OT: Choosing a washer and dryer

[flyboy2610]

My wife and I have decided it's time for a new washer and dryer. The ones we have are about 10 years old. They are Whirlpool Estate series. The agitator on the washer doesn't work properly anymore and the dryer just doesn't dry like it used to. Many times we have to run clothes through the dryer twice to get the job done. I have thoroughly cleaned it several times. It gets hot, so I know the heating element works, but it's just wearing out.
We plan to get a new washer and a new gas dryer. Our current one is electric, but when we moved into this house there was an old gas dryer here, so we already have the hookup for it. We would like to spend around $500 (maybe a bit more) on each unit, and if possible we'd like to get them from the same manufacturer. Does anybody have any advice as to which models to get, or which to definitely avoid? We will be getting these with our tax refund, so we have a couple of months to decide. Any info would be very helpful.
Thanks much!

[BobbyFord]

I do not like the new front loaders. Last year I got a Speed Queen top load washer. They have a stainless tub and the best warranty available. I will replace my Kenmore dryer with a Speed Queen when it dies.

[woods]

I have Kenmore stuff. Nothing really to brag about, but it has been pretty trouble free, so, I suppose that's saying something.

[fuzzier1]

My wife and I replaced our old Kenmore W&D 2 or 3 years ago with LG front loaders. She just said she likes the front loaders better because they don't get out of balance like the old top loaders can. Ours work MUCH better than the old ones but the old ones were just that, old. Just like anything there are pros and cons for either design. As for brands that is somewhat personal taste IMO, we bought ours from HD because they had 12 month no interest, just make sure you have it paid for before the 12 months are up.

Fuzz

[basketcase0302]

Kenmore was made by Whirlpool for many years guys, I believe they still are. Always been on the top of my list having worked on them for many years-as well as G.E. which is still built like a brick...
Get the extended warranty though, as appliance tech billable rates are up over $35 an hour now.

[Mancar1]

Vicki and I bought our Kenmore set 14 years ago. Nothing fancy just large cap. washer. Top loader. I like the top loaders for the hassle free adding the pair of drawers I forgot to put in after it is running. They have been trouble free, but as old as they are I know it is a matter of time until I need to replace them.

[Ranchero50]

I think I have whirlpools. I walled them into the upstairs bathroom when I remodelled it 10 years ago because they wouldn't fit through the door so I hope they last a long time

[Farmall]

We just went through this last week.
Our old Maytag died so we went out and bought a top loading LG stainless tub, digital controls, all the bells and whistles.
Without the agitator, it rolls the clothes up and my wife showed me several times where long sleeves were tied up and all the clothes were knotted.
She did not like this and I can see her point, so we took it back and bought the front loader instead.
Much easier on clothes and they use less water.
So, trial and error, we found the front loader (LG) to be the best bet. They also get good reviews on line.


Oh, the top loader was rated one of the best you can buy but under cons was "twists clothes" "hard on clothes"
Hmmmm.....

[flyboy2610]

I was at Best Buy last night (had to get a new microwave) and looked at some top loaders. Most of them do not have an agitator like our present machine does. I was wondering how they get the clothes to move in the washer so they get clean. Definitely do not want knotted up clothes, though! Not real wild about front loaders, though. I have read horror stories of what can happen when the seal goes bad!

[two-bit]

I will be no help in your decision making process on newer washers...
However, my Model 90 Speed Queen Deluxe is one of the best i've ever owned. Stainless steel tub, full agitator, and 8 settings.

http://www.newspaperarchive.com/SiteMap ... g=11078437
There she is She maybe old, but its reliable and if need be. I can fix it.
No kidding guys, i use this washer at least once a month for my nastiest work clothes, rugs, dog blankets, and lots of bleach in large loads of socks. It works awesome.

Like i said, no help on the newer stuff.

Two-bit

[Calfdemon]

I made the switch from top loaders to front loaders several years ago and the front loaders seems to do a much better job with a lot less water. I was looking at the LG made ones, but when I was shopping for them, they were new to the washer/dryer market and I had recently at that time had numerous issues with their cell phones. So prior to my divorce, I had whirlpool, and post divorce, I bought Samsung. I have been happy with both brands.

[averagef250]

There have been some really good conversations on Practical Machinist about washers and dryers in the past couple years. Some interesting points that I remember were that 15+ years or so ago the consumer ratings for every single washer and dryer made were outstanding, A++++ .Washers and dryers were such simple things and made so well that there wasn't much room for disappointment.

Fastforward a little ways and the feds start pushing new "high efficiency" crap on us. In order to make the things more "efficient" the engineers had to take all the beef out of them. They use smaller motors and lighter components to do the same work with less power. In turn the things are crap and don't last very long. Consumer ratings plummeted across the board.

Residential front loaders aren't built at all like commercial laundromat ones. They're not made very well and don't hold up well. The front load washers I've used stink, man do they smell disgusting. You are supposed to leave the door open all the time to air them out and run special detergent and lots of bleach to kill the junk that grows inside them.

If you want a good washer buy a brand with great parts support and get one made before 1990 or so.

[basketcase0302]

Two-bit...you got a washer for $129!

[mr_josh]

I have had the same $50 Craigslist Roper washer for the last 6 years and an ancient Whirlpool dryer for 4. Keep waiting for them to self-destruct but they keep on a-spinnin'.

[basketcase0302]

mr_josh on Tue Dec 20, 2011 2:30 pm
I have had the same $50 Craigslist Roper washer for the last 6 years and an ancient Whirlpool dryer for 4. Keep waiting for them to self-destruct but they keep on a-spinnin'.

Roper used to be made here in Chattanooga-now they're made right down the road a few miles from me. What I didn't know is that it is actually a G.E. appliance!
http://timesfreepress.com/news/2010/may ... /?business