Anyone buy a washing machine recently that they'd like to recommend that is not a front loader?
Thanks,
Holly from Richardson, TX
I just bought the Cabrio washer and dryer by Whirlpool. It is a top loader and is the most fantastic machine in the world. Since getting this machine I am the luckiest girl in the world. It's HUGE (more than king sized comforter size), SMART AS HECK, and energy efficient. Yes, it does use more water than a front loader, but not by much. It gets my clothes super clean. There is an option for a clear top but I didn't get that. I don't have the time to sit and stare at my clothes being washed and dried. The price is similar to front loaders but worth all the money.
I have bought a Fisher & Peykal. They are wonderful.
Oooh! I'll have to check them out.
Based on internet research and www.epinion.com, am figuring I have approx. 6 months left on my washer before the repair becomes too expensive (like the transmission).
my hubby is a repairman and he likes only GE
good luck,Dar
I bought my Fisher and Paykel at Lowe's. My son works there as an appliance specialist and this is the one that he suggested. When you get done washing your clothes, they are almost dry because they spin so fast.
I bought my Fisher and Paykel at Lowe's. My son works there as an appliance specialist and this is the one that he suggested. When you get done washing your clothes, they are almost dry because they spin so fast. It only takes a little while for them to dry in the dryer. I love my washer.
We too have a Fisher & Peykul. I love it. We've had it for about 3-4 years and though it sounds like a jet taking off, it's not loud it just doesn't sound like any washer you've ever heard, we love love love it. We were told it would, should last for a long time. Our last washer only lasted about 5 years before shooting craps. So far this one has been great.
TC in MO
I have a Kenmore from Sears and at that time Whirlpool made them. I worked in a group home and did lots of laundry and we had GE I also had one of them for years. That is the 2 I would look into again when time comes I need one. I do not know right now who is making Kenmore ones.
Just bought a new washer and dryer after spending a month talking to appliance people. Apparently, Whirlpool has bought out and now makes both Kitchen Aid and Maytag, and puts the Kenmore name on their appliances too. If you choose to buy one of theirs, Kitchen Aid is the top of their line.
I ended up buying a Fisher-Paykal. It is a european company that now has two US factories, and plans to infiltrate our market. They are supposed to be the most energy efficient on the market and have the longest warranty (2 years). Their machines are very basic and easy to repair. The company has a 24 hour a day hotline to talk you through any problem and ship parts directly to you if repairs are needed. The machines are easy to fix yourself if repairs are needed. Like any brand, they have different styles with differing price ranges. Look around, because they refuse to sell all styles to any one company, like Lowe's. Their top loading washer is supposed to be more energy efficient then front loaders. In dryers, they have top loading and front loading styles.
In March, I bought a GE with a stainless steel tub. Also bought the 5 year warranty at Home Depot. The GE is quiet, cleans well, has a setting for my most delicate items, wrings towels etc. almost dry but leaves my permanent press wrinkle-free. I replaced a 25 yr. old Sears made by Whirlpool but they aren't made to hold up that long any more. My repairman said no Whirlpool, Amana, Kitchenaid or Maytag, unless I want to fund his next vacation.
I looked at the Fisher & Peytal but was told by several owners that since it wrings the clothes so well, permanent press will need to be ironed. I don't iron so no thanks. It is supposed to be a great machine except for that but I also didn't want to spend the extra money. It was considerably more expensive.
I looked at Fisher & Paykel today. Does everyone have the one with no middle agitator-type thing or do some of you have one with that? It's the cheaper model.
I bought a fisher/paykel washer in August 2001.I have had 3 repairs on it. It just died on me a week ago,so March 2009 would make it 8 years old.
I thought the extended warranty we had would cover repairs,but it only covers transmission(not even on this machine. Repair man said I would need a new board(($200-300) among other parts.
Since I never really liked the way it cleaned we will just get a new washer.The heavy mode tore up our cloths,but I never felt the normal wash got them clean enough. I did like the spin cycle.It got the water out good.
Maybe the newer ones are made better.
I had a Maytag that lasted for 28 years and all we replaced was a belt. However, they have been taken over by Whirlpool & so I would say no to Maytag now. My daughter bought a Whirlpool and it worked without any malfunctions but it did tear up a lot of her clothes. She ended up selling it & bought a Bosch. Perhaps you could go on Epinions to see what people have said about Fisher Paykel. Good luck:)
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I've enjoyed visiting this site and finally joined! I would really appreciate your thoughts about this dilemma. In 1992 I purchased a washer and dryer set; the washer has rusted around the bleach dispenser and bottom of framework (near floor). Still, laundry comes out clean except for occasional mystery spots that look like watery tomato juice. Surprisingly, my all-knowing repairman doesn't think the rust is causing the stains.
Whatever the cause, I've gone shopping for a new set, but am reluctant in the extreme to finalize a purchase because so many people have expressed their misery over new expensive purchases that break down too quickly. They also miss their old machines. The washers garner the most complaints, such as: "the motor burned out in less than a year", "the metal tub cracked in two - how is that possible?", "the washer is so water-saving it always smells bad", or "I have to wash everything twice to get it all clean."
Just this week, I spoke with a salesman who didn't have anything that met my needs in stock, but he assured me that manufacturers have realized that simpler is better and are starting to design accordingly. Ya think? He urged me to read a certain magazine for the latest ratings, but that was no help at all when, some time ago, I purchased a top-rated refrigerator that peeled so badly so soon after delivery that the manufacturer replaced it without even a whimper, but, alas, the replacement wasn't much better so I switched brands and cancelled the magazine subscription!
So, dear Readers, I would really appreciate your thoughts about what I should look for (and look out for) in selecting a new side by side (not stacking) washer and dryer. I do about 3 medium loads a week; oversize items such as king size bedspreads go to the dry cleaner or into a jumbo machine at the laundromat. I just want something serviceable that will last a million years. Thank you so much.
I don't have an answer because I started shopping for a new washer and dryer probably 5 years ago I needed to buy before mine went out. Both my washer and dryer are around 20 years old and still working. Like you, I kept researching and most reviews were not good and everyone online was complaining. I finally decided to keep using mine until they go out completely when a salesman suggested I do just that because he said the life of the ones they make now is around 6 years. My Daughter has the front loading ones and after 5 years the washer quit working. It cost nearly as much to fix it as as was to buy another one. When I do buy I will buy the cheapest one I can find if I'm going to have to replace in 5 or 6 years. I would never do it but sounds almost cheaper to go to a laundermat. By the way, my bleach dispenser rusted too so I don't use it.
Attached is a US News Money 5.5.14 article stating that washers should last 10 years and dryers 13. Many machines last much longer but others start with problems much sooner. There are no set manufacturer's requirements, so, unfortunately, we all purchase machines that may have "recommended years of service" but these are just general estimates (and, I'm sure, self-serving). However, your machines have outlasted the life span estimates in this article. My old washer lasted 22 years and the old dryer 18. Strange!
money.usnews.com/
Thank you for your input, DCA. After I read your link, I searched and found a few more current articles - the bottom line goes: (i) don't expect appliances to last as long as they used to because manufacturers all over the world are all chasing for cheaper materials and labor. Also (ii) if you take care of your household items they will last longer, eg., don't use mattresses as trampolines; regularly clean filters; the less laundry you do, the longer the washer/dryer should last (average number of loads for a family is 8/per week, more than double what I do, so maybe that's why our machines are still running). Another bit of advice I found is to have appliances serviced from time to time, especially HVAC systems.
Betty, I feel your pain (and your daughter's!) - if/when my washer and dryer totally give out, I'll probably replace them with a cheapo set and I may not buy an extended warranty because I've heard of washer/dryer companies going out of business and leaving customers in the lurch.
I only just recently learned that 3 widely known brands are all made by the same manufacturer - Whirlpool, Kenmore and Maytag! That doesn't leave much in the way of choice, does it? A few years ago, alarmed about the sky-rocketing cost of replacing our old sheets, I read an article about how often sheets should be washed. Our newest, nicest ones kept shrinking or the elastic on the fitted ones would lose their springiness after a few washes. I found that washing them every 10 days instead of every 7 days extended their life; I also stopped buying bamboo sheets which looked and felt wonderful (at first) but quickly developed more nubs than cheap sweaters! Very uncomfortable! Thank you for your input!
That is great question. One thing to consider is your dryer working fine? One thing I have discovered is that dryers are generally very simple and last longer than washers. So you can save a bundle but not being tied to replacing them both at the same time. We are on our second washer, the previous washer had to be fixed several times in the first 5 years. So plan on getting your money's worth on whatever warranty you get. Our new washer is a Bosch and is now over 3+ years old and is already showing it's age. I would be surprised, even shocked, if we got 10 years out of it.
Dryers often just need to be cleaned out, maybe a new belt. I have had it fixed one time and all they did was clean it out and it cost $60. Washers, especially front loaders, can easily develop clogs and leave small deposits of stagnant water in places like the rubber seal. Even a small amount of bad water can ruin a whole load of laundry. I find I have to smell every load to make sure nothing is building up.
On front loaders: Other than making sure the seal isn't building up water, make sure to run the cleaning function monthly and after you wash really dirty loads (like dog blankets). And don't use too much soap, about a tablespoon is all you need.
The Bosch we bought was the best rated washer in our price range and I wouldn't recommend it. Top loaders tend to not rate as well as front loaders, but my gut tells me a cheaper top loader would be the way to go.
I agree, Lewissan, purchasing a matching pair could result in getting a good machine and a bad one -- better to select machines one by one based on how well they each work rather than going for matched exteriors. I believe you are correct about dryers lasting longer than washers.
My big mistake is waiting too long to call for service, which I finally did when I noticed stains on clean clothes, thinking that rust around the bleach dispenser was causing them; however, the repairman, an old pro, didn't think rust caused the stains. He was way more concerned about the agitator (my washer is so old it has one) and found it had a broken part inside - something I never thought about, though I did notice, a few YEARS ago, that the sound the machine made when agitating had changed from a steady thump-thump to an irregular ca-clunk-ca-thud. The repairman told me that laundry should roll around top to bottom steadily, which couldn't happen until he replaced the broken part. The old machine now works and sounds like it did when it was new. So - a service call has made a big difference in my case. He told me that my machines (old Whirlpools) were meant to last 25 years, but the new ones - maybe 7??
About 5 years ago I got a Bosch dishwasher to replace our ancient noisy Kitchen Aid only because Bosch was considered the quietest model available (because of the all-stainless steel interior, so I was told). I don't know if Bosch washers & dryers are sold hereabouts but would expect they cost more than our budget would allow.
Oh, and, we don't have dogs or dog blankets but whenever something gets really stained or grimy, such as my husband's gardening pants and t-shirts or my cleaning cloths, I either discard them or I wash them by hand before running them through the washer and dryer, or take them to the laundromat.
Our washer and dryer of 10 years is starting to give out. The set was a cheaper one, and now my husband and I would like to replace it with a really high quality set. We are willing to spend some money if we won't have to replace it soon, and the set is energy efficient. Anybody have a set that they love or hate and why? Just want some input on what brands, style, etc. we should be looking into.
You can go to www.epinions.com and read the feedback there on all kinds of products. I usually see what folks have to say about an item before I buy it.
Three years ago I bought a Sears Elite HE washer and dryer set. The washer is a front loader which uses less water and can hold a large amount of clothing. (i have washed my king-sized bedspread it it.) As it is an HE washer, it uses less detergent. It even has a sanitary cycle that is great for towels. (In south Florida we have a problem them getting a mildew smell.) They are full sized but can be stacked or set side by side. You can purchase stands with a drawer for them to set on, if you so desire.They are highly rated by Consumer Reports. I have really been enjoying mine and would recommend them to anyone.
We have a Fischer and Paykel and we just love it. Not many moving parts so easy to fix. The only draw back is it sounds like a jet plane taking off. Not loud just a weird noise, but you get used to it.
TC in MO
I purchased a new set right before Christmas. I chose the maytag 3000 series front load washer and dryer that could be stacked, Its efficient, does the job and is the quietest machine i have ever owned. I love it.
I have the Sears Kenmore brand He washer and love it. It's amazing how clean the clothes get with less water and detergent and you can wash alot of clothes in one load. I did buy the pedistal for it so I didn't have to bend so far. I still have a regular size dryer as it works fine but my husband built a plywood box to set it on to raise the height-works very well.
Fisher & Paykel--you won't be sorry. Check around, they have different models of both washers and dryers with different features. All are energy efficient.
Thanks for all the feedback. We read Consumer Reports and ended up with an LG, which we really like.
Has anyone found a washer/dryer combo that they like? The one I mean is not the stackable kind but one unit that does both.
Nancy from Peabody, MA
I haven't seen one of those in several years. all the people I know who had them traded for two seperate pieces.
they still make them. we have one.
it is a splendide 2000 we have had it for awhile and I love it
I am on my second Splendide 2000 Changed RV's, Won''t have any other kind. Just make sure it is the vented one. Camping World sells them
I have one in my Motor Home. You just don't want to dry in it.
Takes 4-5 hours since it is a 110.
I have one that we purchased from Sears. I love it and have not had any trouble with it. I got it about 2 years
ago and sure like the space it saves.
Pat in GA
My son lives in an apartment complex and has one of the ASKO combo units that wash and dry. He's not really impressed with it because if you put in more than 4 shirts, they wrinkle. There is plenty of room in them, it's just the 'nature of the beast' I guess. Maybe once they become more popular they will improve...? They do save on detergent as you only use a tablespoon or so.
I am looking for information and reviews on washing machines.
Marg
In February of 2005 I was looking for a washing machine when my 15 year old one finally gave out. While I would have loved to buy one of those high-end, pretty front loaders, I just couldn't afford to spend the kind of money they were asking for one! Neither did I want the cheapest machine I'd have to replace again soon. I decided on the Maytag 3.2 cu. ft. Atlantis top load washer and have been very pleased with its performance. I guess it is a mid-level machine, costing just under $600 at Lowe's. It had a low Energy Star usage rating, meaning it uses the least amount of energy, so that was important to me. It has dials and buttons, so it's not digital (to me that's just another thing to go wrong), but it is nicely contoured and looks great. Since it is a large capacity machine it has water levels ranging from mini to super loads, multiple wash and spin options for handwashing, for delicates, rugs, sweaters, permanent press, cottons/colors and regular/whites, extra rinse cycles, and several temperature selections, an automatic dispenser for both bleach and fabric softener, and a convenient "finger faucet" for spot treatment. It has a new type of agitator and does a great job cleaning the clothes, and its fairly quiet. I really felt that I was getting a lot of machine for the money, I've had no maintenance problems with it and I am very pleased with this washing machine. The standard warranty it came with is 2-years for parts, 1 year for labor.
I bought a mid-range KitchenAid washer about 15 years ago. I have never had a single problem with it and to date, it has never even needed a repair. I raised my family with it --yes, I'm talking kids, sports, and lots of filthy clothes. It is still going strong. I've considered a front loading washer to save water, but it seems so frivilous when the one I'm using is in such great shape. I wouldn't be surprised if this one lasted at least another 10 years. The only thing that I've noticed, is that it has gotten a little louder. When new, I couldn't even hear when it was running. Now I can hear it, but it's still not loud. It has automatic dispensers for bleach and fabric softener, and all the cycles that I care about (but not as many bells and whistles as some newer models). It has served my family well.
I bought an Amana Stainless Design series ten years ago and the set has been a dream, EXCEPT the finish on the washer top began to rust around the bleach cup!! Just today the washer has begun to sort of grunt loudly, and I suspect a belt trying to go out as it did before on my Maytags years ago, which I changed out myself. Hopefully that's all it is and I can change it IF I can afford a new belt. LOL Good luck and God bless you with your info gathering. : )
Don't buy a front loader! We bought the Kenmore set, washer and dryer HE, and I don't like them at all. Yes, I can get all my laundry done in one day (7 people), but I've had problems (error messages) a bunch of times. My towels stink, which is something I've heard others say. This is a recent problem. We will not be taking them with us when we move again. Next time I will buy an ordinary top-loader with large capacity. I would not recommend a front loader no matter what the salesmen say. They are too much trouble.
Is there a front load washer that has a "spin only" cycle? I have seen only "rinse and spin."
Hi Maudie,
My Beko WMB 71231W has a spin only cycle.
Marg from England.
Model: 6300
Manufacturer: BOSCH
Request: I recently purchased a BOSCH clothes dryer after checking it out with a recent review through CONSUMER REPORTS. This dryer is computerized. It has a dial to select what type of clothing is being washed; i.e., cotton, etc. and also has buttons to start and stop it. Does any one out there have this particular model? I am curious to find out how you like it as I have had an old fashioned dryer with minimal selections on it for the last 45 years. Thank you in advance for your help.
joesgirl from Beverly, MA
I dn't mean to be negative, but really read your warranty info on this product - with all it's computerization it could lead to costly repairs if things aren't covered - just like most cars these days everything that is computerized usually carries a high price tag to fix. I really hope this product works well for you - it sounds great, but just be cautious! - Take care!
I have the BOSCH NEXXT gas dryer. The drum rollers went bad after 18 months, the repair tech tried to tell me the noise was normal. BOSCH does not offer repair manuals.
What is the best washer dryer to buy in the UK?
Tasha from United Kingdom
Not UK specific, but I'm sure they must have the front load washers there? If so, even though they are more money, you will do yourself a favour by checking these out. It took me a while to even think about the extra cost of one, but now I wouldn't have anything else! Just make sure you get the 2 following things:
The largest opening possible in order to fit a down duvet or king size comforter or large pillows.
A "stop" button so you can stop the machine when you find that extra sock you forgot to throw in at the start.
Mine is a whirl pool and I love it. I can wash 14 (YES 14) pairs of jeans at once! sleeping bags, my very thick queen size down duvet, etc. My whites have never been whiter since it is always using fresh water and still uses less than the regular machine PLUS you have 2 loads in there at a time.
I hope that helps.
Lorrie
This is a page about front loading washer reviews. Choosing a clothes washer can involve some time and research to help ensure that the one you choose has a good track record.
