New Washer and Dryer Suggestions!

We have the Kenmore front load washer and dryer and the only problem we have had is, like someone mentioned below, the seal has mildewed. Other than that, they work great. And now I leave the washer door open after a load to let it dry a bit and that seems to have solved the mildew problem. That worked wonders on my shower too (leaving the shower door cracked after a shower)! Good luck machine shopping!

I have a Whirlpool Duet which I very much enjoy. It's the only kind of H-E washer I've used, but I like how little water it uses. (Even with two toddlers in the family, my water bill is frequently just the minimum monthly amount.)

It seems to shimmy and shake a little more than I would have suspected, but that may possibly be due to an uneven floor.

The dryer takes longer to dry a load of clothes than I would have thought it should take, but that's not a big deal to me most times.

Somebody mentioned wrinkles -- it's not a problem for me. If I take my husband's dress clothes out of the dryer promptly, I don't even have to iron them!

The LG. They were recommended to me by the Best Buy sales associates as well as their repair people who said that they have the least problems with the LG machines. They are also the most well priced machines- can't beat that!

I loved my old Kenmore washer and dryer that I left in my last house. (Sears sells Kenmore) I have Whirlpools now, and they are ok, but I liked the Kenmores much better and wish I had gotten them again. Both sets were mid-range, not super fancy but did have some extras. So they were comparible in features and price.

You can find information and ratings for everything in Comsumer Reports. I think you can access it on line now and look up their most recent ratings and tests on appliances of every kind.
My old washer and dryer are Whirlpool, 16 years old and still working. I know that in the not too distant future, we'll need to replace them, we paid cash and bought them new. This time we can't afford to buy new, so hopefully we'll find some used ones.

I purchased a Fridgidare front load washing machine from HH Gregg almost 3 years ago. At first I loved it and then about 3 months later the problems started. I have a serious lemon, so what I am saying is that this does not happen to everyone, but I have had the pump replaced twice the timer replaced twice, it has become stuck on the fill cycle and overflowed and flooded my basement several times. The glass fell out on to the floor and broke and it is currently not spinning or draining and I am unable to use it. I have fought with the retailer and the manufacturer and I am still fighting. I bought the low end model spending about $600. What I do want to make you aware of, is that the extended warranty that I purchased for this machine only covers the transmission (or in front loads the motor)...in all of my repairs it has yet to be the motor so therefore anything that is wrong with it now is my responsibility. I know others who have not had any trouble, but I have had more than my share. I would stay away from this brand and buy from a reputable retailer. Ask up front how they would handle your situation if you were to buy a lemon. I am looking to purchase a new machine and my next purchase will be from a local appliance store that guarantees they will replace the machine instead of forcing me to deal with the manufacturer. Good luck!

Hello T.! How exciting! I love to get new things! Anyway, I hate to be a downer and all, but when we were looking into washers 2 years ago, we searched out the opinion of our appliance repairman. He said that he would never get a front loading machine because the cost of the repairs and replacements parts are very very very expensive! He said the replacement parts are almost double or triple the cost of a regular top loading machine! Just wanted to let you know, so that you can make an informed decision. I would check with my repairman. He would know.

We love our Whirlpool Duet Sport, and got it for a great price on sale at Sears (I think about $550). The very same model was at Costco for about $700 at the time. I wouldn't pay much more than that, because it doesn't make sense (to me) to spend an extra thousand dollars in order to save $50 or whatever a year in water. It would take 20 years to realize the "savings".

It holds a queen comforter, or the equivalent of at least 2 loads of laundry (compared to our old 'super capacity' top loading washers). Some do hold more, but I often find that I don't even fill it when I need to do a load. If you have a king-sized bed, that might be reason enough to get a bigger one.

When ours is on high spin, if there is stuff on top of it, it shakes so much that the stuff will fall off, which is annoying. So I usually put it on medium spin. I really love that it gets so much water out of the laundry - it takes much less time to dry the laundry, so that's an extra savings in energy. I think all front loading washers do that, though. Another bonus is that you use much less detergent (and water). One thing I do miss about a top loading washer is being able to dye things in it, but that was maybe once a year, so not a big deal.

If you don't subscribe to Consumer Reports, I highly recommend it. It rates washers and dryers (and everything else). The best deal is probably to get an online subscription (less than $20), then you can look up anything and not have to have the magazines around the house. They almost always recommend NOT buying extended warranties, as they are usually a waste of money and don't cover any more than the included warranty would cover (except for laptops, they said, so my DH got one for his laptop, and ended up having to use it, but pretty much nothing else).

Hi

I have had two front loads (had to leave first set with the house we sold). I LOVE both of them. One was a Maytag and my most recent is a GE. I think I prefer the GE b/c my Maytag seal mildewed and I didn't like that.
Mine had a pre-wash/soak and all kinds of features I love. I find that I can use Half the amount of detergent (even the HE detergent) and get my clothes clean. I always do an extra rinse. The only thing I would recommend if you get one is to leave the door on it open between uses so that it dries out...you will find it doesn't mildew or start to smell if you do that. I have no problems with it removing stains. I like the thought of using far less water per load.

I have a whirlpool duet washer and dryer. They are both front load and there is a drawer to put your detergent, bleach and fabric softener in and it will add it at the appropriate times. I have had it for three years and absolutely love it.

I LOVE my LG Steam Fresh. I mean it, I LOVE them. Now, they don't have a pre-soak, but I'm not sure that front-loaders have that option (at least not that you can use to add items after the soak). But mine has options to adjust the soil level in case your clothes are dirtier, and of course, it has the sanitary setting which is a must in my opinion. I've found that using the sanitary setting or adding steam to the wash takes care of most any stain. When we purchased these Consumer Reports rated them highest so it justified the little bit more I spent on them. Plus, we got them "open box" from Best Buy which knocked off maybe 10% (there was nothing wrong with them). Good luck, and happy shopping!
P.S. - I have no trouble with mildew on the washer door seal - I guess I keep it too busy - but leaving the door open between loads will also take care of this. And yes, it does spin at super high speeds and things on top WILL fall off, but if you get the pedestal drawers underneath there's so much storage it's unbelievable. We did have ours on the second floor and had no trouble with the vibrations but I do know that can be a concern for some. The pedestals can be screwed to the floor joists if you have a second floor laundry and it causes problems. Again, I can't recommend the LG's enough. They got out old spit-up stains from baby clothes that had been stored for 5 years!!!!!

I have had a front load, HE for about 4 yrs now. It does large loads. I would rather do smaller loads, and be able to add to the washer as I go, The front loaders give you no flexibility. I would research a top load, high eff, with presoak.

We have the Bosch set and could not be more pleased! Be sure you get the HE detergent and do not overdo it-too much detergent makes for icky clothes.

We spin ours after the wash cycle is done and can dry them in about 20 minutes. It is fabulous! Also, you can look in the clearance section at Lowe's and find the pedestals for very little. The one on Ballantyne Commons had about 20 recently and they were 15$ each! (normally around 179)

T.,

We had the Maytag set when we lived in Florida and had a lot of problems with mold, etc. We now live in NC and have the Whirlpool Duet...I LOVE it. We have had no problems like we had in Florida with the other one. I would definately recommend the raised platform for whatever model you buy, the make loading and unloading much easier.

Lucky you!

Front Loaders use much less water. That would be key for me. Especially given how much laundry you must do with three little ones!

Maybe laundry will be kinda fun for a while with new appliances?

P : )

Some of the cons mentioned of some washers but my Bosch responds!
-can't add more stuff after you start- RESPONSE you can pause the load and add more stuff with no problem
-the cycles take longer -- RESPONSE-- mine has a quick wash cycle of 15 minutes and another one of 22 minutes

I like my Bosch I got at Lowes. Bosch is made in NC and Lowes is a NC company. Also, I compared the warranties and delivery costs of Sears, Lowes, Home Depot, and Best Buy.

My old washer didn't get out the food on my daughter's clothes. I now don't pretreat and most everything comes out and the drying time is about 1/4 what it used to be.

Good luck.

We have the LG Steam Washer and Dryer...and we love them. Mine does have a soak feature...and a special dispenser for detergent for use in the pre soak... I have never used the feature though...everything comes clean on its own. Have fun picking a new one!

I have an LG washer & dryer. I think it's the "Tromm;" it was the one recommended by Consumer Reports. I LOVE THEM! We make all of our big purchases according to CR reviews and have not been disappointed with any of them yet. I have found with a front load washer, you no longer need the presoak option. I've started using Chlorox for colors with my detergent and my clothes come out so clean (my 2 y.o. DD is the messiest eater!). I've had mine for almost 2 years and have no complaints. What a great gift!

We bought an LG set from HH Gregg a year ago and we just love them! Our water bill went down significantly, even when I was washing cloth diapers. The guys at HH Gregg were very helpful, I suggest going in and looking around and talking to them. There are many different brands and options to choose from. Have fun!

I just wanted to let you know that there were a lot of problems with the front loader washing machines collecting mold and ultimately ruining clothes. They are the subject of several class action lawsuits. You may want to research other styles... Just google front loader and law suits and you'll see what I'm talking about.

I actually had one and wasn't loving it. If I forgot an item of clothing, which happens all the time, or i'll see something else around the house that could go it, it cannot if the washer was already started because the front load door locks so you cannot open it which is good because you don't want water all over the place. It also took forever for one load, I am very happy with my top loader for so many reasons!!:) 20min per load with pre wash, or soak, so many settings. I have a whirlpool fabric sense system with four different temperature settings, five load size settings and five settings for how vigorous to be washed. I feel it also washes better than the front loader I had.
ALSO, I feel more in control of washing with my top loader. The soap dispenser on the front loaders gets gunky and nasty. it is better to mix the soap in the top loader while the water is filling, other wise it can cake up and damage the washer. I told a repair man at the store when I purchased this to loader model about how I let the soap mix under the running water and he said that is a great thing to do, otherwise the soap can get caked up and damage the system. I fill the cup with the soap, power or liquid, and hold the cup under the running water and then load in the clothes.
I just felt like I was not in control with the front loader. I had the front loader for five long years and wasn't totally happy with it. then we sold the washer dryer set, and got the whirlpool fabric sense system set, and I just love it. very happy with the top loader!!:) although, I really did like the look of the front loader, but a nice looking system just wasn't worth all the hassel.
hope this helps:)
about me, I am also a mommy, we have four childeren all under the age of 10. the front loader just didn't wash as well as the top loader, it didn't get these stains out from my very active and messy eating children:)

We have the Whirlpool front loading washer and dryer. I don't remember which model, but they were on the smaller side. We love them! It saves TONS of water - which saves us $$s on our water bill, and lots of electricity and gets our clothes really clean - so much cleaner than our old top loading washer. You are going to love them. We have our stacked - the dryer on top - and I really like that too - saves a lot of room, and I don't have to bend over as much. The bigger ones are great I'm sure - especially if you have a big family - but we wanted them to fit in our laundry closet which isn't all that big, so this is what worked for us. Honestly, I'm doing as big of loads as I used to do in the old - very large - washer, so it's not a problem for me to have the smaller units. Enjoy!

A friend of mine has one. Her and I do cloth diapers and she doesn't like it as much for that b/c it doesn't use as much water and you need that to really swoosh away all the bad stuff! ;) Otherwise, she likes it. It definitely uses way less energy and water.... like 60% I think I read.

How old are we that getting a washing and drying machine are great gifts!?!?! ;0)

I do not have a front loader but my son and my best friend do, and they LOVE theirs. I would get if from Sears, if at all possible (they have a great reputation both for quality and service). Also, try and get the ones that are raised - some of them have just a platform on the bottom and some have storage on the bottom.

My son and his wife have LG front loaders (Candy apple red!) and they love them! They are super efficient, and they are so quiet it's hard to tell they are even on. Theirs sit on pedestals that offer storage. The loading of detergent, fabric softener and bleach is extremely easy and efficient.

Enjoy your new washer/dryer!

CeceD

I loved my top of the line Whirlpool Duet. I had to get rid of it when we moved into our new home where the laundry room is located on the second floor. It viberated much our whole house shook. I understand that most of the new models of front-loaders have stabilization systems to prevent this. We never had an issue with mold as we used the washer clean cycle regularly. It cleaned clothing amazingly well using little water and energy. I now have a Whirlpool Cabrio and hate it. I do NOT recommend this type of HE washer. It is hard to get the clothing really clean and everything comes out twisted, tangled and VERY wrinkled. If you have a subscription you can get reviews and ratings on www.consumerreports.com.

My daughter has a Kenmore front loader.
has had it for 2-3 years. They LOVE it.
I would strongly suggest you get the stand to go with it. (a storage drawer) Cuts down on the bending and stooping and much easier on the back.
Also, it is easy to work on it nec. The top comes right off to make ease to get to the working/repair parts.
I just heard of the detergent load on an ad this morning and made the comment, "wow, that is reason enough to get a new washer"!. :)

Dear T.,

Hello! As the busy homeschooling mom of four young children, I don't have a lot of spare time, but I just had to weigh in on this. Recently, my mother gave me the wonderful and very generous gift of four new appliances for Christmas, my 10th anniversary, and my upcoming 40th birthday. Two of them were a new high efficiency frontloader steam washer and a new high efficiency front loading steam dryer. After weeks of intense research online and visits to Best Buy, Sears, etc., I decided on the top-of-the-line LG steam washer and dryer. (My mother did not give me a budget, bless her soul!) I couldn't be more pleased. They each have an extremely large capacity, which is very important when you are washing clothes and linens for six people. On average, I wash about 21 loads of laundry each week, and my washer and dryer are performing so well. The steam washing and sanitary features on the LG were important to me, because I use cloth diapers. They have never been so clean! The dryer is quick and has so many settings. The capacity is huge! I also got the pedestals with them, and they bring the washer and dryer to a nice height, they look good, and they are very functional. Color wasn't the main reason that I got them, but I must say, the wild cherry red that I selected is awesome! And I love the little song it plays when it is done. : ) I also like the tub clean feature, the extra rinse cycle feature, the separate rinse and spin feature, and how it self-dispenses the detergents from each holder. Mold smell is not an issue. I just leave the washer open for about an hour after I use it, and sometimes I dry it with a towel around the seal. No problem. Well, I hope this has been helpful for you. I have to run now and cook dinner on my new LG stove! (New appliances rock! And I waited so long for mine...)

Sincerely,
J. Hernandez

P.S. I forgot to add that my energy bill and my water bill have actually gone down since getting the new high efficiency washer and dryer, as well as a new LG dishwasher. It has decreased my bill significantly, and that is always a good thing!

I don't have one but wish I did...my mom has had one for a long time and loves it. They save water since they only fill to the needed level for the amount of clothes and she said she thinks they clean better than top loaders.

Our 5 children and 3 grand kids who lived here are all gone so just my husband and I here now. Always had top loading washers and front loading dryers (always electric) and never would have had any other kind!
Whatever you get, I hope will be perfect for you and your family.
Sincerely,
H. F.

Bosch Axxis+

I highly recommend this model - SUPER efficient and cleans clothes like no other! You won't need to pre-soak or use other features with a machine like this. Yes, it dispenses detergent. You can even set the spin to suck as much water, or not, out of the clothing - which cuts down on drying time (but I found setting it too much spin made too many wrinkles for me so I turned it down a pinch - but the washers spin cycle will suck out almost all of the water in your clothes, I've never seen a washer where when the laundry is done the clothes feel almost dry while in the washer - like I said... SUPER-DUPER efficient in all ways).

Last summer, while in Lowe's, I noticed they were carrying some models of Bosch - however... I believe Lowe's has probably worked out some sort of deal with Bosch and they're producing a model(s) that are "Americanized" - meaning they're not nearly the high quality Bosch is known for and perhaps not nearly as efficient.

By the way, Lowe's does commission companies to make cheaper models for their stores (tools, appliances, etc.). This is why you would see DeWalt tools selling for cheaper at Lowe's than at a real tool store that prides itself on honesty and quality. Thus, I question the Bosch I've seen at Lowe's.

I bought my washer/dryer at a higher end appliance store 3 yrs ago and there's no way I'd trade it in for any other brand - it's by far the best.

Hope this helps,
E.

I used to have a Maytag Neptune front-loading washer and dryer; I sold them with my house and I now live in an apartment where a top-loading washer and front-loading dryer are provided. I very much prefer the front-loader and will buy another set if I move and need my own machines. The lower water bills are nice, and the feeling of doing something good for the planet, but I use Downy and it gets into the clothes much better coming from the machine and not the Downy ball. That convenience alone is worth a lot to me.