryer than they want for bases. Big Ripoff. If you want them raised make a platform out of some wood.

Only thing I don't like about it is 1) you have to wait for the thing to fill, where the top loader will fill as you add laundry.

Well, I wait for it to fill because I like to add the strong detergent AFTER its full - recal you'll be using little water and the soap can fade colors easy. I don't use the dispensers - but mine doesn't have advanced dispensers - just rinse-out overflow cups.

2) It Hard to get some "twisted" loads out of the unit past the large front rubber gasket - they get hung up.

I think My Frigidaire GLTR1670A frontloader costs $575 and the giant electric dryer $295. Good purchases.

If I needed another, I dont know what I'd get for a washer - I do like looking at these machines.

Back then I hated LG (lucky Goldstar Korea) for coming and eating our lunch. I still avoid.

[Linked Image]
 
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I dunno about my new septic but my current one has not had any issues with overload. Not sure what it'd cost to put in a dry well, don't think it'd be cost effective.

We do hang a fair amount up to dry, either inside or out, when it can be done.
 
If you are determined to get a Kenmore then check the individual models for who made it and where. I believe Whirlpool makes most of their stuff but LG makes some as well. It's a grab bag of contracts.
 
Regarding ranges, has your wife and you educated yourselves on induction as it is worlds different than the electric ranges everyone is use to.
It's not like the typical electric range that has poor heat control, it's actually better than gas.

It heats up faster than gas, cools down faster than gas, more precise control....

Just saying because chefs are slowly switching to induction.
 
I have been through three front load machines. Really like the one I now have. A Maytag with direct drive motor. It says it uses commercial technology and the motor is warranted for 10 years.
 
Originally Posted by supton
Will pass along to the wife (she doesn't let me touch her washer/dryer).

That is a good thing ! Do not mess it up ! :-)
 
Originally Posted by PimTac
If you are determined to get a Kenmore then check the individual models for who made it and where. I believe Whirlpool makes most of their stuff but LG makes some as well. It's a grab bag of contracts.


I would read Consumer Reports for what is most reliable. I would think Whirlpool or Maytag (same company I believe). Keep in mind that like many things Kenmore can get a washer built to their specs. So its matter less who builds it.

My guess is no great savings for gas dryer vs electric. The heating of the water is what consumes the energy for washing clothes.

The gas stove is not to save energy rather that top chefs prefer gas.
 
Originally Posted by supton
I dunno about my new septic but my current one has not had any issues with overload. Not sure what it'd cost to put in a dry well, don't think it'd be cost effective.

We do hang a fair amount up to dry, either inside or out, when it can be done.


I don't know what your land looks like, I'm near the top of a hill and it roll off to the left of my house.

With all this rain I woory about the leachfield getting saturated then you're done flushing for a couple days.

The previous owner just punched a hole in the basement wall, and put waste hose out. From there it went into a
black 2" poly drain pipe about 20' ovrer and into an OPEN drywell pit at the side of the yard near the woods.

I would say cost would be about 75 bucks. Just some gravel and the poly drain pipe and 3 hours of sweat equity digging and trenching.
 
Originally Posted by Donald
Originally Posted by PimTac
If you are determined to get a Kenmore then check the individual models for who made it and where. I believe Whirlpool makes most of their stuff but LG makes some as well. It's a grab bag of contracts.


I would read Consumer Reports for what is most reliable. I would think Whirlpool or Maytag (same company I believe). Keep in mind that like many things Kenmore can get a washer built to their specs. So its matter less who builds it.


Good point. Found this link, passing that to the wife.

Quote
My guess is no great savings for gas dryer vs electric. The heating of the water is what consumes the energy for washing clothes.

The gas stove is not to save energy rather that top chefs prefer gas.

Yeah, she much prefers gas. I prefer it also, seems to boil water fast... plus it'll work when the power goes out. Err, I hope our next model does, I don't care about the oven as much as burners on top.
 
Originally Posted by ARCOgraphite
Originally Posted by supton
I dunno about my new septic but my current one has not had any issues with overload. Not sure what it'd cost to put in a dry well, don't think it'd be cost effective.

We do hang a fair amount up to dry, either inside or out, when it can be done.


I don't know what your land looks like, I'm near the top of a hill and it roll off to the left of my house.

With all this rain I woory about the leachfield getting saturated then you're done flushing for a couple days.

The previous owner just punched a hole in the basement wall, and put waste hose out. From there it went into a
black 2" poly drain pipe about 20' ovrer and into an OPEN drywell pit at the side of the yard near the woods.

I would say cost would be about 75 bucks. Just some gravel and the poly drain pipe and 3 hours of sweat equity digging and trenching.

New land is a bit narrow and I don't know where I'd run that, just not yet. I think there is a stream in the way on one side, other side is the leechfield.
 
Good informative link.

You are in a bit of a unique position in that you still have a Sears store available to you. Most of us don't.
 
I have bought 2 sets of washer/dryers this year..one for myself and most recently for my mom.

Both times i have settled on Whirlpool from Lowes (cheaper than HomeDepot, but HomeDepot will price match).

I dont suggest you read the reviews because you will not want to buy any washer or dryer.

Reviews read.."best ever..then the next one says avoid" Its like reading a bipolar fictional story!

With that being said, in the past year i have seen 2 commerically used washer and dryers outside that get abused. Both were at campgrounds and the landlords wash very muddy and or sandy clothes. Both were rusted and appeared to be at least 10 years old.. One was a Roper and one was Amana..cheapos.
 
Originally Posted by skyactiv
Regarding ranges, has your wife and you educated yourselves on induction as it is worlds different than the electric ranges everyone is use to.
It's not like the typical electric range that has poor heat control, it's actually better than gas.

It heats up faster than gas, cools down faster than gas, more precise control....

Just saying because chefs are slowly switching to induction.

Huh. I'll pass that along, thanks. My cooking is limited to boiling water so I'm sold!
lol.gif
 
Originally Posted by PimTac
Good informative link.

You are in a bit of a unique position in that you still have a Sears store available to you. Most of us don't.

Huh, if that isn't a duh thing to think about... Now that I double-check, whew there is still one in Concord! Whew!

Well, we'll be looking Lowes, Home Depot, Sears, and see what wins.
 
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