I Could Use A Little Advice - Laundry Pair

[Calamity Kris]

Well, my 7 1/2 year old washer is on the fritz.  We had the repair guy out earlier this week and he said if his "fix" didn't work, it was likely a much more expensive problem.  So much so that he said I would be better off replacing them because of the cost.  He said appliances aren't being built like they used to and don't have nearly the life the older models had.  Well, his fix didn't work so we're going to have him out again.  When he returns next week, I told Uno if it's over $600.00, not to fix it we will just replace it...................but with what??????

 

With all that in mind, what brand and style of laundry equipment do you have, top load, front load, with agitator or not, and how do you like them? 

[Sedalia Dave]

Find an older mom and pop appliance shop and go in and find out what the owners wife has in her laundry room and if she likes it. 

 

Do this at more than one store if possible.

 

The owner's wife can almost always have whatever appliance she wants and is not going to settle for less than the best of whatever they sell.

[Rip Snorter]

Look at the Amana sets.

[Abilene Slim SASS 81783]

It really doesn’t matter what brand you buy as they’re all made by just one or two manufacturers. The only difference is the badge on the machine.  
 

We just bought a new gas dryer a few weeks ago (Whirlpool?) to replace the 26-year-old (Kenmore?). My experience over 50 years is gas dryers are far more durable than electric. It has mechanical controls which I prefer because one bad chip in one those digital models renders them useless. The cost of a replacement digital module makes one consider getting yet another machine instead of repairing it. 
 

We’ve always had top loader washers and found them so effective that I don’t understand the appeal of the more expensive front loaders. 
 

And screw the wi-fi enabled machines. Really? Are you kidding me…? 

[Cactus Jack Calder]

In late 2006 we bought Kenmore front loading washer and dryer. Both are electric as no gas is available here. They came with a rather inexpensive extended warranty option at the time. I’ve paid for annual service since then. They are still going. Nowadays they do a single person’s clothes, but they put in 13 years doing two person’s clothes before that. Is Kenmore still as good? I can’t say. Some friends of mine have replaced their set, no idea what make, twice in the same period. So no complaints are due from my experience.

 

Good Luck as I hear the appliances of today are generally not as durable.

 

Of course now I’ve invoked the curse of saying something and waiting for when I have to eat my words.

 

CJ

[Pat Riot]

17 minutes ago, Cactus Jack Calder said:

Of course now I’ve invoked the curse of saying something and waiting for when I have to eat my words.

I gave you a “HaHa” face for your last line. 
Murphy is my guardian angel. 

[Pat Riot]

@Calamity Kris I was going to tell you about our last couple of sets that we left in the houses we sold, but my wife informed me that the models we had are no longer made. They were GE and very reliable. 
 

Sorry this isn’t really a help to you. I do like the suggestion by @Sedalia Dave

[Horace Patootie, SASS #35798]

Speed Queen

 

Horace

[Sedalia Dave]

Secret to making a Washing Machine last is to NEVER EVER over load it. 

[Texas Lizard]

Mine is 25 to 30 years old...My repairman, says along as parts are there...Keep it....New ones have too much electronics  in them....Some times they break and you can not get parts....At all...

 

Texas Lizard

[Texas Joker]

We have Samsung front loaders. My washer still has mechanical buttons, dryer is newer and has those touch surfaces.

 

Repairclinic.com has videos of how to fix stuff and sells appliance parts

 

Used it to fix our last dryer several times

[Calamity Kris]

Thanks for all the great suggestions.  I will have to make a trip into town and check out the mom and pop shops there.  As for gas vs electric, we don't have gas or propane out here, only electric.  One hitch in all this is my repair guy will only service American made products because of part availability.  While I hear the Korean appliances are good, (LG, Samsung), he won't work on them.  I appreciate his position so I will stick with American made. 

 

My brother and SIL swear their front loaders clean better.  I have heard this from other people as well.  That is the only reason I was considering them.  With as decrepit as I'm getting, I'm not sure bending down like that will work for me, even if it's only for 8 years......

 

Thank you all again!!!

[Outlaw Gambler]

Maytag, hands down

[bgavin]

Here in the PRK, we have the Sacramento used appliance store.
They discount for cash, offer an excellent warranty and completely rebuild washers and dryers.

The labor warranty is lifetime, if you choose to trailer the dead machine down to their store.
This is more than fair.

All the computer controlled products fail.
Consumer Reports is your friend here.
If you have a library card, you most likely have online access to CR.

We avoid front loaders in our rental, and our own home.
They require special low suds detergent which renters won't comply with, and we don't want to be arsed with.
My bride has delicate skin, so she chooses a specific version of Tide that won't run properly in front loaders.

 

[Gracos Kid]

12 hours ago, Calamity Kris said:

Well, my 7 1/2 year old washer is on the fritz.  We had the repair guy out earlier this week and he said if his "fix" didn't work, it was likely a much more expensive problem.  So much so that he said I would be better off replacing them because of the cost.  He said appliances aren't being built like they used to and don't have nearly the life the older models had.  Well, his fix didn't work so we're going to have him out again.  When he returns next week, I told Uno if it's over $600.00, not to fix it we will just replace it...................but with what??????

 

With all that in mind, what brand and style of laundry equipment do you have, top load, front load, with agitator or not, and how do you like them? 

I had the same problem when my 17 year old Whirlpool died.  My friend who has worked at the appliance parts store all his life said that ALL of the name brand washers today are designed to last only a couple of years, so you can buy frequently.   He suggested that the best on the market today, although more expensive, is SPEED QUEEN.   They are made in the USA and unlike all other brands have a 5-year warranty.   I've had mine now for about 4 months and am well pleased......

[Cactus Jack Calder]

1 hour ago, Calamity Kris said:

 

My brother and SIL swear their front loaders clean better.  I have heard this from other people as well.  That is the only reason I was considering them.  With as decrepit as I'm getting, I'm not sure bending down like that will work for me, even if it's only for 8 years......

 

Thank you all again!!!

My wife wanted the front loaders because she had been told by friends that they clean better. I am satisfied with their cleaning ability, but I have no reference experience with top loaders. Not that I didn’t do the wash just that I never felt the top loaders did a lesser job. The front loaders do generally use less water and they may produce less wear on fabrics as there is no agitator. One thing is I always turn my T shirts inside out to reduce wear on the outside. Been doing that for years and years. Mostly I wear T shirts now that I’m retired (Wow almost 20 years, where did the time go?).

I bought the drawers that were made specifically for the units. They fit under the units and raise them up at least 12”. This was for my wife initially, however, I’m now glad that I don’t have to bend over so far. Plus they store my extra laundry products conveniently out of the way.

 

CJ

[Old Man Graybeard]

Talk to the repair man and see what brand HE has…

[Cactus Jack Calder]

I just remembered something. Initially the washer would shake quite a bit. I believe the spin cycle is at a much higher speed. This may remove more water before you put the clothes in the dryer, I’m not sure of that. However, the higher speed can make the washer move more on the floor. I installed ‘anti vibration’ rubber feet made for that situation. My advice is, if you do get a front loader, get the rubber feet and have the installation guys put them down right away.

 

Hint: Do both units so that their tops are even height. It makes stacking folded wash on top easier. I made a plywood top to cover both units for a work surface, folding, sorting & pretreatment of stains (like gun oil).

 

CJ

[J-BAR #18287]

Another vote for Speed Queen.  We bought SQ washer and dryer.  Very quiet, reliable.  There is a reason they are used in commercial laundromats.

[Big Sage, SASS #49891 Life]

We have 20 year old top loader Maytags. The dryer is electric. My wife love them both. Just had the repairman out to replace the Off/On switch. The first repair in years. We don't plan on replacing them anytime soon as they do the job just fine.

[Stump Water]

3 hours ago, Calamity Kris said:

My brother and SIL swear their front loaders clean better.  I have heard this from other people as well. 

 

We got LG front-loaders when we moved into the new house in 2013.  Dish towels/rags that were badly stained and relegated to the rag box got washed and went back to the kitchen.  I'll never go back to a top-load.

 

If you think for a moment about how a front-load washes vs. a top-load it's pretty easy to grasp why they do a better job.

 

1 hour ago, Cactus Jack Calder said:

With as decrepit as I'm getting, I'm not sure bending down like that will work for me

 

You definitely want to get the matching "stands" with the drawers.  We didn't and have regretted it.  I'll be building them soon.

[Okie Sawbones, SASS #77381]

Speed Queen and LG are tops.

[Crooked River Pete, SASS 43485]

When I needed a new washer, maybe 15 years ago or more, the guy at the parts house told me to get a Speed Queen. At the Speed queen dealer I asked about front loaders. His reply was that the only reason front loaders exist is for Europeans who live in small houses and have to stack their washer and drier. Told me I'd be better off with a top loader. My son has had a couple front loaders, he said he'd never get another. The only thing I did to my SQ was change a belt because my grand daughter often overloaded it. 

[Wild Eagle]

I would recommend one with mechanical switches and fewer wash cycles.  The touch screen types seem to have more problems and don't seem to last as long.  As with most things, the simpler they are the less there is to break.  Do you really need 18 different wash cycles?  I pretty much only use 2.

 

I would also recommend a front load washer.  I can't say it cleans better, but it is much easier on your cloths.  I got mine about 4 years ago and haven't lost a button yet.  I strongly recommend that you get the riser that goes under the washer to raise it up though.  I didn't get one, and every year it gets harder to get the cloths out.

 

It sounds like you have a pretty good relationship with your repair guy.  He would probably steer you in a good direction for something that will last and have fewer problems.  The days of washers lasting 20 years seem to be long gone, but some will last their lifetime without needing regular repair visits.

[Sedalia Dave]

Measure the space BEFORE you buy any of the HE machines. Most are physically larger than conventional machines and may not fit.

 

Same goes for the stands.  We bought them and had to return them because the cabinets in the laundry room were too low and when installed on the pedestals they wouldn't fit.

[Matthew Duncan]

Speed Queen is what my research lead me to buy.  5 years after our purchase, trouble free and we are pleased with our purchase.

[Calamity Kris]

Wow!!!  Thanks for all the info.  That leads me to some decisions that need to be made.

 

It looks as though front loaders are out of the picture.  Many sites recommend you leave the door open after use to reduce the possibility of mildew build up.  The laundry room is in a high traffic area so leaving the door open will make it much more susceptible damage by humans and animals running into the open door.  

 

The only capacity Speed Queen offers is 3.2 CF.  My current Whirlpool is 5.2 CF.  (I opted for that size because we have a need to wash larger items like blankets, although I don't fill the washer that full most of the time.)  The reduced capacity will equate to running more loads every week. 

 

The current price for a Speed Queen at our local dealer is $1,400.  The replacement for my Whirlpool is $550. 

 

Speed Queen warranty is for 5 years.  Whirlpool warranty is for 1 year.

[Matthew Duncan]

On 5/12/2024 at 11:47 AM, Calamity Kris said:

Wow!!!  Thanks for all the info.  That leads me to some decisions that need to be made.

 

It looks as though front loaders are out of the picture.  Many sites recommend you leave the door open after use to reduce the possibility of mildew build up.  The laundry room is in a high traffic area so leaving the door open will make it much more susceptible damage by humans and animals running into the open door.  

 

The only capacity Speed Queen offers is 3.2 CF.  My current Whirlpool is 5.2 CF.  (I opted for that size because we have a need to wash larger items like blankets, although I don't fill the washer that full most of the time.)  The reduced capacity will equate to running more loads every week. 

 

The current price for a Speed Queen at our local dealer is $1,400.  The replacement for my Whirlpool is $550. 

 

Speed Queen warranty is for 5 years.  Whirlpool warranty is for 1 year.

As I recall Speed Queen makes ONLY washers and dryers.

[Rye Miles #13621]

My mom had a Maytag she bought in 1960. It lasted until 2008. The dryer was fixed twice in all that time and the washer once! 
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Maytag-4-8-cu-ft-Top-Load-Washer-in-White-with-Extra-Power-MVW5430MW/322117741

[Stump Water]

On 5/12/2024 at 11:47 AM, Calamity Kris said:

It looks as though front loaders are out of the picture.  Many sites recommend you leave the door open after use to reduce the possibility of mildew build up.  The laundry room is in a high traffic area so leaving the door open will make it much more susceptible damage by humans and animals running into the open door.  

 

After a load you wipe down the gasket and close the door just enough so the magnet catches it... which leaves the door a-jar.

 

Yes.  There is something you should do after each load.  If that is insurmountable then go for a top load

[Dr. Zook]

Maytag Commercial -- top-loader got it from HD 12+ years ago --- replaced the dog's ($5) in the agitator & water valve ($100) in that time --- i've heard good comments on the SpeedQueen line but havent tried it because the Maytag is still going strong.  My Costco Whirlpools lasted almost 20yrs (top Load) - my SiL, has had two sets of front loaders (board failures and front gasket fail) and going back to top load --- personally top load for me, they are not as eco friendly as the front loaded (water use) but I know my clothes are clean and done in 1/2 the time the front loaders take....

[watab kid]

i recently . as in the last couple years , replaced our old units that were my folks from the late  1980s , i like the new ones and dont regret spending the money , less water and less power use , the clean is great , im going to say it will be one of the better things in your life as you walk into the future - we took my folks old units because they were newer than ours and working well , they served their time and served us well , but when they went there was no spare parts or service available , 

 

ill admit im resistant to change but this was a good one , in spite of the cost and all my work getting them hooked up , but once done its been a real pleasure - im going to run my stuff tomorrow , 

[bgavin]

OP,

Buy the extended warranty.

I have a very specific set in my rental property, due to restricted space.
I bought the extended warranty and it has paid for itself.

Lack of spare parts is a problem.
We have a $10,000 American Range oven in our lodge.
A crappy little gas solenoid failed, and they "don't make it anymore"
This resulted in a $1200 repair, and complete replacement of the entire gas system and ignition in the right oven.
In a commercial oven, this is unacceptable.

We have a Hobart sanitizer in the same kitchen that fails to heat, and fails to drain.
Three times Hobart has come out to service the unit, only to tell us "we don't have the parts on the truck" while giving us a $225 bill.

More bullshit.

Also three times, we have had a company out for our commercial fridge that has a coolant leak.
They injected dye to find the leak, gave up and billed us another $225.

There is a pattern working here.
 

[TN Mongo, SASS #61450]

As Abilene Slim stated, there are only a couple of companies that make washers and dryers. Whirlpool and Maytag are owned by the same company. I have always been a Maytag guy because they had a better warranty (Kenmore never produced appliances. It was just a Sears name plate on appliances produced by someone else).  I was told by two older repairmen that they saw more issues with front loading washers so we stuck with top loading machines.

 

Our current washer is a top loading Maytag.  It's okay, but, at the time, they were making them without agitators.  The washer has great capacity, but does not clean the clothes as well and easily becomes unbalanced in the spin cycle.  A year or so later we bought a similar washer for my mother-in-law and it had an agitator.  I asked the salesperson at Lowe's why they put the agitators back in the Maytag machines and he stated they had complaints about that the machines without agitators weren't cleaning as well (go figure). 

 

We have always bought new machines, but we bought a used machine for our daughter when she was in undergraduate and graduate school.  It ran for 6 years without a problem and she sold it for about what she paid for it when she moved.  I have friends far wealthier than me who always buy used washers and dryers and have had great luck with them and saved a lot of money.  

[MizPete]

A few years ago we had to replace the washer we bought in 1970. The salesman admitted he didn't think the new one would last another 40 years.  I told him it was okay - neither would we.