Washing Machine Suggestions

I adore my Fisher & Paykel washer and dryer. The washer is not a front loader so I don't have to deal w/the mold/mildew smells that often come w/that type of washer. http://www.fisherpaykel.com/laundry/index.cfm?productUid=...=

I love the dryer - it's a top load! http://www.fisherpaykel.com/laundry/index.cfm?productUid=...

The washer has a final spin cycle that spins at something ridiculous like 1000rpms (it kinda sounds like a jet engine but not as loud) and the clothes are barely damp. Combined w/the ultra efficient dryer, I can get a load done in no time. In fact most times the dryer cycle is finished w/my first load before the 2nd load is finished in the washer. I got my set at Lowe's.

I have a front load Whirlpool and LOVE it. However, I don't know if this would be true of every dryer, but my son is 5 and can't keep sand off of him. So, the sand ends up in the dryer and now the dryer has a "swish" noise because the sand is in there. It does NOT get in other clothes and I don't think there is anything I can do about it. But, it is annoying. Other than that, both are GREAT. I have mine stacked and that is nice because it is a space saver. I have a freezer in the area where the dryer normally would be.

My Kitchenaid is 14 to 15 years old. I have had to had it repaired twice, the last being the timer for $200.00. The first was some little plastic part that would let the water spin out and that was less than $75.00. Still cheaper than a new machine. I plan on keeping it till it totally stops.

We love our Kenmore Elite front loaders. We've had them for a bit over 2 years and they are fantastic. We have had absolutely no problems thus far and with a 4 and 8 year old I have a ton of laundry. I probably do 8 to 10 loads of laundry or more a week.

S.,
Here are the recent ratings from Consumer Reports. The list is alphabetical and the number in front of the name is the machine's score out of 100. The prices are below the name. No machine got a perfect 100, but the LG got the highest score at 81. I just purchased my first front loader- the Frigidaire for $650 at Lowe's (also at BestBuy with a slightly different model number). The machine was rated by Consumer's as a "best buy" for the price and features. It scored only 3 points less than the top model, but a lot less money. Lowe's had free(refunded) delivery and set up. They even had a special to take away the old machine free. I don't know if that special is still on. Finally, I found out that Fridgidaire is actually an Electrolux. It says it on the inside tag- not on the machine front, but is a lot less expensive. Good luck...

73 Bosch Nexxt 100 Series WFMC100[1]UC
$850

77 Bosch Nexxt 500 Series WFMC330[1]UC
$1050

77 Bosch Nexxt 800 Series WFMC840[1]UC
$1300

76 Frigidaire Affinity ATF8000F[S]
$800

78 Frigidaire Gallery GLTF2940F[S]
$650

78 Kenmore (Sears) Elite HE5t 4708[1]
$1300

80 Kenmore (Sears) Elite HE5t Steam 4778[1]
$1600

70 Kenmore (Sears) HE2 Plus 4751[2]
$800

73 Kenmore (Sears) HE2t 4756[1]
$900

81 LG Tromm SteamWasher WM2688H[WM]
$1500

81 LG WM0642H[W]
$900

78 LG WM2016C[W]
$800

73 LG WM2277H[W]
$1100

81 Miele Touchtronic W4840
$1900

78 Samsung WF203AN[W]
$800

71 Speed Queen CTSAOA[W]N
$1400

77 Whirlpool Duet HT WFW9400S[W]
$1200

69 Whirlpool Duet Sport WFW8300S[W]
$800

81 Whirlpool Duet Steam WFW9600T[W]
$1600

S.,
Talk to an appliance repair person. Specifically one that has his own business and NOT one that sells a specific line.

My MIL just told me that their "Maytag" was really the low end made by someone else and then Maytag bought them and put their name on it. The only person that would know that is their repair person. He was kind enough to repair it - again - and then tell them not to waste too much more money on service calls. They will be contacting him before they make another purchase.

And take a look at http://www.rodenbaughs.com/history.htm in Allen. If I have my story straight, this place contracts with the Home and Garden shows in the area and picks up the display models from those events. My friend put new appliances in his upscale Plano home for 1/3 the price.

Happy hunting -

http://www.do-it-yourself-washing-machine-and-dryer-repai...

http://www.repairclinic.com/0088_11_1.asp

We had a kenmore that the mechanical drive when out. It's a small plastic piece that takes the place of the belt drive.

The warranty expired the month before. The appliance store said it would be $300-$400. I looked it up on the web sites listed above and I fixed it for $50 and an after noon.

Don't know what the part that's going out is but, it's just an idea.

Hi S. - we had the same washer and just had a problem with it about 2 months ago. So, instead of fixing it for $500, we did a lot of research and came out with the Duets Aspen Steamers. I was skeptical at first about this whole steamer thing, but it has cut my ironing time in more than half, but that is because my husband had to have the matching dryer too :-). In any case, we love it. Good luck with your search.

C.

After pouring money into a lemon of a Maytag refrigerator and receiving TERRIBLE customer service from the company I have sworn off Maytag under all circumstances. They have a lousy repair record.

If you go the Kenmore route have them check and see who makes the model you like. Maytag, GE, and, I think, Kitchenaid all make models for GE.

We have a GE...a brand I love but the front loader we have is poorly designed. My husband's Grandmother has an older model that is very well-designed. The quality on both is good but I would think about things like how easy it is for things to fall through the rubber inside (my son does not empty his pockets) and how well the dispenser is designed. Those are the only 2 issues we have. The machine works well. The repairman told me not to buy the pedestals..he said it can keep the machine off-balance.

Don't know if this helps or not. My bit mantra is "NO MAYTAG!"

Also...have you tried getting a non-company opinion on how much the repair would cost? I found Maytag's repairs to be very highly priced (and not well done!)

Good luck!

I bought a new Bosch (the least expensive one without the chrome front)at Lowes (about $700.00). Very quiet, has saved money on electricity and water. Funny how a chrome ring on the door costs $500.00 more. I also bought the extended 3 year warranty. Worth every penny. I'd NEVER buy a Maytag. Had a new $800.00 Maytag refrigerator one time that cost me lots of money in lost food when freezer wouldn't get cold enough and Best Buy kept giving me the run-around. They finally replaced it with a top of the line Whirlpool and it's been working for almost 10 years now.

My friend purchased a new Maytag about 9 yrs ago and the shut off value did not work. She was sitting there and heard something and the house flooded. They had to remove cabinets, sheet rock and carpets. I new home. It was in Lantana. She had to move out into my home or some into a hotel because of the flumes of the paint she is alergic to. So I know years ago they were the best. I had all Kitchen Aid appliances in my home before this one and they had good service and where there to fix whatever. But not sure if they have washer and dryers. Thank you for informing all of us about expensive parts something to look at a cheaper one could be replaced for $500. G. W

I wanted to make sure that you talked with the technician about which part was broken and whether or not it affect the water filling mechanism (or, by it's own failure, could eventually cause the breaking or failing of that mechanism). We had a small part break on our last washer and thought we had it fixed. After a week or two, it started to leak small amounts of water (tablespoons) on the floor and we didn't think much of it. IT FLOODED OUR ENTIRE HOUSE in four hours just a few days later (when we ran it while napping one day). It took 18+ months to rebuild our house and the entire inside had to be gutted and redone (and everything we owned packed up). We had to move out for over 6 mos.

So please be careful from here on out when you use it and don't leave the house or go to sleep.

If you live in DFW, you can go to the Sears Appliance Outlet in Grapevine Mills mall (by the Sun & Ski shop). That is where we bought our replacement and you can get great deals just because of cosmetic damage. Good Luck!

Glad you posted this. I have a maytag washer and drier, the washing machine broke (the spinning cycle) after 4 years. to repair it we were told we had to pay $300 for the part plus labor fee, needless to say we didn't repair it.
It has been broken for over a year, we don't have money to buy a new one or repair this one (the cost is very similar in either case). so I have been wringing out wet laundry for over a year, every time I do I swear I'll never buy Maytag again.
Sorry I'm not more helpful but had to share my bad experience with this brand to warn others. I'm curious to see what brands other people recommend because next time I'm doing my research big time before buying a new washing machine.

We have a Bosch Nexxt 500 washer and dryer and absolutely love them! Very quiet and have had lower water and electric bills with no problems at all so far. Good luck!

We bought a Maytag Neptune about 8 years ago, and I don't think that we'll buy another when this one decides to give out. It was supposed to be top of the line, but doesn't work sometimes. It stops before the spin cycle, and sounds like it's dying. I agree with you, our next will probably be a GE.

I have a Kenmore front load washer. I strongly urge you to buy from Sears for more than one reason.

The first and most important reason is buy the warranty they offer, it might seem a bit pricey but it is well WORTH the money. I bought my front loader 4 1/2 years ago and made the decision to spend the extra $500 (can't remember exactly how much it was) so they come out once a year to service the machine. The first year I called and scheduled them to just come and look it over the technician found that I had problems with my water pump and several other items that would have to be replaced. Long story short if I had had to pay for them it would have cost me over $6oo dollars for parts alone, not to mention the labor. Needless to say when you are purchasing a big ticket (and to me a washing machine is a big) item the warranty not only gives you a peace of mind but peace in the pocket book.

Second, Sears is very big supporter of our Military. You can go to snopes.com and put in Sears Military Pay and it says that any of their employees called up to active duty not only have their job to come back to (as required by law), but if their pay is less than what they make they make up the difference as well as keep up the benefits up for their families.

Hope this helps.

I love our GE whisper Duet system. Owned for 2 years with no problems.

HI, I have the LG front load washer and dryer for 5 years. They are wonderful. Both are very quiet and signal with a pleasant tone when they are done. The washer spins so fast that the clothes come out barely damp, but if you use the delicate or handwash cycle, the clothes come out a bit wetter and gently spun. The only negative with the washer is that smell if you leave the door closed. I also empty the pan once a month and run a empty hot water, bleach & detergent cycle every week or so. To solve the "open door policy" I bought a child proof thing that allows me to leave it open just a couple of inches. Problem solved. The dryer(gas) never takes as long as the timer says. I do not use dryer softner and the static is virtualy non existant(another bonus). My last set was a Whirlpool and lasted 18 years with only 2 dryer repairs and no washer repairs (until the transmission gave out). HTH, Nana

We have always had good luck with the Kenmore Elite brand from Sears. There are other more expensive ritzy brands out there, but for reliability, I don't think you can beat it, and they have enough models that you can get one with all the features you want. Good luck!

I have a Kenmore Front loader and have never had a problem. My neighbor down the street has had problem after problem with hers (same model) sometimes I don't always think that quality of brand is everything. My mom has the Whirlpool and loves it. Electrolux sells under other brands that are more well known. I would research it.

I too had trouble with my front load neptune and had to replace it after only 4 yrs. I bought the LG front load and LOVE it. It's reseasonably priced and a great value.

GM

I had the cheapest Roper washer (less than $250) that Lowe's carries and used it for five years before selling it because I moved into an apartment with no W/D hookups. It did the laundry for my family of six day in day out without a bleep.

It's not a front loader, and it was very plain looking - but it was a workhorse of a washing machine.

Do NOT buy the Maytag toploader Calypso. I don't like mine.

We have a Bosche front loading machine, have had it for 4 years, love it.

The Maytag Neptune has a manufacturer's defect that will cost more than $500 to "fix". There was a class action lawsuit against Maytag about this issue with this model and you need to contact Maytag about this directly. Now, before you get your hopes up - they won't do squat. We had the same problem and they sent us a check for $15 for our share of the lawsuit. (Yes - it cost significantly more than that to buy a new washer!) I bought an LG frontload model for around $700 that ranks very high on the consumer reports list. I love it. Good luck! Bottom line: don't spend good money after bad on the Maytag and don't buy Maytag or Whirlpool again. They are now owned by Whirlpool and they have quite a track record of screwing over customers with mfg's defects. Been there on two other items. Not fun.

Hi-I own the Maytag Bravo and really love it. It is a front loader but designed as a top loader. Very quiet. I owned a GE front loader and it was horrible. I also considered the LG. Heard great things about it. The Whirlpool Duet is also suppose to be the # front loader.

I figure with the way my family uses things, 10 years is pretty good. We are hard on vacuums (which btw, if you are looking for one of those, the Eureka Big Boss retails for under $50 at WalMart and it is the only vacuum that my children and the dog hair have not destroyed by sucking up things they shouldn't and just keeping it working with no clogs from the dog hair, I have had this one for three years which is a personal record and it will still create a vacuum sucking the carpet if you leave it standing, and I have spent substantially more in the past, I may even buy a spare in case the dummies discontinue the item), sorry bit of a rant there.

With the younger kids you do tons of laundry but then with boys and sports, I wash so much during football season and sometimes in the summer the brats change clothes during the day. They come in take the shirt off and then it is another one when they go out. I probably do at least 2-3 loads of laundry a day minimum. Then with two teens and one pre-teen, they horde dirty clothes in their rooms so every time I have the delusion I am done with laundry a load instantaneously materializes.

With yours, have you checked into how much a warranty would cost? If it is just the part and the part is covered, wouldn't it be more cost effective to pay $100 for a warranty and then get the part and labor for free and keep that puppy for another 3-4 years or more?

To be honest, sometimes simple is better. My washer is pretty much a low end Kenmore, I was looking for size of load instead of snazzy. My first washing machine was a Kenmore, it ran very well for 10 years, and didn't actually break I just figured it was time to replace it before it did break at a time when money was tight. I have had this one about 5-6 years and I suspect it will continue to last for the rest of the 10 years. My dryer is supposed to be moisture sensitive and all that good stuff but I found that only one setting won't shrink the clothes, so much for high tech, lol.

I think my mother's machine is a top load Maytag but it was just she and my dad for years and now her by herself. I wash every single day with three kids, two of which are boys, ookie, but I swear I think the woman has had that washer for 30 years or more, it was here when I was in high school and up until we left home, it got a lot of use because there were five people in the house and I honestly don't remember getting a new washer, so if my mother bought it it was when I was young enough not to notice such an event. Now of course she guards it like a baby afraid it is going to break.

I have a Maytag Neptune set and I would not replace it with Maytag again. I have had no issues with my Maytag washer or dryer YET. I do believe the quality of Maytag has gone downhill. I had Kenmore before the Maytag and those only lasted 10 yrs.

I bought top of the line Maytag refrigerator and dishwasher and BOTH died within 3 yrs or so.

I replaced those items with Kitchen Aid and I LOVE them. As for the Washer/Dryer. I'd probably go with LG and next time, get the little storage boxes they stand on.