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Washing machine recommendations?

Raisin

Veteran

So our washing machine just went kaput over the weekend. With 2 little kids and me back to work, I need to get a new one ASAP! This one was only 8 years old, which to me is not very good, but maybe that's the way things are made these days, nothing seems to last beyond the 5-8 year range. Any recommendations for what new washing machine I should get?

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17 replies

Latest reply was from Marlene

Nicole D

Veteran

Argh! I am on the third rubber door thingy on my 3 year old Maytag front loader. Just broke down today. We do a heroic amount of laundry though and I guess the sheets from my 7 year old's barf fest last night just sent it over the edge. Appliances are CRAP, darling. Makes one want to send all one's laundry out!

kellygirl

Veteran

I just got a Maytag Bravo XL top loading washer and the matching dryer. I really like them both. Several friends have come over to ooh and ahh them--they are efficient and very pretty. The drum on the washer is huge and I can get our comforters in quite easily. My last washer was a Maytag too--lasted for 15 years. Of course, nothing is made quite like it used to. The washer is a little noisy though--but I just close the door.

Raisin

Veteran

Thanks...I think I would like a front loader again because of the efficiency, and maybe I'll put a shelf over top them one day. I keep seeing steam washers and dryers....are these worth the extra price? They seem to be a lot more than the non steam ones.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

We got a new Samsung washer and dryer last year because our old set was on its last legs -- the pair was highly ranked by Consumer Reports, and we're very happy with them. I would check out the latest CR recommendations.

kellygirl

Veteran

We have the steam option on the dryer. It's pretty cool for getting wrinkles out of DH's shirts and some of my air dried stuff but honestly, I haven't used it that much. I don't know that I would get it again. I still use my iron.

Thistle

Veteran

So, I just bought one after mine died at the 3 year mark. Couple of things I learned researching:
1. Front loaders tend to break the most
2. Electronics are a bad thing. They tend to break (what broke on my machine) and they are VERY expensive to fix
3. High efficiency doesn't mean cleaner clothes. Many people claim they don't clean as well. No scientific study I could find one way or the other.
4. High efficiency machines use less water. But they take longer. May or may not be better for the environment with the extra energy consumption for the longer wash cycle.
5. High efficiency machines cost more, and don't save enough water to recoup the coat differential.

In the end, I went from a top of the line front loader to a nice but old fashioned one with an agitator. I looked for one with old fashioned dials and no electronics. It works as well as my old one.

I wanted one like my grandmothers. she's had it 30 years and it still works fine. Salesman told me they don't make them like that anymore. Planned obsolescence.

Raisin

Veteran

Yes Thistle you're right, they don't make them like that anymore. My mom had hers 30 years too. Ours has the electronic dashboard and it actually died around the 2 year mark. We lived in the "great white North" then and had no choice but to replace the dash for $300. Now I think that's what bonked now again, so I think a new one is due. My dryer has been taking extra long over the past year too, so maybe I'm better off just replacing the pair. I think you're right, front loaders have more potential to break. They are supposed to use only 1/3 of the water of top loaders though.

Janet I read good things about the Samsung so far too.

Kellygirl, I think you're right, the steam option may not get used much. Probably not worth the extra money.

kellygirl

Veteran

You probably already know this but if your dryer is taking a long time to dry, you may need your vent line cleaned. Our vent was obstructed and it caused the main board on the dryer to blow up. Apparently, you are suppose to clean the vent line annually. I didn't know that.

MNsara

Veteran

No dryer recommendations, but PLEASE check your dryer vent - the one that leaves the machine and goes out of the house!

Like kellygirl said, they should be cleaned at least annually, and can start fires!! Those who have had them catch fire usually have had a period of longer drying times leading up to it . . . Some people have found singed lint in those vents. . .

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I just bought a new washer/dryer. The research shows that Samsung is either first or second for the last number of years. My partner bought a samsung set about 4 years ago and still loves them. A critical feature is direct drive. The belt drive systems can gradually slip and it reduces the efficiency.

Hope that helps.

DonnaF

Veteran

I like having an internal heater in my little Danby; I can crank the heat up to 200 degrees to wash napkins without using a lot of chemicals. Such high heat isn't so good on elastic. . .Generally, American washers don't have internal heaters. Mine is Slovenian. Seriously. Danby is the same as Gorenje.

Check out: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/laundry/ These people are real fanatics about laundry. Speed Queen seems to be pretty popular. And there was almost a Danby cult a few years ago, but it is virtually gone since Home Depot stopped selling them about eight years ago. Under $400 for a Euro washer.

T-Rex

Veteran

I can't tell you much about which brand to buy. I bought mine a few years ago and can't even remember what it was.

I went from a top loader to a front loader because I heard they were gentler on clothes. And they are! I love mine. However, front loaders are not the sturdy workhorses that top loaders can be. The handle on mine has already broken off, but luckily I can still open it by putting my fingers behind where the handle used to be and pulling on it. I've also heard that leakage can be a problem, although I haven't had that issue so far. So if you have kids and do a lot of laundry, you may be better off with a top loader.

I think that more important than the washer you get, is the customer service that goes along with it, no matter the brand or model you get. I got my washer from a smaller, personally owned appliance store. The staff were incredibly kind and helpful, and they matched the best price I was able to find online or at the big box stores.

Glory

Veteran

I have the same one as Janet and just purchased it about 6 months ago. It has the steam function. I have them stacked for space efficiency. I had a whirlpool stacking front loader for 13 years prior to this. It held up OK only but has a known mold problem in the drum of the washer.
the Samsung is the top rated from Consumer reports - which you can access free if you have a library card from your local library (in Ontario).
I ended up buying it from Future shop of all places. They were the least expensive and the quickest to delivery because I needed it quickly - Heroic amounts of laundry in this house as well.

Anonymous

I have a top loader, and it's a workhorse. My MIL has a front loader (stacked with a front-load dryer) that is practially new and already giving problems. I personally like to stay away from as much digital stuff as possible. I play an acoustic piano, and the appliances I have chosen for myself have as little digital components as possible. My cooktop is gas and has regular knobs. My KitchenAid professional stand mixer is almost 20 years old and isn't digital. My high-powered Waring Xtreme blender just has toggle knobs with only high, low and pulse controls; nothing digital. I could go on, but you get the point. The digital controls give problems after a while. I've also heard from various appliance technicians that the front loading washing machines and clothes dryer are problematic.

Rambling Ann

(website)

Veteran

I bought an LG W/d front load package when I bought all the appliances for our new construction. Works fine, need to remember to run a clean cycle on it every week. My real surprise was that home depot gave me an outstanding price for the package, then stored it for 3 months while we finished the build. I was happily surprised at how competitive they were. I read a ton of reviews on applianceconnection.com before deciding.

Mia

Veteran

I have a Samsung set from Sears at my cottage and love it. Not top of the line either. Have an expensive Asko at my house that we call the "fiasco" although their drying cabinet is fab especially if you have gear like ski clothing to dry. These front loaders take a long time per cycle so be sure to check that out.

Marlene

Veteran

When we were buying all new appliances for our kitchen remodel, the salesperson told me that manufacturers are currently planning on 7 year lifespan for appliances because that is the average time people spend in a house and when they move they want all new appliances. I don't know how REAL that is but it has seemed to be true for me....I buy/sell/move frequently and I like new appliances.